Prepared by:Dalal OubraimIlhame MajdiMounia KhelloufiMounia Reda

Background ReportPrimary Research ReportFeasibility ReportEvaluation ReportRecommendation Report

Background ReportBackground reports provide background on

a topic. They solves real workplace problems and respond to real workplace needs.

Background reports focus on a specific topic meeting specific audience needs.

The two essential infrastructures of the background reports are definition and classification.

Background ReportTechnical background reports solve

workplace problems by providing information on a topic, satisfiying the needs of the readers.

Example: In 1999, HP company wrote a background reports about the use of « nanotechnology » for its clients.

Background ReportSTEP 1: Build a team (As with other types of

reports)

Background ReportStep 2: Find a project requiring a

background report. (example: use of new technologies)

Example: For a technical background report about « nanotechnologies », there will be no recommendations, instructions or conclusions. There will be only introductory background information for readers.

Background ReportStep 3: Analyze the audience and purpose

When you find a subject, think about the specific audience that might read the background report.

Taking our example on « nanotechnology », there might be investors, government officials, organizations, marketing analysts.

Background ReportStep 4: Choose the « packaging » for the

report

Thinking about the design that will be used for the report, as a memo report, online report, e-mail report, or formal report.

Background ReportStep 5: Narrow the topic for the report

Summarize all the information gathered, using appropriate words to be undertood.

Background ReportStep 6: Use the infrastructure to develop a

tentative outline.

Infrastructure: description,process, causes, effects, definition, classification and persuasion.

Example: « manufacturing at the molecular level ».

Background ReportStep 7: Plan and develop graphics and

tables.

When conducting a research on a topic, graphics and tables will be used. DO NO forget to include them in the bibliography.

Background ReportStep 8: Set up a source list (bibliography)

Step 9: Review and revise your rough draft

What is Definition ?Definition means the explanation of the

meaning of a potential unfamiliar word.There are 3 types of definitions:

Synonym Definitions Formal Sentence Definitions Extended Definitions

Synonym DefinitionsIt is the use of a simple, familiar word in

order to provide a quick on-the-spot definistionof a potentially unfamiliar term.

Formal Sentence Definition It is the use of a full sentence to provide a

more formal definition of a technical term.Formal sentence definition has a particular

structure: Defining the Term. Locate the term in a category. Differentiates that term from other members of that

category.

Extended definitionsDefinitions that take up one or more

paragraph to be explained.technical terms ( global warming, big bang theory, nanotechnology etc.)

Tools of definition are used to convey the full sense of the term being defined in the extended definition.

How to write and extended definition?1. Find a simple project requiring an

extended definition.Some examples: rain forests, recycling, dyslexia, acupuncture etc.

2. Define an audience and a purpose.3. Research the term4. Write a formal sentence definition5. Choose the tools for the extended

definition

How to write and extended definition?Extended definition tool DescriptionDescription Provide description detail about the

term being defined

Process Explain the steps in one or more processes related to the term

Causes Discuss causes related to the term being defined

Effects Discuss consequences, results, and effects related to the term

Problems Compare the term being defined to relates or opposite things

Comparisons Discuss the categories into which the term being defined can be divided

Applications Discuss the real world uses of some aspect of the term

Benefits, advantages Discuss any benefits or advantages associated with the term

How to write and extended definition?6. Plan and develop graphics7. Organize the materials you’ll use to

write extended definitionSome organizational patterns:- chronological- general > specific or specific>general- theories> applications

How to write and extended definition?8. Sketch the headings you’ll use and the

contents they introduce9. Plan an introduction10. Plan a conclusion11. Consider the format12. Review and revise your rough draft

ClassificationDetermine the category of the topic, item,

concept,…

Divide the topic into categories

Location within CategoryState different potential categoriesCharacteristics of each category Comparison

Determine the best category, or make up a new one

Division into CategoriesBasis of ClassificationDetermine one basis of classification- Fulfill readers needs- Useful & informative

Subject Basis of Classification Categories

Diabetes Dependency on Insulin

1) Insulin dependent

2) Non-insulin- dependent

Division into Categories

Divide the subject into categories

Write a formal sentence definition for each category

Discussion of Categories

Discuss each category separately

Use tools of extended definition

FormatDescriptive title centered at the top of the

pageDefinition of topic IntroductionDefinition of categories Body paragraphsUse second-level & third-level headingsUse lists, notices, illustrations, tables,

highlighting, & documentation

Video

Subject Basis of Classification

Categories

“Solar Energy Systems”

The use of mechanical power

1)Passive solar energy

2)Active solar energy