Research Reports

A research report is a structured piece of writing where you gather facts from multiple sources and present them clearly in your own words.

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Definition

A research report is a written piece where you investigate a topic by reading or watching reliable sources, taking notes, and then organizing and sharing what you learned in your own words with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Remember the rule

PIE your paragraphs: Point (state your idea) → Information (give facts from sources) → Explanation (tell why it matters). Then cite your source!

Key words

Topic: The specific subject your whole report is about, like 'How volcanoes form' or 'The life of Rosa Parks.'
Source: A book, article, website, video, or expert that gives you information about your topic.
Note-taking: Writing down key facts and details from your sources in your own words so you can use them later.
Paraphrase: Restate someone else's idea using your own words instead of copying their exact sentences.
Thesis statement: One sentence near the start of your report that tells the reader exactly what your report will explain or argue.
Body paragraph: A paragraph in the middle of your report that covers one main idea and supports it with facts and details.
Transition: A word or phrase like 'In addition,' 'However,' or 'As a result,' that smoothly connects one idea to the next.
Works cited / Bibliography: A list at the end of your report naming every source you used so readers know where your facts came from.

Worked examples

Your teacher says to write a report on sharks. What should your thesis statement look like?

→ 'Sharks are vital predators that keep ocean ecosystems healthy, yet three major threats are pushing many species toward extinction.' · A strong thesis tells the reader both the topic AND the main point the report will prove.

You find this sentence online: 'Great white sharks can detect a single drop of blood in 25 gallons of water.' How do you paraphrase it?

→ 'Great white sharks have an incredibly powerful sense of smell—they can sense just one drop of blood even when it is mixed into 25 gallons of water.' · You changed the sentence structure and wording but kept the same fact. That is paraphrasing, not copying.

You have three facts about sharks: (1) they have been around 450 million years, (2) they have no bones—only cartilage, (3) they must keep swimming to breathe. How do you turn them into one body paragraph?

→ 'Sharks are ancient and unique animals. They first appeared on Earth about 450 million years ago, long before the dinosaurs. Unlike most fish, sharks have no bones at all; their bodies are supported entirely by cartilage, the same flexible material in your ears. They must also keep moving constantly, because swimming forces water through their gills so they can breathe. These features make sharks unlike almost any other creature on the planet.' · Each sentence adds a different fact, and a topic sentence and closing sentence wrap the paragraph together.

What does a works-cited entry for a book look like?

→ Author last name, First name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year. Example: Musgrave, Ruth. National Geographic Kids Everything Sharks. National Geographic, 2011. · Always write the author's last name first so entries can be listed in alphabetical order.

You are writing a conclusion. What should it include?

→ Restate your thesis in new words, briefly summarize your two or three main points, and end with a strong closing thought—such as why this topic matters or what the reader should think about next. Do NOT introduce brand-new facts. · The conclusion closes the door; it reminds the reader of what they just learned rather than opening new topics.

Your report needs at least three sources. You have Wikipedia, one library book, and a .gov website. Is that okay?

→ Use the library book and the .gov website as solid sources. Wikipedia can help you get started and find keywords, but it should not be listed as a main source because anyone can edit it—try to find the original source Wikipedia links to instead. · Reliable sources are usually published books, educational websites (.edu), government sites (.gov), encyclopedias, or expert interviews.

Common mistakes

Copying sentences word-for-word from a source instead of paraphrasing—this is called plagiarism and is never acceptable.
Writing only opinions or feelings instead of supporting every claim with facts from sources.
Forgetting to include a works-cited list, or listing sources that were never actually used in the report.
Using only one source for the entire report—good research reports draw from at least three different reliable sources.
Skipping the thesis statement or writing one that is too vague, like 'This report is about sharks,' which tells the reader nothing interesting.

FAQs

How long does a 5th-grade research report have to be?

Most 5th-grade research reports are 3–5 paragraphs long (introduction, 2–3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion), roughly one to two typed pages. Always check your teacher's specific requirements.

Can I use my own opinion in a research report?

A research report is mostly fact-based. You can share your view briefly in the introduction or conclusion, but the body paragraphs should be filled with facts and evidence from your sources, not personal feelings.

What is the difference between a research report and a regular essay?

A regular essay can rely on your own ideas and experiences. A research report requires you to gather information from outside sources, take notes, paraphrase, and cite where your facts came from.

Do I have to write my notes in full sentences?

No! Notes can be short phrases, bullet points, or key words—whatever helps you remember the important fact. Just make sure you understand them later when you write your report.

What if two sources disagree on a fact?

Look for a third source to see which fact appears most often. Check which source is more recent and more expert. When in doubt, ask your teacher or librarian to help you decide which source is more trustworthy.

Why do I need a works-cited list if my teacher already knows I did research?

Listing your sources lets any reader check your facts, gives credit to the authors whose work helped you, and shows that your information came from real, trustworthy places—not made-up facts.

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