Front and Back Matters

1
Front and Back Matters

• Chapter 11

2
Definitions

• Front matter consists of the reference aids that
  come before the body of the document (tables of
  content, list of illustrations etc).
• Back matter consists of reference aids that come
  after the body of the document (Glossary,
  appendix).

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Reference Purpose

• To help readers locate information in the
  document.
• To help readers decide whether they want to read
  the document.
• To summarize the document when readers may not
  have time to read the entire document.
• To help readers to understand the document.

4
Types of Front Matter

• Letter of transmittal
• Cover
• Title page
• Table of contents
• List of illustrations
• Abstract and Executive summary -

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Letter of Transmittal - Purpose

• To summarize the subject and purpose of the
  document.
• To identify the occasion the reason for
  preparing the document.
• To emphasize any information in the document that
  is likely to especially interest the readers
  methods, conclusions, recommendations etc.

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Cover of Formal Report - Purpose

• To protect the pages
• To identify the document
• To create a positive impression of your document
  and organization.
• To print the cover
• Use a laser printer to print the cover on
  ordinary page then photocopy the cover onto
  heavier paper such as card stock.
• Laminate the cover for durability and
  professional look.
• Spiral bind the document.

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Title Page contains..

• Document Title
• Name of the organization for whom this has been
  prepared.
• Your name and position
• Your organizations name or logo
• Date that you submit the document to its intended
  readers.

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Table of Contents

• Use the exact wording that appears in the
  headings and subheadings
• Show the heading levels by varying the type style
  and indenting
• List only the first three levels of headings
• Use guide dots to connect headings and page
  numbers
• Include list of illustrations, abstract or
  executive summary, and any other front matter
  except the cover, title page, and letter of
  transmittal.

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List of Illustrations

• Separate tables and figures in the list if
  separate numbering sequence used.
• Use the exact wording and number that appears
  with the illustration.
• Use guide dots to connect the illustration and
  the page number.

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Tips for writing Innovative Abstract

• Identify the document
• State the objectives or problem addressed in the
  document
• Conclude with the key results, conclusions, or
  recommendations

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Executive Summary (Conclusions)

• Executive summary is a conclusion that provides
  the information that readers need to make
  decision or implement a recommendation. It should
  contain
• A general overview of the topic of the document
  or research.
• A concise statement of the key results,
  conclusions and recommendations without excessive
  detail.
• Include the information that readers need to make
  decision or to implement recommendations.
• Use nontechnical language.
• Give readers only the information they need.

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The Back Matter

• Works cited list
• Glossary (In the body of document, Identify all
  words that appear in glossary, carefully define
  all difficult terms, list in alphabetical order,
  for definitions use phrases or clauses, include
  1st page of glossary in table of contents)
• List of abbreviations or symbols (alphabetical
  order, use phrases or clauses for explaining)
• Appendixes (information that is not essential for
  readers to understand the main points,
  conclusions etc)

13
Number the Pages

• Use lowercase roman numerals ( i, ii..) for the
  front matter.
• Use Arabic numerals for front and back matter
  (1,2,30)
• Begin the body of the document on a right hand
  page even if it means that the left hand page
  might remain blank.
• Leave the title page and any blank pages
  unnumbered even though it will be included in the
  page count.