Before the First Draft

• 1). Begin writing the handbook. Be aware that much of the report-writing process is completed before the words are written or typed onto the paper. You must have a clear understanding of the main idea or thesis statement. Use websites, encyclopedias, books and periodicals, to gather information about the topic to support the main idea.
  
  .
  
  
• 2). List any sources on note cards. Sources should be noted carefully and accurately and you should use a separate card for each source. Pay close attention to the acceptable styles for citations. You can find descriptions of the styles in style sheets, such as the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers and Kate Turabian's A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations
  
  Include a sample research notecard in the handbook. Write the proper citation on one side and sample notes written on the other side of the card.
  
  
• 3). Create an outline before beginning the first draft. This outline should have an introduction, at least three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Think of the report as having a beginning, a middle, and an end.
  
  Include a template for the outline. This template should have a separate page for each component of the outline (introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion).
  
  
• 4). State the main idea or thesis statement clearly in the introduction. Briefly state the important supporting points. You should dedicate a paragraph to each of the supporting points as the report is written.
  
  The introduction should get the reader's attention. You might want to begin it by asking a question, including a startling statistic, or making a bold statement to intrigue and intice the reader.
  
  Indicate where the thesis statement should be placed within the introductory paragraph of the outline. Experienced writers can place the thesis statement at the end of the introduction; other writers may find it easier to place it at the beginning.
  
  
• 5). include at least three body paragraphs. The main idea of each body paragraph will be supported by facts and details. The introductory sentence of each body paragraph should state the main idea; a middle sentence should provide facts and details; and the conclusion summarizes the paragraph and connects it to the reader.
  
  Indicate where these elements appear on the outline.
  
  
• 6). Restate the thesis statement in the conclusion, along with a summary of main points of the report. Connect these points to the original main idea as stated in the introduction. Connect the main points to the reader so the reader can relate to what has just been "proven" to them.
  
  Indicate where the thesis restatement and reader connection should appear in the conclusion.
  
  

Writing the Report

• 1). Include a step-by-step description of Writer's Workshop techniques for the actual writing of the report. The numerous steps include writing a first draft, self-editing, writing a second draft, getting a peer to edit the writing, and similar tasks until the result is satisfactory.
  
  
• 2). Include samples of the correct citations for the Works Cited page. You should also include a Works Cited Page template.
  
  
• 3). Include space for self and peer comments on the last page of the report writing handbook. Be sure the report is organized, interesting, grammatically correct, and focused on the topic. This an important step for the writer to learn.