Writing a report
IntroducedWhat a report does
- A report gives information to a person in charge.
- It describes an event or situation, then suggests what to do.
- Keep the tone factual and clear — it is not a story.
A report can recommend action without pretending to be a detective novel.
A report is written for a person in ___ (someone above you).
Difficulty 1/5 · 100 coins + a small bonus on first completion today
A person 'in charge' is a manager or leader.
Use headings
- Break the report into short sections with headings.
- For example: Introduction, Problems, Recommendation.
- Headings help the reader find information fast.
A report gives facts the reader can use, not a story
What helps a reader find information in a report quickly?
Difficulty 1/5 · 100 coins + a small bonus on first completion today
Headings split the report into easy-to-scan sections.
Facts, then advice
- First give the facts; keep your opinion out of this part.
- A good recommendation is an action: who should do what, and when.
- End with one clear recommendation.
Fact or opinion?
The facts section takes only checkable statements; feelings wait for the recommendation.
In a report, you should mix facts and opinions in the same part.
Difficulty 1/5 · 100 coins + a small bonus on first completion today
Keep facts and recommendations separate.
Write one sentence recommending an improvement for your school. Start with 'I recommend'.
Difficulty 3/5 · 200 coins + a small bonus on first completion today
Example: 'I recommend that the school opens the library at lunchtime.'
From survey to report line
- Your notes: canteen queue 25 min · 40 of 60 students skip lunch · two tills, one open.
- Facts section: "A survey of 60 students found that 40 regularly skip lunch because the queue takes 25 minutes."
- No feelings yet — numbers, plainly stated, in the right section.
- Recommendation: "I recommend opening the second till at 12:00." — one action, crystal clear.
Match each report section to what belongs inside it.
Difficulty 2/5 · 140 coins + a small bonus on first completion today
Every sentence should live in the section built for it — facts never mix with advice.
A full exam answer
Exercise 6 task: The head teacher has asked for a report on the school canteen. Describe the problems, report what students think and recommend one change.
Report on the school canteen
Introduction
This report describes problems with the lunch service and suggests one improvement. It is based on a survey of 60 students.
Findings
The main problem is the queue. Students wait about 25 minutes, because only one of the two tills is open. As a result, 40 of the 60 students said they regularly skip lunch. Several also said that hot food is often cold by the time they sit down, and some arrive late for afternoon lessons because they are still queuing.
Students' views
Most students like the food itself, especially the noodle soup. However, many feel that the long wait leaves no time to relax before afternoon lessons.
Recommendation
I recommend opening the second till at 12:00, when the queue is longest. This would cut waiting time and help more students eat a proper lunch.
- Content: problems, student views and a recommendation each have their own section, supported by figures from the survey.
- Language: a neutral, formal register, headings, and linking words that show cause and contrast (because, As a result, However).
- A report is factual and for a person in charge.
- Use short headings to organise it.
- Facts first, then a clear recommendation.