Joy English · Level B2 · Reportsjoy-english.com
A report with recommendations
Name:Date:
Write a clear, formal report with headings that presents findings and makes practical recommendations.
Report on the college library
Introduction: The aim of this report is to assess how well the college library meets students' needs and to suggest improvements. It is based on a survey of 120 students carried out in May.
Opening hours: The majority of students (around 70%) stated that the library closes too early, particularly during the exam period. Many said that they would use it in the evenings if it were open.
Study spaces: Although the quiet reading room is popular, there are not enough areas for group work. As a result, groups often meet in the corridors, which disturbs other users.
Resources: Most respondents were satisfied with the range of books. However, a significant number complained that the computers are slow and that there are too few power sockets for laptops.
Recommendations: In view of these findings, it is recommended that the library should stay open until 10 p.m. during exam periods. It would also be advisable to convert one storage room into a bookable group study area. Finally, the college should consider replacing the oldest computers and installing additional sockets. If these changes are made, the library is likely to become a far more effective place to study.
Formal report language
Choose the best word, phrase or sentence for a formal report.
- The ___ of this report is to evaluate the new canteen menu.
- The ___ of students (about 65%) said the sports hall is too crowded.
- The committee should consider ___ more benches in the park.
- Which sentence is the most suitable for a report?
- Most respondents were satisfied. ___, a small number found the staff unhelpful.
- It would be ___ to provide information in several languages.
- ___ these findings, the following changes are recommended.
Complete the report
These sentences come from a report on how staff travel to work. Type one word in each gap. Use the word in brackets when there is one.
- The ___ of this report is to present the results of a staff travel survey.
- The report is based ___ interviews with 40 employees.
- ___ to the survey, most staff travel to work by car.
- Just over ___ of the employees (52%) said they would cycle if there were safe bike storage.
- It is ___ (recommend) that the company provides a covered bicycle shelter.
- The management should also consider ___ (offer) a small payment to staff who walk or cycle to work.
- If these changes ___ made, car use is likely to fall.
Writing task
You are a member of a student committee. The head of your college has asked for a report on the college's sports facilities. Use these survey results: the gym is too small and crowded at lunchtime; the outdoor courts are in good condition; the changing rooms need repair; many students would like evening fitness classes. Write a report with headings, describe the findings and make recommendations.
180–260 words
Check your writing
- I gave my report a title and clear section headings.
- My introduction states the aim of the report and how the information was collected.
- I presented the findings in a formal, impersonal style.
- I used language for quantities such as the majority of or a significant number of.
- I made practical recommendations with phrases like It is recommended that ...
- I did not use contractions, informal language or a personal story.
Answer key
Formal report language
- b) aimThe aim (or purpose) of this report is to ... is the standard opening.
- c) majority65% is more than half, so it is the majority.
- b) installingConsider is followed by the -ing form: consider installing.
- a) The survey indicates that bus services are unreliable.Reports are formal and impersonal and refer to evidence. The other sentences are informal and emotional.
- a) HoweverHowever introduces a contrasting finding.
- c) advisableAfter It would be, we need an adjective: advisable.
- a) In view ofIn view of means 'considering' and is followed by a noun. Because needs a clause, and Despite of is not correct English.
Complete the report
- purpose / aim / objective / goalThe purpose (or aim) of this report is to ... states why the report was written.
- onWe say based on.
- accordingAccording to introduces the source of the information.
- half52% is just over half.
- recommendedIt is recommended that ... is an impersonal way to make a recommendation.
- offeringConsider is followed by the -ing form: consider offering.
- areThis is a first conditional with a passive verb: If these changes are made, car use is likely to fall.
Model answer
Report on the college sports facilities
Introduction: The purpose of this report is to evaluate the college's sports facilities and to recommend improvements. The information comes from an online questionnaire completed by 85 students in October.
Gym: The gym is by far the most popular facility, but it is clearly too small. Over three quarters of respondents said that it is so crowded at lunchtime that they often have to wait for equipment or leave without exercising.
Outdoor courts and changing rooms: The tennis and basketball courts appear to be in good condition, and very few complaints were received about them. In contrast, the changing rooms were described as old and poorly maintained, with several broken showers and lockers.
Activities: A significant number of students expressed interest in evening fitness classes, particularly dance and circuit training, which are not currently offered.
Recommendations: In view of these findings, it is recommended that the college should extend the gym's opening hours and introduce a booking system to reduce crowding at lunchtime. The changing rooms should be repaired as a matter of priority. It would also be advisable to run a trial programme of evening classes next term. If these steps are taken, student satisfaction with the sports facilities is likely to increase considerably.