Module 2b —
Report Writing
| Course Guide | Module 1 | Module 2a | Module 2b |
Steps in summary writing
Here is an activity that you can try on your own report. This is a useful strategy for generating executive summaries. While the summary is placed first in a document, it is usually the last item written, so you should do this once you have completed your entire report. You’ll notice that this process is very similar to the process of writing any document, only it is focused on organizing the main points of your report in a much shorter form.
| Step 1: |
Review your main purpose |
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Read through your completed document from beginning to end (never attempt to write a summary before the document is completed). |
Step 2: |
Paraphrase your main points |
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Reread the document, but this time with pen in hand or with a new document file open. As you find the main points, summarize them in a few words (identifying topic sentences in paragraphs should help). Do not write down chunks of text from the document. Paraphrasing is much better than copying as it will retain the message in a more concise manner. |
Step 3: |
Note final points |
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Note any conclusions and recommendations made. |
Step 4: |
Write the first draft of the summary |
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Write a first draft of your summary from your notes without referring to the main document. |
Step 5: |
Revise your draft |
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Reread the document and make changes to your draft summary if you discover omissions or faulty emphasis. |
Step 6: |
Make final checks |
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Edit and finally proofread your summary. |