A lot of times you are given instructions where you have to do research and write a report on what you learned. Sometimes we just do research to gather extra information on a specific topic and will just read it.
If you have to give a report on research you did, it means you will have to write about what you read on a topic.
Today we will have a look at how you will gather information and write a report.
Before you start your research, lets look at a few very important rules
Most people these days find their information on the internet. If you are going to use the internet, make sure that you have your parent's permission and you can also have them present while you do your research. Not only can they help you to search for information or give you a few extra ideas, they can also help and check that you do not go onto sites that are not suitable for children.
If you are going to use books from the library, remember to look after them carefully and return them on time. Do not write or scribble in any books or fold the pages, and most important of all do not cut out pictures from the book.
You can use magazines if you need to cut out pictures, but first ask your parents. They maybe still want to read it.
Now lets get started
- First of all make sure you have the correct book or website that has the information on the topic you must research.
- Decide on different headings that you can divide you topic into. If you have to do research on 'Ants' you will divide it into different parts and for each heading your will find information and pictures or videos. For instance
- Different species of ants
- What do they eat
- Who are their enemies
- Where do they stay
- What different types of ants live in a colony etc.
- If you are using a book, look in the table of content to find the correct pages in the book where you will find relevant information.
- Make notes on the work that you read. Do not just copy down word for word what you read. Write it in your own words and stick to the topic. Keep your notes short - you will later on write it out in longer sentences.
- If you have all your notes ready, you must now put them together in a certain way. You can use a flow diagram or mind map. This will help you see in which order the information must be written down and which information fits under which headings. Not all people like to use mind maps, you can also just write a list of your ideas.
- Under each heading you must have one main thought like for instance - under the heading 'Kinds of ants', your main thought will be a list of a few types of ants and maybe some pictures.
- Once you have your notes in the correct order and you know what your main idea is and what information you want to use, you can start writing.
- Make sure the report is legible (easy to read) and neat and you can make it more interesting by adding some pictures or writing with different color pens.
- Also make sure that you understand what you write and that way you will also learn more about the topic.
- Remember to use your own words and check your spelling.
- Have fun gathering information and learning from it.
