Structure sample
In this sample, we see what happens when content is thrown onto the page without a clear structure. But a few plain English adjustments will have it sorted in no time.
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These headings show the structure of a report on a primary school's facilities.
BACKGROUND
Impetus for review
Review committee
METHODOLOGY
Objective
Scope
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
CONSULTATION PROTOCOLS
CONSULTATION WITH P&C
INFORMATION AVAILABLE
BARRIERS
CHALLENGES
Security
FINANCIAL CHALLENGES
SCHOOL FACILITIES
Parking
Classrooms K–3
Classrooms 4–6
Office and administration areas
School hall and auditorium
Staffroom
Toilet areas
Main entrance
Drop-off zones ('Kiss and drop')
Signage
Classrooms – demountables
External access routes
DOORWAYS
STAIRS
SPORTING FACILITIES
Play areas
Play equipment
Sports fields
Amphitheatre and COLA
CONCLUSIONS
RECOMMENDATIONS
It follows a typical storytelling structure:
Missing summary
Prominent background
Buried recommendations
Inconsistent hierarchy
Poor logic and flow
Minimal signposting
How is the reader meant to find what they most needed?
And how could we make it clearer?
1 Background the background
Start with a line or so of essential context. But move the rest to the end.
Replace it with a clear summary.
Shine the spotlight on the conclusions and recommendations.
2 Group related content
Look for key themes and bring the sections together.
Avoid an incoherent "information dump".
3 Number the sections
Give your reader some signposts to find their way around.
Number your main sections to make navigation easier.
Here's our version of the report.
New summary
Prioritised content
Upfront messaging
Consistent hierarchy
Strong logic and flow
Prominent signposts
1 Summary
1.1 Our review
1.2 Findings
1.3 Conclusions
1.4 Recommendations
2 Challenges facing the school
2.1 Enrolment numbers
2.2 Funding
2.3 Accessibility
2.4 Security
3 School access
3.1 Parking and drop-off zones
3.2 Entrances
3.3 Stairs and paths
3.4 Signs
4 Teaching and administration areas
4.1 Permanent classrooms
4.2 Demountable classrooms
4.3 Office and administration block
4.4 School hall and auditorium
5 Other facilities
5.1 Play areas and equipment
5.2 Sports fields
5.3 Amphitheatres and outdoor learning
5.4 Toilets
6 Context
6.1 Review committee
6.2 Our methods
6.3 Consultation