For instance, you may want to convey the message that a new technique for extracting a particular chemical compound is both safer and more cost-effective. The best technical reports remain clear and focused throughout—they have a specific purpose and convey the information in a logical order. Work with advisors, supervisors, or colleagues to fine-tune the message and/or goal of your report. These can vary widely depending on whether the report is being produced for academic, business, or other purposes.
If others in your field will be reading the report, it can be more “technical” in language and detail. In many cases, though, technical reports are intended for those outside of your particular discipline. If so, cut back on the jargon for non-expert readers. Consider having a non-expert friend look over your report throughout the process to give you feedback on its accessibility to a broad audience.
Determine which particular sections your report must or may have. Consult the person or organization to whom you’ll be submitting the report for any layout requirements.
In most cases, the introduction will likely be 1-3 paragraphs in length. The end of the introduction should clearly state what the report “does. ” It might do so by way of a direct statement (“This report analyzes…”), or by providing a series of questions (which may in some cases be bulleted or numbered) to be addressed.
Essentially, you want readers who may be new to the subject matter to feel like they have at least a rudimentary grasp of it after reading this section.
If, for instance, your report is focused on a particular experiment, be specific on the way it was conceived, set up, and conducted. This is sometimes called a “methods” section, since you are describing the methods used to conduct your research.
It can be hard to determine how much data to present. Giving too little can significantly weaken your analysis and the overall report. Giving too much, however, can drown the reader in a sea of tables and figures. Make sure you provide all essential data, and err on the side of providing a bit too much unless otherwise instructed. Present your data in a logical order, so that each table or figure leads into the next one.
Be as bold in your conclusions as your data and analysis permits you to be. Don’t use terms like “might,” “perhaps,” “could,” and so forth—write something like, “The data shows that…” However, don’t draw conclusions that aren’t supported by your data.
Title Page Abstract Executive Summary Table of Contents List of Figures / List of Tables Main Report: Introduction; Background / Literature Review; Project Description; Data / Description of Data; Conclusion Acknowledgements References Appendices
For a typical title page (and overall report layout), see https://my. mech. utah. edu/~rusmeeha/references/Writing. pdf
Write the abstract after you’ve written the actual report. You want it to be a condensed description of what you have written, not of what you intend to write. Check to see if there is a specific word limit for your abstract. Even if there isn’t, 300 words is a good word limit to aim for.
The executive summary should focus on your findings, conclusions, and/or recommendations, and allow the report itself to present the data—although highlights of the data should be provided. Depending on your situation, you may need to write an abstract, an executive summary, or both.
Check for any formatting guidelines for these sections. If the format is left up to you, keep things simple and straightforward.
This section typically runs 1-2 paragraphs, and follows a fairly simple “The author would like to thank…” format.
In some cases, you may also be expected to provide a listing of works you have consulted but not specifically cited in the work. Check with the relevant department, organization, individual, etc. , if you’re not sure. [13] X Research source
Use a consistent, easy-to-navigate format when creating appendices. They aren’t meant to be dumping grounds for random snippets of data or information.
