Although essays are the most common assignments in university, students are often asked to write reports. Clearly there is a big difference between reports and essays.
Activity 2-1: True or false
Read the following and tick those that might be true about reports.
( ) 1. An experiment you have conducted.
( ) 2. A survey you have carried out.
( ) 3. A survey of your education and work experience.
( ) 4. A comparison of alternative proposals to deal with a situation.
( ) 5. Due to its convenience, it is used for informal communication.
Activity 2-2: Analyzing the components of a report
Read the previous report on microcomputer in teaching. Decide that a report can include the following aspects.
( ) 1. Greetings
( ) 2. Introduction
( ) 3. Methods
( ) 4. Subject headlines
( ) 5. Results
( ) 6. Discussing
( ) 7. Writer’s name and job title
( ) 8. Conclusion
Activity 2-3: Requirements of writing a research reports
Read and tick the correct descriptions about the writing style of a research report:
( ) 1. Be based on primary as well as secondary research.
( ) 2. Have a clear and logical format.
( ) 3. Use objective and accurate academic style.
( ) 4. Use numbering (1.1, 1.2) and sub-headings for different sections.
( ) 5. Be more specific and detailed.
( ) 6. Include citations and references.
( ) 7. Make use of visual information in the form of graphs and tables.
( ) 8. Include appendices where necessary.
Teachers usually allow students to find their own topics for a major writing assignment; thus choose something of interest so you won’t get bored after few days. At the same time, your chosen topic will need a scholarly perspective. Unlike a general subject, a scholarly and workable topic should:
·Examine one narrowed issue, not a broad subject
·Address knowledgeable readers and carry them to another plateau of knowledge