Features of reports

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Features of reports

This is an introductory guide to report writing. It provides some general advice on the content and structure of a report. It is recommended that you consult your Faculty Guidelines and/or Unit Guide for advice on the required report format for a particular unit.

Differences between the report and the essay

	Report	Essay
Topic	often a problem or case study which sets up a hypothetical situation based on reading, field work or practical work	responds to a question or a proposition is based on research
Purpose	to investigate, analyse and present information usually to make recommendations to solve a problem	to articulate a well-argued response to a question or proposition
Audience	established in the topic and is often a client or manager	an academic audience
Format	contains an executive summary or abstract comprises sections with headings may use bullet points, tables, graphs to convey information.	does not typically include sections or headings does not typically include use bullet points, tables, graphs
Style	third person formal language	third or first person formal language
Assessment	Success depends on: the demonstration of good research skills the quality of the recommendations to respond to an issue the presentation and analysis of relevant information	Success depends on: the demonstration of good research skills the identification of a cogent argument the quality of reasoning and evidence how well it analyses and evaluates the issue

Features of reports

1. Referencing and quotations in reports follow the same guidelines required for essays.

2. A system of numbered sections with headings is typically used. Check the Faculty or Departmental Guidelines for an appropriate example for your discipline.

3. Reports contain a title page, contents page, an executive summary or abstract, an introduction, a body, a conclusion and recommendations.

4. Just as in the essay, a good report will describe, analyse and evaluate a problem or issue. Unlike an essay it will describe the method used to investigate the problem, and formulate a set of recommendations based on the findings of the report.

Typical report structures

Different types of reports typically include sections. The table below illustrates the section headings which may be included in different types of reports.

Business and technical reports

Title page

[Memos of Authorisation and Transmittal]

Executive summary

Table of contents

Introduction

Purpose
Methodology
Limitations

Findings and Discussion

Conclusions

Recommendations

References

Appendices

Laboratory reports

Title page

Abstract

Introduction

Theoretical background
Aim of present research

Method

Materials
Procedure

Results and Discussion

References

Appendices

Technical reports

Title page

Summary

Table of contents

Introduction

Purpose
Problem description
Aim

Review of previous research

Presentation of solution

Discussion

Conclusions and

Recommendations

References

Appendices

Note: Different types of reports are used in different subject areas. Check with your lecturers to clarify exactly what type of structure you are expected to follow.