Literacy

Writing a Research Report

Match Report Features to Their Purpose

Draw a line to match each feature of an information report to its purpose.

Heading structure

Present tense

Technical vocabulary

Third person ('it', 'they')

Introduction paragraph

Conclusion paragraph

Creates objectivity — removes the personal perspective of the writer

Organises information into categories for easy navigation

Summarises the key information and reflects on significance

Signals that this is a subject-specific text for an informed reader

Suggests that the information is generally true, not just at one moment

Defines the topic, previews the sections, and hooks the reader

TipGo through the features in order before your child matches them. Understanding the purpose of each feature is the foundation for writing a successful report.

Sort: Narrative vs Report Features

Sort each feature into NARRATIVE (story) or INFORMATION REPORT.

Past tense: 'The lion chased the zebra.'

Present tense: 'Lions typically prey on zebras during dry season.'

Specific individual: 'Maya ran all the way home.'

General class noun: 'Mammals are warm-blooded vertebrates.'

First person: 'I was frightened when I saw the snake.'

Third person objective: 'Snakes are ectothermic reptiles.'

Plot and conflict: 'The hero discovered the villain's plan.'

Classification: 'There are over 3,500 species of snake worldwide.'

Narrative / Story

Information Report

TipSome students find this distinction harder than expected — particularly the move to general nouns and present tense. Reading examples aloud together helps the difference click.

Plan Your Report

Use this planner to organise your report before writing. Complete each section carefully — a strong plan makes writing much easier.

Topic: _______________________________________________________ Key question my report will answer: __________________________________

Section 1 heading: ______________________________________________ Key facts to include: ________________________________________________

Section 2 heading: ______________________________________________ Key facts to include: ________________________________________________

Section 3 heading: ______________________________________________ Key facts to include: ________________________________________________

Sources I will use (at least 2): _____________________________________

TipHelp your child notice when a category is too broad (split it) or too narrow (merge it). Categories should be roughly equal in scope.

Report Language Practice

Rewrite each informal sentence in formal, report-style language. Use third person, present tense, and remove personal opinions.

Informal: 'I reckon blue whales are the biggest animals ever and they make really loud noises.' Report style: ________________________________________________

Informal: 'The rainforest is amazing and it has heaps of animals we don't even know about yet.' Report style: ________________________________________________

Informal: 'In my opinion, recycling is super important and everyone should do it.' Report style: ________________________________________________

TipRead both versions aloud — the formality difference is clear when heard. Ask: which sounds like it belongs in an encyclopedia?

Circle the Better Report Opening

In each pair, circle the better report opening.

Which is a stronger opening for a report on sharks?

This report is about sharks. I am going to tell you about them.

Sharks have existed for over 450 million years — predating the dinosaurs by 200 million years — making them one of Earth's most successful and ancient predators.

Which is stronger for a report on renewable energy?

In my opinion, renewable energy is really important and we should use more of it.

Australia generates approximately 35% of its electricity from renewable sources, a figure that has tripled over the past decade as solar and wind technology has become more affordable.

TipAsk your child to explain why the better option is better — the explanation is more valuable than the identification.

Write Your Introduction

A report introduction should define the topic, state what it will cover, and open with something engaging — a surprising fact, a statistic, or a rhetorical question. Write your introduction paragraph (4–6 sentences).

Write your introduction here:

Draw here

TipEncourage opening with something that earns the reader's attention. 'The blue whale's heart is the size of a small car' is far more compelling than 'This report is about blue whales.'

Practise Paraphrasing

Read each passage, then close the source (cover the text) and write the information in your own words. Do not look back at the original until you have finished writing.

Passage: 'The Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park covers approximately 1,326 square kilometres in the Northern Territory of Australia. The park is of deep spiritual significance to the Anangu people, the traditional custodians of the land, who have lived in this region for at least 30,000 years.' Your paraphrase (write from memory after covering the passage):

Draw here

Passage: 'Southern right whales migrate from Antarctic feeding grounds to the warmer waters of southern Australia each year to give birth and breed. The whales were once hunted to near extinction and are now a protected species.' Your paraphrase:

Draw here

TipThis read-and-cover technique is the foundation of genuine note-taking. It is harder than it looks — but after two or three tries it becomes natural. Watch for phrases that have been half-copied rather than truly paraphrased.

Sort: Which Section Does This Information Belong In?

You are writing a report on sea turtles. Sort each piece of information into the correct section.

Seven species of sea turtle exist, all classified under the family Cheloniidae or Dermochelyidae.

Many sea turtles are caught accidentally in fishing nets, a process called bycatch.

Sea turtles are found in all tropical and subtropical oceans around the world.

Leatherback turtles feed almost exclusively on jellyfish.

Sea turtle populations have declined by over 80% in some species due to hunting and habitat loss.

Sea turtles are air-breathing reptiles and must surface regularly despite spending most of their lives underwater.

Protecting nesting beaches is one of the most effective conservation strategies.

Green turtles travel thousands of kilometres between feeding and nesting grounds.

Classification and Habitat

Diet and Behaviour

Threats and Conservation

Research Session — Note-Taking Practice

Spend 20–30 minutes researching your report topic. Use at least two different sources. Take notes using the read-close-recall-write method.

1Choose a topic for your report (if you haven't already).
2Find two credible sources (Australian Museum, National Geographic, CSIRO, government sites).
3Read one paragraph at a time, then close the source and write notes in your own words.
4Record the source title and URL for your reference list.
5Bring your notes back to the worksheet for the next activities.

Write a Section Paragraph

Using your research notes, write one section of your report (4–6 sentences). Begin with a clear topic sentence.

Section heading: ______________________________________________ Section paragraph:

Draw here

TipRemind your child that all notes should now be in their own words — they should not be looking at the original sources while writing the report paragraph.

Write a Conclusion Paragraph

Write a conclusion for your report (3–5 sentences). Summarise the key information, reflect on why the topic matters or what you found most surprising, and close strongly.

Write your conclusion here:

Draw here

TipThe conclusion should not introduce new facts. It should synthesise what the reader has learned and leave them with a sense of the topic's significance.

Evaluate Your Sources

For each source you are using in your report, evaluate its reliability using the SIFT method: Source (who created it?), Information (is it accurate and current?), Footprint (does it link to primary sources?), Tone (is it objective or biased?).

Source 1 URL or title: _____________________________________________ Who created it? _________________________________________________ Is the information accurate and current? _____________________________ Does it cite primary sources? ______________________________________ Tone (objective or biased)? _______________________________________ Overall reliability (1–5): ___

Draw here

Source 2 URL or title: _____________________________________________ SIFT evaluation:

Draw here

TipSource evaluation is one of the most important research skills for secondary school and beyond. Work through the first source together using SIFT before your child evaluates the second independently.

Write Two More Section Paragraphs

Using your research notes, write two more body section paragraphs for your report. Each should begin with a topic sentence and contain 4–6 sentences of relevant information.

Section 2 heading: _____________________________________________ Paragraph:

Draw here

Section 3 heading: _____________________________________________ Paragraph:

Draw here

TipRemind your child to write from their notes, not from the original sources. Each paragraph should cover only the information relevant to its heading — information that belongs elsewhere should be saved for the right section.

Sort: Formal Report Language vs Informal Language

Sort each phrase into FORMAL (suitable for a report) or INFORMAL (not appropriate).

heaps of

a significant proportion of

totally amazing

particularly notable

you know what I mean

this demonstrates that

it's really bad

poses a significant environmental risk

I reckon

research indicates that

Formal Report Language

Informal Language

TipRead each phrase aloud. The ones that sound out of place in an encyclopedia are informal.

Improve a Draft Section

Read the draft section paragraph. Identify three problems (informal language, missing technical vocabulary, unsupported claims) and rewrite it at a higher quality.

Draft: 'Dingoes are really cool Australian animals. They eat lots of different stuff like kangaroos and rabbits. Dingoes are getting rarer because of farmers who don't like them. It's actually pretty sad because they were here first.' Three problems identified:

Rewritten version (use formal language, add one specific fact, remove opinion):

Draw here

TipImproving someone else's writing is often easier than improving your own. This builds the editing skills your child needs for self-revision.

Add Technical Vocabulary

Choose three technical terms relevant to your report topic. For each one, write a sentence that uses the term correctly in context.

Technical term 1: _____________ Definition: _______________________ Sentence using the term in context:

Technical term 2: _____________ Definition: _______________________ Sentence:

Technical term 3: _____________ Definition: _______________________ Sentence:

TipLook up definitions together if needed. Encourage your child to verify the meaning by looking at the term in context in a reliable source before writing their own sentence.

Write a Glossary Entry

Write a glossary entry for three technical terms in your report. A glossary entry defines the term in plain language suitable for the reader.

Term 1: ________________ Definition: ________________________________________________

Term 2: ________________ Definition: ________________________________________________

Term 3: ________________ Definition: ________________________________________________

TipA glossary entry should be clear enough for a reader who has never encountered the term before. This is genuinely hard — it requires understanding the term deeply enough to explain it simply.

Find an Expert Source

For your report topic, find and read one source from a genuinely expert organisation: a government department, a university research page, a museum, or a scientific body.

1For science topics: CSIRO, Australian Museum, BOM (Bureau of Meteorology).
2For environment: Australian Department of Climate Change, WWF Australia.
3For history: State Library of NSW, National Library of Australia, AIATSIS.
4For health: NHMRC, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
5Read 2–3 paragraphs from your expert source and add one fact to your notes.

Write Your Full Report — First Draft

Write a complete first draft of your report: introduction, three or four body sections, and conclusion. Use all your planning and research notes. Aim for approximately 400–500 words.

Write your full first draft on a separate page. When complete, record your word count here: _____ words.

TipA first draft is not meant to be perfect — it is meant to be complete. Encourage your child to write without stopping for too long on any single sentence. The revision stage comes next.

Self-Edit Your Report

Read your draft report and evaluate it using the checklist below. Make notes on what needs improvement.

Introduction check: Does it open with something engaging? Does it preview all sections? YES / NO — what needs improvement?

Report language check: Is it written in third person, present tense, formal vocabulary throughout? Identify any informal language and note it here:

Evidence and accuracy check: Are all facts supported by your research? Are there any unsupported claims?

Technical vocabulary check: Have you used at least three technical terms correctly?

Conclusion check: Does it synthesise rather than just repeat? Does it reflect on significance?

TipRead the draft aloud together — sentences that are unclear or informal usually stand out when spoken. Encourage your child to trust their ear.

Sort Report Revision Priorities

Sort these revision tasks by priority: High Priority (fix before anything else), Medium Priority (important but after high), Low Priority (polish only after other issues are resolved).

Fixing factual errors

Improving sentence variety for rhythm

Ensuring all sections have topic sentences

Choosing slightly more precise synonyms

Removing informal language

Adjusting font size for consistency

Checking that the conclusion synthesises rather than just summarises

Adding a more engaging opening to the introduction

High Priority

Medium Priority

Low Priority

TipTeaching your child to prioritise revision tasks models professional editing practice. Structure and accuracy always take priority over style and polish.

Revise Your Draft — Make Five Improvements

Make at least five specific improvements to your draft report. Record each change below.

Improvement 1 — what changed and why:

Improvement 2 — what changed and why:

Improvement 3 — what changed and why:

Improvement 4 — what changed and why:

Improvement 5 — what changed and why:

TipEach improvement should be justified — 'I changed this because...'. This habit of explaining revision decisions is a mark of genuine writing development.

Plan a Visual Aid

Every good report benefits from at least one visual element. Plan a diagram, table, or illustration that would enhance your report.

What type of visual would best suit your report? (Table, diagram, map, timeline, labelled illustration)

What information would it show, and which section of the report would it accompany?

Sketch or describe your planned visual aid here:

Draw here

TipVisual aids in reports serve a specific informational purpose — they clarify, organise, or illustrate information that is harder to communicate in prose. Encourage the design to serve the content, not just decorate the page.

Add a Synthesis Sentence

A synthesis sentence draws together information from multiple parts of your report to make a bigger point. Write one synthesis sentence for your conclusion that connects at least two of your body sections.

Synthesis sentence connecting two sections of your report:

TipModel this together: 'The combination of [fact from Section 1] and [fact from Section 2] suggests that...' or 'What both [Section 1] and [Section 2] reveal is...' This is the hardest writing task in the report process.

Present Your Report Orally

Present the key findings of your report as a 3–4 minute oral presentation to your family. Use your written report as notes, but try to speak rather than simply read.

1Structure your presentation: introduction (30 sec), three key findings (2 min), conclusion (30 sec).
2Try to speak from memory of the content, glancing at notes rather than reading.
3Ask your audience: what was the most surprising fact?
4Ask: what question does your report make them want to answer?
5Record feedback for any revisions to the written report.

Critical Reflection on Your Report's Perspective

Read your draft report critically. Identify one perspective, group, or consideration that is underrepresented or absent from your report. Discuss what you would add if you were to write a more complete account.

What perspective, group, or consideration is underrepresented in your report?

What additional information or source would you add to give a more complete picture?

Does this absence change the overall impression your report gives? Explain:

TipThis is a genuinely mature task. The goal is not to rewrite the report but to develop the habit of asking 'who is missing?' in any account of the world.

Write Your Final Polished Report

Produce a final, polished version of your report incorporating all revisions. If possible, type it and use headings, font hierarchy, and a bibliography. Aim for 450–600 words.

Write your final report on a separate page. When complete, record your word count and confirm all sections are present: Word count: _____ Title: _____ Introduction: _____ Sections: _____ Conclusion: _____ Bibliography: _____

TipThe final report should feel genuinely finished. Reading it aloud together is the best final quality check — clunky sentences, informal language, and structural problems are all more obvious when spoken.

Extend Your Report — Add a Fourth Section

Identify a fourth aspect of your topic that your report has not yet covered. Research it briefly and write an additional section paragraph.

New section heading: ___________________________________________ New section paragraph (using research notes):

Draw here

Source used for this section: _____________________________________

TipAs knowledge grows, reports often need to expand. This extension task mirrors the real experience of writing longer documents — once you think you are done, there is always more to explore.

Convert Your Report to a Different Format

Using the same research, rewrite a brief version of your report in a different format: a news article (200–250 words), a documentary script (short), or an infographic plan. Discuss how the format changes the way you present the information.

Format chosen: ________________________________________________ Your version:

Draw here

What changed when you used this format instead of a report? What did you have to leave out?

TipDifferent formats for the same information — this is a sophisticated literacy task that reveals how form shapes content. A news article has different priorities to a report; a documentary script uses voice and visuals. Discuss what is gained and lost in each format.

Sort: Report Writing Quality Criteria

Sort each criterion by how critical it is to report quality.

Factual accuracy

Decorative borders on each page

Use of credible, cited sources

Consistent font across the document

Third-person, present-tense language

At least one photograph or diagram

Clear section headings and topic sentences

A glossary of technical terms

Essential

Important

Desirable

Annotated Bibliography

Write an annotated bibliography for your report — a list of your sources with a one-sentence note on why each is reliable and relevant.

Source 1: Title, author, URL or publication, year. Annotation (one sentence on reliability and relevance):

Source 2: Title, author, URL or publication, year. Annotation:

Source 3 (if used): Title, author, URL or publication, year. Annotation:

TipAn annotated bibliography is used in secondary and tertiary education. Introducing it here builds an important academic literacy habit.

Peer Evaluation of Your Report

If possible, ask a parent, sibling, or study partner to read your report and give structured feedback. Record their responses below.

Reviewer: ______________________ What did the reviewer say was the strongest part of the report?

What did the reviewer say was the most interesting fact?

What did the reviewer say could be improved?

What revision will you make based on this feedback?

TipRead the report aloud to the reviewer rather than asking them to read silently — it is faster and the listener is more likely to notice where the writing is unclear. Ask specific questions rather than open-ended ones.

Match: Section to Its Purpose

Match each report section to its main purpose.

Introduction

Body section

Conclusion

Reference list

Credits sources and allows readers to verify or explore further

Provides in-depth information on one specific aspect of the topic

Establishes topic, scope, and significance; orients the reader

Synthesises key findings and reflects on the topic's importance

TipUnderstanding the purpose of each report section enables students to make deliberate structural choices rather than following a template mechanically.

Write: Your Report Introduction

Write a formal introduction for your research report (4–5 sentences). Include: what the topic is, why it matters or is interesting, and what aspects the report will cover.

My research report introduction:

Draw here

TipThe introduction is often the hardest paragraph to write because it requires knowing the whole report before you can introduce it accurately. Encourage revision after the body sections are drafted.

Sort: Information Report vs Persuasive Text Features

Sort each feature into whether it is typical of an information report, a persuasive text, or both.

Uses subheadings to organise sections

Presents evidence to support a specific viewpoint

Uses third person and formal language

Includes facts and statistics

Contains a call to action

Aims to inform the reader

Information Report

Persuasive Text

Both

TipUnderstanding genre differences prevents students from accidentally importing persuasive features into reports and vice versa. This distinction appears in NAPLAN writing assessments.

Write: One Body Section

Write one body section of your research report. Include: a subheading, 4–6 sentences of factual information using formal language, and at least one specific fact, statistic, or expert detail.

Subheading:

Body section content:

Draw here

TipBody sections are the core of the report. Encourage your child to write each section as if explaining the topic to someone who is intelligent but knows nothing about it.

Research Notes Template

Use this template to record notes from one source for your report. Paraphrase all information except any direct quotations (which should be in quotation marks).

Source (title, author/organisation, date, URL if digital):

Key information — paraphrased in my own words:

Draw here

Any direct quotation I may use (in quotation marks, with page number or URL section):

TipStructured notetaking templates scaffold the research process. This template mirrors professional research practice and prevents plagiarism.

Circle: Formal or Informal Language?

Circle the more formal option in each pair. The formal option is appropriate for a research report.

Which is more formal?

The platypus is a really weird animal.

The platypus is a remarkable and highly unusual mammal.

Which is more formal?

Scientists have found that coral bleaching is getting worse.

Research conducted by marine scientists indicates that coral bleaching events are increasing in frequency.

Which is more formal?

Lots of Australians live in cities.

The majority of Australia's population resides in urban centres.

Rewrite for Formal Register

Rewrite these informal sentences in formal report language.

Informal: 'Koalas sleep a lot because their food doesn't give them much energy.' Formal rewrite:

Informal: 'Climate change is a really big problem and we need to do something about it.' Formal rewrite:

TipRegister shifting — adjusting language formality for purpose and audience — is a key ACARA Year 6 outcome. This task makes the difference between registers explicit.

Write: A Report Conclusion

Write a conclusion for your research report (4–5 sentences). Include: a brief summary of the main findings, a reflection on why the topic matters, and possibly a final observation or forward-looking statement.

My report conclusion:

Draw here

TipReport conclusions are often underdeveloped. A conclusion that synthesises rather than repeats, and that shows the writer's engagement with the significance of the topic, is the mark of a mature researcher.

Match: Reference Format to Source Type

A reference list records your sources. Match each source type to the information you need to record for it.

Website article

Printed book

Documentary film

Author/Director, Year, Title, Studio/Channel

Author, Year, Title, Publisher, City

Author, Date accessed, Title of article, Website name, URL

TipIntroducing basic referencing at Year 6 establishes a habit that will serve students throughout secondary school and beyond. The format matters less than the practice of recording sources.

Sort: Report Writing Steps in Order

Sort these steps in the research report writing process into the correct order.

Research: find and evaluate sources, take paraphrased notes

Draft: write introduction, body sections, conclusion

Select topic and formulate key questions

Revise and proofread; compile reference list

Plan: organise information into sections with subheadings

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

TipUnderstanding the full process — not just the writing — is important. Many students skip planning and research, which leads to thin or inaccurate reports.

Self-Edit Your Report Draft

Use this checklist to self-edit one section of your report. For each item, mark yes or no, then make corrections.

Checklist: Does my section have a clear subheading? (yes/no and note)

Is every sentence factual and in formal language? (yes/no and note any informal language to fix)

Have I included at least one specific detail (fact, statistic, example)? (yes/no and note)

Is the information in my own words (not copied from a source)? (yes/no)

TipSelf-editing against explicit criteria is more effective than general re-reading. This checklist mirrors the kind of criteria used in formal writing assessments.

Interview a Subject Expert

If possible, identify someone in your community or family who knows about your research topic (a farmer, nurse, builder, naturalist, etc.). Prepare three interview questions and record their responses to use in your report.

Expert I will interview (name and their connection to my topic):

Interview question 1 and response:

Interview question 2 and response:

Interview question 3 and response:

TipPrimary research — gathering information from a real person — is a powerful extension of report writing. It connects the academic task to the real world and teaches interviewing as a research method.

Improve This Weak Introduction

Read this weak report introduction, then rewrite it to be excellent — using all five elements from the tip above.

Weak introduction: 'This report is about sharks. Sharks are interesting. I will write about where they live, what they eat, and their behaviour. I hope you find it interesting.'

My improved introduction (using all five excellence elements):

Draw here

TipRevision of weak writing is often more instructive than writing from scratch. The comparison between weak and improved versions reveals exactly what quality means.

Write: Your Full Report Plan

Create a complete plan for your research report. Include: topic, key question, three or four section topics with notes on what each will cover, and your reference list (sources found so far).

Topic and key question:

Section 1 topic and key points to cover:

Section 2 topic and key points to cover:

Section 3 topic and key points to cover:

Sources found so far (title, author/organisation, URL):

TipA complete plan before writing is the single most effective way to improve report quality. Research shows that planning time is not wasted — it dramatically improves both the writing speed and the quality of the final product.

Cross-Curricular Connection: Report on a STEM Topic

Choose a STEM topic related to something you have studied this year (in science, geography, or mathematics). Plan a two-paragraph report excerpt on that topic, applying your report writing skills to another subject area.

STEM topic chosen and its subject area connection:

Two-paragraph report excerpt on the STEM topic:

Draw here

TipCross-curricular transfer is the highest-order application of a skill. A student who can apply report writing skills across subjects is developing the genuine academic literacy needed for secondary school.

Write: A Glossary for Your Report

Research reports on technical topics often include a glossary — a list of key terms with definitions. Write a glossary of 5–8 technical terms from your research topic.

Glossary (5–8 terms with precise definitions in formal language):

Draw here

TipCreating a glossary requires students to understand terms well enough to define them accurately in their own words. It also makes reports more accessible to readers.

Proofread and Revise

Proofreading is different from editing. Proofreading looks for surface errors: spelling, punctuation, grammar. Take one page of your draft and proofread it carefully. List every error you find and how you corrected it.

Errors found and corrections made:

Draw here

Which type of error appeared most often? What will I watch for in future writing?

TipProofreading is a discipline separate from writing. Many students write well but proofread poorly. Encouraging slow, word-by-word reading builds this skill.

Reflection: What I Learned About Research

Write a reflection (5–6 sentences) on what you have learned about the research report writing process. What was the most difficult step? What will you do differently next time?

My reflection on the research and report writing process:

Draw here

TipProcess reflection builds metacognitive awareness — the ability to monitor and direct one's own learning. This is one of the most powerful skills developed in the Australian Curriculum's General Capabilities.

Add Analysis: Why Does This Fact Matter?

Choose three facts from your research report. For each fact, write one additional sentence that analyses its significance — why it matters, what it suggests, or what it means for the broader topic.

Fact 1 and its significance:

Fact 2 and its significance:

Fact 3 and its significance:

TipThe habit of asking 'so what?' after every fact is a core academic thinking skill. Encouraging it at Year 6 builds the analytical muscle needed for secondary school.

Create a Visual Aid for Your Report

Create or describe a visual aid (diagram, map, table, or graph) that would enhance your research report. Write a caption for it that explains what it shows and why it is relevant to your topic.

Type of visual aid and what it would show:

Caption (what the visual shows and why it matters):

Where in the report would this visual appear, and why there?

TipVisual literacy — the ability to create and interpret visual information — is a key component of multimodal literacy in the Australian Curriculum. Even a hand-drawn diagram or a described table builds this skill.

Write: A Strong Final Sentence for Each Section

The final sentence of each section is its most important — it synthesises and links. Write a strong final sentence for each of your body sections. Each should summarise the section's contribution to the overall topic.

Final sentence for body section 1:

Final sentence for body section 2:

Final sentence for body section 3:

TipSection-closing sentences are often the weakest part of student reports. Training explicit attention on them improves structural coherence significantly.

Sort: Report Language Features — Formal vs Informal

Sort each language feature into Formal (appropriate for a report) or Informal (not appropriate for a report).

Third person ('Scientists have found...')

Contractions ('don't', 'can't', 'it's')

Precise technical vocabulary

Slang or colloquial expressions

Hedging language ('research suggests...')

First person ('I think...')

Passive voice ('It was found that...')

Direct address ('You can see that...')

Formal — use in report

Informal — avoid in report

Present: Explain Your Report to Your Parent

Verbally explain your research report to a parent or family member — without reading from it. Explain your topic, why it matters, the three main things you found, and one thing that surprised you. Then ask: what question did my explanation raise for you?

What question did your listener have after your explanation?

How would you address that question in a future version of your report?

TipOral presentation of written work builds fluency, consolidates understanding, and develops the very different skill of explaining versus writing. The question your audience raises often becomes the most valuable feedback.

Your Research Journey: From Question to Report

Write a 5–6 sentence account of your research journey for this report: what question started you off, what was the most surprising thing you discovered, what was the hardest part of the research or writing process, and what would you do differently next time?

My research journey — from question to completed report:

Draw here

TipProcess narration — telling the story of how you completed a task — is a metacognitive skill that builds learning awareness. It helps students understand not just what they learned but how they learn.

What I Now Know About Research and Writing

Write a final paragraph (5–7 sentences) on what this unit has taught you about research, academic writing, and the value of writing to communicate genuine knowledge.

What I now know about research and writing that I did not know before:

Draw here

TipThis final reflection marks the completion of the full research report writing cycle. Celebrate this genuinely — completing a research report is a significant academic achievement at Year 6.

100

Publish Your Report

Find an audience for your finished report. This could mean: sharing it with grandparents, presenting it to the local library, contributing it to a family newsletter, or submitting it to a school or community competition.

1Share the finished report with one interested reader outside your immediate family.
2If the topic is relevant, contact the organisation responsible for it (a national park, a zoo, a council) and share your findings.
3Consider entering a school writing competition or submitting to a student publication.
4Discuss: how does knowing someone will really read your work affect how carefully you write?
5Record the response — what did your audience find most interesting?