Library Guides: ITC595 Research Skills Guide: Write your report

Structure of a report

Report component and purpose	Instructions
Component: Executive Summary (sometimes called an abstract) Purpose: to sum up the entire report (In the real world, this is often the only section of the report that is read.)	Include, in paragraph form, a summary of : The purpose of the report (why it was written) The problem and how it was investigated What you found out and what you concluded Your recommendations and limitation on these (if applicable).
Component: Table of contents	List the report topics using decimal notation. Include the main headings and sub headings with corresponding page numbers, using a format that makes the hierarchy of the topics clear.
Component: Introductions Purpose: to introduce the topic and objectives of the report	Set the scene; give some background information about the topic. State the aim/purpose of the investigation. Explain the research methods. Outline the sections of the report. Note; The introduction differs from the executive summary as it introduced the topic, whereas an executive summary summaries each section of the report including the findings and recommendations. Findings and recommendations are not included in an introduction.
Component: Body of the report or discussion Purpose: to discuss information relevant to the report's objectives and analyse the data that was gathered.	Organise the sections in a logical sequence: what you investigated, what you found. Include examples to back up your ideas, with particular reference to what you found in research.
Component: Conclusion	Sum up what has been achieved and the significance of your findings and your discussion. Have your aims been successful or not? Bring everything together. Do not include new information.
Component: Recommendations	What do you recommend as a course of action in light of your findings? Always make sure that the recommendations flow from the conclusions.
Component: List of references	List all the sources you referred to in your report in accordance with APA referencing style.

Writing your assessment - support

CSU also has other services which can help you to get the best possible results for your work:

Turnitin Software - A Turnitin account allows you to check your own writing for inadvertent plagiarism or quotation errors. Detect and fix problems before submission. Some assessments will require you to submit your work to Turnitin before final submission!
Academic skills support - Academic skills advisers can help you understand and prepare for your assignments.
The Study Success Forum is an ideal place to post those vexing questions about assignment writing techniques. Find it in Interact2 > Study Success > Discussion
Why not attend an Academic skills workshop online to enhance or refresh your academic writing skills.
Or, make an appointment with an Academic skills adviser for personal help seven days a week.

Referencing at CSU

The Referencing at CSU webpage has lots of helpful information about referencing.

The main referencing style at CSU is APA 7th, though this is not the only style used at CSU and you should check with your lecturer if you are unsure.

How to write a report

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