WR227 REPORT WRITING TOPICS

While you are free to choose virtually any topic for your term project, please keep in mind that your topic needs to be focused and specific. The key to selecting an appropriate topic for this class is to think about subjects and questions that are of genuine interest to you; what are your concerns, your aspirations, your areas of interest? Is it starting a new business? Is it researching a medical condition? Is it finding out what job opportunities/salaries are available for your chosen profession? Is it creating a manual to help others at work?

Again, please think about motivating issues that concern you, but ones you can stay objective about…then the “work” of this class will be not classified as so difficult because you will feel called to find an answer to your questions, to complete the report because you want to – not because you have to.

Finally, know that one person, one report can make a HUGE difference in the lives of others – and if that isn’t motivation enough to perform at your best in this class, then I don’t know what is.

Consider Such Possible Report Topics As…

  1. WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO OPEN A SMALL BUSINESS? What is your exact product or service? What capital is needed? Best business location? Competition? Make a specific business plan and concrete, objective recommendations as to what is involved in successfully establishing your own business.
  1. CREATE A MANUAL FOR YOUR JOB. Detail job responsibilities or create a step-by-step description of how to perform specific job functions (for example, use screen shots to visualize specific functions). Think about possible ways of combining this class’ objectives with an issue at work – always a plus!
  1. Determine EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES in your career field. Consider such factors as working conditions, salary scale, promotion opportunities, job security, location, job quality, etc. Consider writing a career profile to help other majors in your field – a report that the RCC career counseling center, for example, could use.
  1. Investigate BUYING A BIG-TICKET ITEM, such as a car, computer, etc. for a business (you must direct this report to an outside reader – not yourself as the author of the report). Define the criteria for comparison and compare each item in terms of this specific criteria (i.e., features, pricing). Make an objective recommendation about which item to buy.
  1. TARGET A PROBLEM THAT NEEDS ATTENTION– the problem issue could be related to a private business or to the community as a whole. Define the problem and research recommendations to solve it. Example: how to improve morale on the job; how to ‘go green’ in your life.
  1. Investigate METHODS OF OVERCOMING AN OBSTACLEin one’s life – such as managing stress, minimizing financial hardships, managing health problems, meeting fitness goals, etc. Write to an audience with similar concerns, stay specifically focused in your study, and make specific recommendations….for example, discussing financial strategies for college students on a tight budget.
  1. Analyze your business’ image (or product) in the community and recommend ways to strengthen it.
  1. Investigate ways to IMPROVE SOME CONDITIONon the job – such as improving working/safety conditions, strengthening employee morale, increasing productivity, taming escalating costs, increasing your customer base, finding ways of going ‘green,’ etc. Again, think about possible ways of combining this class’ objectives with an issue at work – always a plus!
  1. Investigate supplying/expanding a NEW PRODUCT OR SERVICEto your clients.
  1. Investigate the POSSIBLE SHORT AND LONG-TERM EFFECTSof ….a vegan diet, windowless offices, etc.
  1. Investigate the FEASIBILITY AND INFLUENCEof opening a new facility in your community – new civic center, stadium, etc.
  1. Discuss the possible CAUSES AND SOLUTIONSto a community problem - i.e. educational dropout in Southern Oregon.
  1. Discuss the POSSIBLE EFFECTS– positive and negative – OF IMPLEMENTING A NEW IDEA– such as legalizing gambling in Oregon.
  1. Discuss the FEASIBILITY of converting homes to solar heating.
  1. Analyze the ADEQUACY OF A SAFETY/EVACUATION PLANfor your area in the event of a life-threatening emergency – earthquake, terrorism, or any other disaster.
  1. Discuss how one canBREAK INTO THE…… BUSINESS? i.e. animation field, consulting business, comedy circuit. Make specific, professional recommendations.

These are just a few ideas to get you started thinking about a topic for your research project. As always, please remember to…

  • Write to a very specific audience about a very specific issue.Stay focused on specific, detailed issues.
  • Anticipate your audience’s many needs and questions in relation to your topic – this will help shape, focus, and organize your report.
  • Stay organized; use time efficiently! Trust me: Procrastination and lack of time are our biggest enemies in this class…not to mention the technology demons that like to play games with us! So work a little every day on your project and SAVE, SAVE, SAVE your work!
  • Stay objective in your research, in your thinking, and in your writing….do not anticipate answers to questions at this early stage of research.
  • Be prepared to work hard; but realize that if you assert the effort, the results will come! Remember: Little by little one walks far.
  • Make an appointment to see me to discuss your ideas/concerns! I promise to help!
  • Stay true to your vision! Keep yourself motivated!
  • Break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable units.
  • And…be aware of the WR227 mantra: Always be prepared to labor under Murphy’s Law: There will ALWAYS be some sense of urgency, another fire to put out in regards to this project, another ‘to do’ on your TO DO list – but that is the reality of working as a technical writer – and accepting this fact can ease anxiety and put you in in the right frame of mind: do one thing well…then move on.

Let your pen show you the journey.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead |