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This guide is for APA 7th style referencing only. You must check which referencing style you are expected to use on your course There are two parts to APA 7th referencing: in-text citations and a list of references. The in-text citations tab shows you how to format in-text citations for all source types. The reference list tab gives guidance on formatting the full reference list and reference list entries more generally. What is a report? A report is a document that presents information about an issue or investigation concisely and impersonally, in a clearly structured format. There are many different types of report to suit different purposes. Most fall into one of the following two categories: Analytical reports Analytical reports present information about issues, events or procedures. They are designed to provide the reader with enough information to be able to make decisions about future strategies. For example, if management were considering refurbishment of a staff canteen, a report on the current situation would help make their final decisions. Practical reports Practical reports describe how a piece of work has been carried out, what the outcomes were, and what the significance is. A report on a scientific experiment is a good example. Report writing style Reports are usually written in an objective, formal style. This means you avoid using more informal language, such as slang or colloquialisms, or contractions. You structure your language carefully, using complete sentences and paragraphs. However sometimes a more personal and less formal style may be acceptable, so make sure you check the guidelines you have been given. How do I plan a report? As in all writing assignments, it`s crucial to analyse the task carefully. Who is the report for? Why do they want it? What do they need to know? Think about structure and format Check your guidelines! Have you been given a suggested structure or format? Think how to present your information most clearly Plan the writing process Think about what you already know Brainstorm. Jot down notes or make a mind map How will you find the information you need? Make a time plan allowing for each preparation and writing stage. Reports usually have important deadlines! Organise your information Consider the sources you will need Decide which key information should go in which section Organise your information as you go along Note your references as you go along Remember: Always check the guidelines you have been given for your assignment. These may specify a particular format or structure that you should use. How do I structure a report? A report is designed to allow the reader to find information anywhere in the report very quickly. It might be the case that the reader only wishes to examine certain parts of the report. The information is therefore divided into sections, each with a heading. These sections and headings will depend on the nature and subject of your report. In longer reports, the sections may be broken into subsections, also with headings. Sometimes these sections are numbered. The presentation of a report is also important, not just because of the first impressions it creates, but because a report must be laid out in such a way that the reader can find information quickly and easily. Example report structure Executive summary The summary should provide an overview of the whole report, so that the reader can get a good idea of what the report contains, without having to read it in detail. The summary should stand alone. It should include, very briefly, the background and purpose of the report, the main points covered, the significant findings, conclusions and recommendations. Introduction The introduction should tell the reader: the purpose of the report what the background is what the report will cover how the information was collected any limitations on the report Main section This is the largest section and contains most of your information. In it, you will present your research findings to the reader. You need to organise the information into smaller subsections, and give these sections a heading. Make sure the information flows logically from one section to the next. Conclusion You must not introduce any new information here. You should pull together the main points of the report in a brief summary, and emphasise the most significant points. You should link your conclusion back to the purpose of the report which you stated in your introduction. Recommendations This is where you have a chance to suggest how things could be improved or progressed. Your recommendations must flow logically from your conclusions, so that the reader can see the basis for your suggestions. Recommendations can be listed and numbered. It is important that recommendations are realistic! References/Bibliography A reference list tells the reader all the sources you have referred to in your report. A bibliography tells the reader all the sources you have consulted, but not necessarily referred to. Check which is required in your assignment guidelines. Appendices Appendices are materials you have referred to which are not essential for the reading of the report, and which could distract the reader from its logic. However, they need to accompany it so the reader can refer to them. Examples are tables, graphs, statistics and diagrams which have been mentioned in the report. Appendices are numbered for referencing in the text. Report writing tips Analyse the task carefully. Who is the report for? Why do they want it? What do they need to know? Make a time plan, allowing plenty of time for research Structure the report into clear sections using numbering and headings, so information is easy to find. In longer reports, provide a Summary or Abstract In general, write in a more formal, objective and impersonal style Aim to be clear, concise and precise Ensure all your sources are clearly referenced in the text Proofread carefully, checking for clarity as well as accuracy Always check the guidelines for your assignment!

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