IGCSE ESL REPORT WRITING
CHECKLIST FOR REPORT WRITING:
Use the correct structure
1. Title
2. Introduction (use keywords from the Q for introduction:
first sentence: what the report is about;
second sentence: the focus/ highlights of the report)
3. Body 1 (write the task of the report: usually positive traits)
4. Body 2 (write the task of the report: usually issues/ downsides which
need to be improved)
5. Conclusion
-give solutions to the problems mentioned in Body 2
-last sentence highlights the benefit if the solutions are implemented
(ie: …it will make the students to be more motivated to keep fit by
joining numerous sports activities.)
Use a formal language (no short forms)
Use topic-related vocabulary
Use reported speech/ passive voice
(It was reported that../ The participants commented that..)
Use complex sentences (avoid simple sentence)
Use a range of grammatical rules: perfect tense, perfect continuous
tense, progressive tense, modals, gerunds
Use cohesive devices
Use conditional ‘if’
Use a range of punctuation marks : ; - ! ? “ “ ‘ ‘ ……
IGCSE SAMPLE REPORT QUESTION
Your school recently changed the way the after-school activities have been
running. The headmaster wants students' opinions about the changes, and you
have been asked to write a report. In your report, say what is good about the
after-school activities, and suggest how it could be improved next term.
Here are some comments from students at your school:
“There should be more creative activities.”
“It is good they start earlier.”
“I like that they are optional.”
“More sports options are now offered.”
Now write a report for your headmaster.
The comments above may give you some ideas, and you should also use some
ideas of your own. Write about 120 and 160 words.
IGCSE SAMPLE REPORT ANSWER
AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES REPORT Title 2 sentences of intro:
1st: what the report is about
(Q: Your school recently
changed the way the after-
school activities have been
The after-school activities have undergone recent
running. The headmaster
changes, prompting a need for students' feedback. This wants students' opinions
report highlights the positive changes in the after- about the changes)
2nd : the focus/ highlights of
school activities while offering suggestions for
the report (Q: say what is
improvement next term. good about the after-school
activities, and suggest how
it could be improved next
Positive Changes
term.)
The new structure has increased the choice of activities Body 1: write the task of
available to students. For instance, more sports options the report- use keyword
are now offered such as archery and cricket; from the Q & make it
positive. P-E-E
encouraging greater participation among students who (Q: say what is good about
may not have previously been interested. the after-school activities)
Areas for Improvement
Body 2: write the task of
However, the activities could be improved in some the report: usually issues/
areas- many students said that they would like more downsides which need to
creative activities like art or music clubs. Additionally, be improved. P-E-E
(Q: suggest how it could be
there have been complaints about the need for more improved next term)
flexibility in the schedule: some students find it difficult
to attend activities due to having other commitments.
Conclusion
In conclusion, give
In a nutshell, the school could introduce more activities suggestions/ solutions to
to cater to a broader range of interests. Furthermore, a the problems mentioned in
Body 2.
more flexible schedule would allow students to
participate in more activities without missing out on In the last sentence
highlights the benefit if the
them. If these suggestions are taken into consideration, solutions are implemented.
we can improve students' participation and creativity.
Look at how the content of the report could be used to fit another type of essay:
ARTICLE
Question: Your class recently had a discussion about doing after-school
activities at school. Your teacher has asked everyone in the class to write an
essay on the subject.
THE RECENT AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES Title
Should students do after-school activities? This is a question which
people have different opinions of.
Advantages
The new after-school activities have increased the choices of
activities available to students. For instance, more sports options are
now offered such as archery and cricket; encouraging greater
participation among students who may not have previously been
interested.
Disadvantages
However, though there are numerous sports offered, there are only
limited creative activities like art or music clubs. Additionally, the
time duration is also fixed to 3pm-4pm: some students find it difficult
to attend activities due to having other commitments.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, I believe there are an array of good reasons for doing
after-school activities at school. It is important for everyone to have
opportunity to get fit and learn healthy way of life because healthy
body leads to healthy mind.
Look at how the content of the report could be used to fit another type of essay:
REVIEW
Question: Your school recently changed the way the after-school activities
have been running. You have decided to write a review for your school
magazine.
After-School Activities: A Review Of Our New School Program Title
The school recently changed the way the after-school activities have
been running. This program is organised by the Students’
Representative Council from 3pm- 4pm on weekdays which is open
to all students.
Upsides
The after-school activities have increased the choices of activities
available to students. For instance, more sports options are now
offered such as archery and cricket; encouraging greater
participation among students who may not have previously been
interested.
Downsides
However, though there are numerous sports offered, there are only
limited creative activities like art or music clubs. Additionally, the
time duration is also fixed to 3pm-4pm: some students find it difficult
to attend activities due to having other commitments.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, despite minor drawbacks, I believe there are an array
of good reasons for doing after-school activities at school. Therefore,
I highly recommend the after-school activities to all students as it is
important for everyone to have opportunity to get fit and learn
healthy way of life because healthy body leads to healthy mind.
