B2 First report example, marked
The same report written twice: first an answer that would get about 10 out of 20 (just below a pass), then the same answer improved to about 18 out of 20. Every problem and every improvement is marked and explained, criterion by criterion.
The task
Your English teacher wants to improve the school’s after-school clubs and has asked you to write a report.
In your report you should:
Points to include
- describe the clubs students go to at the moment
- explain which clubs are not very popular, and why
- recommend one new club the school could start
Write your report in 140–190 words.
Answer 1
about 10 / 20Hi teacher, I am going to tell you about the clubs.1
In our school there are three clubs: football, chess and theatre. The football club is very popular and a lot of students go every tuesdays2 after class, both boys and girls. The theatre club is popular too, especially with younger students, and they do a play at the end of the year.
The chess club is not popular.3 Only four students go. The teacher who runs it is very serious and they only play competitions. I think it is boring for most students.
I think the school can do a cooking club because everybody like eating and it is fun.4 We can cook food from different countries. It will be great!5
Thank you for reading.6
126 words
What goes wrong
- A report needs a title and an introduction saying its purpose – and “Hi teacher” is far too informal.
- “every Tuesday” – days have a capital letter and no -s here.
- The paragraph doesn’t really explain why.
- A recommendation, but with little detail, and “everybody likes”.
- Too chatty for a report: reports are neutral and factual.
- Not needed at the end of a report.
The marks
All three points are mentioned, but the reasons and the recommendation are very thin.
The style is chatty and personal, not the neutral style of a report.
No title or headings, so the reader can’t find the information quickly.
Simple language with some errors (every tuesdays, everybody like).
Answer 2: the same ideas, improved
about 18 / 20After-school clubs: a report1
Introduction
The aim of this report is to describe the after-school clubs currently on offer, explain why some are less popular than others and suggest a new club.2
Current clubs
At present, the school runs three clubs. Football, which meets every Tuesday, is by far the most popular, attracting around forty students3 of all ages. The theatre club is also well attended, particularly by younger students, and ends the year with a performance.
Less popular clubs
Only four students regularly attend the chess club. According to the students I spoke to4, it is seen as too serious, and many are unaware that beginners are welcome.
Recommendation
I would recommend starting a cooking club.5 It would teach a useful life skill and appeal to students who are not interested in sport. The chess club could also be advertised as open to complete beginners.6
146 words
What makes it better
- A clear title.
- A formal opening that states the purpose of the report.
- A participle clause gives facts concisely.
- Says where the information comes from, which suits a report.
- A clear, formal recommendation.
- An extra suggestion that links back to the problem found.
The marks
All three points, each with facts and reasons, and a well-supported recommendation.
A consistently neutral, factual style that suits a report for a teacher.
A title and headings make it easy to find each part, and each section is clearly organised.
Report language used well: at present, by far, according to, I would recommend.
What made the difference
- Content: Reasons are given (too serious, beginners don’t know they’re welcome), and the recommendation is explained.
- Communicative achievement: Neutral and factual: no “Hi teacher”, no “It will be great!”.
- Organisation: A title and four headings, one for each part of the task.
- Language: Typical report phrases: The aim of this report is…, At present…, I would recommend…
Use the points in the task as your headings. It makes your report easy to follow and makes sure you don’t forget anything.
Now write your own
Practise with real exam tasks and model answers, and get AI feedback on your report: an estimated mark for each criterion, your mistakes corrected and tips to improve.
More examples
The marks are Levoop’s estimate using the four criteria Cambridge uses for Writing (0–5 each). Only Cambridge English can give an official mark. The texts were written for Levoop.