Study Guide
Lecture 4 Part 1 Report Introduction Section
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University:
Kentucky State University -
Course:
ENG 216 | Technical Writing Academic year:
2022
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Views:
239
Pages:
43
Author:
Athena Harrison
Lecture 4: Report Content and
Supporting Sections Report Contents and Supporting
Sections
In this chapter we will discuss the following:
Part 1: Report Introduction Section
Part 2: Report Main Text Section
Part 3: Report Concluding Section
Part 4: Report Supporting Sections
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Summary
Abstract
Title
Appendixes
References Part 1: Report Introduction
Section Introduction
1.
2.
The Introduction in all
forms of
exposition
is important because:
It prepares the reader to receive, with
greatest economy of effort, what the
writer intends to present.
The Introduction permits you to launch
immediately into the task of relating your
readers to the subject matter of the
report. Introduction
3. Specifically the Introduction makes clear
the following:
The precise subject to be considered.
Indicates the reasons for considering the
subject.
Lays out the organization and scope of
the report. Introduction
This is where you tell the reader:
What you plan to tell
Why you tell it
How you will tell it. Introduction
The Introduction should:
focus your readers’ attention on the subject to be
treated.
“It should enable them to approach the body of
the report naturally and intelligently”. Introduction
Writers should always keep in their minds
that their readers should never be:
1. Confused
2. Unpleasantly surprised
3. Disappointed with what they are told
throughout the report.
Why bother writing a good
introduction?
1. You never get a second chance to make a first
impression. The opening paragraph of your
report will provide your readers with their initial
impressions of your argument, your writing style
and the overall quality of your work.
A vague, disorganized, or boring introduction
will probably create a negative impression. But a
concise and well written introduction will start
your readers off thinking highly of your writing
and your report. Why bother writing a good
introduction?
2. your introduction will make your readers
want to read your report. The introduction
should capture your readers interest, making
them want to read the rest of your report. Why bother writing a good
introduction?
3. your introduction is an important road map
for the rest of your report. The introduction
makes clear how the body of the report will
develop. Why bother writing a good
introduction?
For example, Your Introduction should answer the
following questions: 1. Were data produced and analyzed and the
results summarized?
2. Were conclusions drawn?
3. Was there an initial theoretical model?
4. Was there a subsequent analytical model?
5. Did the data create a new understanding?
6. Is the report only an analysis?
7. Are comparisons made? Why bother writing a good
introduction?
The style , order of thinking and logical
arrangement in the Introduction should be
consistent with those in the main body of the
report. Suggestions for writing a good
introduction :
1. Pay special attention to your first
sentence (free of errors and vagueness).
2. Be straightforward and confident
avoid statements like:
“ in this report , I will argue that frank
valued education”.
Because although this statement points
toward main argument but it is not
interesting. Suggestions for writing a good
introduction :
It is more convincing to tell that:
“ Frank valued education “
than to tell us that you are going to say that he
did.
3. Assert (state) your main argument
confidently, you can’t expect your reader
to believe it if it doesn’t sound like you
believe it. Suggestions for writing a good
introduction :
4.
Don’t be afraid to write a tentative
Introduction first and then change it later.
5.
Don’t spend a lot of time into the
introduction telling the reader what you did
not do. Be clear about what you did do.
6. Include in your introduction the problem,
proposed solution , background and related
works. Functions of the introduction
Functions of the Introduction can be
divided into two categories as follows:
Primary Functions
Secondary Functions Primary Functions
Primary functions
follows:
can
be
listed
Statement of subject
Statement of purpose
Statement of organization and scope
as Primary Functions
Statement of subject
The first function of the Introduction is to identify
immediately and unmistakably the exact subject
of the report.
“ WHAT is going to be considered in the report?”
It is necessary to define and bound the subject in
order to guard against misunderstanding. Primary Functions
Statement of purpose
A second, and equally important, function of the
Introduction is to state clearly the reasons for
discussing the particular subject.
“ WHY was the report written?”
It should indicate: The importance of the subject to the reader.
Make clear your objective.
Relate the report to previous and similar work. Primary Functions
The extent to which background is given
depends largely on the type of your technical
report being written.
Often a few key references are available to tie the
new work to what preceded it and to the new
studies that it touches immediately and directly.
But a paper that starts a new field demands a
broad perspective in relating the new field to
other fields Primary Functions
Note:
The purpose that you express in the
introduction must be shaped by
consideration of your readers like: Why should they read the report
What good will it do to them Primary Functions
Statement of organization and scope
A third primary function of the Introduction is to
lay out the organization that will be followed in
the report.
“HOW is your problem going to be
discussed”?
Give your readers a look at what lies ahead;
furnish them an itinerary (schedule). Primary Functions
Your readers should know at the outset
(start) the scope and limitations of your
work.
For example, does your project describe
special theories, new or unusual procedures,
unique ideas, anything that contributes to the
uniqueness of the subject? So that your
readers can orient the report to their special
interests and needs. Secondary Functions
The place or places where the research
was conducted.
The introduction should mention unusual
aspects of a report such as:- A film
- A videotape
- A microfiche
- A computer program supplement Secondary Functions
Use of dates is generally necessary only
when: - A long delay in reporting is encountered.
- Where publication is in a highly
competitive field of research and a scoop
or patent is involved. Style and Length
Style:
The introduction may vary in style within
certain bounds
The limits imposed are that the language
be clear, direct, and accurate. Style and Length
The task is rendered (made) fairly easy in that the
Introduction is not highly formalized.
For example, the Introduction three primary functions
should not be reeled off in 1-2-3 order, “the subject
is..,” “the purpose is..,” “the organization and scope
are ..,” Instead they should be built into a few
paragraphs of expository writing in a style that will be
both pleasant to read and unmistakably clear. Style and Length
One outstanding rule for the style of the
Introduction is to construct the first, or
theme, sentence so that attention is
decisively, and immediately focused
on the precise subject to be treated and, if
possible, on the method of approach. Style and Length
Length
A page, more or less, is the usual length
of an Introduction.
“ But in reality the length of the report depends
on how much background must be given,
and that depends on the kind of report”. Example: Which is better?
•
•
Introduction (A)
The purpose of this project is to introduce our group's two conceptual designs.
We have included the following sketches for each car: 3 dimensional view,
elevation, plan, front, rear and interior view. Also, we have included a
discussion of how the designs meet the criteria given in the project outline.
The cars could be suitable for short trips in busy areas.
1. Introduction (B)
With the rise in global warming and increasing pollution levels, it is
becoming essential to find a viable alternative to the internal
combustion engine petrol powered car. The aim of this project was to
create two designs for a fuel cell powered car, the main criteria being
environmental friendliness in terms of both emissions and materials.
This report presents the designs for two such cars, each of which
includes the following components: engine, fuel, wheels, accessories,
safety features and materials. Car A is aimed at the upper end of the
market, while Car B is a mid-range vehicle suitable for family use.
A description of the design and an analysis of operational efficiency
for each car are followed by a comparison of the two designs. Finally,
the most cost efficient design is recommended. Example: Which is better?
•
Introduction (A)
The purpose of this project is to introduce our group's two conceptual designs.
We have included the following sketches for each car: 3 dimensional view,
elevation, plan, front, rear and interior view. Also, we have included a
discussion of how the designs meet the criteria given in the project outline.
The cars could be suitable for short trips in busy areas.
• 1. Introduction (B)
With the rise in global warming and increasing pollution levels, it is
becoming essential to find a viable alternative to the internal
subject
combustion engine petrol powered car. The aim of this project was to
create two designs for a fuel cell powered car, the main criteria being
Purpose environmental friendliness in terms of both emissions and materials.
This report presents the designs for two such cars, each of which
includes the following components: engine, fuel, wheels, accessories,
Scope
safety features and materials. Car A is aimed at the upper end of the
market, while Car B is a mid-range vehicle suitable for family use.
organization A description of the design and an analysis of operational efficiency
for each car are followed by a comparison of the two designs. Finally,
the most cost efficient design is recommended. Answer: Introduction B is better
Introduction A is weak.
1-There is no background information to set the topic
in context.
2-The topic itself is not clearly stated.
3-The design criteria and key features of the designs
are not mentioned.
4- No structure outline is given.
5- The section number is not given in the heading. Introduction-Example
The Effects of Increased Atmosphere Carbon Dioxide
Introduction
Before the year 2010 , the climate of the earth may be warmer than any time in the past
thousand years. This change , which is incredibly fast by geological time scales, will be
brought about by increased levels of carbon dioxide in the earth’s atmosphere. The most
important source of excessive CO2 in the burning of carbon –based fossil fuels for energy
production.
The fact that changes in CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere could cause changes in the
earth’s climate has been known for over one hundred years. However ,only in the last 5 to 10
years has significant research been done in this field .the most ominous of the effects of a
warmer climate will be shifting of local weather patterns. It is obvious that the continued
introduction of co2 into the atmosphere will have consequences far worse than producing
slightly balmier climate.
The purpose of this report is to examine the climatic changes caused by increased carbon
dioxide in the atmosphere and their implications for society. Also discussed will be
mechanisms of green house effect , the sources and reservoirs of carbon dioxide and some
possible methods to reduce the magnitude of the problem. Introduction-Example
The Effects of Increased Atmosphere Carbon Dioxide
Background
Before the year 2010 , the climate of the earth may be warmer than any time in the past
thousand years. This change , which is incredibly fast by geological time scales, will be
brought about by increased levels of carbon dioxide in the earth’s atmosphere. The
most important source of excessive CO2 in the burning of carbon –based fossil fuels
for energy production.
Statement of Subject
The fact that changes in CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere could cause changes in
the earth’s climate has been known for over one hundred years. However ,only in the
last 5 to 10 years has significant research been done in this field .the most ominous of
the effects of a warmer climate will be shifting of local weather patterns. It is obvious
that the continued introduction of co2 into the atmosphere will have consequences far
worse than producing slightly balmier climate.
purpose
The purpose of this report is to examine the climatic changes caused by increased
carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and their implications for society. Also discussed will
be mechanisms of green house effect , the sources and reservoirs of carbon dioxide
and some possible methods to reduce the magnitude of the problem.
Scope What is not in the Introduction?
In the Previous example :
1. There is no Secondary Functions .
2. No Statement of organization DVD Introduction -Solution
Subject DVD Introduction -Solution
Purpose DVD Introduction -Solution
Scope DVD Introduction -Solution
Organization DVD Introduction -Solution
Note : There is no Secondary functions in
this introduction
Lecture 4 Part 1 Report Introduction Section
of 43
Report
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