Amazonia University

Academic Writing Seminar

Reading Log Guidelines

Module 2. TEXTUALIZATION

Reading Log Writing: Style and Structure1

Writing a report can seem daunting at first, but with a solid understanding of the
fundamental structure and style used in constructing clear and concise reports, it can be
achieved. In this section you will see the guidelines for writing a SHORT REPORT or
READING LOG of the different materials/articles/others that you read along the process
of building your paper.

As with an essay, you will only be able to determine the structure when youve identified your
key message. Having established the type and purpose of your report, you need to plan before
you begin writing2.

The function of the

reading log is to give
account of the different
materials/data that you
consult along the review
process. This will also help
you organize your ideas
and have more material to
redact your paper.

1 For more info check: http://www.monash.edu.au/lls/llonline/writing/general/report/index.xml ;

https://www.google.com.co/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&ved=0ahUKEwihwKPpmrfWAhVCSyYKHdDLBdkQFgguMAI&url=http%3A
%2F%2Fwww.reading.ac.uk%2Fssc%2Fresource-packs%2Fsadc-
dvd%2F02%2520Intermediate%2520Level%2FModule%2520I4%2FModule%2520I4%2520Session%252006%2FReport%2520Writing.doc&usg=AFQjCNEZa
GdWTt1zouk7m7Q1-aAajEMFPw;
https://www.google.com.co/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=6&ved=0ahUKEwihwKPpmrfWAhVCSyYKHdDLBdkQFghCMAU&url=http%3
A%2F%2Fwww.reading.ac.uk%2Fssc%2Fresource-packs%2FUbosDvd%2FModule_2%2FM2_Session_10%2B11%2FModule_2_Session_10%2B11-
Handout.doc&usg=AFQjCNGJYkE-DLxQEWKwekfGjTvHxt3uXA ;
2 https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/uploads/production/document/path/1/1718/Reports.pdf
Amazonia University
Academic Writing Seminar
Reading Log Guidelines

The presentation of the Reading Log goes as follows:

Title : This will include the title of the report, who has written it and the date it was
written/submitted.

Executive summary
This is a very important part of many reports and may be the only section that some readers
read in detail. It should be written carefully, with a complete overview of the message in the
report.
Findings / analysis
This is the main body of the report, where you develop your ideas. Make sure it is well structured,
with clear headings, and that your readers can find information easily. Use paragraphs within
each section to cover one aspect of the subject at a time. Include graphs or other visual material
in this section if this will help your readers. The nature of this section will depend on the brief
and scope of the report. The sections should deal with the main topics being discussed - there
should be a logical sequence, moving from the descriptive to the analytical. It should contain
sufficient information to justify the conclusions and recommendations which follow. Selection
of appropriate information is crucial here: if information is important to help understanding,
then it should be included; irrelevant information should be omitted.

Conclusion
These are drawn from the analysis in the previous section and should be clear and concise. They
should also link back to the Terms of Reference. At this stage in the report, no new information
can be included. The conclusions should cover what you have deduced about the situation -
bullet points will be satisfactory.

References / Bibliography
Amazonia University
Academic Writing Seminar
Reading Log Guidelines

References are items referred to in the report. The Bibliography contains additional material not
specifically referred to, but which readers may want to follow up.

Appendices
Use these to provide any more detailed information which your readers may need for reference
- but do not include key data which your readers really need in the main body of the report.
Appendices must be relevant and should be numbered so they can be referred to in the main
body.

Glossary of Terms / Abbreviations

Provide a glossary if you think it will help your readers but do not use one as an excuse to include
jargon in the report that your readers may not understand.
Good presentation makes a report clearer
Information
Have you included the main points?
Are points supported by evidence?
Is the information relevant to the purpose?
Accuracy
Are there spelling mistakes?
Do the figures add up?
Are the references correct, in the text and at the end?
Are all sources of information listed in the References section?
Are abbreviations consistent?
Language
Is it clear, direct, easy to read?
Will the readers understand it?
Will its tone help you achieve the purpose?
Can unnecessary words/phrases be deleted?
Is the grammar/punctuation correct?
Is there any repetition?
Presentation
Amazonia University
Academic Writing Seminar
Reading Log Guidelines

Is the layout appealing?

Does it highlight important points?
Conclusion
When writing the report the following must be taken into account
The audience
The degree of understanding of the subject of the audience or target users
The structure of the report
The language and the grammar
The method and style of presentation (APA style)

Date due for first reading log: October 7,

2017 (including oral presentation)
Report on: 15 references (minimum)
Date due for second Reading Log: October
2, 2017 (including oral presentation)
Report on: 15 references (minimum)
Date due for third reading log: November
4 , 2017 (including oral presentation)
Report on: 20 references (minimum)