Writing a report
A guide to get the best mark in your writing task.
Infografía
How to write a report for the Cambridge exam?
In the second part of the Writing skill at the B2 and C1 levels, you will have to choose what type of text you want to write. Among the types of texts to choose from, we find the report. It is a guided writing, therefore, you’ll be given information about context, topic and target reader. Keep this information in mind!
Characteristics
Reports are formal pieces of writing, just like essays. Therefore, you must avoid contractions (I’ve seen > I have seen; I can’t > I cannot). Nevertheless, what makes your writing formal is not only the contractions but also the language. Consequently, avoid vague words such as love, like, hate, thing… and use specific and complex expressions.
Remember that, even though the writing will be obviously based on your opinion, it must be as objective as possible. Consequently, expressions like from my point of view, I think… should be avoided. Instead, you can rely on experts’ opinions and use expressions like it is said, it is claimed, It is common knowledge that… By doing this, you can introduce a point of view without making it too personal.
In short, remember that you have to understand the context of the writing (the tone, the reader, the register, etc.) as well as the proper structure. To help you organise your ideas, you could brainstorm some ideas as well as useful vocabulary and expressions that you want to introduce. Planning is key when writing so don’t skip it!
Structure
Title: keep it short and to the point.
Introduction. In this section, the main ideas that will be discussed are presented. It must answer the question What am I going to talk about?
Body. It is made up of the main ideas you will discuss.
- Positive points / Strengths / Advantages
- Negative points / Weaknesses / Disadvantages
Conclusion. In this last part, you should make a quick summary of the ideas mentioned in the body introduced by connectors such as: in conclusion, in a nutshell, in short. You can also make your recommendation at this stage.
Useful expressions
Introduction
- The aim of this report is to evaluate/examine/study the strengths and weaknesses…
- This report aims to…
- The focus of this report will be on examining the advantages and disadvantages of…
- This report will comment on the strengths and weaknesses…
Body
- Invent or rely on experts’ opinions:
- According to…
- As stated by…
- As experts claim…
- Rely on common knowledge:
- It is widely said…
- It is commonly known that…
- There is widespread agreement that…
- There is agreement/disagreement regarding…
- Fake studies or surveys:
- According to the study conducted by…
- Recent research indicates that…
- The latest research sheds light on the fact that…
- Based on the findings…
- The vast majority of people interviewed believe that…
Conclusion
- To sum up (make a summary of what you have said in the report). In conclusion (your own idea, do not add new information)
- As a conclusion
- In short, (summary). I hope that the suggestions provided will receive your serious consideration.