Writing A

Survey Report
Survey report
 Isa formal piece of writing based on research.
When reporting the results of a survey, the figures
gathered should be given in the form of
percentages and proportions.
Survey
 Is a method of collecting information or data in
which people self-report their own
opinion/behaviors in response to the questions The
purpose(s) of writing a survey report is to study a
research topic thoroughly, and to summarize the
existing studies in an organized manner. It is an
important step in any research project
Steps in writing a Survey Report
1. Break the report into separate sections with
heading. Survey reports usually use headings for
each section.
2. Write a 1-2 page executive summary paraphrasing
the report.
3. State the objectives of the survey in the
background section.
4. Provide background information by explaining
research and studies.
Tips in conducting a successful
Survey
1. Make sure that every question is necessary.
2. Keep it short and simple.
3. Ask direct questions.
4. Ask one question at a time.
5. Avoid leading and biased questions.
6. Speak your respondent’s language.
7. Use response scales whenever possible
8. Avoid guiding grids or matrices for responses.
Survey Method
is the technique of gathering data by asking
questions to people who are thought to have desired
information. A formal questionnaire is prepared.
Generally a non-disguised approach is used. The
respondents are asked questions on their
demographic interest or opinion.
Guidelines for Writing the Survey
Report
1. Value Communicated Objective, accurate and honest
presentation of facts and results
2. Basic Content
a. May consist of eyewitness accounts of first – hand
information.
b. May contain facts, data, figures or statistics on or from
people, Events, phenomena, structures, experiments,
questionnaires, interviews and library research.
c. May include materials and procedures or methods.
3. Modes of Ordering
a. Chronological or time order.
b. Geographical or space / spatial order.
c. Logical – Inductive and Deductive
d. Problem – Solution
e. Cause and Effect
f. Formal
g. Abstract – Introduction – Background – Statement of
the problem
h. Materials – Method or Procedure – Results –
Discussion – Summary
i. Conclusion and Recommendation
4. Basic Qualities of a Good Report
a. Objective, not subjective point of view.
b. Accurate, not sloppy presentation of facts ,
numbers, statistics and data
c. Honest, not false or incomplete details and
results.
d. Brief and direct
HOW TO WRITE A SURVEY
REPORT
 A survey report is a formal piece of writing based on research.
I - Structure
 Introduction State the purpose/aim of the report, when and how the
information was gathered.
 Main Body All the information collected and analyzed is presented
clearly and in detail (break down the respondents into groups
according to sex, age and place of residence, state the main differences
between groups). Subheadings, numbers or letters can be used to
separate each piece of information.
 Conclusion Sum up the points mentioned above. If necessary a
recommendation can be included as well (one way of summing up is
making some general comments).
II . Useful hints and phrases:
 Present Tenses, Reported Speech and an impersonal style
should be used in survey reports. Use a variety of reporting
verbs such as claim, state, report, agree, complain, suggest, etc.
 When reporting the results of a survey, the figures gathered
should be given in the form of percentages and proportions.
Expressions such as “one in four” or “six out of ten” can be
used, or exact percentages e.g. 25% of the people questioned,
68% of those who filled in the questionnaire, etc. Less exact
expressions such as: the majority of those questioned, a large
proportion of, a significant number of, etc. can also be used.
III. Useful language for reports:
 To introduce: The purpose/aim of this report, As requested,
This survey was carried out/ conducted by means of…,the
questionnaire consisted of etc.
 To generalize: In general, generally, on the whole, etc.
 To refer to a fact: The fact is that…, In fact, In practice, etc.
 To conclude/ summarize: In conclusion, All things
considered, To sum up, All in all, It is not easy to reach any
definite conclusions, If any conclusions may be drawn from
the data, It is clear that, The survey
shows/indicates/demonstrates, etc.
Sample Survey Report
 Fast-food Addiction
Vocabulary
From Merriam-Webster Dictionary
1. obesity (noun) - a condition characterized by excessive
accumulation and storage of fat in the body
2. obese (adjective) - very fat: fat in a way that is unhealthy
3. calorie (noun) - a unit of heat used to indicate the amount of
energy that foods will produce in the human body
4. hefty (adjective) - large and heavy: big and strong
5. dopamine (noun) - a monoamine that is decarboxylated to
dopamine and that occurs especially as a neurotransmitter in the
brain
6. euphoric (noun) – a feeling of great happiness and excitement
Parts of the report on fast-food
addiction
1. Statement of the problem : Fast-food addiction leading to obesity
2. Cause and effect : Sugar and fat in fast-food causing addiction
3. Analysis of the cause : Step by step description of how sugar and
fat affect the brain and lead to addiction
4. Proof (of the cause and effect relationship) : Laboratory
experiments on rats given a sugar and fat diet of chocolate drink
5. Application of the research : Sugar and fat addiction in rats being
similar to fastfood addiction in humans, leading to weight gain
Source: English for Academic and Professional Purposes Guide,
Department of Education, 2016.