Formal report draft process
In the third unit of the ENG 301 course, we were asked to write a formal report draft. Having no knowledge in writing a formal report, I found this task challenging. Looking at the requirements was overwhelming because this is new to me; however, once I placed headings and subheadings, it helped me stay focused on what I was discussing.
My formal report is based on enhancing infection prevention and control guidelines at Smiles Dentistry. I am satisfied with my topic because I chose something that I see in my daily life.
When conducting research, I discovered a plethora of material for this report. The research involved hours spent reading through secondary sources that were relevant to my topic and a process of elimination of irrelevant data. I had to research secondary sources that outlined infection prevention and control standards in Ontario. This process was familiar as I searched different databases for many papers I have written in the past. However, a learning curve was presented when putting the secondary information obtained into the report. I had to bear in mind that the report should not read like an essay which took more time to construct the document.
For the primary research, this was new because I had never handed out surveys before and was a little apprehensive about the response I would receive from my coworkers. To my surprise, the team at Smiles Dentistry was very accepting and provided excellent feedback for my research.
I have now realized this assignment has enabled me to express my knowledge of constructing a formal report. It also helped enhance my English writing and expressing thoughts and ideas. This assignment has dramatically shaped my critical thinking skills. Instead of writing in the way accustomed to, I was able to evolve in my writing abilities. This assignment enabled me to constantly reassess my writing to make sure I was writing with a YOU attitude, avoiding pronouns, enhancing readability, eliminating wordiness and becoming more concise. I now challenge myself to analyze text to make the proper connections using appropriate transitional sentences for my ideas to come across transparently.
In hindsight, I can see how this new method of writing has helped to elevate my writing skills. This exercise is practical, and that’s what I enjoyed the most. Given the field I would like to pursue, an employer would expect a formal report. Therefore, I am blissful about the experience gained. Altogether, through the progression of the course, it can be attested that I have learned so much. To be honest, I did not expect to see such growth in a limited amount of time.
Peer review process
For the next stage in the assignment, I reviewed Gabriella Meroli Assad’s draft and was provided feedback on my draft. Gabriella provided sound recommendations, and I am grateful for the positive and critical feedback received. Reading Gabriella’s draft, I was able to see coherent solid writing skills. I liked how well her headings and subheading coincided with the text, and the visuals were used very well, which helped further accentuate the arguments raised. I was able to see shortcomings in my writing style and what I should improve on going forward. While reflecting on the criticism given and cross-referencing my draft, I can see where I had some run-on sentences to limit the use of ambiguous nouns and modifiers and reducing the number of pronouns. This peer-review process has highlighted the importance of editing to elucidate sentences. I always benefit from this peer review process because it fosters more excellent writing techniques.
Hyperlink of formal report draft:
https://blogs.ubc.ca/engl301-98a-2021sa/2021/07/14/formal-report-draft-2/