Week 17

SHORT REPORT

 a good report is concise and gets straight to the point without adding extra material
 if the reports are meant to be informative, you should not put your own opinion into
your report or add any persuasive elements
 use simple language and avoid using jargon
 use active voice/sentences and simple present tense for fact-based reports

FORMAT OF A SHORT REPORT

INTRODUCTION:
 Introduce the topic that you are going to report on by providing some background
information
 Then, write the thesis statement (usually the last sentence in your first paragraph) so
that your reader knows what your report is going to be about

Eg. Extreme weather conditions are experienced not only in Malaysia, but globally.
One of the contributing factors is air pollution. Based on the two articles read, Article
A describes how air pollution comes about while Article B explains the effects of air
pollution. (Introducing the topic) Thus, this report focuses on the causes and
effects of air pollution. (Thesis statement)

BODY:
 Can be made up of a few paragraphs
 Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence (main idea) followed by supporting
details (evidence to support the topic sentence)

Eg. The first cause of air pollution is the emission of carbon monoxide from vehicles
on the road. (Topic sentence) This reduces the oxygen content in the
surrounding, thereby resulting in all living organisms to inhale polluted air.
(Supporting detail 1) Constant exposure to polluted air triggers asthma,
cough, breathing difficulties and lung infection. (Supporting detail 2)

The second cause of air pollution is ...

CONCLUSION:
 Summarize your thesis again

Eg. Therefore, the causes of air pollution are emission of carbon monoxide from
vehicles, ..... The adverse effects are not only on our health but also ....
(Summary of thesis)
(700 words)

1
MESSAGES

 a short piece of information sent to or left for a person whom you cannot contact
directly
 it is a communication containing some information, news, advice, request, etc.
 can be formed based on a simple idea, highlight what is essential and use simple
language
 register and style can either be formal or informal depending on the audience,
purpose and context/occasion
 can be in various forms: e-mail, note, memo, letter, sms, etc.

ELEMENTS OF AN EFFECTIVE MESSAGE:

A strong message is credible, concise, relevant, compelling and communicative of

values.

 Credible
It is factually accurate, provides information to back up assertions, and is
delivered by people that are trusted on the subject

 Concise
A good message is clear and simple. Crisp messages that people can
understand and remember are much more effective than messages that are long

 Relevant
It starts with a person’s interests — what they already know and think — and
moves them to be where you want them to be

 Compelling.
It touches people so they are inspired to act

 Communicative of values.
Messages that are outlined in a way that connects with people’s core values (e.g.
fairness, equality, freedom, honesty) are the most powerful.

SPEECHES

 outline can be written for impromptu or prepared speeches

 all speeches have introduction, body and conclusion
 formulation of thesis statement, topic sentences and supporting details aid in
outlining of speeches
 cohesion and coherence as well as choice of words are vital
 style and register depend on the audience and context (formal/informal)