Assessment Types

Key Points Reports are a common form of writing in the workplace. They often have headings, numberings, graphs, tables and figures. They can also fit other assessment types like case studies and research reports. They can often include recommendations or suggestions.

What is a report?

A report is a common type of writing used in the workplace. Reports can be written for many reasons like pitching a business idea, informing decision-making, documenting research findings, evaluating projects, providing updates on progress or performance, and communicating important information to stakeholders. They are often read quickly which means that headings and subheadings are important. Reports often use images, graphs and tables as they are an effective way to communicate information. It is important to think about who the report is for and what the purpose of it is.  

How do I plan it?

Like all academic papers including essays, reports need to be structured with an introduction, a series of body paragraphs, a conclusion and a reference list.

• • The introduction should provide an overview of the topic and the key points that will be covered in the report. The general rule is that the introduction accounts for 10% of the total paper word count.
  • The main body contains sections (and sub-sections) providing supporting details related to the topic.
  • The conclusion includes a summary of the main points and findings covered in the paper. Like the introduction, the conclusion generally accounts for 10% of the total paper word count.
  • The reference list and in-text citations follow APIC Harvard referencing style.
  • Some reports may also have an executive summary and/or an appendix with information that does not need to go in the body of the report but would be useful for the reader. Check your Unit Study Guide or with your lecturer for specific requirements.

Common Headings

Formatting Headings

A guideline for formatting headings is given below.

• The first level should be centered and in bold. Each main word should start with a capital letter.

• The second level should be left aligned and in bold. Each main word should start with a capital letter.

• The third level should be italicised. Each main word should start with a capital letter.
• Paragraphs should begin on a new line.
• Headings may be numbered, i.e. 1, 1.1, 1.2, 2, 2.2 and so on.

It can be helpful to use the ‘Heading Styles’ feature in Microsoft Word to set up your headings so that they are consistent

What kind of language do I use?

Reports need to be written in a formal and clear style. Reports may present information in paragraphs, and in bullet points, numbered lists or as a table or figure (graphs, charts and diagrams) and these must also be presented professionally. They need to be labelled with an identifier (e.g. Figure 1 or Table 1) and a title/caption.

Check the instructions and marking criteria for your assignment as they may add specific requirements.

Bullet points and numbered lists should be used sparingly. A bullet point list needs to be introduced using part of a sentence with a colon (:) and written so that each point fits in grammatically with the introductory sentence.

Analysis	Recommendations
The organisation failed to…. The organisation effectively…. According to the theory of x best practice would have been to …. The organised did not follow the concept of x The organisation demonstrated efficient implementation of… In the case it was found that… Analysis of x demonstrated… A reoccurring problem in the case was …	It is recommended that in the future x…… X could have been avoided if….. Author (year) argues that a better approach would have been… A possible solution to x is to x A better option would have been x To avoid this in the future the organisation needs to… Author (year) suggest that a applying the concept of x can avoid issues like this.