We write reports to pass on or share information and to present reasoned arguments and evidence. Most reports follow a standard format and the structure is usually based on the following:

Title page
Table of contents
Introduction
Main body of report
Conclusion
Appendices

Title page: this shows the title or subject of the report, the name of the author and the date of the report. It can also identify who the report has been produced for. A very short report would not need a title page.

Table of contents: this lists all the sections of the report in order with page numbers. A very short report would not need a contents list.

Introduction: gives a summary of the report and could include aims, objectives, background to the subject and any topics covered.

Main body of the report: is where the information is presented, explanations are provided and questions answered. The findings of the report are broken down into sections, all of which should have a heading.

Conclusion: is the part that sums up the main points raised in the report and arrives at any conclusions. It is the ideal place to draw together key points made in the report and offer recommendations. Never include or raise anything new here.

Appendices: are always placed at the end of the report and include relevant information which is too lengthy or detailed to include in the main body of the report. Each appendix should contain different information and should be numbered accordingly.

Style

Reports should be clear, written in plain language, and pleasing to look at; this encourages the recipient to read it. If possible, reports should not be too lengthy.

Use a clear, easy-to-read font. Maintain a consistent usage of bullet points and headings. Bear in mind that headings help the reader navigate the report, so it should be clear which are main headings and which are sub-headings.

We write reports to provide information, and to present reasoned arguments and evidence. Most reports follow a standard format, and the structure is usually based on the following:

1. Title page
2. Table of contents
3. Introduction
4. Main body of report
5. Conclusion
6. Appendices

1. Title page: gives the title of the report (which should reflect the subject) plus the author's name and the date of submission. It can also identify for whom the report has been produced. A short report may not need a title page, though it would need a title.

2. Table of contents: lists all the sections (and any sub-sections) of the report in order, with page numbers. Again, a short report may not need a contents list.

3. Introduction: gives an overview of the report and could include aims, objectives, and the background to the subject plus any topics covered.

4. Main body of the report: presents the relevant information and explanations, and answers anticipated questions. It breaks down the findings into sections and sub-sections, all of which should have headings or sub-headings.

5. Conclusion: sums up the main arguments raised in the report and arrives at conclusions. This is the ideal place to draw together key points and offer recommendations. Never include anything new here.

6. Appendices: are placed at the end of the report to provide information that is too lengthy or detailed to include in the main body. Each appendix should contain different, distinct information, and be numbered accordingly (Appendix 1, Appendix 2, etc.).

Style

Reports should be written in plain language and be pleasing to look at. They should be kept as brief as possible.

Use a clear, easy-to-read font, and consistent bullet points and headings. Bear in mind that headings help the reader navigate the report, so make it obvious which are main headings and which are sub-headings.