For those of you who are in formal education, writing research reports or academic reports is most likely an activity that cannot be avoided. If you don't have experience in the field of scientific writing, don't worry because in fact, armed with the ability to manage a good schedule, the writing process will undoubtedly run smoothly. To ensure that the content of the report is truly comprehensive, make sure that you also do your research before deciding on a topic, finding reliable references, and making a thesis statement. Then, outline the report and begin drafting the first draft of your research report. Once the report is complete, take as much time as possible to revise, especially since editing is one of the most important factors in producing a perfect piece!
Step
Part 1 of 3: Researching the Topic
Step 1. Do in-depth research to narrow down the research topic
While doing your research, focus on making the topic or research subject more narrow and specific. Anyone would find it difficult to come up with an argument to defend a subject that is too broad. Therefore, narrow the focus of the research so that it is easier for you to present an argument, while defending it with various evidences obtained through an in-depth research process. First of all, understand that there is always the possibility of straying away from the main topic, especially in the early research stages. If you find yourself in this situation, immediately re-read the assignment requirements given by the teacher to get yourself back on track.
For example, the report writing process could start with a very general topic, such as English decorative arts. Then, as the research process progresses, the topic can be narrowed down to the art of decorating English pottery. In the end, the subject could be narrowed further by focusing on just one potter who discovered an innovative way to mass-produce decorative pottery and tableware from pottery in the 1780s
Tip:
If you want to analyze a literature, your main task is to break it down into elements, and explain how the author used those elements to make his point.
Step 2. Look for reliable online and offline references
If the research report is made for academic purposes, try to find references from the syllabus and textbooks provided by the teacher. In particular, you can generally find credible references in books, articles, and previous research reports on similar topics. You can easily find all these documents in your school or university library. Then, like tracing the trails and clues on a treasure map, look for references used by these sources to serve as additional research resources.
- Some examples of authoritative and credible research references or sources are journal articles (especially those that have been used as references by other authors), government websites, scientific research reports, and news from trusted media. No matter what research source you use, don't forget to check the publication date to make sure the information isn't out of date.
- Evaluate other authors' approaches when discussing your topic. Identify references or other credible research reports that also raise similar topics, then also look for debates between researchers related to the topic to find parties who can provide the strongest evidence.
- Most likely, you will need to include a bibliography and/or citation at the end of the report. Therefore, store and manage all the resources you use neatly. Create a custom list of all references using the format requested by the teacher, such as MLA or Chicago), then include two to three sentences explaining the content of the references under each source.
Step 3. Create an initial thesis statement
While researching the topic, try to design a thesis statement, or a short sentence that states your main argument. Remember, a thesis statement is made not just to express an opinion, but to make a specific and defensible claim. Although it can change slightly in the middle of the writing process, in essence, the thesis statement is the main foundation of the entire structure of your research report.
- Imagine that you are a lawyer who will present a case in a court of law, with the reader of your report as the judge. The thesis statement is your opening sentence, which must be followed by strong evidence so that you can convince the judge and win the case.
- A quality thesis statement should be specific, such as, “Josiah Spode's improvements to the bone china formula allowed for mass production of pottery transfer-molding equipment, automatically expanding the global market for British pottery.”
Part 2 of 3: Drafting an Essay
Step 1. Create a research framework to map the structure of the report
To make the outline look neater and easier to use as a writing guide, use a numbering format using Roman numerals (I., II., III., etc.), letters, or bullet points. Begin the outline by listing the contents of the introductory chapter followed by a thesis statement. Then, include all the evidence that will later be used to support your argument under the thesis statement. After that, include an outline of the contents of the main chapter and the concluding chapter to complete the research framework.
- As the name implies, the research framework is the framework for your report. With a research framework, all you need to do afterwards is fill in the details that are still blank to make the report look complete and complete.
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To simplify the process of writing references at the end of the report, include references at the end of each information in the research framework, such as:
III. Spode versus Wedgewood in terms of Mass Production
A. Spode: Improved chemical formulas to speed up production and distribution processes (Travis, 2002, 43)
B. Wedgewood: Targeting the luxury goods market with upper middle class consumers; reduce the potential for mass production (Himmelweit, 2001, 71)
C. Therefore: Wedgewood, in contrast to Spode, actually hindered the expansion of the pottery market.
Step 2. State your thesis and argument in the introductory chapter
Begin the introduction with a sentence that is able to introduce the topic as well as attract the reader's attention. Then state your research thesis so readers know where you stand on the topic. After that, you only need to mention the various types of evidence that will be used to support the selection of the position.
- For example, your opening sentence might say, "Although it is no longer considered important today, British pottery producers in the 18th and 19th centuries played a very important role in the success of the British Industrial Revolution."
- After submitting your thesis, present various evidences to support your thesis statement, such as: "A thorough evaluation of Spode's highly innovative production and distribution techniques will demonstrate the importance of Spode's contribution to the Industrial Revolution and to the industrial world on a larger scale."
Tip:
Some people prefer to write the introductory chapter first, and then use that information to manage the structure of the report content. However, there are also people who prefer to write the main chapter before writing the introductory chapter. Use whatever method works for you! Even if you decide to write the introductory chapter first, don't worry because at the end of the report, you can always change that section and/or adapt it to the rest of the text.
Step 3. Build your argument in the main chapter or body of the report
First of all, set the context for the reader, especially if the topic being raised tends to be gray. Then, in about three to five paragraphs, focus on outlining the specific elements or evidence that support your thesis statement. Remember, every idea or evidence must be written in a logical, flowing sentence so that it is easy for the reader to follow. In a report on the topic of pottery's role in the success of the British Industrial Revolution, for example, you can first describe the type of product, the method of manufacture of the product, and the market the product was intended for at that time.
- After establishing the context, use the new paragraph to explain the company owned by Josiah Spode and the role of the company in facilitating the production and distribution of pottery at that time.
- Then, discuss the impact of the company's decision to target consumers from the middle class on the increasing demand and distribution of pottery in the global industrial world.
- After that, explain the difference between Spode and its competitors in the pottery industry, such as Wedgewood, which insists on targeting consumers from the aristocratic class instead of the middle class.
- The number of paragraphs in the main chapter is highly dependent on the requirements of the assignment, including the length of the report, provided by your teacher. However, in general, the main chapter can be filled with three to five paragraphs.
Step 4. Allude to opposing opinions to strengthen the basis of your argument
While not always necessary, offending opposing opinions can actually make your argument appear more convincing in the eyes of the reader. If you are interested in doing so, after presenting all the evidence to support your argument, try to come up with a view that contradicts the argument. Then, explain where the error of view is to show the merits of your argument.
- If you want to use this method, choose an opinion that is as strong as your argument, rather than one that is weak and easy to refute. Thus, the process of disclaiming opinions will look more attractive in the eyes of readers.
- If, for example, you're arguing about the benefits of adding fluoride to toothpaste and drinking water, try discussing research that mentions the negative health effects of fluoride and then explain the weaknesses of the screening method used in that study.
Step 5. Conclude your argument in the closing chapter
In particular, the structure of the report can be analogized as the process of “Submitting information that will be delivered later. Submit information. Delivering the information that has been conveyed.” This means, after completing the report, remind the reader about the thesis statement listed in the introduction, as well as the various arguments you used to support the thesis.
- Summarizing an argument is not the same as copying the introduction with a slightly different grammar. Instead, to make your conclusion easier for the reader to remember, try to relate the thesis statement to a broader topic or theme, even closer to the reader's life.
- For example, if your topic is the role of nationalism in World War I, try to conclude your argument by alluding to nationalism that is re-emerging in contemporary foreign policy.
Part 3 of 3: Revising the Research Report
Step 1. Make sure the content of the report is properly structured and involves the necessary transitions
After completing the first draft, try reading it and scanning the structure. In particular, make sure that every sentence and paragraph seems to flow. If necessary, you may delete, add, or change the order of paragraphs to ensure proper flow of the report. Even if it feels inconvenient, understand that the process of revising the report must be done to ensure that the results are absolutely perfect!
- Also take advantage of this moment to make sure the report you create has met all the requirements given.
- It's a good idea to put the essay aside for a few hours or even overnight, if you have enough time. Thus, the editing process can be done with fresher eyes and clearer mind.
Tip:
At least, take two or three days to revise the report. If time is limited, you may be tempted to simply scan the report and/or use a spell checking tool to speed up the report editing process. However, try not to do so so that the report revision process can take place in more depth.
Step 2. Remove ineffective words, phrases and sentences
In addition to checking the overall structure of the report, pay more attention to the wording used to make sure the content of the report really convinces the reader. In particular, make sure that you have used active instead of passive sentences, and that you have used clear and concrete diction.
- The use of passive sentences, such as "The door was opened by me," actually sounds dubious and convoluted. On the other hand, using active sentences, such as “I opened the door,” will sound more concise and convincing.
- Remember, every word you use must have a specific function. Therefore, try not to add words, phrases, or sentences just to fill in the blanks or to make the report content look cooler.
- For example, "The author uses the principle of pathos to attract the emotions of the reader" is actually a better sentence to use than "The author uses the principle of pathos to make the reader who reads the article more emotional."
Step 3. Read the draft report to make sure there are no formatting, spelling, and grammatical errors in it
After revising the structure and content of the report, focus on revising any spelling and grammatical errors found. Again, try to get rid of the report for a few hours before revising it so you can examine the report with fresh eyes.
Read the draft report aloud to ensure all errors, both minor and major, can be detected more easily. While doing so, make sure that the content of the report flows well and, if necessary, change any parts that sound strange or awkward to read
Step 4. Ask a friend, relative, or teacher to help read the report before submitting it
If possible, enlist the help of one or two people to evaluate the neatness of the draft report, the ability of the report to persuade readers, and the accuracy of spelling and grammar used. Generally, a third person's eye can help spot errors and/or ambiguities that you've been missing.
Ideally, your draft report should be read by both people who are well versed in it and those who have never even heard of the topic at hand. In particular, readers who understand the topic can help you complete all the necessary details, while readers who do not understand the topic can help ensure that your writing style is clear and easy to understand
Tips
- Since the processes of researching, outlining, drafting, and revising the report have equal significance in the process of writing a research report, make sure you have good time management skills. In particular, do not apply the overnight speeding system (SKS) to do everything that is needed.
- Remember, the topic and thesis statement you choose must be very specific.
