Structure of the Political Campaign Report
To keep your report organized and easy to understand, there is a certain format to follow. This report writing format makes it easier for the reader to find what she is looking for. Remember to write all the sections in plain English.
The main sections of a standard report are as follows.
Title: The front cover must include a title for the report, the student’s name, student ID. You can include a table of contents (Links to an external site.), optional.
Summary: The summary consists of the major points of analysis. It needs to be a short general overview of the report. It would be best to write this when the report is finished so you can include everything.
Introduction: The first page of the report needs to have an introduction. Here you will explain the aim of report, why it is being written. You might need to give a definition of terms if you did not include these in the title section and explain how the details of the report are arranged.
Relevant Literature (review of relevant academic literature/other case studies. Minimum of 8).
Relevant theory (overview of relevant theory that informs your analysis of the campaign: i.e. pol comm theory, framing theory, hybrid media theory, agenda setting theory, political marketing, rhetoric etc. A minimum of two.)
The campaign: This is the main section of the report. Please write in plain English. You can break this section into sub-headings to deal with certain aspects in the order of importance. Each section should be each clearly labelled, making it easy for readers to find the information they seek. Some possible headings could be (these are suggestions only and in no special order):
Background and wider context to the campaign (Political, social context of the campaign.)
Position of campaign and its actors in the field of political communication (McNair)
The campaign – detailed description of the campaign. Must embed links to examples of advocacy.
Media coverage of the campaign. Embed links. Can use charts and graphs if required.
Public/government reaction to campaign
Analysis and discussion (separate or combined): where it failed and succeeded. Relate to literature and theory).
Conclusion: This is where everything comes together. Remember to write in plain English, active sentences. Wrap it up.
Recommendations (only if relevant): This is where you discuss any actions that could have been taken to improve the campaign. In plain English, explain your recommendations, putting them in order of priority. Support with lit/theory.
References: minimum of 8 academic references (peer reviewed journal articles), plus relevant quality grey literature (media reports/industry reports etc.)
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