By Staff Writer | Last Updated August 4, 2015
Depending on what style is used to write the report, a variety of samples can be found online to assist the writing process. The Purdue OWL gives extensive information about writing in MLA or APA style. Other less popular writing formats, such as Turabian or Chicago, have less available online resources.
According to the Purdue OWL, different subjects use different formats. MLA is used for general topics, APA is used for psychology and sociology related subjects, and Turabian and Chicago are used for history papers.
The Purdue OWL gives a sample paper, in-text citation guidelines, and bibliography guidelines for MLA and APA papers. MLA uses standard 1-inch margins, double-spaced lining, and Times New Roman, 12-point font. The OWL gives detailed formatting information, then goes on to explain what to include in the paper. After listing the title, the author should broadly introduce the topic in their first paragraph, narrowing down the subject matter and directly introducing the topic of the paper in the last sentence of the paragraph, the thesis. From here, at least three body paragraphs should be written that directly relate to the thesis. The first sentence of each of these paragraphs is known as the topic sentence and can be used to check if the paragraph relates to the thesis and keep the paragraph on track. The conclusion follows the body paragraphs, and the first sentence of the conclusion should reword the thesis. Continue the paragraph by restating the findings and bringing closure to the topic.
The Purdue OWL gives comparable guidelines for APA. APA has slightly different format and citation guidelines. The writing of the report is similar, but uses headings and is more research based.
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