Preparation for HE

‘A report is a document designed to deal with the real world; specifically, a report is a practical document that describes, details or analyses a situation in the real world, such that the reader can make decisions or take specific actions about that situation’.

Burns & Sinfield (2008)

Factual: An informative report that is designed to define or establish a current situation

Instructional: An explanatory report that is designed to explore a situation & suggest further action

Persuasive: An investigative report designed to investigate a problem & suggest a specific course of action.

• Title Page• Contents page• Introduction• Methodology• Findings• Conclusions• Recommendations• Bibliography• Appendices• Glossary

• Title Page• Synopsis/Abstract• Contents page• Introduction• Literature Review• Methodology• Findings• Discussion/Analysis• Conclusions• Recommendations• Bibliography•Appendices•Glossary

• Read the subject journals to look at the way research reports are presented and structured

• Locate & read old reports & dissertations from previous students. These are generally stored in university libraries

• Check with your tutor & consult the guidelines to be clear on what is expected.

Burns, T. & Sinfield, S. (2008) ‘Essential Study Skills: The Complete Guide to Success at University’, London; Sage publications Ltd.