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B2 Writing

B2Reports30 min

A report with recommendations

Write a clear, formal report with headings that presents findings and makes practical recommendations.

A report is written for a specific reader, such as a manager, a teacher or a committee, who needs information in order to make a decision. Unlike an essay, a report is divided into sections with headings, so the reader can find information quickly. It usually begins by stating its aim, presents findings based on evidence (for example, a survey) and ends with recommendations. The style is formal and impersonal, and opinions are expressed cautiously.

Model text

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.

Useful language

SectionUseful language
Introduction / aimThe aim / purpose of this report is to ... / It is based on ...
Presenting findingsAccording to the survey, ... / The majority of / A minority of respondents ...
QuantitiesAround 70% ... / Just over half ... / Very few ... / A significant number of ...
Cautious languageIt appears that ... / This seems to suggest that ... / Students tend to ...
RecommendationsIt is recommended that ... / It would be advisable to ... / The college should consider + -ing
Final commentIn view of these findings, ... / If these changes are made, ...

Exercise 1 of 2

Formal report language

Choose the best word, phrase or sentence for a formal report.

  1. The _____ of this report is to evaluate the new canteen menu.

  2. The _____ of students (about 65%) said the sports hall is too crowded.

  3. The committee should consider _____ more benches in the park.

  4. Which sentence is the most suitable for a report?

  5. Most respondents were satisfied. _____, a small number found the staff unhelpful.

  6. It would be _____ to provide information in several languages.

  7. _____ these findings, the following changes are recommended.

0 of 7 answered

Exercise 2 of 2

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.

  1. The of this report is to present the results of a staff travel survey.

  2. The report is based interviews with 40 employees.

  3. to the survey, most staff travel to work by car.

  4. Just over of the employees (52%) said they would cycle if there were safe bike storage.

  5. It is (recommend) that the company provides a covered bicycle shelter.

  6. The management should also consider (offer) a small payment to staff who walk or cycle to work.

  7. If these changes made, car use is likely to fall.

0 of 7 answered

Your turn

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.

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Sample 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.

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Source

Original lesson by Joy English.

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