WRITTEN REPORT FORMAT AND STRUCTURE
I. Title page
This must contain:

· the report title which clearly states the purpose of the report

· Name of the person(s) for whom the report was prepared

· Name of the person(s) who prepared the report

· the date of the presentation of the report

II. Abstract (Summary or Executive Summary)
An abstract is quite different from an introduction. It is a summary of the report, in which you include one sentence (or so) for every main section of your report. For example, you can include:

· the purpose of the report

· the major findings (you may need several sentences here)

· the conclusions

· the main recommendations

Write the abstract after you have written the report.

III. Introduction
· Give enough background information to provide a context for the report.

· State the purpose of the report.

· Clarify key terms and indicate the scope of the report (ie what the report will cover).

IV. Body
The content of the body depends on the purpose of the report, and whether it is a report of primary or secondary research.

A report of secondary research (based on reading only) would include:

Information organized under appropriate topics with sub-headings. It is likely that your report will discuss each topic separately. You need to synthesise material from different sources under topic headings.

V. Conclusion
Sum up the main points of the report. The conclusion should clearly relate to the objectives of your report. No surprises please! (that is, don’t include new information here.)

VI. Recommendations (if appropriate)

These are suggestions for future action. They must be logically derived from the body of your report.

VII. Bibliography
(See our page on Using References for more information).