Reseacher Perfect Report Writing
How to write a report
Title page
This page should include:
the report title, which states the report’s purpose
your name and the name of the person receiving the report (place in the bottom right-hand corner)
the submission date.
Introduction
The introduction should:
discuss the importance or significance of the research or problem to be reported
define the purpose of the report
outline the issues to be discussed (scope)
inform the reader of any limitations to the report, or any assumptions made.
Discussion or body
This contains the main substance of the report, organised into sections with headings and subheadings rather than
paragraphs. The body of a report can include the following:
A discussion and analysis of the data collected — address each issue, one at a time.
Conclusion
This summarises the key findings from the discussion section. Relate your conclusion to the objectives of the report
and arrange your points logically so that major conclusions are presented first. Some reports may require a discussion
of recommendations, rather than a conclusion.
Reference list
This must contain all the material cited in the report. It must be accurate and consistent with a standard referencing
style.
Appendices
These contain extra supporting information that is put at the end of the report so as not to distract the reader from the
main issues. They contain detailed information, such as questionnaires, tables, graphs and diagrams. Appendices
should be clearly set out and numbered in the order they are mentioned in the text.
Example report structure
(Note that this is a generic example only. Your table of contents may vary depending on the type and function of your
report. Please check with your lecturer which headings are appropriate for your purposes.)
Title Page
1. Introduction (100-150)
1.1 Purpose of the report
1.2 Issues to be discussed and their significance – brief history of the organisation’s current structure, why
incorporating is being considered, and identify factors to consider.
2. Discussion
2.1 Issue 1 (approx.250 words) –
2.2 Issue 2 (approx.250 words)-
2.3 Issue 3 (approx.250 words) -
- Pretty straightforward here. Use an appropriate topic sentence.
- Maintain coherence by organising information logically
3. Conclusion (50 – 100 words)
- Restate the necessity to understand the mentioned points
- Brief summary of main descriptors
- No new information here
4. References
5. Appendices
Written communication
Accountants not only work with numbers but they send and receive information
in words too. They express points of view, give advice to management, document
arrangements, write reports, and write research essays.
Different types of writing require different steps in preparation.
Steps in preparation for writing document
Purpose (aim)
Investigation
Planning
Writing
Revision
Purpose (aim)
Purpose will be determined by the nature of the task.
Investigation
Often called the collection of material/data stage
The first step is to read widely and take notes
Information already available
Relevant material in libraries
Specific works; e.g., AASB
Browse the library
Collect sufficient but not irrelevant material.
Always keep accurate notes about your sources
Take careful notes
Narrow your research. Read analytically and critically.
Planning
Once all of the investigation has been accomplished, you should plan the
document by:
Critically analysing the material
Thinking reflectively
Using decision-making and problem-solving skills
All documents need to be planned.
As a general rule, no matter what type of document is being prepared – for
example, it could be a letter, a report or an essay each document should;
state the purpose or aim at the beginning of the document,
have a middle section that contains the basic content,
have conclusions or recommendations at the end of the document.
Writing
The manner in which a document is written is called a ‘Style’. This is really the
way you use words and combinations of words.
Good professional writing should be:
Clear
Clear writing is writing the reader can understand at a first reading.
Concise
Concise writing means the document is as long as it needs to be, and no longer.
An increase in an employee’s rate of pay will not become effective prior to the
date on which the employee has completed a minimum of 13 weeks’ actual
work at his/her regular occupational classification.
Rewrite:
An employee must work at least 13 weeks at his/her regular job before they can
receive an increase in pay.
Complete
Complete writing has all the necessary information included, and nothing
relevant is left out.
The business has had a very successful year. Profit was $100,000.
You need extra information to be able to decide if the statement is valid.
Rewrite:
The business has had a very successful year. Profit was $100,000, which
represents a return on equity of 25%.
Courteous
Courteous writing conveys the message that you are considerate of your reader
and their needs.
Tax planning is a complicated subject, so I have tried to simplify it for you.
It is condescending to your reader- it implies they are not very bright. Instead of
rewording this sentence, leave it out altogether. What is it likely to add to the
letter or report?
Correct
Correct writing is both grammatically correct and has information that is accurate
and verifiable, and in which opinion and interpretation are always identified.
Use simple language, straightforward expression.
Jargon – suitable for people in the same field.
Acronyms (AASB – Australian Accounting Standards Board)
To introduce an acronym, write out the words of the acronym, with the
acronym in parenthesis.
In relation to the use of language:
Keep the reader in mind.
Ask:
What is my reader’s likely language level?
Will my reader understand any technical terms I may want to use?
What is my reader’s position and status?
What does my reader already know about the subject? How might the
reader feel about it?
Considering the reader will help you make your points clearly, concisely and
convincingly.
Example: Discuss the differences in accounting for PPE at cost or
revaluation model.
1.0 Introduction
The report aims at discussing the alternate models for valuing PPE. Firstly, the
report will examine the cost model and the impact this model will have on the
financial statements of a business. Secondly, the revaluation model will be
considered, looking at how this model works and the impact to the financial
statements.
2.0 Cost Model
Introduction to the cost model – what does this mean and how does it work?
Can include an example
Advantages and disadvantages
Impact on the financial statements
3.0 Revaluation Model
Introduction to the revaluation model – what does this mean and how does it
work?
Can include an example
Advantages and disadvantages
Impact on the financial statements
4.0 Conclusion
This report has discussed both the cost and revaluation model…
