RAFFLES INSTITUTION PROJECT WORK 2012 WRITTEN REPORT BASIC FORMAT 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

clear pagination typewritten and double-spaced font size no smaller than 12 include in-text citations (APA) include references (APA) max 3000 words As far as possible, present relevant findings from your primary data in charts/tables/graphs/diagrams. All tables/charts/graphs/diagrams etc should be integrated into the report itself. These should also be explained in the written paragraphs. Sources should also be provided. If they are your own, use group number as a source. Please label all tables/charts/graphs/diagrams e.g. Fig 1, Fig 2 etc The report should be in prose and not in point form. There must be a contents page which will contain the headings and sub-headings as well as a list of appendices TITLE 1. 2. 3. 4. is NOT a repetition of the task title you need to come up with your own use some creativity and originality maintain a link to the subject material i.e. the title should give examiner a clue about what the project is about 5. try NOT to state the obvious 6. Keep the wording SHORT! GENERAL GUIDELINES Choice of words 1. Use words which are precise and appropriate for the context and your reader. Words should be chosen to express meaning and not impress the reader. 2. Use short simple words rather than long ones which confuse and annoy the reader. When you have a choice of two words, both of which convey the meaning equally well, use the one that is familiar. You will then use the word correctly. 3. Technical words and jargon should only be used when you are sure the reader will understand them. Avoid acronyms e.g. TAF, SIA, PHAT if you cannot explain them. 4. Avoid foreign words (if you cannot explain them), coined phrases, clichs and colloquialism. Some examples are by hook or crook; up the rates and a can of worms.

Conciseness 1. Avoid redundancy and long-windedness by using vague and meaningless modifiers. Instead of Use a distance of ten metres ten metres Commute back and forth commute OR back and forth absolutely essential Essential personal opinion Opinion It is our strong and undeniable belief We believe that 2. Use verb construction rather than noun construction e.g. Instead of Use bring about a change Change effect an improvement Improve Tone 1. Avoid sounding stiff and rigid. The emphases on I; we and you as well as a less formal vocabulary produce a warm and friendly tone. 2. Use the active voice. E.g. The RI student was admired by Brad Pitt vs. Brad Pitt admired the RI student. 3. Avoid stock words and phrases which say nothing to the reader. e.g. for your perusal and attention - owing to unforeseen circumstances - in due course - it should be pointed out that - permit me to say 4. Think about how your writing will affect your reader rather than how it appears and sounds to you.
Get a friend/ classmate who is not in your group to read the report. This will allow you to see if your writing makes sense. If you have to answer a lot of questions, revise your work.

CHECKLISTS EDITING CHECKLIST Use the following to refine and edit your project before submission. Items to Check Yes No 1. Introduction and scope a. Is your introduction brief? b. Do you state the objectives of your report? c. Is the scope clearly spelt out? d. Is the rationale for the scope provided? 2. Elaboration & Development (Substantiation) a. Have you used a broad range of examples, diagrams, explanations to support/validate/authenticate your ideas/claims? b. Have you used a wide range of sources i.e. data collected and literature reviewed? c. Are these sources credible i.e. reliable/trustworthy/in a position to write about or comment on your topic? d. Is there any idea which should be added or taken out? 3. Creativity/Imagination/Interest Value (Generation of ideas) a. Are the ideas original/re-expressed well from original sources? b. Have interesting/valuable modifications been made? c. Are the conclusions you have drawn mature? Do these show an understanding of your area? d. Have you looked at the issues/area from different perspectives/angles? 4. Are you convincing? (Analysis & evaluation of ideas) a. Why will your suggestions work? b. What are the limitations/problems with these suggestions? c. What do you need for your suggestions to work? d. Have these suggestions been made before? e. Have you reflected on/discussed the implications of your findings? 5. Language, Relevance & Clarity (Organisation of ideas) a. Is the writing relevant to the sections and sub-sections? b. Are the main ideas easily understood? c. Have you addressed all task requirements? d. Does the writing engage the reader? e. Have you included your citations? f. Is your grammar/spelling/punctuation in order? g. Is the format you have used easy to follow? h. Have you labeled all diagrams? i. Have you explained the diagrams in the actual report? j. Is your contents page clear and accurate? Remarks

KEY FEATURES OF A FORMAL REPORT: A CHECKLIST Have you checked for the following?

Title Page

Contents Page The Report itself Citations References Appendices Others

Project title Name of team members Word length Date of submission Do you have one? Have you listed the sections and sub-sections accurately? Have you included the page numbers? Have you followed all the sections/sub-sections? Have you listed the sources for all charts, diagrams, figures etc? Have you made references to the material you have read? Have you used the data you have collated? Have you used the correct form for citations (i.e. APA)? Is the references page included? Are the references from a variety of sources? E.g. Internet/books/periodicals? Are all the appendices necessary? Are they listed in order? E.g. Appendix A, Appendix B, etc Have you kept your report to 3000 words? Have you used the correct font sizes? Are the font types consistent throughout? Have you used double-spacing throughout the report? (Note: Only Contents Page, References and Appendices should be in singlespacing) INDICATE NO. OF WORDS AT END OF REPORT

Assessment Criteria (as in the MOE question paper) Substantiation of ideas directs candidates to ensure that the ideas they present in their Written Report are backed up by supporting details and examples. This could be information that candidates have gathered in the form of literature reviews and/or real world data gathered from surveys, interviews, fieldwork or experiment. Examples should be given to support points being made and should include diagrams, designs, photographs etc. Generation of Ideas requires candidates to use the outcomes of research in which they have been engaged to develop ideas of their own. Analysis and Evaluation of Ideas requires candidates to consider, analyse and judge critically the quality and effectiveness ideas they are presenting. Organisation of Ideas focuses on the structure of the Report in terms of its organisation, development and overall coherence.

SUBMISSION OF WRITTEN REPORT INSTRUCTIONS SUBMISSION DEADLINE: NO LATER THAN 9AM, OCTOBER 12 Items for submission: 1. 1 WR EXAM copy 2. 1 WR SCHOOL copy 3. 1 CD soft copy of WR Item 1: WR EXAM copy ORIGINAL Exam Copy Page (Tear out from your SEAB Question Booklet P.7) to be completed and signed by every group members Place the Exam Cover Page on top of your report and bind Ring-bound (Black) CLEAR plastic cover on the front, black hard paper for the back Single-sided printing in full colour

Item 2: WR SCHOOL copy Anonymous (i.e. Remove all names of group members and Supervising Tutor from the report cover, acknowledgements page, etc.) Ring-bound (Black) CLEAR plastic cover on the front, black hard paper for the back Single-sided printing in full colour

Item 3: CD soft copy of WR (Note: This CD is the soft copy of your final WR that will be submitted to SEAB.) Save only ONE FILE (Full report with Appendix and References, EXACTLY like the printed WR) Save the file name as RJ XYZ.docx (XYZ is your group index number) Save in Microsoft word docx format On the CD, use permanent marker to write the following: o Class o Group Index No o Name of group leader o Group leaders contact number o Name of your PW tutor Bear in mind that this CD is NOT rewritable, so you should save your document only when you are very sure that it is the final copy. You will have to replace it with your own CD if you damage the one given