The background and motivation section of your technical report is crucial for setting the context, explaining the problem, and highlighting the value of your work. It helps your readers understand why your report matters and what you aim to achieve. In this article, you will learn how to write a compelling background and motivation section for your technical report, following some practical tips and examples.
Know your audience
Before you start writing, you need to know who your audience is and what they expect from your report. Different audiences may have different levels of familiarity, interest, and expertise in your topic. You should tailor your background and motivation section accordingly, using appropriate language, tone, and detail. For example, if you are writing for a technical audience, you may use more jargon and acronyms, but if you are writing for a general audience, you may need to explain them or avoid them altogether.
Provide relevant background
The background section of your report should provide the necessary information and context for your readers to understand your problem and solution. It should answer questions such as: What is the current state of the art or practice in your field or domain? What are the main challenges or gaps that need to be addressed? How does your work relate to or build on existing work or knowledge? You should cite relevant sources and evidence to support your claims and show your credibility. However, you should avoid giving too much or too little background, as this may confuse or bore your readers.
Explain your motivation
The motivation section of your report should explain why your problem and solution are important and valuable. It should answer questions such as: What are the benefits or implications of your work for your field, domain, or society? What are the goals or objectives of your work? How does your work fill a gap or solve a problem that has not been solved before? You should use clear and persuasive language to convey your enthusiasm and passion for your work. However, you should avoid making exaggerated or unrealistic claims, as this may undermine your credibility.
Structure your section
The background and motivation section of your report should have a clear and logical structure that guides your readers from the general to the specific. You should start with a broad overview of your topic and its significance, then narrow down to the specific problem and solution that you address in your report. You should use transitions and signposts to connect your sentences and paragraphs and to show the flow of your argument. You should also use headings and subheadings to organize your section and to make it easier for your readers to follow.
Use examples and visuals
The background and motivation section of your report should not be a dry or abstract text. You should use examples and visuals to illustrate your points and to engage your readers. Examples can help you explain complex or unfamiliar concepts, show how your work applies to real-world situations, or demonstrate the impact or relevance of your work. Visuals can help you present data, evidence, or information in a concise and appealing way, or highlight the main features or differences of your work. You should choose examples and visuals that are relevant, accurate, and clear, and that complement your text.
Revise and edit your section
The background and motivation section of your report should be clear, concise, and coherent. You should revise and edit your section to check for errors, inconsistencies, or gaps in your content, language, or style. You should also seek feedback from others, such as your peers, supervisors, or mentors, to improve your section. You should ask yourself questions such as: Does your section provide enough background and motivation for your readers? Does your section have a clear structure and flow? Does your section use appropriate examples and visuals? Does your section match the tone and level of your audience?
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