It’s Tuesday afternoon, and you’ve got a report due by Friday. You write, and write, and write, but the report just seems to ramble on aimlessly without reaching a strong conclusion. You’re seconds away from scrapping the whole thing and starting fresh. This is where a report outline template can help. Report outlines help you map out your entire report before you start writing. They help make your report simpler and clearer, reducing unnecessary rambling. For your outline, you should consider:
- Who the report is for
- Its purpose
- Research methods
- Results
- How did your results compare to your expectations?
- Any recommendations?
- Next steps?
Still not sure what you’re doing? Below, we have provided some outline templates and examples to get you started.
Business Report Outline Template
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Blank News Report Outline Template
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Annual Report Outline Template
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Physics Lab Report Outline Template (Plus Guideline)
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Scientific Paper Report Outline PDF Format
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Project Report Outline Template
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State Report Outline Word Doc
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5th Grade State Report Outline Template
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Country Report Outline Template (Plus Guideline)
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Research Report Outline
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High School Book Report Outline Format
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Second Grade Book Report Outline Format
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4 to 6th Grade Book Report Outline
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Fiction Book Report Outline
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Technical Report Outline Template
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Evaluation Report Outline for PDF
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After Action Report Outline Sample
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Police Report Outline Example
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Investigation Report Outline
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Tips for Writing Your Report Outline
Give Yourself Time: A report outline is only as helpful as the effort you put into it. Dedicate ample time to thoughtfully consider your outline to ensure it encompasses all necessary components of your report. This initial investment will streamline the writing process and improve the overall quality of your report.
Incorporate Visuals: Visual aids can significantly enhance the clarity and impact of your report. When creating your outline, identify where visuals will be most effective and plan their inclusion from the outset. This approach ensures that visuals are seamlessly integrated into your narrative, rather than being awkwardly added later. Effective visuals can convey complex information quickly and aid in the reader’s understanding.
Maintain Flexibility: While a well-structured outline can save time and provide a clear roadmap for your report, it’s important to remain adaptable. New information or insights may emerge during the writing process, necessitating adjustments to your outline. Don’t hesitate to revise your plan if it leads to a more coherent and comprehensive report. For those working on research reports, referring to a research outline format can be particularly beneficial in maintaining this flexibility.