1. Writing a ReportWriting a Report click on title for further information C1 March, 2016

2. What is it? A report is a formal document prepared by one person or a group of people who have been studying a particular subject. It provides information on a topic and gives a brief conclusion or summary at the end. Example: a report on the educational system in a particular country, written to help someone research the subject.

3. Reports are the most impersonal kind of writing and it is usually best to avoid expressing personal opinions or feelings, except, perhaps, in the conclusion. Instead of I think that … or I found that… for example, you can use the impersonal “It” construction and a passive, eg It seems that… It was found that … Language and register

4. It is also advisable to avoid making very definite statements unless you’re absolutely sure they’re true. Instead of saying It is for example, you can use a modal verb eg It could/may/might be or a more tentative expression such as It seems to be or It tends to be.

5. Writing a Report – some tips ANSWER THE QUESTION PLAN your report. Make sure you have at least 5 sections You first paragraph will be INTRODUCTION and your last, CONCLUSION

6. Writing a Report – some tips Use formal language Do not use contractions REVISE your report to correct mistakes

7. Important Points to Remember: A report is divided into 5 areas: 1. Terms of Reference- Introduction This section gives background information on the reason for the report. It usually includes the person requesting the report. 2. Procedure The procedure provides the exact steps taken and methods used for the report. Why? How?

8. why how

9. Important Points to Remember: 3. Findings The findings point out discoveries made during the course of the report investigation. what?

10. Formal language No contractions passives Specific: who & how General: where & how why Opinions results

11. Important Points to Remember: 4. Conclusions The conclusions provide logical conclusions based on the findings. Advantages and disadvantages Results

12. Important Points to Remember: 5. Recommendations The recommendations state actions that the writer of the report feels need to be taken based on the findings and conclusions. Advice

13. Impersonal structures: passives Appropriate structures: should, may like to, consider, … Strong recommendations: must, ought to, it is vital that… signature

14. Writing a Report – (2)

15. Writing a Report – some tips ANSWER THE QUESTION PLAN your report Make sure you have at least 4 paragraphs You first paragraph will be INTRODUCTION and your last, CONCLUSION

16. Writing a Report - layout 1. Title 2. Introduction. Use it to paint the background to ‘the problem’ and to show the reader why the report is important to them.

17. Writing a Report - layout 3. Main Body. This is the heart of your report, the facts. It will describe what you discovered about ‘the problem’. Recommendations. What do you suggest should be done? 4. Conclusions Present the logical conclusions of your investigation of ‘the problem’.

18. Writing a Report - example An English friend of yours is working on a series of articles called “Young and Old Around the World” which looks at different towns and cities through the eyes of teenagers and senior citizens. She has written asking for your help and this is an extract from her letter. What I want is some first-hand information about what it’s like to live in your town from the point of view of the two different age groups. You would need to interview, say, ten people in each category on the main topics of public transport, entertainment, and shopping and write me a brief report. Could you also include a short introduction about your town and give a little summing up at the end?

19. Writing a Report – example Leisure Facilities in Grimthorpe Introduction The aim of this report is to describe and assess the leisure facilities available in Grimthorpe. It is based on information made available by the Grimthorpe Tourist Office, and on views expressed by local people who were interviewed. 1. Introduction a. Why b. How

20. Report - example Sport Grimthorpe has a wide range of sports facilities, both public and private. There is a large modern leisure centre in the High Street and facilities include a swimming pool, a sports hall for judo, fencing and other activities, and tennis courts. The centre runs courses in all these sports and these tend to be very popular. Membership costs £150 a year, which was felt to be rather expensive, but a special temporary membership is available to visitors. The public swimming pool on the outskirts of the town is older, less attractive and often overcrowded, but entry is only £1.50.. 2. Body

21. Report - example Theatres There are two theatres in town, the Kings Theatre in Bee Street, which offers mainly “serious” drama and has a good reputation for its productions of Shakespeare, and the Little Theatre in Sea Street which specialises in lighter entertainment and the occasional pop concert. In general, it seems that the Kings Theatre is more popular with the older members of the community while the Little appeals more to people in their teens and twenties. 3. Body

22. Writing a Report - example Museums and Art Galleries The City Museum has an extensive collection of maps, pottery and other articles connected with Grimthorpe’s history. The attendants are said to be very friendly and helpful, and there is also a small café with reasonably priced home-made snacks. Interestingly, few of the local people interviewed had ever been to the museum but it was recommended highly by several tourists. 4. Body

23. Writing a Report - example Conclusion Grimthorpe is well provided with leisure facilities for a town of its size and these are well used by the townspeople on the whole. Sport seems to be the most popular leisure activity, while cultural activities like visiting the museum or art gallery appeared to be the least popular among the Grimthorpians who were interviewed. Perhaps the City Council should consider launching a publicity campaign to show how much these facilities have to offer. 5. Conclusion a. Summary and suggestions

24. Conclusion

25. Writing a Report – task March, 2016

27. Writing a Report The E.O.I. of Gijón is currently doing research on various websites and their benefits to ESL learners. Write a report on one of the following sites or choose your own. BBC English BreakingNewsEnglish LearnEnglish-British Council