Quick study guide 14
Features of reports
This is an introductory guide to report writing. It provides some general advice on the content
and structure of a report. It is recommended that you consult your Faculty Guidelines and/or
Unit Guide for advice on the required report format for a particular unit.
Differences between the report and the essay
Report
Topic  often a problem or case study
which sets up a hypothetical
situation
 based on reading, field work
or practical work
Purpose  to investigate, analyse and
present information
 usually to make
recommendations to solve a
problem
Audience  established in the topic and is
often a client or manager
Format  contains an executive
summary or abstract
 comprises sections with
headings
 may use bullet points, tables,
graphs to convey information.
Style  third person
 formal language
Assessment Success depends on:
 the demonstration of good
research skills
 the quality of the
recommendations to respond
to an issue
 the presentation and analysis
of relevant information
July 2013
Essay
 responds to a question or a
proposition
 is based on research
 to articulate a well-argued
response to a question or
proposition
 an academic audience
 does not typically include
sections or headings
 does not typically include use
bullet points, tables, graphs
 third or first person
 formal language
Success depends on:
 the demonstration of good
research skills
 the identification of a cogent
argument
 the quality of reasoning and
evidence
 how well it analyses and
evaluates the issue
 Monash University
Features of reports
1. Referencing and quotations in reports follow the same guidelines required for essays.
2. A system of numbered sections with headings is typically used. Check the Faculty or
Departmental Guidelines for an appropriate example for your discipline.
3. Reports contain a title page, contents page, an executive summary or abstract, an
introduction, a body, a conclusion and recommendations.
4. Just as in the essay, a good report will describe, analyse and evaluate a problem or
issue. Unlike an essay it will describe the method used to investigate the problem, and
formulate a set of recommendations based on the findings of the report.

Typical report structures

Different types of reports typically include sections. The table below illustrates the section
headings which may be included in different types of reports.

Business and technical reports Laboratory reports Technical reports

Title page Title page Title page

[Memos of Authorisation and Abstract Summary
Transmittal] Introduction Table of contents
Executive summary o Theoretical Introduction
Table of contents background o Purpose
Introduction o Aim of present o Problem description
research o Aim
o Purpose
o Methodology Method
o Limitations o Materials Review of previous research
Findings and Discussion o Procedure Presentation of solution
Conclusions Results and Discussion Discussion
Recommendations References Conclusions and
References Appendices Recommendations
Appendices References
Appendices

Note: Different types of reports are used in different subject areas. Check with your lecturers to
clarify exactly what type of structure you are expected to follow.

July 2013  Monash University