Cambridge writing: How to write a Report (C1 Advanced)

 

Cambridge writing: How
to write a Report (C1 Advanced)

Hi Quijoter@s!

Today we’re going to
look at another key task in the C1 Advanced Writing paper: the
report. Many students confuse reports with proposals because they
share a similar structure. However, the purpose of a report is
different: instead of suggesting solutions, a report mainly describes
a situation and evaluates information.

Let’s look at how to
write one effectively.

What is a report?

A report is a formal
piece of writing that presents information in a clear and organised
way. In the exam, you may need to:

• describe a situation
  or experience

• summarise
  information

• evaluate advantages
  and disadvantages

• make brief
  suggestions or conclusions

The target reader is
usually someone in authority, such as a manager, teacher, or
committee. Your task is to present information objectively and
logically.

Structure of a report

As with proposals, clear
organisation is essential.

Title: The title
should clearly state the topic of the report.

Examples: Report on the use of
school facilities / Report on student
feedback about the library

Introduction: In
the introduction, explain the purpose of the report and where the
information comes from.

Useful phrases:

The aim of this report is
to…

This report examines…

The report is based on
feedback from…

The purpose of this
report is to evaluate…

Example: The aim of
this report is to evaluate students’ opinions about the current
library facilities.

Main sections (with
headings): Divide the report into clear sections with headings.
This helps the reader follow your ideas and shows good organisation.

Common headings include:

Facilities / Current
Situation

Describe the present
situation.

Student Feedback / Survey
Results

Present the information
or opinions you have collected.

Advantages and
Disadvantages

Analyse the strengths and
weaknesses.

Using headings makes your
writing clearer and more professional, which examiners appreciate.

Conclusion: Finish
with a brief summary of the findings and, if appropriate, a few
recommendations.

Useful phrases:

In conclusion, it appears
that…

Overall, the results
indicate that…

It can therefore be
concluded that…

Some improvements could
include…

Example: Overall, the
results indicate that students are satisfied with the study spaces,
although improvements could be made to the availability of computers.

Useful vocabulary for
reports

To describe
information

describe

outline

present

summarise

To analyse

evaluate

assess

compare

examine

To present results

the majority of students…

a significant number of
respondents…

only a small proportion…

To conclude

overall

in general

it can be concluded that

the findings suggest that

Tone and register

A report should be:

• formal

• objective

• clear and factual

• well organised

Avoid:

• contractions (don’t,
  isn’t)

• informal expressions

• very personal
  opinions

Your aim is to sound
professional and neutral.

What examiners look
for

At C1 level, examiners
assess:

Content – Have you
addressed the task fully?

Communicative achievement
– Is the tone appropriate for a report?

Organisation – Is the
text clearly structured with logical sections?

Language – Is the
vocabulary varied and accurate?

A good report is clear,
informative and logically organised.

Learning how to write a
strong report is extremely useful for the exam. Once you understand
the structure and practise using formal language, it becomes a very
manageable task in the Writing paper.