Language
How can I write a good report?
When you write a study assignment, the language must be of the right level of formality, and the content must be clearly formulated. It is no good if you use spoken language, for example, or an informal style similar to that of emails or text messages. The language must be factual and precise, and you must, of course, demonstrate that you can apply the key concepts of your profession. Moreover, it's crucial that you keep to the general rules of spelling, and that you demonstrate a common thread throughout your assignment.
The common thread
How do I establish a "common thread" in my assignment?
Your assignment must be seen as a whole, with a logical connection between the different sections and chapters. In other words: There must be a common thread.
There are several things you can do to establish a common thread. First of all, it is about your assignment having a targeted focus and a natural progression. You should never leave your reader in any doubt as to why s/he should read a specific section, or how this section should help answer the problem formulation. The sections must cohere, and the progression must be logical to the reader.
A good way to do this is to use so-called meta text. In short, meta text is text about the text. That is, text that describes what the text is about and what it is used for.
Meta text is often used at the beginning and at the end of a section. At the beginning of the section, meta text sets the frame for the section, i.e. what the section is to be used for, and what content the reader can expect to meet. At the end of the section, meta text is often used to connect the section with the rest of the assignment or to tell the reader what comes next.
Meta text at the beginning of the section
Example 1: In the following section, I will briefly outline the general concepts of experience economy.
Example 2: To answer the second part of my problem formulation, this section includes a description of what is meant by the concept of outsourcing, and a brief description of the development in Denmark for the past 10 years.
Meta text at the end of the section
Example: After having explained the technical construction of green roofs, I will look into the maintenance of the roofs in the following section.
By means of meta text you create consistency and help your reader on the way. Always remember that your reader is not as well informed as you are. Give him/her a guided and easy-to-follow experience.
Academic language
The language of a study assignment
When writing a study assignment, the language has to be clear and precise, and you must prove that you are able to apply the terminology of your profession.
Good (and not so good) words
Some words are good at demonstrating an academic approach:
Analyse, argue, justify, vary, investigate, define, discuss, assess, select.
Stay away from words that are emotional and subjective (personal):
Agitate, review, expect, feel, believe, entertain, postulate, experience, confess.
Passive and active constructions
Unfortunately, some students tend to use passive constructions (where the sender is left out) and obscure language – in the belief that it sounds more academic. However, it often confuses the reader as it is difficult to follow the reasoning and purpose of the assignment.
Take a look at this passive sentence:
The productivity of the machine is tested, and the results are passed on.
Here, you do not know who is investigating the machine's productivity or who is receiving the results. Instead, try to make the language more active and concrete:
The operator tests the productivity of the machine and forwards the results to the manufacturer.
In this sentence, it is quite clear who does the testing and who receives the results.
Keep it professional
Besides being professional and precise, the assignment must not appear personal or have a personal tone. But does this mean that you cannot write “I” in a study assignment? Not necessarily.
You may use “I” when you are taking a position on the assignment's defined problem. For example, you may use “I” about the choices you have made, the way you have chosen to structure your assignment, or when you are discussing your results:
"I have chosen to use questionnaires to uncover the preferences of my target group.”
"To answer my problem formulation, I will start by accounting for the main concepts within social media marketing and then (...)”
However, it is important that you do not use “I” in connection with think, believe or similar expressions.
"I think teenagers spend too much time on social media.”
“I think it is strange that teenagers should spend so much time on social media.”
If you are in doubt, it is always a good idea to ask your teacher what s/he prefers.