REPORT WRITING CHECKLIST
From Archee et al (2013, 339)
TITLE PAGE |
REFERENCES |
| Descriptive title | Complete and accurate |
| Dated | Up-to-date |
| Authorised | Using APA style |
| Reader-directed | APPENDICES |
TABLE
OF CONTENTS |
Labelled and titled |
| Complete | Designed for reference |
| Indicates logical hierachy with numbering system and layout | Necessary and relevant (not just to add bulk) |
| Page numbers | Noted/referred to in text (eg "refer to details in Appendix A".) |
SUMMARY |
ILLUSTRATIONS |
| Contains the essentials | Clear and relevant |
| The problem | Appropriate text design for audience and purpose |
| What we did | Accurately labelled and referenced if from external source |
| What we found out | Appropriately titled |
| What we concluded | Noted in text (eg "As shown in Fig 1 … " |
| Easy to read and understand: a paragraph for each part | ORGANISATION |
| Concise yet complete: no more than 2/3 of a page | Appropriate format |
INTRODUCTION |
Logical sequence according to purpose of report |
| Reader-directed | Descriptive headings and subheadings |
| Necessary background | Parallel construction |
| Aim and purpose ie "the purpose of this report is to … " | Each section necessary and relevant (not just padding) |
| Research methods briefly outlined ie how did you gather the information? | Pages and headings/subheadings numbered |
| Scope ie what aspects of the topic will the report cover? | STYLE |
MAIN
TEXT/BODY/DISCUSSION |
Clear and concise |
| The central points | Easy to read |
| Necessary supporting material | Appropriate language for reader(s) |
| Logical organisation | EDITING |
Effective headings and subheadings |
Spelling, grammar and punctuation |
CONCLUSIONS |
Short simple sentences, clear coherent paragraphs |
| Drawn from text | Preference for active vs passive voice |
| No new material presented | Plain English |
| Written from general to specific | Use of white space for easier reading |
RECOMMENDATIONS
|
PRESENTATION |
| Action statements related to conclusions | Designed for use |
| Clear and unambiguous | Appropriate binding – no plastic folders |
| Capable of implementation | Attractive printing |