Writing reports
Write clear, formal reports with headings, an aim, findings and recommendations — for work, college and exams.
In this lesson you will
- Organise a report with headings
- Present findings objectively
- Make clear recommendations
Learn
A report is formal and organised for quick reading. Typical sections: Introduction/Aim, Findings (often with sub-headings), Conclusion, Recommendations.
Aim: The aim/purpose of this report is to… It is based on a survey of 50 staff. Findings: objective, often passive and impersonal: It was found that… The majority of respondents stated that…
Recommendations: It is recommended that the company (should) introduce… I would suggest… The best option would be to…
Style: formal, no contractions, no emotional language; use bullet points sparingly where appropriate; short, clear paragraphs.
Examples
- The aim of this report is to evaluate the staff canteen.
- It was found that most employees found the prices too high.
- Only a minority of respondents were satisfied with the menu.
- It is recommended that more vegetarian options be introduced.
Vocabulary
respondent
a person who answers a survey
findings
information discovered by research
recommendation
a suggestion for action
evaluate
judge the quality of
objective
based on facts, not feelings
Practice
Which heading usually comes first?
Speaking
Present the findings of an imaginary survey of 40 students about the college café, then make two recommendations (two minutes).
Writing
Write a report (220–250 words) for your manager on how the office could become more environmentally friendly, based on a staff survey. Use headings.
- ☐ Headings
- ☐ Aim stated
- ☐ Objective findings with quantity language
- ☐ Clear recommendations
- ☐ Formal style
Lesson quiz
“Respondents” are…
Review
Key points
- Headings: aim, findings, conclusion, recommendations.
- Objective, impersonal findings.
- It is recommended that…
- Formal style, no contractions.
What you learned
- ✓ I can write a formal report.
- ✓ I present findings objectively.
- ✓ I make clear recommendations.
Grammar reference: The passive voice