How to write a report for the New FCE exam? Here’s a sample topic that has been divided into paragraphs and each of the sections explained.
Part 2
You must answer this question.
Your college has been asked to accept a group of 50 students from another country for two weeks. You have been asked by your principal to find out what the advantages and disadvantages would be of accepting this group. Is it a good idea?
Write your report to the principal in 140- 190 words in an appropriate style on the separate answer sheet.
Sample answer:
Report on Proposed Visit by 50 Overseas Students
Introduction
The purpose of this report is to consider the advantages and disadvantages of accepting a large group of students from overseas for two weeks. I have discussed the issue with all the senior members of college staff.
You start with Paragraph 1- Introduction
In the introduction you :
– use headings – this makes it easier to find the main info
– state the aim of the report and where you got/ collected the information
– don’t begin with Dear Sir/ Madam – it’s not a letter
Phrases you can use in the introduction:
Advantages
All those I interviewed believe that for students this would be an exciting opportunity to explore a foreign culture, both in the classroom and socially. Overall, they thought the visit would be stimulating for the college at a quiet time of the year.
In the 2nd Paragraph you :
– balance the positive and negative points fairly
– you can use numbering or bullet points to highlight main points
– use a range of specific vocabulary or set phrases e.g. Some thought this was …../ other students said they preferred…
– don’t use a lot of adjectives and dramatic language. A report gives factual information
Phrases you can use to in the 2nd and 3rd paragraph:
It appears that the majority of …
Disadvantages
Some members of staff are concerned that:
1 there would be insufficient seating in the library at bus times;
2 the visitors might be more interested in enjoying themselves than studying;
3 the restaurant queue would be very slow at lunchtime.
In the 3rd Paragraph you :
– balance the positive and negative points fairly
– you can use numbering or bullet points to highlight main points
– use a range of specific vocabulary or set phrases e.g. Some thought this was …../ other students said they preferred…
Conclusion and recommendation
Clearly, the group might cause some practical difficulties but on the whole everyone thought that the visit should seen as an opportunity not to be missed.
In the last paragraph you :
Phrases you can use to end the letter
Over to you:
A group of students from Australia are going to visit your town or city next month as part of an exchange visit. Their teacher has asked you to write a report about shopping in your town / city, including the following information:
• local specialities which the students could buy as souvenirs
• the best places for teenagers to go shopping
• cheap cafes or restaurants where the students could eat.
Write your report in 140- 190 words in an appropriate style on the separate answer sheet.
Here’s the next task you can do:
Your teacher wants to recommend a television programme for students who are learning your language.
Write a report on a television programme which you know well, saying why you think it would be helpful and interesting for foreign learners.
Write your report in 140- 190 words in an appropriate style on the separate answer sheet.
Points to remember:
Organise your ideas into a clear report: either rely on paragraphing or use subheadings (or both).
Briefly introduce the programme, include its title and say what it is about.
Mention a few things about the programme that support your recommendation from the foreign learner’s point of view.
Checklist
When writing the answer to any task, check that you have paid attention to the following points. Make sure you:
– think about who your reader is and what they want to know
– begin with an introduction explaining the purpose of the report
– address all of the points in the instructions
– organise your ideas clearly, with headings if appropriate
– include a personal recommendation if you are asked for one.
– use a variety of formal expressions and structures
– use the correct number of words
– check your work for accuracy
