Many was the night I stayed up late in school, frantically writing a report due the next day. What is it about research reports and papers that sometimes makes the bravest of souls run away in fear? Perhaps it is the thought of the research or the time involved. Perhaps it is the thought of writing anything at all. But writing a report doesn't have to be so painful--it's just a matter of following the basic steps until you're done. On this web page, I give some resources and advice on report writing.
Here are some tips on writing excellent reports:
- Examine Your Topic. If you have a chance to pick your own topic for your report, pick one that interests you. If not, then examine the different aspects of your given topic, and try to find elements of it that interest you. You will always write better about something you're interested in.
- Research Your Topic. Some research reports call for much research, some for little. Don't slack on the research. Go to the library, the periodicals, textbooks, the Internet; research all aspects of your report topic to fill your paper portfolio with information.
- Organize Your Approach. Create a research report outline for yourself. Break down the report topic into main segments and approach these segments methodically. Don't just go writing a paper off-the-cuff. It takes organization and planning. Actually write out a report outline--even a table of contents, if you desire.
- Flesh-out the Outline. Now write the report paper. Write that report using your own words to explain the details of the report topic in a logical, straightforward manner. Don't try to be flowery and sophisticated; it won't work--just address your points and be thorough.
- Planning. Procrastination will thrash you. Give yourself daily and weekly goals to write your research report and stick to them. It's a lot easier to get it done piece by piece.
I highly recommend a few outstanding books and guides on research papers and how to write a great research paper:
MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. The authoritative guide to report and scholarly writing at the high school and undergraduate levels. It includes core guidelines for formal report research and writing, as well as new rules for Internet research and citing electronic material.
Writing Research Papers: A Complete Guide. An indispensable guide to research writing, which includes material on using electronic sources, generating reports papers on a computer, setting goals, drafting reports proposals, and reading and evaluating reference sources for your research report.