How to Write a Report About Respecting Other People's Property

Respect for others is an important part of what allows our civilization to carry on in peace. It is a rich and meaningful topic on which to base a report. Like any report, the subject of respect for others' property should be well researched and thought about before the writing process begins. Research helps the writer enter the writing process with a sufficient amount of knowledge that makes her task easier and allows her writing voice to flow onto the page effortlessly.

Prepare a piece of paper and pen or pencil to take notes. Research specific words in the title of the report you are writing and gather notes. For example, in a report about "Respecting Other People's Property," examine the word "respect." Author and founder of EQI.org Steve Hein offers an entire web page (see Resources) dedicated to the word "respect." His website investigates the meaning of the word, why it is important, where it comes from, how it affects us and how it can be measured. A deeper appreciation of each of your title words gives you a thorough understanding and solid starting point from which to write your report.

Review your notes and formulate a thesis statement for your paper. A thesis statement is a sentence that encompasses the ultimate message and viewpoint reflected in your paper. Your thesis statement could begin: "Respect for the private property of others is important because ..." or "Without respect for the private property of others...." Make your thesis statement the last line of your introduction.

Write an elegant introduction for your report. Start the introduction with a sentence or question that immediately draws your reader in and inspires them them to read on. Introductions should be short and concise. Stories, visual analogies work well in introductions by creating creative imagery to commence your report. End the introduction with your thesis statement.

Write the body of the essay. The body of the essay should contain at least three paragraphs, each exploring different points regarding your thesis. Choose only the most significant issues to discuss. For example, the body points of the essay could discuss different types of property, such as land, goods and intangibles. You may also explore the philosophy and significant philosophers behind ownership rights as well as the actual laws upheld by the government. Make sure the topics you discuss in the body of your essay always refer back to your thesis statement. Use references to back up your facts.

Write a conclusion for your essay that encompasses all of the main points you have mentioned in the body. The conclusion should tie together the essay reiterating the validity of the thesis based on the aforementioned points. A good conclusion wraps up your viewpoint on what respect for the property of others is and why it is important. Make your conclusion insightful but concise.

Create a bibliography page for your report noting all of the references used. Create a title page for your report.

Re-read your entire report, making any edits and correcting any typos. Once the report has been checked for grammar and spelling errors, print the report and staple the title page on the cover and the bibliography on the back.