How to Write a Report

Malcolm Corbin
Sep 29
3 min read

What is a report?

A report is formal style writing written for a business, government, organisation or scientific body which identifies and analyses problems and gives recommendations. It should be objective, keep to the facts and not include any personal opinions. To do this, I advise that you make good use of the passive tenses.

General information

Cambridge 140-190 words

However you should write at least 180 words and maximum 200

Trinity 150-180 words

However you should write at least 170 words and maximum 190

You need to write this much otherwise you won't be including enough detail or including enough variety of grammar in your writing!

How to start writing

Create a plan

Look at the task and write down the purpose of the report
Write down 2 or 3 points relating to each part of the task that you must answer
Make a few notes about what each point means eg: causes, consequences, effects, etc...

Structure

Title - Explaining the purpose of the report

Introduction - 2 or 3 sentences

States the purpose of the report and identifies key areas that will be discussed.
ONLY include ideas that you will identify in the plan!
Write this as a paragraph.

Main body

Make good use of subheadings for key areas and bullet points for specific details.
You should still use full sentences when writing your bullet points!
Keep to the facts.
Present your findings in one section.
Present your analysis of the findings in another section.

Conclusion - 2 or 3 sentences.

Summarise the key points.
Give a recommendation based on your analysis.
DO NOT introduce any new ideas.
Write this as a paragraph.

Phrases to use in each section

Introduction

This report examines
The report has been commissioned to...
This report aims to...
This report is intended to...

Findings

It was noted that...
It's been highlighted that...
...was shown to be a key issue
(Some people) mentioned that...

Analysis

the root of the issue lies in + obj
The effects of the findings could...
...has caused...
It's clear that... has resulted in...
It has been identified that...

Recommendation

It's recommended that...
It would be advisable to...
(The business) would be advised to...
The most vital action to take is to...

Example report

Question: The teachers at your school have complained that many students are spending too much time using the Internet to visit social networking sites and chat rooms. They have asked the headteacher to disconnect the Internet from the school’s computer room as they feel it is not an appropriate use of school equipment.

Write a report to the headteacher identifying the advantages and disadvantages of having Internet in the school's computer room and giving your recommendation.

Plan

Advantages	Disadvantages
Educational support - many resources and tools available	Distraction - don't do schoolwork
Improves digital skills - need for modern life	Misuse - can't monitor all activity

Report on Internet Access in the School’s Computer Room

Introduction

This report examines the advantages and disadvantages of providing Internet access in the school’s computer room. It presents key findings related to educational use and potential misuse, followed by an analysis of their impact and a recommendation.

Findings

Advantages of Internet Access

Educational Support: The Internet allows students to access a wide range of learning resources, such as online articles and revision tools, which enhance their understanding of school subjects.
Development of Digital Skills: Internet use helps students improve their research and IT skills, which are essential for future education and employment.

Disadvantages of Internet Access

Distraction: Some students use the Internet for social networking and chat rooms, which takes time away from schoolwork.
Misuse: It can be difficult for teachers to monitor all student activity during lessons.

Analysis

While misuse is a concern, the root of the issue lies in supervision rather than Internet access itself. With clearer rules, improved filtering systems, and closer monitoring, students can benefit from the Internet without it becoming a distraction. Banning it completely would remove a valuable educational tool.

Conclusion

The Internet offers important learning opportunities that outweigh the risks of misuse. It is recommended that Internet access continues, but with stricter supervision and clearer usage guidelines.

***Disclaimer: All opinions stated are examples for the sole purpose of teaching. They do not necessarly express the views of Malcolm's English Class.