How to write a report


Ø  What is your experience with writing reports? What kinds of reports have you written so far?
What are their characteristics?



                                         What is a Report?

Essentially, a report is a short, sharp, concise document which is written for a particular purpose
and audience. It generally sets outs and analyses a situation or problem, often making
recommendations for future action. It is a factual paper, and needs to be clear and
well-structured.

Whereas an essay presents arguments and reasoning, a report concentrates on facts.

Reports may contain some or all of the following elements:

·         A description of a sequence of events or a situation;

·         Some interpretation of the significance of these events or situation, whether solely your
own analysis or informed by the views of others, always carefully referenced of course;

·         Discussion of the likely outcomes of future courses of action (what might happen);

·         Your recommendations as to a course of action; and

·         A conclusion.

(Adapted from: https://www.skillsyouneed.com/write/report-writing.html)

Ø  Watch a video about how to write a report and write down the important steps.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GV4yMF8vx6o










Useful language

Reporting verbs

agree, refuse, offer, ask, decide, state, claim, promise, encourage, warn, threaten + INFINITIVE

recommend, suggest, accuse of, apologise for, deny, admit to + GERUND

say, tell, ask – study the grammar rules for using reported speech after these verbs


Expressing degrees of certainty

I am/ it is certain that …

It´s highly probable that …

It´s quite likely that …

This could lead to …

It´s possible that …

It is improbable/unlikely that …

I´m not certain that …

I have doubts about …


Making a suggestion

I (would) suggest/recommend/advise …

In my view, the solution could be …

I would propose that …

Expressing degrees of importance

It is essential to realize that …

Let me emphasize that …

We mustn´t underestimate (the importance)…

I believe we cannot overlook the fact that …

(Adapted from The Language of meetings, Thomson, 2007)


You have listened to a dialogue between a physician, Maddie and her mother. You are going to write
a short report (150-200 words) about the problematic situation for Maddie´s teachers.

Ø  Write an introduction to give the general idea of the interview.

Ø  Look back at your notes and report on the current problem in a clear and organized manner.

Ø  Discuss some possible future problems.

Ø  Give your recommendation.

Ø  Write a conclusion where you state your overall attitude towards the problem.

Ø  Remember to use formal language in your report and give it a good structure.


Ø  Read your report to the person next to you and give each other feedback on how accurate the
report was and how easy it was to follow.


Ø  Did you come up with the same recommendations? Discuss your ideas in small groups.