Report writing plays a large role in academic development and is an important part of student research.  A well-written report establishes the next steps necessary to solve problems and accomplish research goals.  It also gives your mentor a tool for determining laboratory protocal improvements or additions.

Final reports should be clear, concise, and written for a broad STEM audience.

Every report starts with a title page and a table of contents, after which come the main sections–the summary, introduction, discussion, and conclusion. 

The summary will help readers better understand the purpose, key points, and evidence you are going to present in the report. Readers who are in a hurry can read the summary for a preview of the report.

  • Include the purpose of your report.

  • Include only the essential or most significant information to support your theories and conclusions.

  • Keep the summary length to 10-15% of the complete report.

  • Try not to introduce any new information or point in summary that you aren't covering in the report.

  • The summary should communicate the message clearly and independently.

The introduction section should:

  • Briefly describe the background and context of the research you have done.

  • Comment on the limitations and any assumptions you have made to get to the conclusion.

The discussion section serves two purposes:

  • It justifies the recommendations.

  • It explains the conclusions.

The last key element of report writing is the conclusion section. 

  • The primary conclusion should come first.

  • Identify and interpret future research related to what you are discussing in your report.

  • Relate to the objectives that you have mentioned in the introduction.

  • Keep the conclusion brief and specific.

 

Finally, please add a short paragraph of the significance of having your research funded by MSGC or whomever supported your internship.