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The Formal Report

The Formal Report

Reference

Rule Example
PurposeThe purpose of this report is to…introduction
EvidenceThe vast majority of… · It was widely felt…findings
HedgeThis would appear to suggest…careful claims
RecommendIn light of these findings, I would recommend…final section

Common mistakes

  1. I found out that everyone loved it!! → The vast majority of students were extremely positive.
    impersonal, measured
  2. No headings → Introduction · Activities · Recommendations
    headings are expected
  3. Opinions everywhere → Findings first; recommendations in their own section
    keep evidence and opinion apart
  4. No evidence → based on questionnaires completed by 24 students
    say where the information comes from

The Formal Report — Exercises

Report conventions

Circle the correct answer.

  1. What is the main purpose of a report? (to present findings and make recommendations / to persuade someone to buy something / to tell a personal story)
  2. Which sentence is impersonal? (The vast majority of students were extremely positive. / Everyone loved it, me too! / I think it was cool.)
  3. Where should the recommendations go? (in their own section near the end / in the first line / in every paragraph)
  4. Which sentence gives the source of information? (The information is based on questionnaires completed by 24 students. / I just know it. / Somebody told me.)
  5. Which is a hedged finding? (This would appear to suggest that more time with families helps. / This proves families are the best. / Families are always best.)
  6. It would be advisable _____ the number of lessons. (to reduce / reducing / reduce)

Complete the report phrase

Write the missing word or words.

  1. The   of this report is to evaluate the exchange.
  2. The vast   of students enjoyed it.
  3. It was widely   that the trip was the highlight.
  4. In   of these findings, I would recommend…
  5.  , the exchange was a great success.
  6.   the changes are made, next year will be better.

The Formal Report — Answer Key

Report conventions

  1. to present findings and make recommendations — A report evaluates what was found.
  2. The vast majority of students were extremely positive. — The vast majority of… — impersonal evidence.
  3. in their own section near the end — Recommendations come after the findings.
  4. The information is based on questionnaires completed by 24 students. — Say where the evidence comes from.
  5. This would appear to suggest that more time with families helps. — would appear to suggest — careful.
  6. to reduce — advisable + to + verb.

Complete the report phrase

  1. purpose
  2. majority
  3. felt
  4. light
  5. Overall
  6. Provided