Joy English
Joy English

C1 Writing

C1Reports30 min

A report with findings and recommendations

Write a clear, impersonal report that presents findings from a survey and makes justified recommendations.

A report presents information and makes recommendations for a specific reader, such as a manager or a committee. It is organised under clear headings, written in a neutral, impersonal style and based on evidence rather than opinion. The writer states the purpose, reports findings with accurate quantifiers, draws cautious conclusions and ends with practical, justified recommendations. Passive and impersonal structures are common, but the style should still read smoothly.

Model text

Report on evening opening at Riverside Library

Introduction. The aim of this report is to assess whether Riverside Library should extend its opening hours on weekday evenings. It is based on a survey of users carried out between 3 and 17 March and on a review of staffing records for the previous year.

Findings. In total, 214 users completed the survey. Roughly one in three respondents said that they were unable to visit the library before five o'clock because of work or study commitments, and 62 per cent were in favour of later closing. Demand appears to be strongest on Tuesdays and Thursdays, when many students prepare for evening classes. By contrast, only a small minority expressed interest in Sunday opening.

It was also found that the study area is almost full between four and six o'clock, which suggests that existing space is already under pressure. However, it should be noted that staff costs would rise if the building remained open until nine. According to the figures supplied by the finance office, an additional evening would cost approximately £1,150 per month.

Conclusions. There is clear evidence of unmet demand, particularly among people who work during the day. Nevertheless, a permanent change would carry financial risk, and the data on weekend use is too limited to draw reliable conclusions.

Recommendations. It is recommended that the library introduce late opening on Tuesdays and Thursdays on a six-month trial basis. Attendance should be monitored each month, and the results reviewed before any permanent decision is made. Provided that funding can be secured from the community budget, the trial could begin in September.

Useful language

SectionUseful languageStyle note
IntroductionThe aim / purpose of this report is to ... / This report examines ...State the purpose and sources in two or three lines.
FindingsRoughly one in three ... / The majority of ... / A small minority ...Use accurate quantifiers, not "loads" or "tons".
Hedged interpretationThe data suggest that ... / This appears to indicate ...Do not claim more than the evidence supports.
Contrast / consequenceBy contrast, ... / Consequently, ... / However, it should be noted that ...Link findings logically.
RecommendationsIt is recommended that the library introduce ... / We suggest ...ingAfter recommend that, use the base form.
ConditionProvided that ... / Subject to ...Show what the plan depends on.

Exercise 1 of 2

Choose the best option

Choose the option that suits a formal report.

  1. Which sentence best states the purpose of a report?

  2. Most respondents (62 per cent) _____ later closing.

  3. It is recommended that the library _____ its weekday hours.

  4. The data _____ that demand is highest on Thursdays.

  5. Which is the most appropriate way to report a result?

  6. Staffing costs would rise; _____, a small charge may be needed.

  7. Which sentence belongs in the Findings section rather than the Recommendations?

0 of 7 answered

Exercise 2 of 2

Complete the report language

Type one word to complete each sentence.

  1. The purpose of this report is assess the demand for evening opening.

  2. The survey was carried between 3 and 17 March.

  3. Respondents were asked to their preferred closing time.

  4. Opening until nine would in higher staffing costs.

  5. With to cost, a pilot scheme would limit the risk.

  6. On the of these findings, we recommend a six-month trial.

  7. The trial could begin in May, that funding is secured.

0 of 7 answered

Your turn

Writing task

You are the sports officer at a medium-sized college. The principal has asked for a report on whether the college should open its gym early in the morning. Using the notes below, write the report. Notes: 120 students surveyed; 45 per cent want opening at seven o'clock; many currently travel to a private gym; extra staffing would cost about £900 per month; no data yet on winter use.

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Sample answer

Report on early-morning gym opening

Introduction. The purpose of this report is to consider whether the college gym should open at seven o'clock on weekdays. It is based on a survey of 120 students and on estimates supplied by the finance office.

Findings. Forty-five per cent of respondents said that they would like the gym to open at seven o'clock, and many added that they currently travel to a private gym because of the limited hours here. Although this falls short of a majority, it represents a substantial group of potential users, and the demand appears to be genuine.

Extra staffing would cost approximately £900 per month. However, no data is yet available on how usage might change during the winter months, when dark, cold mornings may well discourage early exercise. It should therefore be noted that the current figures may overstate long-term interest.

Conclusions. There is reasonable evidence of demand, but it is not yet strong enough to justify a permanent commitment, particularly as winter attendance is unknown.

Recommendations. It is recommended that the gym open early on three weekdays for one term, and that attendance be recorded daily so that staffing can be adjusted if demand changes. Students should also be told about the trial through the college website and notice boards. Provided that the trial attracts at least thirty users per session, the arrangement could then be extended.

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Source

Original lesson by Joy English.

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