2. STAGES OF REPORT WRITING
The process of writing a technical report has three stages:
1. pre-writing
2. while-writing
3. Post-writing
3. PRE-WRITING STAGE
Pre-writing essentially means a rough note-taking
1. Analyze the writing assignment
2. Decide on the topic
3. Identify the purpose (to explain a process, to describe a machine, to report the
results of an experiment, to inform, etc.)
4. Identify the audience
5. Create an outline (headings, subheadings, graphics, )
6. Plan (the kind of report, the structure, style and format “avoid using personal
pronouns, personal impressions, and generalization”, how/where you will get the
information from, etc.)
7. Develop manageable work schedule (timeline)
4. WRITING AN OUTLINE
1. Identify the topic
2. Brainstorm and narrow your focus
3. Arrange your outline in a meaningful way (e.g. the
chronological pattern)
6. POST-WRITING STAGE
1. Develop a final draft and final copy of your report.
2. Re-read it and have another person reads it for
comments
3. Check for your spelling, punctuation, readability, flow,
and clarity of ideas
4. Print out your report and put your binders
7. THE CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER OF
DEVELOPING A REPORT
1. Define the problem
2. Review the literature
3. Plan on a research method
4. Collect/gather the data
5. Conduct the research
6. Draw conclusions
7. Recommendations for further research