B2 FIRST · VOCABULARY · WRITING
Report: useful language
Headings, presenting information, making recommendations – the formal language of reports.
Finn says
A report is written for someone who needs information to make a decision – a teacher, a manager, a club. It must be clear and easy to scan, so use headings and a formal, impersonal style. Present facts first, then give your recommendations at the end.
Introduction
Purpose
The aim / purpose of this report is to …
The aim of this report is to evaluate the new sports centre.
Method
It is based on … · I interviewed / asked … students
It is based on a survey of 50 students.
Presenting information
Facts
Most / Many / A few of the students said that … · The majority of …
The majority of students use the library every week.
Impersonal
It was found that … · It appears that … · It is clear that …
It appears that the café is too small.
Problems
One problem is that … · A common complaint is that …
A common complaint is that the Wi-Fi is slow.
Recommendations and conclusion
Recommending
I would recommend + -ing · I suggest that … should … · It would be a good idea to …
I would recommend opening the library at weekends.
Concluding
In conclusion, … · Overall, … · If these changes are made, …
If these changes are made, more students will use it.
Make it better
The same idea, first in basic English, then in the kind of language that gets a higher mark.
- Basic: Lots of people said the canteen is bad.Better: The majority of students stated that the canteen needs improving.Reports are formal and precise.
- Basic: I think you should buy new computers.Better: I would recommend purchasing new computers.A standard, formal recommendation.
- Basic: This report is about the club.Better: The purpose of this report is to assess the club's facilities.State the aim clearly at the start.
- Basic: Everyone hates the timetable!Better: A common complaint is that the timetable is inconvenient.Avoid exaggeration and exclamation marks.
Finn's exam tip
Always use headings (Introduction, Facilities, Problems, Recommendations…). Headings are the easiest way to show the examiner you know how a report is organised – and they make your ideas clearer.
Quick check
Choose the best answer.
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