Department of Electrical
Engineering
Technical Writing
Technical Reports
Laboratory Reports
Project Reports
Murali Varanasi
February 21, 2012
Characteristics of Technical
Reports
• The writing is an objective approach to the
subject.
• The purpose is spelled out in the first few
paragraphs.
• The vocabulary is specialized.
• Sentences are highly specific and factual.
• Numbers and dimensions are frequent.
• Signs, symbols, and formulas are often used.
• Figures and tables are used extensively to
supplement the narrative.
Qualities of Good Reports
•
•
•
•
•
Makes a good impression.
Can be read selectively.
Reads coherently from beginning to end.
Anticipates readers' questions.
Conveys an overall impression of authority,
thoroughness, and honesty.
• Is accurate: free from typographical errors,
grammatical slips, and misspelled words.
• Has a table of contents and substantive
headings.
Qualities of Good Reports -2
• Has the necessary front matter (summary and
introduction) to characterize the report and
disclose its purpose and scope.
• Has a body that provides essential information
logically, defines terms,and spells out acronyms.
• Explains criteria used to evaluate evidence.
• Presents conclusions and recommendations
arranged in descending order of importance.
Outline for a typical report
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Title
Abstract or summary
Introduction
Procedure
Basic Theory
Data and results
Discussion
Conclusions
Recommendations
Checklist
• Have I clearly stated the purpose?
• Have I introduced the topic with a brief
overview of the problem or background?
• Have I discussed the scope of the paper
and rationale?
• Have I provided adequate background for
the reader to understand my paper?
Checklist- Contd
• Have I provided substantive, complete and
well-documented information?
• Have I included necessary visuals and
data?
• Have I summarized my research and
findings?
• Have I made recommendations supported
by discussion?
Checklist-contd
• Have I included sources in the text?
• Have I listed the sources I cited?
• Have I included an appendix that contains
relevant information not directly necessary
for understanding the paper?
• Have I checked for grammar and spelling?
• Have I checked for punctuation?
Reference
• http://ece-1.rosehulman.edu/ece/index.php?option=com_c
ontent&task=category&sectionid=5&id=43
&Itemid=39