REPORT WRITING GUIDELINES
The Structure of a Report
Reports have a standardised format. The structure will be based on the following model:
Not all reports include all of the elements listed. You should always check what is needed with the person who set the work.
• Title Page
• Table of Contents
• Executive summary (not required for this report)
• Introduction
• Main Body
• Conclusion
• Recommendations
• References/Bibliography
• Appendices
1. Title Page
This shows the title or subject of the report, who the report is for, the name of the writer and date of submission.
2. Table of Contents
This details all sections and sub-sections of the report with page numbers.
3. Executive Summary
This summarises the main points and findings. (This is not always needed, particularly if it is a short report).
4. Introduction
This includes the scope and background to the work including:
• The aims and objectives and the terms of reference. The context of the report and its purpose. Sometimes included are details of the organisation requesting the report and the question(s) they are hoping will be answered.
• The methodology – how you have gathered the information presented in the report, for example: by interviews or postal questionnaires. Sometimes it includes an explanation of why a particular investigative approach / methodology was chosen.
• The topics covered – a broad outline of content and scope and any limitations of the project.
5. Main Body of the Report
This is where information is presented, explanations provided and questions answered. It deals with what, how, where and why?
The findings of the report are broken down into discrete sections and sub-sections. Each section and sub-section should have a title/heading, and be numbered.
Include in the body of the report:
• A literature review (in an academic report)
• Method – what you did and why you did it.
• What you found – quantitative data – what was observed, outcome of questionnaires and results of experiments; qualitative information; case studies.
• Discussion – what you have deduced from the findings and how these relate to previous research or other studies. You should discuss findings in a theoretical framework and give opinions based on reasoning and critical thinking. All sources should be referenced.
6. Conclusion
Conclusions should clearly relate to the objective(s) of the report. This is the place to draw together key points made in the report; nothing new should appear here.
7. Recommendations
These should be one or more practical proposals and may offer solutions to problems investigated in the report. You will not always be asked to include recommendations.
Each recommendation should be listed and discussed separately.
8. References (Bibliography)
This should reference all books, articles, journals, websites, and any other sources you consulted when writing the report. This should be listed in alphabetical order.
9. Appendices
These should be at the end of the report. They contain relevant information which is too lengthy or detailed to include in the report itself. Each appendix should contain different information. They should be referred to in the report and not left to stand alone.
The report should look professional and information should be easy to find
• Use plenty of white space with wide margins and generous spacing between lines. Dense text and cluttered pages can put the reader off. (1.5 line spacing is often recommended but particular specifications may be given).
• Use a font that is clear and comfortable to read, for example Arial. Choose fonts that convey a formal style.
• Do not use fonts at less than 12 point. Headings and sub-headings can be larger, and in bold.
• When you use diagrams, graphs or tables, number these and put them at the point where they are first referred to. They should have a heading/title and include sources – this can be in a smaller font 9 or 10.Use consistent and suitable formatting and numbering. For example:
1. HEADING
(a) Sub-heading one.
(b) Sub- heading two
or
A. HEADING
(i) Sub-heading one
(ii) Sub-heading two
• Bullet points can also be used.
• Headings should be consistent and convey a clear meaning. They will also be used in the Table of Contents to direct the reader to the information they are seeking. Avoid writing headings in the form of questions – in academic writing you are not expected to directly address the reader.
• Ensure that the length of a report adheres to guidelines or restrictions imposed.
• Proof read and carefully check grammar, punctuation and spelling
Last Completed Projects
| topic title | academic level | Writer | delivered |
|---|
Are you looking for a similar paper or any other quality academic essay? Then look no further. Our research paper writing service is what you require. Our team of experienced writers is on standby to deliver to you an original paper as per your specified instructions with zero plagiarism guaranteed. This is the perfect way you can prepare your own unique academic paper and score the grades you deserve.
Use the order calculator below and get started! Contact our live support team for any assistance or inquiry.
[order_calculator]