How to Write a Report for 6th Grade

Binders

So you've got to churn out a report for a 6th-grade class. There are two different ways this subject is normally approached: either you're a 6th grader who needs clarification or a parent who needs to proofread your child's paper properly. There is a special form to use when composing a report for elementary school. If this form is followed closely and the paper exhibits that a student has absorbed the assigned information and can communicate it clearly, then it will be a guaranteed "A." As always, your teacher-assigned instruction sheet should be your first resource for how to write your report.

Things You'll Need

• Word processing program
• Reading material (if applicable)
• Binder for notes

Instructions

1. Review your subject. If you are writing about an event attended, make a list of the most important things about the event. If you are writing a book report, write down key information as you read. Good notes help answer: who is involved, what is happening, when did it happen and where did it occur.

2. Start your paper with an introduction paragraph. Briefly state the moral or main points of what you are writing about. This paragraph prepares a reader to know what will be covered in the report. This paragraph should be 3 to 5 sentences.

3. Summarize the events, in the next paragraph. This should be purely factual and give a detailed recounting of what occurred. Start from the beginning of the event or story and tell the main points that led up to the conclusion or ending of the story. This should be 3 to 5 sentences.

4. Explore the significant points in the next paragraph. You can do this by either telling details about a character in your text, or by speaking more specifically about events that occurred. These should help prove your thesis. This should cite specific circumstances, events, or words. You may need to do 2 or more paragraphs like this. Pay close attention to the teacher's guidelines for the particular assignment. This paragraph may be 3 to 5 sentences.

5. Form a concluding paragraph. This should recap everything that you spoke about earlier in your paper. Be sure to again state the main points that you want the reader to take from the book or event.

6. Take a break from writing for 15 to 30 minutes after you have finished your paper.

7. Read your paper again after your break to see if it makes as much sense as it did when you wrote it. Ask yourself if you had never done or read ........., would this make sense to you.

Tips & Warnings

• Never write, "I am going to talk about...." Many teachers wish to teach students more creative ways to state their thoughts.

• Never start your last paragraph with, "In conclusion...." TV and movies have made this seem like a clever choice, but many teachers see it as unnecessary.

• Always cite your work.

References

• 6th grade writing assignments
• 6th grade writing curriculum
• Book report form