Here are the main sections of the standard report writing format.
• Title section- This includes the name of the authors and date of report
preparation.
• Summary/ abstract – There need to be a summary of the major points,
conclusion, and recommendations. It needs to be short as it is a general
overview of the report. Some people will read the summary and only skim the
report, so make sure to include al the relevant information. It would be best to
write this last so we will include everything, even the points that might be
added at the last minute.
• Introduction: This first page of the report needs to have an introduction. We
will explain the problem and show the reader why the report is being made.
We need to give definition of terms if we did not include these in the title
section, and explain how the details of the report are arranged.
• Body- This is the main section of the report. There needs to be several
sections, with each having a subtitle. Information is usually arranged in order
of importance with the most important information coming first.
• Conclusion: This is where everything comes together. Keep this section free of
jargon as most people will read the summary and conclusion.
• Recommendations – This is what needs to be done. In plain English, explain
your recommendations, putting them in order of priority.
• Appendices- This includes information that the experts in the field will read. It
has all the technical details that support your conclusions.