4v report writing

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 5

Report writing

What are the rules?

How much do you know about writing reports?

1. I have no idea
2. I know the very basics
3. I think I know enough
4. I am very confident

Can you name the parts of a report?

Can you name 3 characteristics of a report?

Choose all the boxes that include general characteristics of a report

1. opinion-based informative purpose friendly tone
2. evidence-based data-driven action-oriented
3. objective impartial factual
4. formal structure, follows established conventions

In what style should a report be written?

1. always informal
2. semi-formal
3. always formal
4. it depends

Are you allowed to use contractions in reports?
(it's / there's / can't /I'm )

1. yes
2. no
3. sometimes
4. depending on the situation

Which of these linking words are you allowed to use but are NOT always considered 'appropriate'?

1. however / although
2. moreover / furthermore
3. for example / for instance
4. but / because / and / or

Are you allowed to use the following words: 'you' / 'your' / 'we' / 'us' / 'I' / 'me'?

1. yes
2. no
3. only a few times
4. no, but let me explain...

Explain option D: 'no, but let me explain'

Cheat sheet 1

A report is always:

1. Impersonal - we don't involve ourselves
2. Impartial - we don't take sides
3. Factual - about FACTS (based on evidence and research not feelings, emotions, or opinions) 

Who is the audience for your report?

1. your teacher
2. someone in a leadership position
3. your parents
4. you yourself

How many paragraphs should the report contain?

1. 5 or more
2. always 4
3. always 3
4. at least 3

Explain 'D': why 'at least 3'?

When writing a report, which part below do we use to start?

1. conclusion
2. recommendations
3. title
4. Introduction

Choose the most appropriate title

1. This report will discuss internships abroad
2. Report on internships abroad
3. Findings about internships abroad
4. Report about internships abroad

Choose the correct order of the sections of a report

1. Introduction main body recommendations conclusion
2. Introduction title main body conclusion, recommendations
3. Introduction main body conclusion recommendations
4. Title introduction main body conclusion, recommendations

Cheat sheet 2

Sections of a report

1. Title
2. Introduction
3. Main body
4. Conclusion and recommendations

What is the purpose of the first paragraph?

1. to indicate the purpose of the report
2. to give examples and details of the topic
3. to make recommendations
4. to give your opinion on the topic

Are you allowed to use headings in the report?

1. yes, you should do so
2. it depends
3. no, it is not allowed
4. yes, you must always do so

Are you allowed to use bullet points
in the report?

1. yes, you should
2. yes, but only in 1 paragraph
3. you can choose
4. no, it is not allowed

One of the options below is not appropriate for the introduction of a report. Can you spot it?

1. The aim of this report is to analyze...
2. The focus of this report is to...
3. This report will provide my opinion on...
4. This report will offer an in-depth analysis...

Explain why option 'C' is the least appropriate:
'This report will provide my opinion on...'

Again, which option below is the 'odd one out'?

1. In light of the above, we believe the following measures should be ...
2. Urgent improvement is needed in the field of...
3. I think that the most appropriate solution is...
4. On the basis of the above findings, the following recommendations are...

What can we conclude from the last two questions?
1- This report will provide my opinion on...
2- I think that the most appropriate solution is...

What information do we find in the main body?

1. research, findings, discussion
2. weaknesses and strengths
3. executive summary
4. solutions to the main problem(s)

What information do we find in the conclusion?

1. Our final opinions and thoughts
2. A brief summary of the main points of the report
3. Some final recommendations
4. An executive summary

What information do we find in the recommendations section?

1. opinions and final thoughts
2. an explanation of the scope of the report
3. a table of contents
4. a discussion of actions to be taken

Cheat sheet 3

Sections of a report 2

1. Title: says exactly what the report is about
2. Introduction: what the report is about; why is was written; and what it will include and how
3. Main body: core of report - research, findings and discussion of main topics
4. Conclusion: a summary of the main points of a report
5. Recommendations: discussion of the actions that should be taken (language suggesting action: should)

Comments, questions?