Sections and layout of The Report

The report must contain these basic sections appearing in the order given below:

1. Title page - begins with the name of the report typed in uppercase letter (no underscore and
quotation marks).
- Next comes: Presented to (or submitted to) and the name, title, organization and address of the
individual receiving the report.
- Lower on the page: Presented by (or Submitted by) and the authors’ names plus necessary
identification.
- Last item on the title page: The date of submission.
- All items after the title are typed in a combination of upper and lower case letters.

2. Abstract – is purpose is to present an overview of the report to people who may not have time to
read the entire document.
- Not as technical as the report itself.
- Approximately one-tenth the length of the report (100 -150 words)
- Summarizes the purpose, method, findings and conclusion of the report.
- Should not include words or phrase that indicates intent.
- Should stand on its own as a separate document.
- Although it’s the first page it is written last.

3. Table of Contents– show the headings in the report and their page numbers.
- Gives an over view of the report topics and help readers locate them.
- Should be completed after the report has been finished.
- For short reports include all headings.
- For long headings, list only first and second level headings.
- Leaders (spaced and un-spaced dots) help guide the eyes from the heading to page number.

4. Body of the Report - The body had has several sub-sections including the introduction
an other parts depending on the report:
 Introduction – two to four paragraphs: formal reports begin with an
introduction that sets the scene and announces the subject. A good
introduction covers the following:
(a) Background – describes events leading up to the problem or need
(For the purpose of this assignment you may create a realistic
hypothetical situation. It may not be however that it is a requirement of
this course)
(b) Problem or Purpose – briefly explains the report topic and specify
the problem or need that motivated the report.
(c) Significance – tells why the topic is important. You may wish to quote
experts or cite newspaper journals, books, and other secondary sources
to establish the importance of the topic.
 (d) Scope – clarifies the boundaries of the report, defining what will be
included or excluded.

 Problem Statement - gives a clear description of the issue to be

solved/addressed.

 Approach - describes general technique for ‘approaching’ the problem

(the label of method is to be used only if specifics steps are to be
explained in detail)

 Result/Finding - briefly present results, outcomes or findings

 Discussion of Result – a discussion of the implication or ramification of

the results only.

 Summary and Conclusion – briefly restates purpose and final conclusion

derived from the research.

 References – must comply with guidelines as outlined in The Chicago

Manual of Style