A report – B2 English Writing

A report

What’s a report exactly?

A report is a common task at B2 level and one of the possible options in Part 2 of the Cambridge B2 First Writing paper. A report could be described as a formal essay, where you need to present information in a clear and organised way, often based on a specific situation or request.

You are usually asked to describe a situation, evaluate strengths and weaknesses, and make recommendations. Reports are typically intended for a teacher, manager, or group leader, so the tone should be polite, formal, and objective.

Analysing a sample report task

Let’s take a look at an example of a report task from a Cambridge sample paper:

The first thing you need to do is make sure you understand what the task is asking and who you are writing to.

You are writing to the group leader (you need to use formal language).

You need to include two main areas:

• Information about the use of technology across different subjects.
• Recommendations about lessons that would be interesting or useful for the visitors.

Tip: Always read the task carefully and underline key points. You will lose marks if you leave out required content.

How to organise your report

Reports can almost always be organised in a similar way, because they often ask you to do the same thing: analyse a situation and make recommendations.

Here’s a simple structure you can follow:

Tip: Use headings and formal language to make your report easy to follow.

Parts of a report

Title

Your report should have a clear, formal title that reflects the topic.

Example:

• Report on the use of technology in education

Introduction

Start with a short paragraph that explains the purpose of the report. Use formal, objective language.

Example:

Body paragraphs

The body of your report should be divided into clear sections, each with its own heading. This makes your writing easier to read and helps the examiner follow your ideas. Usually, the body of the report includes two paragraphs, each with its own heading.

Use headings based on the content.

Make sure your headings are consistent. Nouns or noun phrases are best. Don’t switch between noun and verb phrases. In the Cambridge sample task about technology in education, you might use a heading for each subject that you describe.

• Science lessons
• Language learning

Tips:

• Write in a clear and formal style.
• Give specific examples where possible, and explain the benefits of using each one.
• Use linking words to organise ideas (e.g. In addition, Moreover, For example, However).

Example:

➪ Use topic openers to introduce the subject of the paragraph clearly and formally.

➪ Use referencing phrases to make your writing more cohesive by referring back to ideas you’ve already mentioned. Avoid using just this or these on their own, as it may be unclear what you are referring to.

➪ Use transition words to guide the reader through your ideas and show how your points are connected.

Conclusion or recommendations

Most report tasks ask you to make suggestions or recommendations based on the information you’ve given. This final section is where you summarise your findings and give clear advice.

What should you include?

• A brief summary of the main points.
• One or more specific recommendations.

Example:

➪ Use referencing phrases to make your writing more cohesive by referring back to ideas you’ve already mentioned.

➪ Use transition words to guide the reader through your ideas and show how your points are connected.

Useful language for report writing

Use formal and objective language throughout your report. Here are some useful phrases you can use, depending on the purpose of each section.

Introducing the report

• The aim/purpose of this report is to…
• This report aims to outline/describe…
• This report has been written to…
• This report outlines/describes…

Describing how something is used/functions

• Students use this tool to/in order to…
• This approach/method allows learners to…
• This tool/resource is used for + noun
• This tool/resource is used for + -ing verb (practising/improving…)

Describing advantages and disadvantages

• One advantage of this method is that…
• This approach is beneficial because…
• However, one possible drawback is that…

Making recommendations

• It is recommended that…
• It would be advisable to…
• The following suggestions could be considered:
• In conclusion, it is suggested that…

Linking words and connectors

Use connectors to organise your ideas clearly and show the relationship between different points.

Adding information:

• In addition
• Moreover
• What is more
• Furthermore

Giving examples:

• For example
• One example of this is…
• This can be seen in…
• For instance
• Such as

Contrasting ideas:

• However
• Although / Even though
• On the other hand
• In contrast

Explaining cause and effect:

• As a result
• Therefore
• This means that…
• For this reason,
• Consequently

Organising points:

• Firstly / Secondly / Finally
• To begin with
• The following…
• Before that / After that / Later / Recently / etc.

Tip: Avoid using informal connectors like also or so. Instead, use formal alternatives such as in addition or therefore.