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Fair point when it comes to training a PhD, but the creation of the actual report is no measure of that. The oral presentation is, along with speaking opportunities and conferences perhaps. Perhaps there are other, more contemporary approaches that could be encouraged in the PhD process?

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But the report is! Simply because some people don't value them, doesn't mean all institutions don't. And being able to convey information by text, is as important as the verbal part too. That may not be fashionable in some places now, but I recall being forced to take several english classes, as an engineer, on the premise that "being able to communicate is important".

I agree though, we'll have to look forward, not backwards to solve this.

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