An appendix is a section after the main text containing supporting material that would interrupt the argument if placed in full in the body. Appendices is the plural. The main report must still make sense without requiring the reader to search through supplementary pages for your essential analysis.
What is an appendix for in a report?
An appendix can hold a questionnaire, a detailed calculation, a coding framework or an extended data table. Include material because a reader may need to inspect it, not because it did not fit within the word limit. Your assessment rules determine whether appendices count towards that limit and what assessors will read.
How to create and label appendices
Group related material together. Give each appendix a clear identifier and descriptive heading, such as “Appendix A: Questionnaire”. Use Appendix B for a different collection, rather than adding unrelated items under the first heading. Follow your department’s rule for the order of references and appendices; do not assume one arrangement applies to every discipline.
How to refer to an appendix in text
Direct the reader to the precise material at the point where it supports your discussion: “The questionnaire wording is provided in Appendix A.” If a long appendix includes several tables, identify the table as well. Refer to every appendix in the body and keep the labels consistent with the contents page and headings.
How to reference an appendix
A cross-reference to your own appendix is different from a citation to an external source. If an appendix reproduces a published table, image or quotation, acknowledge that source and include the required reference. Moving material into an appendix does not remove the need for attribution or permission where applicable.
Appendix A format and final checks
Use readable headings, consistent pagination and accessible tables. Remove personal identifiers from research material unless your approved procedure permits disclosure. Check that every appendix opens correctly in the submitted file. Keep conclusions, essential evidence and the explanation of your methods in the main text rather than relying on an appendix to complete them.
Related study guides
Continue with paragraph planning, referencing guidance or the study knowledgebase. For feedback on your own draft, contact Assignment Writer with the brief and your specific question.
