Memorandum

Date:              Spring Semester 2013

To:                  English 306 Students

From:             Rick Van Noy, English 306 Instructor

Subject:         Progress Report

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This memo explains your next group assignment: the progress report.

Typically, progress reports tell readers about progress on a particular project. I will be interested in the information you have researched and culled since your group signed the project agreement. Most of your progress report will be devoted to assessing what you have done to fulfill the obligations set forth in the "Procedures" section of your proposal: who have you spoken with? What questionnaires have been developed and distributed? What requests for information have been written and have received responses? (Include copies). Here are some questions to help guide you: 

1. How is the project going? 
2. What has been accomplished during this phase of the project? 
3. What progress do you expect in the near future? 
4. How do things stand overall? 

Use a memo format. You could also include a section on "problems encountered" or "complications" to help explain why some work is not proceeding as planned.  

Since the final project is due near the end of the semester, you should make clear a plan for completing your work in this time frame. Explain what tasks need to be finished by what dates: will you speak with other experts? Will your survey results be tabulated by a certain date? Who will do what tasks? Unlike periodic activity reports, progress reports focus on specific accomplishments, so give your reader details in addition to an overall summary.

A word on tone: Generally, you want to persuade your readers that you are doing a good job. This persuasive element may lead you to adopt an inflated or overly optimistic tone which can sound unbusinesslike. Such a tone is more likely to make your readers suspicious.  In a progress report, be straightforward about problems so that your readers can overcome them. You can sound pleased with your accomplishments without exaggerating them. 

As part of your progress, please include or attach some evidence of your progress, such as your survey or interview questions.