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    CQU CRICOS Provider Codes:VIC - 01624D; QLD - 00219C; NSW - 01315F

    AIC LSU Student Resources

    REPORTWRITING

    What is a report?

    Different types of reports

    Structure of a report- Title Page

    - Acknowledgements

    - Letter of transmittal- Executive summary

    - Table of Contents, List of Tables and Figures

    - Introduction

    - Assumptions

    - Main body

    - Conclusion and recommendation

    - Reference List

    - Appendices

    General tips about writing reports

    Example of a reportReport Checklist

    DISCLAIMER

    Much of the information contained in this document has been taken directly or adaptedfrom the following guidelines:

    Central Queensland University, Faculty of Business & Informatics 2006, Guide for students,6th edn, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD.This is available online at: http://fbi.cqu.edu.au/FCWViewer/getFile.do?id=17724

    This document is not a substitute for the resources mentioned above.

    This LSU supplement should be read in conjunction with the guidelines mentionedabove in addition to the specific course profiles.

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    What is a report?

    A report is a type of assignment used to analyse information in a structured way. Reports

    are divided into key sections and must be presented using headings and sub-headings.Some key differences between reports and essays are described in table 4.0.

    Table 4.0

    Reports Essays

    Are usually written in full sentences, but may

    include bullet points to list items.

    Must be written in full sentences

    Have headings and sub-headings for sections.Which are numbered

    Generally do not have headings other than thetitle of the essay (unless advised otherwise in

    your Course Profile or by your tutor)

    May include material such as tables and

    figures. If the tables/figures are not too large(less than 1/3 of a page) they can be included

    in the Discussion/ Main Body section of

    the report. Alternatively include in theappendices (at the end of the report) if large

    (more than 1/3 page)

    Do not contain tables or figures

    Both reports and essays must be clearly referenced in-text to indicate the sources of

    information. They must also include a Reference List with full publication details.

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    Different types of reports

    Depending on the nature of the course and the topic being covered, you may be asked to

    write many different types of reports. These will depend on the nature of the course andthe topic being covered. Table 4.1 outlines some of the common types of reports you may

    be asked to write. Please note the key differences are in the content.

    Table 4.1 Types of Reports

    Business Report A standard report, including most, if not all, the sections outlined in this guide.

    Executive Report

    (Table 4.1 continued)

    A very detailed and analytical report, with very specific requirements. Please consult

    your course profile and Chapter 5 of the CQU Faculty of Business and Informatics

    2006 Guide for Students

    Technical Report A technical report (as suggested) generally requires the inclusion of technicalspecifications. This is sometimes necessary for assignments in IT courses.

    Research Report A research report involves you conducting some primary research of your own (e.g.conducting a survey/questionnaire/interview) as well as reviewing literature. Generally

    speaking, the body should include:

    Methodology

    Discussion (Results)You are often also asked to conduct a literature review (see chapter 7 of this guide)

    and you must provide a conclusion with recommendations.

    The format and content of a research report is quite specific.

    If you are required to write a research report you are advised to make an

    appointment with the Learning Skills Unit as soon as possible.

    Structure of a report

    When writing a report, the structure will depend on the instructions you are given in

    your course profile and/or by your tutor. The following is an overview of the key

    sections that are generally included in a business report.

    If you are instructed to write a short report or if a particular structure is outlined inyour course profile/by your tutor, then please be sure to follow those instructions.

    It may not be necessary to include all of these sections in your report- check with

    your tutor about the requirements of all sections marked as requested.

    Reports can generally be seen to include three key sections as outlined in table 4.2.

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    Please note that the following terms refer to sections of the report- they are not

    to be used as headings!

    Table 4.2 Report Sections

    Preliminary Section This section includes all the initial information required beforethe actual discussion takes place. See details below.

    Body of Report This is where the main discussion takes place. It begins with theintroduction and ends after the conclusion and recommendations.

    Supplementary material This section includes additional information that supports thediscussion and is referred to in the body of the report. See details

    below.

    PRELIMINARY SECTION

    The Title Page (see example, p. 10)

    Letter of Transmittal (as requested) (see example, p. 10).

    This is a brief, formal letter from the person who wrote the report (you) to the person(s)

    receiving it. The letter of transmittal should clearly state when the report was written, who

    requested it and thepurpose of the report.

    Executive Summary (see example, p. 11).

    This is an overall summary of the entire report. It should:

    a) Introduce the topic of your report

    b) Indicate the main subjects (major findings) examined in the discussion section of

    your report

    c) State your conclusions

    d) State your recommendations

    Note the executive summary is always on a separate page. Remember this is a

    summary of the entire report so you cannot write it until you have completed the

    report (you cannot summarise a report you have not yet written)! Even though it

    appears first, the Executive Summary is one of the last things you will write.

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    Table of Contents (see example, p. 12).

    This is an ordered list of the different sections and subsections of your report. It must

    include numbered section headings and subheadings, with their relevant pages. This

    indicates to your reader where various sections of your discussion can be found. See

    LSU for handout on how to MS Word to automatically generate Table of Contents.

    Note: Table of contents should also be on aseparate page.

    List of Tables & Figures (see example, p. 12).

    Like the table of contents, the list of tables and figures provides the reader with a guide to

    finding information that is presented in the form of diagrams/tables. It should include the

    numbers (labels), titles and page location of each of your tables and figures. Note if thereport does not include any tables/figures then obviously this list is not necessary.

    Note: List of Tables and Figures should also be on aseparate page.

    Acknowledgements (as requested)

    Acknowledgements are used to draw attention to or thank or recognise significant input

    of other people.It is not the reference list. This section should be used as required and

    note that its position can also vary. Please confirm this with your tutor.

    BODY OF THE REPORTNote: Leave two line spaces between each section within the body of the report. Do not

    start a new page for each one.

    Introduction (see example p. 13).The introduction should generally include three key types of information.

    a) BackgroundThis section sets the context for the report and provides the (brief) background

    information required for the reader to understand the report. For example, it may

    briefly outline the issue faced by the organisation. Tell the reader something about the

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    history/origin of the report. When was it requested? Why is it important? Who was

    involved and how?

    NOTE: This detailed company background (for case studies) generally should

    not be included here. It is best discussed in the body of the report

    b) Aims/ objectivesThis tells the reader what the aims/objectives of the report are. It indicates what key

    questions the report is trying to answer and what it is trying to achieve. Why was it

    written?

    c) ScopeTell the reader exactly what areas/ideas are covered in the report. This also helps to

    explain how the report is organised. Look at your plan and consider your headingsand sub-headings.

    Please be aware that sometimes course profiles/tutors may use different formatting for the

    introduction. The model introduction shown on p. 13 uses sub-headings for these sections

    but your tutor may prefer it to be presented as one paragraph (depending on the length of

    the assignment). Always check with your tutor if uncertain.

    Assumptions (as requested)

    This section outlines any assumptions (beliefs) regarding the situation upon which you

    are basing the report, its analysis and any recommendations. For example in case studies

    you would firstly assume that all facts provided are true and correct. Further explanation

    of assumptions can be found in Chapter 5 of the CQU Faculty of Business and

    Informatics 2006 Guide for Students.

    Discussion (Approximately 60% of the word count)

    This section is where information relevant to the topic is presented. It is similar to the

    body section of an essay. It must be fully referenced throughout, using various

    resources to support ideas. It should be organised logically, using topic headings, sub-

    headings and minor subheadings to break it into sections and sub-sections based on the

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    ideas being discussed.All headings must be numbered sequentially. (See examples on p.

    13-14).

    Conclusion (approximately 5-10% of word count) (See example p. 15).

    The purpose of the conclusion is to provide a summary of the major findings. It

    effectively attempts to answer the key questions posed in the introduction. When writing

    a conclusion it may be useful to consider the following:

    No new information should be introduced

    Direct quotations are not necessary

    What has been learnt or proved from doing this research?

    On the basis of the research, what conclusions can be drawn?

    Consider the key questions and objectives set out in the introduction- what are the

    answers/conclusions you came to?

    Consider each of the key sections of your report- what was the main point made

    in each section?

    Recommendations (see example p. 15).

    Often when writing a report specific recommendations for future actions are requested.

    These can be included as a separate section before or after the conclusion or even as apart of the conclusion (using a sub-heading).

    Recommendations should state what actions should be implemented based on the

    findings of the report. You may list these in bullet points or small paragraphs.

    Reference List (see examples p. 16).

    This list includes the full publication details of all books, articles, websites and other

    sources referred to in the report. See LSU Harvard Referencing guide.

    Appendices

    This is where other information which has been referred to in the main part of your report

    is attached. This information is relevant but not necessarily essential and larger than 1/3

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    of a page. The main body of a report can include text, figures/tables and some

    calculations. However, long or repetitive calculations or data charts should be placed in

    the Appendices along with larger diagrams.

    Appendices may include the following items:

    Questionnaires /Answers to questionnaires Interview transcripts Consent forms Maps Articles/clippings Data Charts/Tables Some diagrams Pamphlets Specifications

    All appendices must be separated, labelled and referenced (where

    appropriate). If you are unsure please see your LSU Tutor for help.

    General tips about writing reports

    You are advised to consider the LSU Introduction to Study in Australia guide.

    Read the advice regarding planning and preparation of assignments.

    NEVER attempt to write report without conducting the necessary research andplanning first.Always brainstorm (concept map, research then develop a plan.Your plan should reflect the key headings and sub-headings that you intend to use

    to organise your discussion. Work out whatyou plan to discuss and when - this

    will allow you to then focus more carefully on expression.

    Make sure your writingflows. Even though it is acceptable to use headings,reports should still follow a logical order. Once you have written a draft of the

    report, check that headings and paragraphs are ordered in a logical way so that the

    reader can follow the discussion.

    Avoid using too many lists or sentences/phrases separated bullet points. If anassignment is simply made up of a series of lists it will not flow very well. It willbe disjointed and is likely to lack sufficient content.

    Remember to always reference correctly and consider the nature of yourresources. You may need to consult a combination of primary and secondary

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    sources ranging from textbooks and journal articles to published market data,

    statistics, policy or law.

    Always write in the third person.Do not use personal pronouns such as I, my,you, your, we or our and use thepassive voice.

    Use thepresent tense when you are writing about other peoples work. E.g.Johnson (2001) points out that or Studies indicate that.

    Do not start paragraphs with quotations. Write your own topic sentences and usequotations as supporting evidences.

    Always usegender non-specific language he/she or their.

    Use formal language:do not use words such as things or abbreviations suchas etc. Be specific.

    Beginnumbering your pages from the introduction. Pages with preliminary orsupplementary information are usually numbered using a different system to

    clearly tell them apart, such as i, ii, iii, iv..

    A good report offers evidence of original thinking and creative thought.

    Be concise.

    Use objective analysis.

    Format your report consistently.

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    Example of a report

    1. Title Page

    2. Letter of Transmittal

    2. Letter of Transmittal

    3. Executive summary

    Title:

    Course code:

    Course Name:

    Lecturer:

    Assignment number:

    Due Date:

    Weighting:

    Student Name:

    Student Number:

    John Smith

    Manager, Learning Skills UnitXYZ University

    589 Exhibition St

    Brisbane, QLD 4000

    4 January, 2004

    Anne Jones

    Dean, Faculty of Business and Law

    XYZ University589 Exhibition St,

    Brisbane, QLD 4000

    Dear Ms Jones,

    As requested, the Manager of the Learning Skills Unit has prepared a report examining the effectiveness of

    web-based material within the language classroom. The purpose of this report is to present the findings of

    the research and to provide recommendations for the future use of online teaching tools in the classroom.

    The findings of the report show that web-based material can serve as a valuable teaching tool; however it is

    recommended that elements of some sites need to be adapted to an Australian context.

    Yours sincerely

    John Smith

    Manager, Learning Skills Unit

    Title Page shouldinclude:

    Title

    Your name

    Student ID Course title & code

    Your lecturer/tutorsname

    Due Date

    Authorsdetails

    Date

    Details of the personrequesting the report.

    Opening statement

    Closing statement

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    4. Executive Summary

    EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

    This report aims to examine the effectiveness of web-based

    material within the language classroom by evaluating the website

    www.rong-chang.com. It will evaluate the effectiveness of

    www.rong-chang.com (Learning Oral English Online) by

    reviewing the content, the pedagogical approach to which the

    content applies and the practical considerations in terms of costs

    associated with the web-based software, as well as layout and

    design.

    The findings reveal the important relationship between content and

    learning objectives. The developer of the website has considered

    the relationship between the learner and the content, as well as the

    degree of pre-existing linguistic knowledge. However the web-based material does not provide the learner or teachers with the

    objectives for any units provided; therefore making it difficult to

    determine the educational aim of the resources.

    It is clear that www.rong-chang.com would be an ideal choice for

    the language classroom. The material is user-friendly, even for first

    time Internet users. The learner can easily return to the main menu,

    as the text-based navigation tools are always displayed. Due to the

    simple and consistent format of the web page the teacher can easily

    navigate the learners through the web page, even by using the

    whiteboard. The content is American based, however it can be

    adapted for use in any language classroom.

    The following recommendations have been made:

    The material needs to be more interactive and needs toprovide the learner with feedback.

    The quality of the material can be improved by generatingauthentic situations, which the learner can relate to.

    The content can be improved by making it universal not justrelating to the learners in America.

    Generate an awareness of the difference associated withpronunciation.

    The first paragraphis based on theintroduction.

    The secondparagraphcomes

    from the body. It is asummary of the keyfindings or situationalanal sis.

    The third paragraphis a summary of theconclusions.

    The final paragraphoutlines therecommendations.This can be doneusin a bullet-point list

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    5. Table of Contents

    6. Lists of Tables and figures

    7. Main Body

    Table of ContentsPg

    Title Page

    Letter of Transmittal i

    Executive Summary iiTable of Contents iii

    List of Tables and Figures iv

    1.0 Introduction 11.1 Background 11.2 Aim 11.3 Scope 1

    2.0 Historical Background 12.1 The Internet 2

    3.0 Methodology 34.0 Content 3

    4.1 Learning Objectives 4

    4.2 Learning Activities 44.2.1 Listening 44.2.2 Speaking 4

    4.3 Macro-Skills 54.4 Authentic Discourse 54.5 Natural Discourse 6

    5.0 Pedagogical Approach 75.1 Target Learner 9

    6.0 Conclusions 107.0 Recommendations 10

    Reference List 12

    Appendices

    Appendix A ESL Questionnaire 15Appendix B Alternative Listening Activities 16

    Preliminarysection- pgnumbers in Roman

    Headings, sub-headings andminor sub-headings should allbe numbered sequentially

    Heading

    Sub-heading

    MinorSub-headin

    Tables

    Table 1: Major Information Sources that can be accessed

    Via the CQU Library Website 3

    Table 2: Advantages and disadvantages of using web-based

    material 7

    Figures

    Figure 1: Screenshot www.rong-chang.com homepage 2

    Figure 2: Level of improvement in 2003 7

    Be sure to label (number)each table and figure andgive it a title indicatingwhat it represents. Indicatethe relevant page number.

    Please note that graphs,illustrations (pictures),photographs anddiagrams are allconsidered to befigures

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    6. Main Body

    1.0 Introduction

    1.1 BackgroundIn recent years, the Internet has become a teaching tool as useful

    and as viable as textbooks, chalkboards and in many cases

    teachers themselves. However, as is the case with any medium,

    online resources have a range of advantages and disadvantages.

    As such it is necessary to carefully examine and evaluate web-

    based resources before choosing to use them.

    1.2 Aims

    The purpose of this report is to evaluate the effectiveness of

    web-based material within the context of a language classroom.

    It focuses on the www.rong-chang.com site in order to determine

    the educational value and cost effectiveness of using online

    material as a teaching and learning tool.

    1.3 ScopeThe report evaluates the on-line resource, focusing on three key

    factors: content, the pedagogical approach to which the content

    applies, and practical considerations in terms of costs associated

    with using the web-based software, as well as layout and design.

    Although the website is divided into several sections, the paper

    focuses on listening and speaking activities. These links were

    selected as the material is the result of collaboration between the

    author and several linguistic teachers.

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    The main body shouldbegin with the

    introduction.

    Note how headingsand sub-headings arenumberedsequentially. It alsohelps to highlightheadings with boldfont.

    Remember to leave atleast 3cm margins.

    Make sure your workis 1.5 spaced.

    Once the introductionis complete, beginyour discussionmaking sure you

    continue to useappropriatelynumbered headingsand sub-headings.

    As always,remember toreference!

    Remember youmust include apage number!

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    This section discusses the historical background of the internet. This section discusses the historical background of the internet. This section

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    Table 1.0:

    Major Information Sources that can be Accessed via the CQU

    Library Website

    Information

    SourceWhere to find

    Books Search the Library Catalogue to find what books are held in the CQULibrary: From the Library homepage (http://www.library.cqu.edu.au ) selectCQU Library Catalogue

    Journals/Magazines academic/popular

    Search the Library Catalogue to find what journals are held in the CQULibrary. There is also a list of electronic journals available via the CQULibrary:http://www.library.cqu.edu.au/db/ejournals/index.htm Search Databases to find references to individual journal articles:

    http://www.library.cqu.edu.au/elecres.htm (refer to Databases & Resources

    by Subject to know what databases could be relevant to your research topic)For information about the different types of journals available refer to Whatare the Different Types of Journals:http://www.library.cqu.edu.au/compass/jnltypes/jnltypes.htm

    Conference

    Proceedings

    These can be found by searching library catalogue, databases as well as on theweb e.g. professional association web sites

    Web sites (URLs) Refer to Use the Internet for a list of useful search engines, subjectdirectories and meta-search engines:

    http://www.library.cqu.edu.au/internet/index.htm

    Government

    documents

    The best starting point for government documents is government web sites.

    Refer to Government Information for a list of Australian and Internationalgovernment web sites: http://www.library.cqu.edu.au/vrd/gov.htm

    Legislation &

    Case law

    Refer to Law Resources for a guide to finding legal information:http://www.library.cqu.edu.au/faculty/business/law.htm

    Standards Refer to Standards for a list of standards available through the CQU Library,as well as a list of relevant web sites:http://www.library.cqu.edu.au/vrd/standards.htm

    Statistics Refer to Statistics for a list of the types and sources of statistics:http://www.library.cqu.edu.au/vrd/stats.htm

    Dictionaries,Encyclopaedias &

    Handbooks etc.

    Most dictionaries, encyclopaedias and handbooks are kept in theReferenceCollection of a library. You can search the Library Catalogue or browse the

    shelves to find what is available in your subject area. Many of these are alsofreely available online:Dictionaries: http://www.library.cqu.edu.au/vrd/dict.htm Encyclopaedias: http://www.library.cqu.edu.au/vrd/encyc.htm

    Newspapers Refer to Finding Newspaper Resources at CQU Library for a guide to findnewspapers by title or topic, as well as a list of major Australian &International newspapers:http://www.library.cqu.edu.au/vrd/news.htm

    Source: Central Queensland University (2004, p.20)

    Remember, alltables and figuresmust be labelled(with a numberandtitle

    Remember to alsoadd the referencebelow anytable/figure you use.

    NOTEIf you modify thetable/figure, indicatethis by using theterm Adaptedfrom

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    6.0 Conclusion

    Although the web-based material for LOEO has its limitations,

    the activities are educational. The material is user-friendly,

    even for first-time internet users. The learner can easily return

    to the main menu as the text-based navigation tools are always

    displayed. Due to the simple and consistent format of the web

    page the teacher can easily navigate the learners through the

    web page, even by using the whiteboard. The content is

    American based; however it can be implemented into any

    language classroom. The only limitations are ones creativity.

    7.0 Recommendations

    Based on the findings, several recommendations can be made.

    The material needs to be more interactive and needs to provide

    the learner with feedback. If the material is more interactive it

    will motivate the students and will not resemble a textbook. It

    is easier to purchase a copy of a textbook rather than buy a

    computer and use this material. The content can be improved

    by making it universal and not just relating to learners in

    America.

    Also, the teacher has to generate awareness of the differences

    associated with pronunciation. The full potential of CALL has

    not been realised by the developer of the web site. Although

    the material is helpful it fails to be effective. The positive

    aspects of using a web site should be considered in order to

    generate authentic situations, which the learner can relate to.

    10

    The conclusionshould be a summaryof your findings. Itshould attempt toprovide a response tokey questions youposed in theintroduction.

    Remember NO NEWINFORMATION!

    This section

    recommends specific

    action thatshould/could be taken

    based on yourconclusions.

    NOTE:

    It could be done using

    a bullet-point list.

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    8. Reference List

    8. Appendices

    Reference List

    Central Queensland University (CQU) 2004, Guide for students, 5th edn,Central Queensland University, Rockhampton.

    Li, R-C, 2004,English as a second language, viewed 4 January 2004,

    http://www.rong-chang.com

    Summers, J & Brett, B 2003 Communication skills handbook: how to

    succeed in written and oral communication, rev edn, John Wiley & Sons,

    Brisbane.

    Remember to list allsources you refer toin-text in a

    reference list.

    DO NOT number orbullet the sources.Simply place allsources inalphabetical orderaccording to theauthors familyname.

    Appendix 1

    REFERENCING QUESTIONNAIRE

    Please complete the following questions and provide detailed answers.

    1. What is referencing?___________________________________________________

    ___________________________________________________

    ___________________________________________________

    2. Name three different referencing systems.___________________________________________________

    ___________________________________________________

    ___________________________________________________

    3. What referencing conventions are used at the University you attend?______________________________________________________________________________________________________

    ___________________________________________________

    4. Why do students need to reference their assignments?______________________________________________________________________________________________________

    ___________________________________________________

    5. Do you think referencing is complicated and unnecessary? Ifyes, state your reasons.

    ___________________________________________________

    ___________________________________________________

    ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

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    All appendicesmust be labelled(numbered).

    Appendices presentadditional materialthat the reader mayneed to see tounderstand yourdiscussion. Theseare materials thatare too large ordisruptive to placewithin the body ofthe report.

    Make sure you placeeach appendix on aseparate page.Each should have atitle

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    AIC LSU Student Resources: Report Writing This document is uncontrolled when printed

    Report Checklist

    1. Structure Title Page: Title of report, author (you), date lodged

    Letter of Transmittal (if required)

    Executive summary/abstract/synopsis

    Table of Contents and List of Tables and Figures

    Acknowledgements(If required)

    Introduction(with background, aims and scope stated)

    Assumptions: Have you listed any assumptions you have made?

    Body:Do all paragraphs follow logical paragraph structure?Are sections/paragraphs arranged in logical order?Are paragraphs of an appropriate length (100-250 words); no single sentences sitting on their

    own?

    Are all paragraphs relevant? Can each paragraph be directly linked to the original questionbeing asked?

    Conclusion:Does the conclusion summarise the major findings and provide a final answer to questions

    posed in the introduction?

    Are recommendations clear and direct and are they supported by your analysis?

    Appendices (each appendix on a separate, labelled page)

    Reference ListHave you included all references in reference list? Is it in alphabetical order?

    2. Content Have you kept to the word limit?Have you used a variety of resources/references to support your ideas?Is there sufficient analysis (own words)- Approximately 90%?Have you used the correct referencing format (Harvard style/ Footnotes)?Have you provided correct in-text references (Author date) for all DIRECT

    and INDIRECT quotes?

    3. Layout/Grammar/

    Presentation

    Have you used complete sentences throughout?Have you written in the third person (i.e. no use of I my or you etc.)

    Have you checked spelling?Have you numbered all headings/subheadings sequentially?

    Make sure you have:Size 12 font1.5 spacing3cm marginsPage numbers, Name and Student ID number on each pageAssignment coversheet

    Make a printed copy of the assignment before submitting it.