How to write a REPORT

Post date: Dec 06, 2018 3:58:26 PM

HELPFUL HINTS:

Begin by stating the purpose of your report.
State where you got the information.
Use a clear layout. Be neat, divide your report into sections; leave spaces between paragraphs.
Use headings to make the aim of the paragraphs clear.
1. Use numbered points or bullets where appropriate, but do NOT overdo it.
Develop the ideas given in the task. Focus on a few points.
Give a clear summary and make a comment/suggestion only in the last paragraph.

1. Use an impersonal, semi-formal style. Do not use contractions.

A report gives factual information. Include only necessary information and offer practical solutions.

USEFUL PHRASES

Paragraph 1: INTRODUCING the REPORT

The aim of this report is to...

The purpose of this report is to consider the advantages and disadvantages of ...

The main objective / purpose of this report is to...

In this report I will...

I have been asked to write a report about...

We were asked by....to write a report about....

This report is intended to show / discuss / outline...

and where you got the information

To prepare for this report, I conducted interviews with... / I visited some of the most popular... / I discussed the issue with...

Paragraphs 2 and 3 : Reporting your results

– balance the positive and negative points fairly

– use numbers or bullet points to highlight main points

– use of the passive makes the report more formal

– don’t use a lot of adjectives and dramatic language.

Paragraph 4 (Last paragraph) : Conclusion and recommendations

– give recommendations

– generalize

– express opinions impersonally

Reporting findings

It appears that the majority of …

The only problem is that … .

Most …(students seem) … .

Not surprisingly, …

According to …

All those who were interviewed believe that/are concerned that... It is thought that... It was commented upon by a number of people we talked to that... A cause of dissatisfaction was...

Suggesting additional ideas

Another option would be to …

I would also suggest …

Another point to consider is that …

Alternatively…. Moreover... Furthermore...

Apart from this / In addition to this

Making recommendations

I would suggest that....

I would strongly / highly recommend …

I would therefore recommend...

I would like to make the following recommendations...

There are a few changes I would like to recommend...

Taking these factors into account, I suggest...

If my recommendations are followed, then …

It seems to me that the best solution is...

All things considered, …

My first / second recommendation would be to ..

The best solution / ideas would seem to be …

It would be (highly) advisable to …

Clearly, more could be done to ....

Modal passives can be used to make suggestions/recommendations

Listing ideas

I would suggest the following:

… might like to consider the following:

The following are highly recommended: 1….. or 2. ……….

They gave/ suggested the following reasons:

They made the following points: 1….2…

The arguments against ... are the following: The following were the main reasons given for supporting ...: firstly, ..., secondly, ... Points mentioned in favour of/against ... were: There are several ways in which ... might be ... :