Technical Reports: Back Matter

"Back Matter" is the material found at the end of a report, after the report body. Depending upon your needs, you might use several of the items traditionally found in Back Matter, although for this course only one is required: the Works Cited list.

Works Cited

• Required
• Should include all works cited or referred to in the text, including interviews
• Should be found immediately after conclusions and recommendations page
• Should be numbered consecutively after text (as should all back matter)

 

Optional Items

Appendix/ces

• Put in an appendix anything that is too large to embed within the text, such as a map or large visual
• Create an appendix for each item
• Give each appendix a separate and distinct title: Appendix A: Map of Mossy Creek Reservoir (1998)

Glossary

• Section for defining terms introduced within the text
• Alphabetize the entries in the section

Index

• Section for directing readers to specific areas in the text according to areas of interest
• Alphabetize the entries in the section & include page references

Granted, as you prepare reports in the real world, you might find that their organizational structures differ greatly from that suggested here. By that time, you will have enough experience to adapt your own knowledge of report organization to whatever requirements are established by the company or entity for which you work.