How to write a report
You are about to write a report, a formal essay. You will choose a topic to your liking and
formulate a thesis, a question. (See separate list of ideas.) It is this question you will try to
answer in your essay, using different sources on the subject. You will research your topic and
analyze it. In the end, hopefully you will have found an answer to your question to put in your
conclusion. The report consists of different parts with subheadings.
Parts of the essay
Title page
See example “Urban Sprawl”. Title centred, subtitle underneath, somewhat smaller. In right
hand lower corner: full name, class, course, school, date and mentor/teacher.
List of contents
See example “Urban Sprawl”. Must be clear, contain all heading and page references.
Introduction
The introduction should get the reader’s attention and here you must also clearly state your
thesis (question) and what the aim of the essay is. You should also mention limitations (i.e. if
your subject is big and you have concentrated on a small part of it). What choices have you
made to limit the scope of your study?
Method and materials
How will you go about studying your chosen topic? Describe your research method. Also,
introduce your most important sources and discuss the reliability and relevance of your
sources.
The body
This is the main part of your essay, the analysis/investigation/research. This is the part where
you report and analyse the opinions of others (your sources). Your tone should be appropriate
and objective. You will have the opportunity to comment and give your own opinions in the
conclusion.
Divide your text into logical parts with headings and subheadings. Name them appropriately
depending on your choice of topic. Remember to consistently use references to your sources
(and of course list sources at the end). Use the Harvard or Oxford referencing system. See
separate instructions for how.
Conclusion
Here you should repeat your thesis/question and summarize briefly your findings. Ask
yourself if you have gotten the answers you were looking for. Then analyse and discuss your
results. Relevant personal opinions can be voiced here in the conclusion.
Things to think about
Sources
There are some important rules concerning the use of sources that you must follow. Use at
least three sources, but not more sources than necessary. You can only use sources in English.
Think about the quality and relevance of your sources when you make a selection. Use critical
thinking when selecting good sources. For advice on what to think about see for example
“Kolla Källan” at www.skolverket.se.
When working on your paper remember to copy sources or make notes of when you have
accessed a particular source so that you can create correct references and protect yourself
from allegations of plagiarism. You are not allowed to “borrow” sentences from other texts,
unless you are quoting. You must rephrase to make the words your own. Never use words you
do not understand – paraphrase! Your final version must be sent through Urkund. It should be
easy for your teacher to cross-check your references.
Paragraphs
- How? - blank line or leave an empty space in the beginning of the line (indent).
- When? - something “new happens”. A new source, a new opinion, etc.
Formal requirements
Use standard format for a formal report (front page, list of content, introduction, method,
body, conclusion, reference list). Write 7 – 10 pages in total (this includes title page, list of
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contents and list of sources). The text should use font size 12. The title can be as big as you
deem appropriate, and another font can be used, for example Arial (black). Use 1,5 spacing.
Writing process
1. Choose topic and find info. Choose something that interests you and is relatively
easy to find information and facts about. The topic has to have a connection to a
current political, cultural, religious, or social phenomenon in an English-speaking
country. Spend time writing a clear and good “research question” or thesis. It is time
well-spent… Speak to your teacher to have your choice approved.
2. Read your material.
3. Start taking notes as you read, and make sure you write down the source and page, so
that you know where you found your information. You will also need to cite your
sources, in the text and in the list of sources.
4. Make a disposition of your essay, where you decide where everything goes. What to
say in the intro? What goes where in the body of the essay? How to phrase your
conclusion? This disposition will aid you when writing the essay. Make your teacher a
part of the working process.
5. Write your essay. Follow your disposition.
6. Cite sources on a separate page, in alphabetical order according to the rules below.
7. Write title page and list of contents. Make sure you use the same size (of headings
and subheadings) in the list of contents as in the actual essay. Also check your
spacing.
8. Read through your essay (out loud) and check spelling, grammar, flow, paragraphs,
register and style, form and so on. Please ask a friend to read your text and give
response.
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