Academic Writing: Categories
Writing a Formal Report: What Every Student Should Know
The basic use of a formal report is to present specific observations, experimental results, or academic studies in an official arrangement. Writing a formal report is therefore a basic skill that is vital to any ambitious student who might want to be recognized for their work.
There are a series of steps that should be taken when writing a formal report and this article will briefly discuss the compulsory order for formal report writing.
Abstract
When writing a formal report, an abstract is used to summarize the entire report where the objective, procedure, results and conclusion of the report are briefly stated. Though it is the last to be written, the abstract is what a reader uses to review the entire report hence it should be conclusive and well elucidated.
Outline
An outline basically shows the list of headings and subheadings that are in the report as well as the page number and so a reader can easily access any topic in the report.
Introduction and Conclusion
Writing a formal report requires both an introduction and a conclusion with the introduction preceding the body of the report while the conclusion comes after the body. The introduction gives a reader the general direction and purpose of the report hence it is a prerequisite when writing a formal report.
The conclusion provides the reader with the analysis, concepts and synopsis arrived at after extensive research and study when writing the formal report.
Discussion/Body
Is the most extensive part in formal report writing and in it all the research, statistics, procedures, data collection methods and supporting information is provided in accordance to the introduction.
Recommendations
When writing a formal report, you need to propose a certain course of action based on your research and your findings known as recommendations. These recommendations should be practical and relevant as well as conclusive enough for a reader to discern their applicability.
Appendix
This is the final step when writing a formal report whereby you list all resource materials used in your report and duly recognize the authors of books and articles used during your research.