How to Write a Research Report for Middle School Students

If it’s the first time you’re writing a research report, it’s but natural for you to be tensed. Most of you won’t even know where to begin – let alone complete it. However, you need not worry. Every middle school student writes a report for their first time, it’s not just you. Others have done it, so can you!

All the great research writers you know of have been in your position a few years ago. They knew not where to begin, but they did and have mastered the art of it as well. You could be the next expert, even though it may seem like you’re going to fail.

All you need to do is be confident, persevere and everything will be fine. Of course, there are going to be times wherein you make mistakes, you may even get it complete wrong and your grades may reflect it. Everyone has to fail in order to succeed. After all success is the fruit of failure. Let’s cut the lecture short and begin with the actual question: ‘How to write a research report for middle school students?’

First and foremost you need to understand the topic of the report. Some teachers would give you instructions regarding the number of paragraphs/pages as well as what you need to write in each paragraph or page. Whereas, other teachers would let your creative mind complete the report the way you think best. I’d surely prefer the second type of teachers – not sure about you though.

Now you need to begin the report writing process. One thing to keep in mind when writing it, is to never exceed the maximum limit too much. There will be times wherein you may need to write a bit more to prove your point. But, try to stick to facts and leave out the unnecessary points – never repeat stuff and see to it that you never write fluff.

Now that you know what you’re topic is all about, try to come up with a main idea so as to begin your report. Your entire research report should focus on this main idea. So, spend some time and give it a thought – remember haste is waste!

Usually middle school essays are around 5 paragraphs and may be around 2 pages in length. Of course, there’s a huge variance, but this is about the average. No matter what you’re research report is about, the first paragraph needs to be the introductory paragraph, make it informative, but an easy read.

Once you’ve completed the introductory paragraph, you can say half the work is done. For most writers, getting started is the biggest hurdle they ever face. Therefore, once you’ve completed the introduction, you need to focus on the actual body of your report. The body will comprise of the second, third as well as fourth paragraph.

The final paragraph is the conclusion; it is here that you need to write down the results of your research and point out the key points of your research report.

The final and most important step is the one wherein you proofread your work. Even though you’re not entering a writing competition, you need to make sure that the research report you wrote is up to mark and there are no spelling and grammar mistakes – not even punctuations! You’re definitely not a professional editor; so, just do your best – that’s it. 

Teachers may find writing research reports really easy – a piece of cake isn’t it?

However, you should remember that you too were a middle school student once upon a time; and, I’m pretty sure that you would have found it a bit challenging, especially if you’re teacher didn’t provide you with details. Therefore, as a teacher it’s your duty to provide your students with all they need in order to write a brilliant research report. After all, it’s their very first time writing one.

Teachers may find writing research reports really easy – a piece of cake isn’t it? However, you should remember that you too were a middle school student once upon a time; and, I’m pretty sure that you would have found it a bit challenging, especially if you’re teacher didn’t provide you with details. Therefore, as a teacher it’s your duty to provide your students with all they need in order to write a brilliant research report. After all, it’s their very first time writing one.

First and foremost you need to provide your students with a topic or list of topics on which you would want them to write a research report. If possible and if you do think they would need further help, you could guide them along the way by providing a list of possible research websites or sources such as books, magazines as well as documentaries in some cases.

Let them know the number of paragraphs or pages you want them to write their report in. This will help them plan out the entire writing process. Moreover, if possible try giving them a word count as that would give them more freedom when it comes to formatting the report in paragraphs.

Usually teachers stick to 5 paragraphs and each of them containing up to 7 sentences. Analyze the subject and ask yourself whether you want to go as per tradition or let freedom of thought kick in.  One things for sure, if you do give your students a lower limit and tell them to write a detailed report, there would certainly be some amazing reports on your desk by the end of the week. You’d be amazed at the potential of some kids.

Do you want them to cite their sources? Most researches need this to be done. Therefore, explain the process to them and this will make their research report a real report! The sources should be either in alphabetical order or arranged as per importance.