Writing reports
The layout of a report is usually plain to see. Each section will have a general heading. There will also be sub-headings. The overall structure will depend on the purpose of the report so you should check the advice for your assignment and contact your tutor if you have any questions. Here are some typical structures.
- a chronological order to show the order in which things or processes happened or should happen
- a statement of the problem, an analysis of the options and, finally, the recommendations
- a proposal stating the 'pros and cons' for the proposal and finally the recommended action.
Reports will usually have the following features:
- a clear and informative title
- a summary or abstract
- a contents list
- an introduction which states the purpose of the report
- the main text with the topics covered in separate paragraphs, with appropriate headings and sub-headings
- conclusions that follow strictly and only from the preceding argument
- recommendations that arise strictly and only from the preceding argument. they must be clear, specific, sensible and realistic, and must include likely costs where appropriate
- any necessary appendices to provide important background information, including diagrams and tables, that it would be inappropriate to include in the main text
- a numbering system throughout the report for ease of reference.
(adapted from B551, The Manager's Helpfile)
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