ASSIGNMENT: FORMAL ANALYTICAL REPORT

The final report must be related to your major or to an area of expertise, must address a non technical audience as either the primary or secondary audience, will have the combined purpose of informing and recommending. This 20-30 page paper will demonstrate: your mastery of technical writing techniques, your understanding of your client's needs, your ability to synthesize the data and make persuasive recommendations based on that data.

The components of the report are as follows:

Title page
Letter of Transmittal
Table of Contents
Table of Illustrations or Figures*
Informative Abstract
Introduction

	Background/Description of Problem
	Audience
	Purpose
	Sources
	Working Definitions*
	Scope
	Limitations

Body

	Methods
	Collected Data/Findings
	Results

Conclusion

	Summary of Findings
	Interpretation of Findings
	Recommendations
	Glossary*
	List of Symbols*
	References/Annotated Bibliography
	Appendix*

*These items will be included if applicable. All other components are required, although headings may be combined or altered in wording.

Both secondary and primary research are required.

Specifics:

Cover: The report should be presented in an appropriate cover.

Title Page: Center title in caps at the top of the page. Remember, a good title both identifies the subject of the report and tells the reader the type of report. Also, a title is specific the report must cover all the title promises. Continuing down the page, center "Prepared for . . . by . . ." and the date.

Letter of Transmittal: This letter adds a personal, courteous touch. Included in the letter are items of special interest to your contact person. The letter of transmittal is a document of considerable potential. Give it some thought as a marketing tool, also.

Table of Contents: Include a list of all parts of the report with corresponding page numbers. * Note that Arabic numbering begins with the text of the report. The headings in the Table of Contents are the same headings used in the report. If more than one Appendix is used, list each one.

Table of Illustrations and Figures: List all visuals used in the report on a separate page following the Table of Contents. See samples in text.

Informative Abstract: The informative abstract is a stand-alone piece, approximately 10% of the length of the report. It is written after the report; follows the chronology of the original report; contains no new information; includes a summary of the main points of the report, a statement of purpose, scope, methods and recommendations. Some readers will only see this portion of your report, so it is extremely important. Review chapter in Burnett.

Introduction: Begin on a separate page. Use headings for each separate part.

Body: Include all pertinent data. Divide or partition the subject into parts, addressing each in order of importance. "A problem-solving analysis requires that you discuss all possible causes, narrowing your focus to probable and then definite causes." (Lannon, p. 487). Begin body on a separate page.

Conclusion: In some ways the most important portion of the report, the conclusion answers the questions which initiated the analysis. The conclusion consistently summarizes, interprets and recommends. Begin on a separate page, unless you seem to have too much white space.

Glossary: There are three appropriate places for definitions: if fewer than five, place them in a Working Definitions section in the introduction, use footnote definitions or place specialized terms and definitions in a glossary immediately after the report.

List of Symbols: If applicable, on a separate page, list symbols and abbreviations and meanings. See information in text for format.

References/Annotated Bibliography: On a separate page begin list of all pertinent references used in compiling the report. This list must be annotated.

Appendix: Each appendix item is lettered and appears on a separate page. Be certain to include the text of any surveys or interviews conducted for primary research. For example, Appendix A might be the questions asked in an Interview with Supervisor Brown of the Applied Physics Lab. The data collected in that interview will be included in the body of the report.

Carefully review information on appendixes in text.