A REPORT

When you are asked to write a report, it can be in formal or informal style. Sometimes reports are usually written for a person in authority (e.g. a teacher, manager, group leader). They normally contain some description and often include suggestions or recommendations for future action Information is presented in separate sections. Each section has an appropriate heading to help the reader easily identify what the report contains. The first paragraph is usually a short section entitled Purpose or Introduction. It is important that we mention the reason for writing and prepare the reader for the information that we will include in the main body. The main body is divided into sections, each of which starts with a heading. Reports end with a final section, often entitled Conclusion in which we can summarise the points in the main body, make a recommendation for future action, or offer a personal opinion. Points to consider: Before starting your report, think of who you are supposed to be and who the report is addressed to. This will help you to decide on the style of the report. Decide on everything you will include in your report and divide them into paragraphs under suitable subheadings. Join your sentences with appropriate linking words or time expressions Structure Introduction: state topic (what when where who why) Min body information under suitable subheadings Conclusion summarise points, refer to feelings, moods, consequences, personal opinion, suggestions The model below is based on the topic: A trip to England Introduction In July, I went to England for a three-week language course at Wellington College, Crowthorne. There were fifty students on the course, from more than a dozen different countries. Arrival Two teachers met me when I arrived at Heathrow, and they introduced me to some of the other students. Then we went to the school by coach, and unpacked in our dormitories big rooms with beds for six students. After that we went to the dining hall for our first English meal, which was fish and chips. The school days The next day we had three hours of English lessons, and after lunch we went riding. I had never been on a horse before, but it was great! That evening I watched TV while some of the other students played table tennis or listened to music. Most days followed this pattern, although I also tried canoeing as well as playing tennis and football. Excursions At the end of the first week, we went to Howletts Zoo. The zoo-keeper let us feed the gorillas, but some of the students were too scared to go near them! We went on excursions to Dover and Margate, too, and on the last weekend we went up to London where we went sightseeing and bought presents for our friends and family. Farewell

On the last evening of the course, we had a disco. One of the teachers was a DJ, so he played all the songs I liked. The next morning I said goodbye to all my new friends, and went home. Conclusion I had a wonderful time, and I want to go back next year. I think my English has improved, too! Read the model below and insert the appropriate headings Beginning Purpose What I like about the school Classroom conditions What can we do about it improvements Last but not least Conclusion

Suggested

1. .. The purpose of this report is to comment on the condition in the college and to make recommendations for possible improvements 2. . Although conditions are generally good, there are a few problems. Firstly, in large classes there is not much desk space. Secondly, the classrooms tend to be dark, especially in the winter months. Finally, during the video lessons, some of us find it difficult to see the screen properly. 3. . There are a number of changes that could be made in order to improve the situation. To begin with, I would strongly suggest that the number of students per class be kept to below ten. In this way, we could avoid the overcrowding that sometimes exists. Also, special attention needs to be taken as far as lighting is concerned. For example, if the college invested in a larger television, it would mean that all of the students would be able to get maximum benefit of the video lessons. 4. To sum up, while most of us are satisfied with the conditions, I feel that the above improvements would make things even better. If these suggestions were carried out, both teachers and students would have a comfortable environment for studying and teaching.

Linking words and phrases To list points: Firstly / in the first place / to begin with ; secondly/ then / furthermore ; Finally / last To make concessions Although ; while ; despite To add emphasis: Especially; in particular; particularly To express your opinion: I feel; I believe ; I am convinced ; I am confident To make suggestions/recommendations: I (would)(strongly) suggest/recommend ; if we (did this / were to do this) ; one solution/suggestion would be to ; it would be a good idea to To express cause and effect: By (doing this), we could/would ; (Doing this) would (solve the problem); In this way, we could.. ; in order to ; so that ; (This) would mean that ; As a result

Use the appropriate linking words/phrases to complete the sentences: 1. . Working in such a closed environment isnt healthy. Secondly, we have complained, nothing has been done about it. 2. We should get more computers in the office. , everyone could have access. , the work would bet done more quickly. 3. we increase our office hours provide better customer service 4. Firstly, I feel change the current curriculum. , students should be given an extra free period during exams. 5. I believe we should hire additional part-time staff, during the busy summer season. be able to get the orders out of time. 6. Finally, it is important to understand the importance of the Internet in the job market today. the results of the survey will help us improve our working conditions. Write one of the following reports in the appropriate style The school where you work as a teacher is planning to produce a brochure to be distributed to the public. The headmaster has asked you to write a report, suggesting which aspects of life at the school should be represented in the brochure and which photographs should be used. You recently took part in a national food contest and have been asked to write a short report about the experience for a cooking magazine. You spent three weeks at Disneyland Paris representing your country at an international students meeting on ecology. Write a report to your teacher describing your stay there.