- The Title
Page - this page includes the report's full title, the name or
organisation which authorised the preparation of the report (eg Senior
Geography Project), the date of submission and to whom the report
is to be submitted.
- The Table
of Contents - this page includes the titles of the main sections
and the subsections of the report and must be an accurate summary
of the contents. Always check that the numbering system used is logical
and easy to follow. When numbering pages make sure that all pages
are numbered. The convention is that the pages before the Summary
and Recommendations are numbered in Roman form e.g. i, ii, iii, iv.
The numbers of the content itself are numbered in Arabic style e.g.
1, 2, 3.
- List of Tables
- if a List of Tables is supplied it goes immediately after the Table
of Contents.
- Summary and
Recommendations
- this section gives a brief outline of less than a page on the report's
scope, purpose, methods, findings and conclusions.
- The Introduction
- this section defines the research task and problem. It includes
the authorisation, the problem, the purpose and the scope of the report.
It includes definitions of terms, the sources used, the background
of the report and any limitations.
- Methodology
- this section explains how the report was prepared, the research
on which it is based and the particular approach used.
- The Body of
the Report - this section investigates and analyses the findings,
and identifies and develops solutions about the task. It must use
a system of numbering which makes understanding the report as easy
as possible. Include parts such as
6.1 Graphics
6.1.1 Explain the idea in writing
6.1.2 Discuss how the graph relates to the information presented
6.1.3 Place the graph or diagram straight after this information
Clearly label all inclusions whether pictures, graphs, tables. Include
Title, date (if applicable), source (if applicable). Also label the
parts of each graphic such as the axes in graphs and the headings
in tables.
- The Conclusion - this section is a summary of the report's findings and assesses
the main arguments presented in the report. It may or may not include
recommendations depending on the purpose of the report.
Recommendations - these aim to solve the problem presented or, at
least, to provide answers to questions asked in the report's terms
of reference. They must always be based on the research findings of
the report.
- Attachment
and Appendices - these include relevant material which, if included
in the body of the report, would interfere in the flow of the report.
Usually technical information is put here, detailed statistics, a
copy of each questionnaire used, maps, extracts from journals and
newspapers.
- A Bibliography
- a list of the books, journals, reports, internet sites and other
sources which you have consulted in the preparation of this report.
- Foot and Endnoting
- a way of referencing any material quoted in the Report from whatever
source used.
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