The Report

Reference

Common mistakes

1. No headings → Introduction · Current situation · Recommendations
   a report always has headings
2. Dear Sir or Madam, → A title, then Introduction
   a report is not a letter
3. I love the pool!! → The pool is considered excellent by most users.
   neutral, impersonal tone
4. Recommendations in every paragraph → Recommendations only at the end
   keep facts and recommendations apart

The Report — Exercises

What makes a good report?

Circle the correct answer.

1. What does a report always have that an essay does not? (headings / a greeting / a story)
2. Which sentence is the best introduction? (The aim of this report is to describe the sports centre and suggest improvements. / Dear Sir, I want to talk about the gym. / The gym is old!)
3. Which sentence is impersonal? (Several people complained that the equipment was old. / I hate the old equipment. / Everybody says it's rubbish.)
4. Where do recommendations go? (in the final section / in the first sentence / in every paragraph)
5. Which phrase introduces a recommendation? (I would therefore recommend… / Once upon a time… / Yours faithfully,)
6. Information was gathered _____ a survey of 50 students. (by means of / by mean / with mean)

Complete the report phrases

Write the missing word or words.

1. The   of this report is to describe the café.
2. Information was   by means of a survey.
3. The   of those surveyed want longer opening hours.
4. It was generally   that the prices are too high.
5. Several respondents   adding a climbing wall.
6. I would therefore   replacing the old equipment.

The Report — Answer Key

What makes a good report?

1. headings — Reports use headings for each section.
2. The aim of this report is to describe the sports centre and suggest improvements. — Start with the aim of the report.
3. Several people complained that the equipment was old. — Report what people said, impersonally.
4. in the final section — Recommendations come last, under their own heading.
5. I would therefore recommend… — I would therefore recommend…
6. by means of — by means of = using.

Complete the report phrases

1. aim
2. gathered
3. majority
4. agreed
5. suggested
6. recommend