REPORT WRITING

1. REPORT WRITING Many types but two main kinds: analytical e.g. recommendations to hospital administration on an issue practical e.g. lab experiment

2. Report Writing Style • Formal style (avoid using slang, colloquialisms and contractions) • Have headings and subheadings • Have paragraphs • Use complete sentences

3. Key steps in report writing Analysing the task • Who is the report for? • Why do they want it? • What do they need to know?

4. Key steps in report writing Plan and organise • Work back from your deadline • How long will it take to find and analyse your information?

5. Key steps in report writing Do your research or reading • Source the information you need • Are you using the appropriate structure?

6. Key steps in report writing Collecting the information • Collect and check content (accuracy very important in medicine) • Organise references and notes

7. Key steps in report writing Write up • Write up the text • DO NOT PLAGIARISE • Produce any tables or charts • Edit and proofread

8. Basic Report Structure • Title • Contents / Abstract / Summary • Introduction: background / why are you doing this study / writing this report? • Main section: issues / problems / complications / present hard data

9. Basic Report Structure • Discussion and conclusion • Recommendations • References / bibliography

10. Key language / grammar issues • Passive voice frequently used • Present simple and past simple tenses most frequently used • Phrases of recommendation and suggestion • Modals – may, might, should, ought to, could

11. Key language / grammar issues • If you have problems with definite and indefinite articles: use plural forms where possible

12. A useful website http://www2.napier.ac.uk/gus/writing_presenting/reports.html#basic