Report

Reference

Common mistakes

1. Everyone loved it! → The response from visitors was more favourable than had been anticipated.
   measured and objective
2. No figures → rose by approximately 18% · 420 users
   quantify your evidence
3. Only positives → However, a sizeable minority…
   balance builds credibility
4. Recommendations scattered everywhere → a separate Recommendations section
   organise clearly

Report — Exercises

A C2 report

Circle the correct answer.

1. Which sentence is most objective? (The response from visitors was more favourable than had been anticipated. / Everyone loved it! / It was great, obviously.)
2. What should support findings in a report? (figures and named sources / personal feelings / rumours)
3. Which sentence adds balance? (However, a sizeable minority of respondents reported problems. / Nobody had any problems. / Problems are boring.)
4. I would recommend that the model _____ retained. (be / is / was)
5. The savings more than _____ the extra costs. (offset / offsetting / set off)
6. How long is a C2 Part 2 report? (280–320 words / 140–190 words / 500 words)

Complete the report phrase

Write the missing word or words.

1. The   of this report is to evaluate the trial.
2. Attendance rose by   18%.
3. It should be  , though, that two employees struggled.
4. In   of these findings, I recommend two changes.
5. The model should be kept,   to two adjustments.
6.   the concerns are addressed, the change will succeed.

Write the report

Your school or workplace recently trialled a change (for example, a new timetable or a phone-free policy). Write a report evaluating the trial and recommending whether it should continue. Write 280–320 words.

Report — Answer Key

A C2 report

1. The response from visitors was more favourable than had been anticipated. — Measured, impersonal → objective.
2. figures and named sources — Use evidence.
3. However, a sizeable minority of respondents reported problems. — Present both sides.
4. be — recommend that + subjunctive → be.
5. offset — offset = balance out.
6. 280–320 words — 280–320 words.

Complete the report phrase

1. aim
2. approximately
3. noted
4. light
5. subject
6. Provided

Write the report

1. Model answer: Report on the Introduction of a Four-Day Week Trial Introduction The aim of this report is to evaluate the six-month trial in which the town's leisure centre opened to the public for four longer days rather than six shorter ones, and to make recommendations regarding its future. The findings are based on visitor numbers, an online survey completed by 420 users and interviews with twelve members of staff. Impact on visitors Overall, the response from visitors was more favourable than had been anticipated. Average daily attendance rose by approximately 18%, and the extended evening hours proved particularly popular with people who work full-time. However, a sizeable minority of respondents, most of them retired residents, reported that the closure on Mondays and Tuesdays had disrupted long-established routines. Impact on staff The staff interviewed were almost unanimous in their support for the new arrangement. Several reported that the longer weekend had improved their wellbeing and reduced the need to take sick leave. It should be noted, though, that two employees found the ten-hour shifts physically demanding, especially on the busiest days. Financial implications Energy costs fell by around 12% as a result of the building being closed for an additional day each week. This saving more than offset the modest increase in overtime payments during the first two months of the trial. Recommendations In light of these findings, I would recommend that the four-day model be retained, subject to two adjustments. Firstly, a limited morning programme for older residents should be reintroduced on one of the closed days, perhaps run by volunteers. Secondly, shift patterns should be reviewed to ensure that no member of staff works more than two consecutive long days. Conclusion The trial has, on the whole, been a notable success. Provided the concerns outlined above are addressed, there is every reason to believe that the new arrangement will benefit both the public and the staff in the long term.