There are two basic types of reports, analytical and informational, and each serves a different purpose. Both require research and analytical thinking and an overview of the topic. The differences are outlined below. Check your task documentation, or ask your teacher, about which type is required.
Analytical | Informational |
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Examples of Report Structure
You may choose whichever method you prefer but be consistent throughout your report. Of the two, the decimal system is more commonly used.
Alphanumeric | Decimal |
I. Coffee A. Espresso B. Cappuccino C. Latte II. Tea A. Earl Grey |
1. Coffee 1.1 Espresso 1.2 Cappuccino 1.3 Latte 2. Tea 2.1 Earl Grey |
There are many different types of reports, so before you start to work on a report, you should check the requirements for the course and the particular assessment task.
This guide provides a basic outline to report writing.
Generally, a report has the following elements:
1. Title Page: includes the subject of the report, who the report is for, the author (or authors if it is a group report), and the date of submission.
2. Abstract: this is usually a single paragraph of 100-200 words and is a summary that gives the reader an understanding of the main points in the report. It should be written on a separate page with the centred heading ABSTRACT, and includes the following:
3. Table of Contents: indicates how the information in the report has been organised and what topics are covered. It should be set out on a separate page, and include a list of figures and a list of tables used in the report.
4. Introduction: The Introduction has three main components.
5. Body: basically this answers the questions - Who? Why? Where? When? What? How? - but it will vary depending on the kind of report. The information needs to be presented in a systematic way. Sub headings, dot points, or precise, formal sentences may be used - check the specific requirements for your assessment task.
6. Conclusion: a brief summary of the main points in descending order of importance.
7. Recommendations: suggest actions that follow naturally from the conclusions made above.
8. References: the list of References is an accurate listing, in the correct Referencing style, of all the sources referred to in the report.
9. Appendix/Appendices: contains important data, explanations and illustrations not included in the main text of the report.
SOURCE: University of Newcastle Library guide "Report Writing" https://libguides.newcastle.edu.au/report_writing/report-writing