Sample report structures

Reports from different areas and industries vary in their structure. This page features some examples of common report structures.

The highlighted headings and subheadings show some of the differences between reports in different fields of practice or for different purposes.

Short report

Title page
Introduction
Discussion
Recommendations
References

Business report

Title page
Executive summary
Table of contents
Introduction
Findings or observations
Discussion
Conclusion
Recommendations
Appendices
References

Science report

Title page
Introduction
- Aims/objectives
Method
- Materials
- Participants (for psychology or biological/sports sciences)
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
Appendices
References

Engineering report

Title page
Executive summary (optional)
Introduction
- Aim/objectives
Results
Analysis
Discussion
Recommendations & action plan
Conclusion
Appendices
References

Research/project report

Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Method/methodology
Results/findings
Discussion
Conclusions
Recommendations
Appendices
Bibliography

Keywords

Ask the Library

Study support, one-on-one consultations and peer mentoring at your fingertips!

aboriginal flag

torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

More information

Abstract artwork titled 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, features a complex pattern of intersecting blue, green, and yellow lines over a white background showing the journeys of life starting, finishing and intersecting. The colouring of the line work illustrates the evolution of nature through many First Nations stories: the sun, the giver of life (yellow), the creation of land (green), and the sea (blue). Red and black concentric diamond and semi-circle shapes symbolise men and women respectively, connecting them to Ancestors who gave birth to them. The artwork is also a representation of RMIT and the experience within our community, culture and pathways.