GENERIC TIPS FOR WRITING GOOD REPORTS
THE TITLE
Straightforward and informative (not more than 15 words)
Should give a precise indication of the subject matter
ABSTRACT
An abstract is a brief summary of what you did in an experiment and the final results
you obtained.
It is intended to inform the reader of the content of the report.
This should be a short paragraph summarizing the main contents of the report.
First to Be Read but Last to Be Revised.
It should include a short statement of the main task, the methods used, conclusions
reached and any recommendations to be made.
The abstract or summary should be concise, informative and independent of the report
Introduction
INTRODUCTION
Read Journals in the library/on the web.
A brief account of the principles behind the experimental methods adopted and an
indication of the scope and significance of the work.
Start with general background and context; focus down to relevant details; finish by
stating your aims.
Be understandable to someone who has not done the experiment.
Don’t include experimental details or results.
Golden rule – Aim for Clarity.
Give background to what you are doing and why
Put your experiment in context
Quick explanation of research area
Summary of relevant past research
Purpose of study: What was objective of experiment?
Indicate the proposed development
METHODS
Say what you did and why
Should be written in past tense. Use passive voice
In this section you should state how you carried out your enquiry
What measurements did you make?
Present this information logically and concisely
May include subheads, tables and figures
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The core of the report.
Often includes tables, figures, or both
Should summarize findings rather than providing data in great detail
Should use past tense
Describe your results
Discuss what your results mean i.e. draw conclusions from your results
Present your findings in as simple a way as possible
The discussion is the part of a practical report where an attempt is made to rationalise
the results that one has obtained in an experiment.
Keep the discussion relevant and succinct
Use short sentences wherever possible and avoid repetition. A common fault is to pad
this section out with irrelevant material. Another is to simply rewrite the results here
without any comment or analysis!
PRESENTING TABLES
To avoid repetition of the unit symbol and if applicable, repetition of a power of 10,
you should tabulate data in the form of pure numbers of convenient magnitude
Place the table number and title (legend) above a table
Should be able to stand on its own (Design tables to be understandable without the
text)
The core of the report
Often includes tables, figures, or both
Should summarize findings rather than providing data in great detail
Should use past tense
Describe your results
Discuss what your results mean i.e. draw conclusions from your results
Present your findings in as simple a way as possible
Create a descriptive caption (no verb required)
Use head- or foot-notes to explain abbreviations
Verify all data
Verify accuracy of use of symbols
Proofread carefully.
Round off numbers and align decimals
Use tables only if text will not suffice
If your report includes a series of tables, use the same format for each
A check list for a good table:
o Legend- complete
o Note capitalization
o Units included
o Note clarifying footnote
o Lines of demarcation
o Separate numerical data from text.
o Gridlines not present (No vertical lines)
o Use captions/footnotes for definitions
PRESENTING FIGURES AND GRAPHS
Accurately show facts
Is it needed? Designed to add understanding of information that it difficult to convey
with words
Graphs are plotted to find relationships between measured variables
As an alternative to table, these are usually better and easier way to present
If you have a table, you don’t need a graph, and vice versa!
Title and minimal labels provide clear message.
Make sure the size and fonts are large enough to easily read.
Reference all the figures in the body of the text, e.g. see Figure 1
Consider where best to place the figure – It should be soon after the reference in the
text.
Colors or patterns show differences.
All figures should have a figure number and a caption.
Include the figure description and analysis in the body of the text (It is best to refer to
them in parenthesis).
Consider where best to place the figure – It should be soon after the reference in the
text
Colours or patterns show differences
All figures should have a figure number and a caption
Include the figure description and analysis in the body of the text (It is best to refer to
them in parenthesis)
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Draw all the elements of the report together.
Point out successes and failures.
Say how the experiment could be improved.
Compare the results with theory: did the expected happen?
It should be expressed clearly and should not present any new information.
Avoid making subjective or personal statements
You may wish to list your recommendations in separate section or include them with
the conclusions.
REFERENCES
It is important that you give precise details of all the work by other authors that has
been referred to within the report.
Details should include
o author’s name and initials.
o date of publication.
o title of the book, paper or journal.
o publisher and place of publication
o page numbers
o details of the journal volume in which the article has appeared
Harvard system is generally recommended
Page 4 of 4
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
When answering questions it is important to read the question thoroughly to be sure that you
understand what is being asked. If you cannot think of a sensible explanation for yourself
(and this may happen!) DON’T GUESS. Try to look the answer up in a recommended text
and see if this helps. The tutors certainly do not wish to stifle creative ideas, but it is best to
check that you are thinking along accepted lines before committing yourself to paper. This
can often save embarrassment. The following points may prove helpful:
Try to work out why the question is being asked. It is rarely for the hell of it. A well
thought out answer should shed light on the aims and discussion of the experiment.
Ask staff during the practicals if you are not sure about what is happening in the
experiment. Often the answer will come out in the ensuing discussion.
If an answer is speculation on your part say so. There is nothing wrong with
speculation provided you clearly state that you were unable to find a solution to the
problem in the literature.
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