Author(s): Leah M. Akins, Ph.D.
This document specifies the recommended format to be used when submitting a formal technical report in a variety of disciplines and purposes. Also, this manual can be used as a guide to compose less formal reports, such as lab reports, that may consist of a subset of the items presented here. It is a useful general guide from which faculty can specify the particular requirements for reports in their courses.
Technical Report Writing Guidelines
PDF 569KB
Introduction
The Formal Technical Report
Universal Report-Writing Considerations
Standard Components of a Formal Technical Report
Title Page
Abstract
Table of Contents
Introduction
Background Theory
Design
Theoretical Analysis
Procedure
Results and Discussion
Conclusion
References
Appendix
Why You Should Know How a Reader in Industry Peruses a Technical Report
Questions to Ask Yourself Prior to Submitting Any Report
Conclusion
APPENDIX A: “How To” Guide on References and Citations
APPENDIX B: Page Numbering and Table of Contents using MS Word
APPENDIX C: Writing Tips for Discussing Results
Percent Difference/Error
Significance of Difference
Writing Discussion Based on Questions
Guidelines for Graphs
Considerations for Technical Responses
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