Example of an Introduction and Conclusion: Report

Assignment task (in brief): Evaluate two methods of recording dietary intake. (2000 word report)
Note how this introduction has: a broad statement about diet to set the context a brief definition of diet: a key term a narrowing of the focus, i.e. to the assessment of diet importantly, a statement of the purpose of the report and what is covered in the report (underlined).

1.0 Introduction
Diet plays an important role in maintaining health and vitality and, conversely, when diet falls short of recognised dietary guidelines, it can contribute significantly to lack of vitality and ill health. Diet refers to the customary amount and kind of food and drink taken by a person from day to day (Miller & Keane 1991, p. 241). Assessment of diet provides the means to help determine areas of dietary deficiency and enable recommendations to be made to improve diet in terms of types and amounts of food and the nutrient intake, and so enhance wellbeing. This study evaluates two methods of recording dietary intake and two methods of analysing diet, one quantitative and one qualitative. It also provides recommendations for the improvement of the dietary intake studied, to enable it to meet recognised nutritional goals.

2.0 Methods 3.0 Results 4.0 Discussion 5.0 Conclusion

Note that reports always use headings, and these are always numbered.

Note that an in-depth definition and/or explanation of both of these concepts would be given in subsequent sections of the report.

The study of food intake is a valuable tool for dietary assessment. Both the Weighted Food Method and Household Measures Method of collecting data have strengths and limitations. The Weighed Food Method is more accurate and easier to record, however the accuracy is dependent upon the commitment of the participant. SERVE and Core Food Groups analyses also have strengths and limitations. SERVE provides a detailed nutrient analysis which may be of benefit in analysing a particular nutrient deficiency, while the Core Food Groups provides information on food groups and gives an overall picture with regard to particular food group categories. The diet studied was generally reasonably well balanced. However, it is recommended that red meat be included to increase iron, zinc and B12 intake. In addition, two serves of breads and cereals and one serve of vegetables per day should also be included, with smaller serves of protein meats and cheeses. Assessment of the diet provides important nutritional information to assist in the determination of the quality of the diet and allows recommendations to be made to enable dietary maintenance of optimum health and vitality.
be models of appropriate and/or accurate content and references. Thanks to the students who gave us the samples of text to modify and use.

Note how this conclusion: states the evaluation i.e. the results of the comparison of the two methods gives a brief explanation of the reasons for this decision includes the result of these findings i.e. the recommendations.

These examples have been provided to demonstrate features of academic writing only and so are not intended to

8/06/2010