Report Writing

No 6

Report Writing: Structure and Content

The key words for success in report writing are: organisation, clarity, precision and logic. Having a clear

report structure makes writing a report much easier.

What is a report?

Contents Page

A report is a structured

document that is

requested or

commissioned by a

person (e.g. your boss),

a company (e.g. the

Moreton Development

Company), or a body or

department (the Tennis

Association of WA). The

person or body

commissioning the

report will generally

require you to provide

information with recommendations to address a

problem or issue that has been identified.

The contents page shows the main sections of

the report, listing all headings and sub-headings

(using a decimal numbering system) and showing

page numbers.

Report Writing Structure

Reports are usually structured through the use of

numbered headings and sub-headings. Most

reports have some or all of the following

elements:

 Title/cover page

 Table of Contents

 Executive Summary

 Introduction

 Main Body of Report (Discussion)

 Recommendations

 Conclusion

 Reference List or Bibliography

 Appendix/ Appendices

Title/Cover Page

This usually contains: the title of the report, the

name of the person/company/body who

commissioned it, the name of the author/s and a

date (usually month and year in which the report

is completed).

Executive Summary

The executive summary provides an overview of

the entire report. It should be a clear, succinct

summary covering all matters of key importance

to the report. These include:

 who authorised the report

 objectives of the report

 scope (topic and limitations)

 information sources used

 findings

 key recommendations

 principal elements of conclusion.

Written last, the executive summary is placed at

the front of a report. It allows the reader to

quickly access the report’s main points,

recommendations or required actions.

Introduction

The...