What is provided here is a possible formula for writing an academic assignment. Please remember there is no definitive way in which to write a report. Think of your report as a 3-part exploration and explanation of how to answer the question i.e. i) in theory, ii) with reference to secondary information/ evidence and, iii) a critique of both i) and ii). It is a matter of exploring the validity of various (and sometimes contradictory) perspectives on the key issues. A report is best approached as an intellectual argument that develops from the ideas, issues, theories, concepts, methodologies, etc. that you have covered within the module. Remember, no theory or perspective has the whole picture. A prime purpose for a report is to critique particular ideas, pointing out how explanation A might be more useful and valid than B in these circumstances. On the other hand, in the Conclusion of your report, you might want to point out that in other contexts there may be other factors that need to be considered. Therefore, does this limit or question the weight of claims you have made in the development of your current argument?
Key questions before you embark on writing your report
1. Have you clearly identified the key issue(s) of the assignment question?
2. Have you checked the command word in the question – e.g. explain means give details about why a certain perspective can be advocated; evaluate means make a critical appraisal of the work and validity for a particular explanation of how topic in question seems to work.
3. In the development of your main argument, will you take a particular position that views the key issue(s) from within a certain theoretical perspective?
4. Maybe, though, you will take two slightly different positions when answering the question. Or perhaps, you will chose to tackle the question from two contrasting perspectives? If so, is there anything that is common for the topic to be understood and explained in these differing views?
Read less