Browse

Research Report Worksheets and Templates

9 free PDFsUS Letter PDFsAnswer key includedNo login

Templates for every step of a research report, from choosing a topic to checking the final draft.

Download the research report worksheets

Plan and take notes

Choose a topic, write research questions, keep a source list, and practice note-taking cards.

  • Preview of the printable “Choose a topic and ask questions” worksheet: choosing a research topic and writing research questions about different aspects of itView larger

    Choose a topic and ask questions

    Choosing a research topic and writing research questions about different aspects of it

    1 page29 KB

  • Preview of the printable “My source list” worksheet: keeping a list of print and digital sources with title, author, and typeView larger

    My source list

    Keeping a list of print and digital sources with title, author, and type

    1 page34 KB

  • Preview of the printable “Note-Taking cards” worksheet: paraphrasing information from a source in notes and recording the sourceView all 2 pages

    Note-Taking cards

    Paraphrasing information from a source in notes and recording the source

    Answer key on page 2

    2 pages37 KB

Research report templates

An outline with headings, a project planner, animal and person in history reports, a template for any topic, and a self-check.

  • Preview of the printable “Research report Self-Check” worksheet: revising and editing a research report draft with a checklistView larger

    Research report Self-Check

    Revising and editing a research report draft with a checklist

    1 page31 KB

  • Preview of the printable “Research report outline” worksheet: outlining a report: a general observation and focus, sections with headings, and a conclusionView larger

    Research report outline

    Outlining a report: a general observation and focus, sections with headings, and a conclusion

    1 page30 KB

  • Preview of the printable “Research project planner” worksheet: planning a short research project step by step, with sources to search and due datesView larger

    Research project planner

    Planning a short research project step by step, with sources to search and due dates

    1 page32 KB

  • Preview of the printable “Animal research report” worksheet: researching an animal and organizing notes about its habitat, adaptations, food web, and life cycleView larger

    Animal research report

    Researching an animal and organizing notes about its habitat, adaptations, food web, and life cycle

    1 page30 KB

  • Preview of the printable “Person in history report” worksheet: researching a person from history and organizing notes about their life, achievements, and impactView larger

    Person in history report

    Researching a person from history and organizing notes about their life, achievements, and impact

    1 page30 KB

  • Preview of the printable “Research report template” worksheet: organizing research on any topic into an introduction, three headed sections, topic words, and a conclusionView larger

    Research report template

    Organizing research on any topic into an introduction, three headed sections, topic words, and a conclusion

    1 page30 KB

Print at 100% (actual size) for the cleanest tracing lines.

About these research report worksheets

A **research report** teaches a reader about a topic using facts the writer gathered from several **sources**, such as books, articles, videos, and interviews. The writer asks questions, takes notes in their own words (**paraphrasing**), organizes the notes into sections with **headings**, and lists every source at the end. For example, a report on sea otters might have sections called "Staying Warm," "Using Tools," and "Helping the Kelp Forest."

These research report worksheets walk through the whole project. Children choose a topic and write research questions, keep a source list with title, author, and type, practice note-taking cards with a short original text, and learn when to paraphrase and when to copy a short phrase in quotation marks.

Then the writing templates help them organize: an outline with headings, a project planner with due dates, an animal report, a person in history report, a template for any topic, and a self-check for the finished draft.

Standards

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2.AIntroduce a topic clearly, provide a general observation and focus, and group related information logically; include formatting (e.g., headings), illustrations, and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.5With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach. (Editing for conventions should demonstrate command of Language standards 1–3 up to and including grade 5 here.)
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.7Conduct short research projects that use several sources to build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.8Recall relevant information from experiences or gather relevant information from print and digital sources; summarize or paraphrase information in notes and finished work, and provide a list of sources.

How to use them

  1. Start with the topic and questions page. A good question makes the research feel like a search, not a chore.
  2. Keep the source list going from the first book or article.
  3. Take notes on cards in your own words, then group the cards under headings on the outline.
  4. Draft from the outline, then use the self-check before sharing the report.

Teaching tips

  • Choose a topic narrow enough to cover well. "Sea otters" works better than "ocean animals."
  • Close the book before writing a note. It makes paraphrasing almost automatic.
  • Use at least three sources, and notice when they agree.
  • Add a picture, map, or diagram with a caption. Visuals help readers understand.

Questions teachers and parents ask

What are the parts of a research report?

An introduction that hooks the reader and states the focus, body sections with headings that each cover one part of the topic, a conclusion that sums up the big ideas, and a list of sources.

What does paraphrase mean?

To paraphrase is to explain an idea from a source in your own words. If a writer wants to use the source's exact words, they copy only a short phrase and put it in quotation marks.

How many sources should a 5th grade research report use?

Three or more is a good goal: for example, a book, an article, and an interview or video.

Can these templates be used for any topic?

Yes. There are templates for animals and people in history, plus a general research report template that works for any topic.