Interdisciplinary & Global Studies Division
Global Perspective Program

Appendix 5: Common Problems in Report Writing

Instructions to Advisees

  1. Grammar/Spelling/Punctuation
    1. Misspelled word.
    2. A sentence should not end with a preposition.
    3. Incorrect in number. Should be singular (or Plural).
    4. Do not switch tenses of verbs.
    5. Incorrect punctuation.
    6. Not a complete sentence.
    7. Use a dictionary to hyphenate words.
    8. Avoid run-on sentences.
    9. Work should be proofread before being submitted.
    10. Avoid split infinitives.
    11. Verbs must agree with subjects in person and number.
    12. Check on the correct use of colons and semi-colons.
    13. "Data" is a plural word, so it takes plural modifiers and plural verbs.
    14. Use personal pronoun (not impersonal pronoun) here.
    15. Pronouns must agree with antecedents in person and number.
    16. This should be an adverb, not an adjective.
  2. Format (Arrangements of Parts, Typing, Form, Etc,)
    1. Except for portions of the 'Introductions' Chapter, the report should (generally) not be written in the first person.
    2. Table of Contents, Table of Tables, Table of Figures and Charts are to be understandable without reference to the text accompanying them. Therefore, unexplained abbreviations are not to be used and sources are to be cited in full.
    3. Foreign phrases ARE (usually) underlined or italicized in the text.
    4. Check Kate L. Turabian manual (A Manual for Writers, latest edition) for correct typing format.
    5. Slang and colloquialims do not (generally) belong in a formal report.
    6. Incorrect citation.
    7. Incomplete citation.
    8. Divisions/subdivisions are not correct. Check Turabian.
    9. Make sure titles and subtitles of each chapter are exactly the same in "Table of Contents" as in the text.
    10. Refer reader to appropriate appendix.
    11. Would not this material be more appropriately placed in an appendix?
    12. Be consistent re capitalization.
    13. The first time an abbreviation is used it should be placed in parentheses, preceded by the spelled out version; e.g., "The Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP) is..."
    14. All titles and subtitles in the report need to be self-explanatory so that readers skimming the report can correctly assess its contents.
    15. None but the most common of abbreviations should be used in report titles and subtitles (see #14 above).
    16. Footnotes may be placed at the end of the chapters as "end notes" (for easier typing).
    17. Abstract has to be less than eighty (80) words (WPI rule).
    18. No citations in abstract.
    19. All sources used in endnotes (or footnotes) should be listed in the bibliography.
  3. Content (Research Report Procedures, Style, Clarity, etc.)
    1. full citations are necessary for all quoted material, all specific facts which are not general knowledge, and all quantitative data.
    2. Use parallel construction.
    3. Personal biases, sarcasm, etc., should not be evident in a formal report.
    4. Avoid value-laden words and expressions; attempt a more objective presentation.
    5. Do not draw conclusions which do not follow from your data/analysis. All speculations should be clearly identified as such.
    6. Make sure all your assumptions are clearly stated.
    7. Meaning is unclear/ambiguous. Rework.
    8. For the sake of clarity, keep modifying clauses/words close to the word(s) they modify.
    9. Antecedent unclear. Clarify.
    10. Poor/awkward English.
    11. Words are (apparently) missing.
    12. Logic is unclear.
    13. A bit more variety in wording would be welcomed by the reader.
    14. Organization is a problem for you. Please hand in a brief paragraph by paragraph outline with your submissions.
    15. Avoid categorical, unqualified statements which are either not documented or not attributed to experts in this area.
    16. Usually it is necessary to quote only when the particular wording is essential. Otherwise, paraphrase appropriately for the point you are making, and cite source.
    17. You're begging-the-question; explain more fully.
    18. Inappropriate wording for a formal report.
    19. Please discuss only one idea per paragraph.
    20. This is too wordy.
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Last modified: October 19, 2006 13:14:42