8. Table Of Contents And Section Numbering

Send your readers where they need to go!

The table of content is an important part of any report, as it enables the reader to find specific sections without having to flip through the pages or reading the entire document.

To create a professional and easy to use table of contents, you will need page number, as previously covered. Indeed, how can you send your reader to the content of page 35 if there is no page number? Furthermore, a table of content should build on a strong hierarchy of your headings, all of them numbered. The hierarchy is vital to visually identify the important of each section; a chapter would have a large front, be bold and underline, while a section heading will be a little smaller, and a sub-section heading even small. To reinforce the structure and allow for easier communication and cross-referencing of the various part of the report, it is advised you clearly number you sections.

An example of hierarchy and numbering is presented below:

1. INTRODUCTION

     1.1 Background

          1.1.1 Historical Importance

          1.1.2 Literature Review

          1.1.3 Contemporary Views

     1.2 Aims and Objectives

          1.2.1 Proposal

          1.2.2 Methodology

This will give the structure your report needs to appear professional but also to be convenient for your reader to use. This structure is always a great way to actually plan your report before you actually write it, thus allowing you to better structure your ideas and content, improving the overall quality of your work.