Title 140 - Report writing.pdf ✅

Edith Cowan University Report writing Academic Tip Sheet CRICOS IPC 00279B 01/08 This academic tip sheet: • explains what a report is; • describes the features of the most common types of reports; • provides some guidelines for the structure and organisation of reports; and • reviews some of the common problems associated with report writing. What is a report? A report is a clearly structured document in which the writer identifies and examines issues, events, or findings of an investigation. Information obtained from research or from undertaking a project is delivered in a precise, concise writing style organised under a set of headings and sub-headings, which enable the reader to find data quickly. Graphs and tables can also be used to present data in the body of the report. Rather than commenting upon, comparing or evaluating ideas, as an essay does, a report frequently offers recommendations for action based on the information it has presented. Report Structure The structure of a formal report may vary between institutions, organisations, disciplines, units and even between lecturers. Reports are generally organised into sections using clear headings. A guide is provided on the next page to some of the headings that are commonly used in report writing. However, it is advisable that you ask your tutor or unit coordinator for clarification on the headings you must include in your report.