NZQA Assessment Support Material
Unit standard
3492
Title
Write a short report
Level
2
Vocational pathways
Credits
3
Version
5
Primary Industries
Student guidelines
Introduction
This assessment activity requires you to show that you can format and present a written report on
a given topic.
3492 version 5
Student guidelines
ASM version 1
Page 1 of 4
December 2013
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
Conditions of assessment
Assessor note: It is expected that the assessor will read the learner instructions and modify
them if necessary to suit their learners.
This is an open book assessment. You may use any information to help you complete the task.
The report must be in your own words.
You will be assessed on the final, completed report.
3492 version 5
Student guidelines
ASM version 5
Page 2 of 4
December 2013
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
Task
Write a report
Instructions
This assessment activity requires you to write a short report. The report should be no more than
1000 words.
A number of possible scenarios for the report related to the Primary Industries are provided. You
may negotiate an alternative report topic with your assessor or workplace supervisor. Alternative
topics might include new products, new guidelines, new processes or health and safety. Topics
must be related to a Primary Industry/ies.
You are expected to produce a report that is fit for purpose and:

is accurate in detail, clear in meaning, complete, and concise;

has content that is structured in a logical order;

is expressed in a relevant format, including sections with headings that identify the content;

uses vocabulary, including any technical language that is relevant, precise, clear, and
contributes to a relevant tone for the report;

references sources of data accurately and in a consistent format.
You should proof read your report for punctuation, spelling, and grammar.
3492 version 5
Student guidelines
ASM version 5
Page 3 of 4
December 2013
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
Possible scenarios for assessment
Scenario One
You are working on a farm with an entirely Fresian dairy herd. Prepare a report for the farm
owner, on behalf of the farm manager, on the possible benefits of introducing some Jersey
cattle into the herd and breeding some Fresian/Jersey cross-breeds over the next three-four
years.
Scenario Two
You have been employed by the local branch of NZ Young Farmers to present a report on
the safe use of quad bikes, for use in schools with young people on farm-based work
experience.
The report must also include information on the hazards of operating the quad bikes, aspects
of the quad bike design which may overcome these hazards and any legal requirements
which must be considered by the quad bike rider.
Scenario Three
You have been asked to write a report that will be presented at a Youth Conference about
the marine environment, comparing active and passive commercial fishing methods.
The report must include a description of two different active and passive fishing methods, the
gear used, likely deck layout for each method, principles of the method and species targeted
by that fishing method.
3492 version 5
Student guidelines
ASM version 5
Page 4 of 4
December 2013
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016