Report Writing Style Guide for Engineering Students

Students need to  develop the skills associated  with report writing to communicate appropriately at University and to fulfil the obligations of their future employment. The provision of this Report Writing Style Guide for Engineering Students is to assist students in developing these writing  skills. The initial project was funded  by the University of South Australia Foundation Inc, the Division of Engineering, Information Technology and the Environment (formerly the Faculty of Engineering) and the Flexible Learning Centre (formerly the Centre for  University Teaching  and Learning) at the University of South Australia. Learning Advisers, Engineering Staff and personnel from other units collaborated to produce this document which is written in the form of  a model report. The  Style Guide specifically deals with: formatting guidelines, components of a report, referencing of sources, planning and writing a quality report. Style is often a matter of personal preference. Report writing styles will sometimes differ according to the purpose of the report and the requirements of a particular school, employer or publisher. It is recommended that particular attention be given to visual impact and readability; referencing of sources; proofreading and editing; and  that the selection of style be consistent and appropriate to both  audience and purpose.