- Follow the assignment instructions exactly. If your teacher gave you a handout containing the guidelines for the report, re-read it before you start. Highlight important pieces of information, such as formatting rules, how many sources you need, and what the report should be about. Remember, these are the things your report will be graded on - pay attention to them.
- Do the research. The research for your report could be as easy as reading a book, or finding a few sources about something you've been learning in class. Whatever it is, make sure you have the correct number of sources for your paper. For each source, you should know the information you'll need for the bibliography (such as the author, publication date, publisher/website, city in which it was published, page number for where you found the information, and so on).
- Consider using note-cards to organize your sources. Use one note-card for each source, and list all the information you might need for the bibliography. This can save you a lot of scrambling later.
- Refine your thesis statement. Your teacher might have given you a thesis statement, or you might have to come up with one on your own. Either way, make sure it's something you understand well and can write about.
- Remember that a thesis needs to make a point. Instead of saying "Grass is green," say "Because grass is green, it is capable of performing photosynthesis." If you're in high school, your thesis statement will likely need to be a little more subjective - that is, someone could argue against it, but you're going to argue for it in your paper.
- A thesis statement summarizes what you want to prove in your report for your reader. All of your subsequent topic sentences of body paragraphs should tie back into this thesis, so make sure that it is general enough to stand throughout your essay.
- Write an outline. An outline doesn't have to be a list - it can also be an idea web or concept map. Whatever format you use, find a way to write down your ideas. Start with your thesis (or the topic that the report should be about, such as the name of the book you read or the scientific principle you studied). Then write down two or three big ideas from your research. After you've done that, write down some details about each idea.
- Organize your outline. Once all your basic thoughts are on the page, figure out the best order for your report. You should start with your thesis, then go into your big ideas one by one. The idea that's most closely linked to your thesis should come first. The idea that links up your first and third ideas should go second.
- Start writing. Once you have an outline that can serve as your roadmap, start writing the report. Here are some general sections you can consider including:
- Introduction - This should contain your thesis and give your audience a small preview of what you'll be discussing in your report.
- Body paragraphs - The body paragraphs are the "big ideas" you generated in the outline. Each idea should have its own paragraph (or several of its own paragraphs, if you're writing a long report), and it should connect to the paragraphs around it in some way.
- Conclusion - The conclusion wraps up everything you just argued for in the thesis and body paragraphs. It should be a few sentences restating why you're right, and why your thesis statement is true.
- Bibliography - If your teacher wanted to double-check your sources, he or she would use the bibliography. Different teachers will have you do bibliographies different ways, so check the assignment.
- Proofread your report. When you've finished writing, print out a draft of your report. Read it over carefully, marking any corrections with a colored pen or marker so that you can see them easily later. Make corrections.
- If your teacher allows it, consider having a parent or friend proofread your report as well. Ask them if your arguments make sense.
- If you have the time, let your report sit for a few days. Don't read over your report at all during this period. Distance yourself from the paper so that you can view it with a fresh set of eyes later.
- Format your report. Try to follow your teacher's formatting instructions to the letter. If he or she made no formatting instructions, go with something clean and classic. Standard format for academic reports is 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced lines, and 1-inch margins all around.
Tips
- To catch errors in your typing easily, read the paper to yourself aloud at home before turning it in and have family members or friends proofread it.
- Be sure to rely on more than one source for your information.
- When using information from the internet, make sure it comes from a reputable source. Look on the page and make sure you know who wrote the information and why they are providing it.
- While writing, assume that your reader knows little to nothing about the subject. Add details and definitions to topics in the paper.
- Don't get distracted! Keep your mind on the goal and you will have a good report.
Warnings
- Don't delay your research until the last minute. Report creation takes longer than you might think, especially when you start fiddling with color, photos, borders, headings etc and that's only after the information has been written up properly.
- Do not take someone's information for your own. This is plagiarizing, and can result in a failing grade.
- Do not follow this outline for all report types.Many reports have different acceptable styles.
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