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Basic report structure.

HEAT Stage 4: Planning the structure of your assignment.
What are the benefits of planning the structure of an assignment?.
Free writing – for your eyes only!.
Focus on Starting or developing writing.
Using a flowchart and table to make an assignment plan.
Stage 4.5 A basic essay structure.
Using a table to make an initial assignment plan.
Basic report structure.

(Report - an account of a matter after consideration/investigation)

This is a suggested format. Check your instructions or ask your tutor if there is a specific structure
required for this report assignment.
Title

Summary
A brief (one paragraph) account of what
the report contains including
conclusion/recommendations.

Do your summary last.

Author

Date

Contents
Page

1. Introduction 1
List the contents in the order they appear.
Number the section headings/sub headings, pages. 2. Type your chapter
Each section should have an appropriate title. heading 2
List appendices.
List illustrations/figures (separately if there a lot) 2.1 Section heading 3
Start with the introduction as number 1.
Write this page at the end. 2.1.1 Subheading 5

2.1.2 Subheading 7

2.2 Section heading 12

3. Type your chapter heading etc

Introduction Main Body

Logical sections with clear

headings.
A brief (one paragraph) explanation of: Section numbers next to headings.
 Terms of reference Figures/diagrams/charts.
Aims and objectives Essentials only – background
Methods used in the investigation information can go in the
Necessary background information appendices.
Definitions of abbreviations Written in a clear, brief and direct
Acknowledgements style.
Written in the passive voice (not I,
(You will probably find it easiest to do this page last.) we, you) "The survey was carried
out " not " I carried out the survey."

Recommendations

A numbered list of things you believe

should happen. These must logically
Conclusion relate to the findings in your report.

Draws together your findings.

Tells the reader which findings you consider to be most
important.
Explains what you believe to be the significance of your
findings.
Shows whether your hypothesis (if you had one) was
correct.
You may wish to suggest areas for further research.

Appendices

(Documents which add to the reader's

understanding of the report.)
Bibliography

Numbered and listed in the contents

Harvard system unless told otherwise:- (AUTHOR LAST
NAME, first name (DATE), Full Title, where published, name
of publisher.
Referred to in the appropriate section of
the report.
All sources cited including Internet.

No need to wordprocess appendices.

References should be traceable – somebody reading your

report may want to follow up one of your references; they
must be able to find it from what you've written.

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HEAT Stage 1 Getting started

HEAT Stage 2 Finding and managing information.

HEAT Stage 3 Making reading more manageable

HEAT Stage 4 Planning the structure of your assignment

HEAT Stage 5 Writing your assignment

HEAT Stage 6 Drafting, editing and proofreading

Bibliography

Just Ask!: 0116 257 7042

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