Guide to writing

•Font should be a standard font, size 10-12.

•All work should be double spaced

•Conventions dictates you write in the third person (although first person may be used when discussing your reasons for choosing the topic in the introduction).

•Use the past tense.

•Use a formal register but remember, report writing is about communicating, it is not about sounding clever with big words and over-complicated sentences and vocabulary.

•If it is possible to cut a word out, then do so.

•Do not explain terms that the examiner / reader would be expected to know.

•Do not use metaphors, similes or figurative speech in your work.

•Numbers up to and including ten should be spelt out, 11 and above should be in numerical form.

•Avoid using apostrophes for omission, only for possession.

•Ensure good standards of spelling and grammar (including typos).

•Develop logical links from section / paragraph to the next. A good research report is one that takes the reader on a journey. This is not a mystery – the reader should be left in doubt as to the direction of discussion or crucial points that are being argued.

•Use headings and subheadings (many have already been given in the template. You may wish to add further sub, sub-headings in your analysis).

•Use care with the page layout – use page breaks and display tables and figures correctly.

•Reference sources correctly and consistently. It is considered plagiarism to use ideas from others without acknowledging them as the source.

•Make sure you follow guidelines as to how to quote, reference and use footnotes

•Use non-sexist and non-discriminatory writing.