Cambridge writing: How to write a Report (C1 Advanced)
Cambridge writing: How to write a Report (C1 Advanced)
Hi Quijoter@s!
Today we’re going to look at another key task in the C1 Advanced Writing paper: the report. Many students confuse reports with proposals because they share a similar structure. However, the purpose of a report is different: instead of suggesting solutions, a report mainly describes a situation and evaluates information.
Let’s look at how to write one effectively.
What is a report?
A report is a formal piece of writing that presents information in a clear and organised way. In the exam, you may need to:
describe a situation or experience
summarise information
evaluate advantages and disadvantages
make brief suggestions or conclusions
The target reader is usually someone in authority, such as a manager, teacher, or committee. Your task is to present information objectively and logically.
Structure of a report
As with proposals, clear organisation is essential.
Title: The title should clearly state the topic of the report.
Examples: Report on the use of school facilities / Report on student feedback about the library
Introduction: In the introduction, explain the purpose of the report and where the information comes from.
Useful phrases:
The aim of this report is to…
This report examines…
The report is based on feedback from…
The purpose of this report is to evaluate…
Example: The aim of this report is to evaluate students’ opinions about the current library facilities.
Main sections (with headings): Divide the report into clear sections with headings. This helps the reader follow your ideas and shows good organisation.
Common headings include:
Facilities / Current Situation
Describe the present situation.
Student Feedback / Survey Results
Present the information or opinions you have collected.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Analyse the strengths and weaknesses.
Using headings makes your writing clearer and more professional, which examiners appreciate.
Conclusion: Finish with a brief summary of the findings and, if appropriate, a few recommendations.
Useful phrases:
In conclusion, it appears that…
Overall, the results indicate that…
It can therefore be concluded that…
Some improvements could include…
Example: Overall, the results indicate that students are satisfied with the study spaces, although improvements could be made to the availability of computers.
Useful vocabulary for reports
To describe information
describe
outline
present
summarise
To analyse
evaluate
assess
compare
examine
To present results
the majority of students…
a significant number of respondents…
only a small proportion…
To conclude
overall
in general
it can be concluded that
the findings suggest that
Tone and register
A report should be:
formal
objective
clear and factual
well organised
Avoid:
contractions (don’t, isn’t)
informal expressions
very personal opinions
Your aim is to sound professional and neutral.
What examiners look for
At C1 level, examiners assess:
Content – Have you addressed the task fully?
Communicative achievement – Is the tone appropriate for a report?
Organisation – Is the text clearly structured with logical sections?
Language – Is the vocabulary varied and accurate?
A good report is clear, informative and logically organised.
Learning how to write a strong report is extremely useful for the exam. Once you understand the structure and practise using formal language, it becomes a very manageable task in the Writing paper.
At Quijote Land, we are always here to
help you improve your English and feel confident when facing the
Cambridge exams. Keep practising your writing, stay curious, and
remember that every small step brings you closer to your goal. Good
luck with your preparation, Quijoter@s!
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date with all our latest news.
You can also find us on our official website
