Fundamental Principles of Technical Report Writing.pptx

It describes the basics of writing an official technical report of different types

1. CVE 401: Technical Report Writing FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF TECHNICAL REPORT WRITING Gabriel Olukayode Adunoye Department of Civil Engineering Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife Reference Material: Technical Report Writing by Ogedengbe et al (2005)

2. There are principles that guide report writing if the report is to achieve its intended objective. The writer must write or communicate in such a way that the reader understands the information he is trying to pass across. The major tasks that are of utmost importance in technical report writing are: finding something to say; and saying it clearly , simply and effectively . INTRODUCTION 2

3. A writing could be in form of a memorandum , a letter , a feasibility report , a journal article , etc. The writer determines the topic of his report or the topic is given to him. The writer then undertakes some research or literature review relevant to the topic of his report. This serves the purpose of: providing a good background for the study/writing; presenting the importance of the present work, vis-à-vis previous works. FINDING SOMETHING TO SAY 3

4. DETERMINING THE READERSHIP Every report has its intended readership. The readership must be determined before writing. The intended readership will guide in the choice of words, illustrations, etc that will be used in the report writing. 4

5. Deciding the purpose and scope of a report helps the writer to stay focused. Deciding the purpose and scope of a report also helps the writer to produce a good and readable report. The statement of objective of a report is usually placed at the end of the introductory paragraph (in letters and memoranda) or the introductory chapter (in formal reports, dissertations, journal articles, etc ). DECIDING THE PURPOSE AND SCOPE 5 Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife

6. Some useful guidelines in the use of language in report writing include: Keep style impersonal: avoid or drastically reduce the use of personal pronouns. Use simple, familiar words. Avoid using vague words. Avoid miscellaneous pitfalls: spelling errors, structurally deficient sentences, etc. USE OF LANGUAGE 6 Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife

7. Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 7 PACKAGING OF REPORT The reader is attracted to a well packaged report with an appealing outlook. Make your report look attractive.