Page 42 - Mini-Module 11

Writing Your Next Report

So when writing your next report, have a sheet of paper handy and
write down your main headings. When you think of anything relevant,
make a note in the relevant section. When it is time to write the actual
report, you will have a number of points ready to guide your thinking.
You do not have to use them all of course, but it provides a very useful
'crib sheet' and because it is on one piece of paper, it is easier to see
how the points in each section might be related.

Figure 10 shows format for one of these sheets which you might use
when you write your next report. You could put the title at the top and
leave it in a handy place so that when you think of anything which is
relevant, you could jot a few notes down. You would then find these
helpful when you come to the real thing.

This form is used before you start writing the report proper. That is
why it does not have a conclusion section. You cannot reach
conclusions until you have obtained findings and discussed them.

Important reports may well require far more space than that on the
form. In that case, use a separate sheet of A4 paper for each heading. If
it is a lengthy investigation, you may need several sheets for the
discussion section. Store the sheets as a separate electronic file, and
print out if you wish. You will find this more helpful than going straight
into the report. Writing those first few words is never easy, but if you
have notes laid out in a roughly logical sequence, it will be so much
easier.

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