Main Sections of Report

Opening Statement (Foreword & Summary)

The Foreword identifies the problem you are addressing. It also specifies the technical problem and technical tasks you performed to solve it. It should also state the rhetorical purpose of the report.

The Summary provides a smaller and more condensed version of the report, its objectives, methodology, results, conclusions and recommendations. It also provides an overview of the report as a whole.

Discussion Segment (Introduction, Body, Conclusions and Recommendations)

The Introduction places the problem addressed into context and ifentifies the technical questions arising from this problem. It also identifies the rhetorical purpose of the report and previews the report's organization.

The Body employs a hierarchical structure, using substantive headings.

The Conclusion and Recommendations should summarize the main points, state the conclusions drawn from the research and offer specific recommendations.

In addition to these items, a report should also contain a letter of transmittal, title page, table of contents, list of tables and/or figures (if they are being used), references and appendices (if used). The length of the report should be as long as needs to be.