Writing Formal Reports

Cover

Title Page

Title of Report

For Whom the Report is Prepared

By Whom It Is Prepared

Release Date

Letter of Transmittal

Release the Report

Summarize the Conclusions and Recommendations

Mention Special Interest (Thank those who Helped)

Point out Additional Research, if Any

Thank the Reader for the Opportunity to Do the Work

Table of Contents

Headings as They Appear in the Body

List of Illustrations

List of Any/All Visuals

Executive Summary

Abstract

Summarizes Recommendations

Report Body

Introduction

Purpose

Scope

Limitations

Assumptions

Methods

Criteria or Standards

Definitions

Background/History

Background or History of the Problem

Body

Presents Data in Words

Conclusions

Summary of Points made in the Body of Report

Recommendations

Action Items That Would Solve the Problem

Notes, References, or Works Cited

Appendixes