English Report Writing

‫الشركة العامة للكهرباء‬
The Guide to Technical Report

Writing: How to Do It Properly
Based on 3 Examples
Dr Ahmed Ali Ashaibi

Planning Dept.
Introduction
Introduction
Writing a technical report is a complex exercise for both
the will and the mind. You should be willing to do this
task and aware of how to do it properly. For that reason,
this guide is created as a useful source of information
that you can use before writing a technical report. So
what information, you’ll find in this article?
Introduction
• What is the reason to write a technical
report? Technical reports are usually written to
report on a specific research problem/question.
• What are the main characteristics of technical
reports? All the technical information must be
presented in a clear and easily accessible format. It
must be divided into sections which allow readers to
access different types of information.
• Which disciplines are specialized in writing
technical reports? Physical sciences, engineering,
agriculture, medical and health sciences, education,
etc.
Introduction
• Why are students required to write a technical
report? It is a common academic task set to test the
student’s ability to do independent research and
analysis and present it in a clear way. After learning
to do it at college or university, it will be much easier
to do it with ease in the future during a professional
career.
• How are technical reports evaluated? Usually,
technical reports aren’t peer-reviewed but evaluated
mostly on how the problem, research methods, and
results are described in a paper. If the data is to the
point, there won’t be any problem. Moreover, if it is
formatted properly, it will be highly appreciated.
Introduction
• What is a technical report format? The report
must be written single-sided on white A4 paper. All
four margins must be at least 2.54 cm. It can be
issued in print, microform, digital. Don’t forget
about consecutively numbered pages starting at 1. As
for types of style guides, you can
use IEEE, TRB, ASCE or APA 6th edition styles.
Introduction
In general, technical report writing is a means of
allocating and summarizing knowledge that is gained
through the observation of a certain process,
experiment, or phenomena. To write a technical report,
the writer has to bear a clear and objectified
understanding of the subject matter. It is important to be
meticulous and record as many details as possible when
studying the problem.
Find more mathematics and technical tools
at Mathauditor.com
So, ready to work on your own technical report? Let’s
go!
The Structure of a Technical Report: 8 Points to Include
One of the conditions of successful report writing is that

there is a particular structure to follow. There are 8
sections that make up the technical report:
• Title page;
• Abstract;
• Table of contents;
• Introduction;
• Body of the report;
• Conclusions;
• References;
• Appendices (if needed).
The Structure of a Technical Report: 8 Points to Include
So, your technical report should have at least 8 pages –

keep it in mind, but don’t limit this number! For
example, the body that is an essential part of a report
may include many other subsections, points, subpoints,
etc. Let’s look at what each section must have so that
you won’t miss anything. Check yourself if you’ve
already written a report or you’re going to do it right
now. It is better to have this outline always at hand.
An abstract of a technical report
An abstract of a technical report summarizes the report
briefly – what the subject matter is, what the main
research results and conclusions are. Be concise in the
abstract so that you’ll manage to write a one-paragraph
summary of the report. Stick to a word count, for
example, maximum 500 words, when writing an
abstract.
An abstract of a technical report
Table of Contents
In the table of contents, as the name implies, list
everything that is in the report. All the main sections of
the report must be listed with page numbers. Besides,
you can list second/third-level headings to have a more
detailed table of contents. For some students, it can be
quite confusing – so, don’t ignore the general principles
for designing headings.
Table of Contents
An Introduction
An introduction is a part that states the objectives of
writing the report and some extra information on how
the topic is covered in the report. Lead the reader
straight into the report itself from the first phrases,
“This report focuses on … .”. The introduction should
state the importance of the research being reported.
Don’t include too much background information on the
topic – be as specific as possible.
An Introduction
The body of the report
The body of the report is divided into numbered and
headed sections – methods, materials, analysis
procedure, findings, discussion, and solutions. It makes
it easier for the reader to understand what you are
talking about in your report. All these sections point out
the main ideas in a logical order of a step-by-step
analysis of any given problem/phenomenon.
The body of the report
The conclusion
The conclusion summarizes the key ideas that can be
drawn from the report based on the significance of the
findings reported. Keep in mind that conclusions are
quite often read first without paying attention to the
whole report. The final phrases are always valuable as
they are supposed to contain the answers that are
provided by a study or test. That’s why focus on the
following:
The conclusion
The reference list or bibliography
The reference list or bibliography proves your evidence
dramatically – the reader sees that you consult some
sources of information during your research for the
report. Mind the difference between a bibliography and
a reference list!
The reference list or bibliography
Appendices (if appropriate)
Appendices (if appropriate) consists of information that
can support your report – tables, diagrams, etc.
Although all this extra information included in the
appendix is not needed to be explained in details in the
report, this part must directly relate to the research
problem or the report’s aim.
Appendices (if appropriate)
Technical Report Writing: What to Remember?
Firstly, when writing a technical report, you should

gather background knowledge on the subject. It is wise
to be acquainted with the subject matter before
attending the observed experiment to understand what is
happening. After you gain sufficient background
knowledge on the studied topic, you should aim to take
as many notes as possible on the observed situation.
Whether it is a lab experiment, a production line tour, or
an analysis of the local ecology, you should provide
maximum attention to important details. Some notes
taken may be invaluable in the process of writing the
report, but still, take them anyway to deepen your own
knowledge on the topic.
Technical Report Writing: What to Remember?
Secondly, it is important for the report to be as

informative as possible. The gathered data should not
simply provide a text representation of the observed
phenomena but be valuable for those who will work on
it.
Thirdly, when actually writing the report, you as a

report writer should remember to maintain scientific
objectivity and omit any references to personal
opinions. A technical report is, first of all, a work of
technological information, it should bear rare data and
observations, rather than personal experiences.

English Report Writing

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

English Report Writing

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

English Report Writing

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

‫الشركة العامة للكهرباء‬

The Guide to Technical Report

Dr Ahmed Ali Ashaibi

One of the conditions of successful report writing is that

So, your technical report should have at least 8 pages –

Firstly, when writing a technical report, you should

Secondly, it is important for the report to be as

Thirdly, when actually writing the report, you as a

You might also like