Writing Part 2 - Reports

In this post, we'll be looking at how to write a good report.  A report is often an option in Part 2 of Paper 2, the Writing test.  There are 4 questions, numbered 2 to 5 from which you choose ONE option and write between 120 and 180 words.  The options are:
•    Formal/Informal letter or email
•    Essay
•    Report
•    Review
•    Story

Question 5 is based on a book.  At ELI, most centres don't study the book so it's a good idea to ignore question 5, unless you've studied it with your teacher.

You should choose your question based on the vocabulary you know, and the type of writing you are best at.  Before you start, make sure you understand the question properly so that you can answer it.  Underline the key words in the question to help you focus, and to start thinking of ideas to write about.

What is a Report?
The purpose of a report is to give information and a recommendation based on the information in the report.  It is usually written in formal or semi-formal language, depending on who the report is for. 

Planning your Report
To enable you to write the report, you should read the question carefully and underline the key words to help you focus.  Underline:

• who the report is for (this will help you decide if the report is formal or semi-formal
• the topic (this will help you think of relevant vocabulary and ideas)
• what information is being asked (this will help you organise your ideas)

Then, write some key words and phrases that you could include in each paragraph of the report.  Think of titles for the paragraphs.

Organization and Layout
In a report, you can use paragraph titles, numbered lists and bullet points.

Decide on titles for the paragraphs.  There are usually three or four paragraphs in an FCE report which includes:

• Introduction - the reason you are writing the report based on the question
• One or two paragraphs containing the information requested in the report.
• Recommendation - your recommendation based on the information you have mentioned in the report.

This can vary depending on the question so do read the question carefully.

Grammar and Vocabulary
A report is written in formal or semi-formal language.  This means:

• do not use contractions
• reported speech
• use formal expressions to describe quantity (e.g. The majority of people.....)
• use formal expressions
• use formal linking expressions

Some Useful Expressions


Introduction
The aim of this report is to...
This report is intended to...

Reporting results
Most people seemed to feel that...
Several people said that/told me that/suggested that/thought that...

Presenting a list
They gave/suggested the following reasons...
They made the following points...

Making the Recommendation
I would therefore recommend that we (+ infinitive without to)
It would seem that (+ verb+ing...)

Some Linking words
although, however, therefore, because, furthermore, in addition, despite, nevertheless,

Examples and Practice

• There are some sample reports on pages 152 and 202 of your coursebook.  
• Go to the Writing Class at Flo Joe for useful expressions and practice.  Click here.
• Go to the Writing Class Makeover to see what other students write.  Click here.

Good luck with your writing!

Listening Part 1

In Part 1 of the Listening test you will hear people talking in eight different situations.  They can be monologues or dialogues.  You choose the correct answer A, B or C for each situation.  There is one point for each question.

Tips

• Read the question before the options and underline the key words
• Each question is based on a different situation
• Focus on each new text as you hear it.  Do not look back at the question you have just done or the one that comes next.
• Decide on one of the options after the first listening.  If you are not sure, make a sensible guess by eliminating the options you are sure are not the answer.
• Do not listen for single words.  Listen for the general meaning.
• If you don't understand every word, don't worry. 
• Try to relax!

If you would like to try some online listening practice, there are lots of websites on this blog.  Here is a Part 1 listening test for you to try:

Listening Part 1

Writing Part 1 - Transactional Letter or Email

Part 1 of the Writing test is compulsory.  You are asked to write a letter or email of between 120 and 150 words in response to input material.  The input material can consist of advertisements, extracts from letters, emails, schedules, etc.  The writing may be more or less formal, and you will know this from the input material.  Here are two extracts from typical exam questions.  Are they formal, neutral or informal?  (See end of post for answer):

(a)  You recently entered a competition for learners of English and you have received a letter from the organisers of the competition.  Write to the organisers of the competition giving the information requested and using all your notes.

(b)  You have received an email from your English speaking friend, Mary, who is planning to open a restaurant.  Read Mary's email and the notes you have made.  Write to Sara using ALL your notes. 

The purpose of this question is to test your ability to respond to written text.  It is important that you respond to ALL of the notes on the input material using the correct register and style.

Here is a list of some of the types of language that you may need to use in this part of the test:

• advice
• apologising
• comparing
• describing
• explaining
• expressing opinions
• justifying
• persuading
• recommending
• suggesting

Your writing will be marked by the examiners using the following criteria:

• Content - Have you included ALL the points in the question in an appropriate manner?
• Organisation and Cohesion -  Are your ideas clearly organised into suitable paragraphs using linking words and expressions, and appropriate opening and closing expressions?
• Range - have you used a good range of vocabulary and grammatical structures suitable for the task? e.g. expressing opinions, making suggestions, etc.
• Accuracy - Have you checked your writing for mistakes?
• Appropriacy of Register and Format - Should your writing be more formal or informal? 
• Target Reader - What is the effect on the target reader?  e.g. Is it easy to read?  Have you given all the information asked for?  Will the reader know what you are asking for? etc.

Exam Success!
The exam is one hour and 20 minutes long.  This gives you lots of time to plan, write and check your writing before finishing.  If you are short of time, DO NOT rewrite a clean version.  You will find that you are wasting valuable time copying the same mistakes instead of checking your writing to improve it.  If you plan properly, you will only need to write your letter once, then you'll have more time to check for mistakes.

Good Luck!

Answer
(a) neutral
(b) informal

Speaking Part 4

Cambridge Sample Video Speaking Part 4

Speaking Part 3

Cambridge Sample Video Speaking Part 3

Speaking Part 2

Cambridge Sample Video Speaking Part 2

Speaking Part 1

Cambridge Sample Video Speaking Test Part 1