Informer's World

This is how to write a simple report for school. For a more complex report, read How to Write a Term Paper. This article refers to a simple report, mostly for middle schoolers and some high schools too.


Prepare an outline. Write an outline on what you would like to do on a piece of paper. There should be at least:  

1. An introduction.Middle or body section with headings, detailing your research, ideas and discussion. Keep this at about 3 to 5 different topics--at the most.A summary and/or conclusion. or arguments about the topic to reach your final point of view.
2. Research the topic. Get references/information relating to the specific question in hand, to back any points or arguments you want to make. Look online, in encyclopedias, and at the library. Print out or photo copy pages of information and highlight pertinent seshf#Add a bibliography. Write or type your bibliography (a listing of your report sources) on a piece of paper or if you have a bibliographic page, write it down on that.
3. Write a rough draft. Proofread it and mark your errors clearly. Errors are not only spelling and grammar but also jumbled ideas and missing points.
4. Rewrite your report. Add pictures if you would like to or if it enhances the look. Use colored print if it is appropriate for the report.
5. Print and check for final errors. Bind the report if it is appropriate, or place in a folder.

  Tips  
 

• You may need more than two note cards for your research: One for the books and one for the internet.  
• To catch errors in your typing easily, read the paper to yourself aloud at home before turning it in and have family members or friends proofread it.. 
• Ask someone else to proofread your paper and offer constructive criticism. 
• Be sure to rely on more than one source for your information. 
• When using information from the internet, make sure it comes from a reputable source. Look on the page and make sure you know who wrote the information and why they are providing it. 
• While writing, assume that your reader knows little to nothing about the subject. Add details and definitions to topics in the paper. 
• If writing a report over 2 pages long, just start! If you don't get distracted, you'll be done before you can even realize it! 
• A very important thing is: DON'T GET DISTRACTED!! Keep your mind on the goal and you will have a good report. 
• Make sure your info is TRUE if something doesn't sound quite right RESEARCH IT!

Warnings

• Don't delay your research until the last minute. Report creation takes longer than you might think, especially when you start fiddling with color, photos, borders, headings etc and that's only after the information has been written up properly! 
• Do not start fiddling with color, photos, borders, headings etc. until the information has been written up properly. If you do, a lot of time can disappear and you will not have time left to write a good report. 
• Do not take someone's information for your own. This is plagiarizing! 
• You should list the site references the way the site asks people to. 
• Do not follow this outline for all report types. Many reports have different acceptable styles.

Things You'll Need

1. You will need books and some research equipment. 
2. You will need to know what you are looking for. 
3. Term papers. 
4. Note cards.