Table of contents

In a report longer than several pages a table of contents should be included as it assists the reader to locate information quickly. It also gives the reader a schematic overview of the structure and contents of the report.
A table of contents should include all section headings and subheadings:

worded exactly as they appear in the report

numbered exactly as they appear in the report (For more information on numbering systems used in report writing, click here.)

with their page numbers.

The table of contents should be on its own page.

As well as a table of contents, you may wish to include:

List of Figures (optional, separate page)
This list is used mainly for reports containing numerous figures. It includes the figure number, caption and page number, ordered as they appear in the text.

List of Tables (optional, separate page)
This list is used mainly for reports containing numerous tables. It includes the table number, caption and page number, ordered as they appear in the text.

List of appendices (optional, separate page)
This list is used mainly for reports containing numerous appendices. It includes the appendix letter (each separate appendix should be lettered i.e. Appendix A, Appendix B, etc.), its title and page number, ordered as they appear at the end of the report.

Nomenclature (optional)
Where symbols are used extensively, a list of symbols and definitions should appear at the beginning of the report. If there is no list, symbols should be defined in the text when first used.