376 / Types of Writing
-^ generally omits figurative language and other literary devices [see figure of
speech in the Glossary],
-^ directs the reader’s attention with headings,
-^ includes visual aid in the form of charts, graphs, diagrams, tables, and/or
illustrations,
-^ includes a table of contents and of charts, graphs, and illustrations,
-^ may include an appendix containing statistics or other supportive material too
cumbersome or complex to include in the text,
-^ uses the technical language appropriate for the subject matter,
-^ may include documentation.
As a specific kind of technical report, a lab report includes all of these characteristics
but also
-^ summarizes the proceedings of a laboratory experiment,
-^ presents the summary in clearly defined and clearly labeled sections of the
paper,
-^ acknowledges sources used for background research.
Process
The following steps outline the process of writing a technical report.
STEP 1: Prewriting—Determining the Purpose
Begin by pinpointing the purpose of your report. Are you convincing someone to
take a certain course of action? Are you giving information? Are you reporting on an
experiment and its results?
State the purpose of the report in a sentence or short paragraph. Try to avoid saying the
purpose of this report is; instead say this report provides... or this report presents... or
this report summarizes... or something similar.
STEP 2: Prewriting—Analyzing the Audience
Next, identify your audience. For instance, a salesman preparing a field report knows
that the sales manager and engineering staff want to know different things. So deter-
mine your audience and decide what it needs. List the general ideas you think your
audience wants or needs.