The report is a common task in both the Cambridge First (FCE) and Cambridge Advanced (CAE) writing exams. This genre requires clear structure, formal language, and the ability to present information logically and objectively. In this blog post, we’ll explore practical tips to help you succeed in writing a report for both the B2 and C1 exams.
- Understand the Purpose of a Report
A report aims to present facts, make recommendations, or evaluate a situation, typically for a specific reader or organisation (e.g., a club, your school, or a community group). The tone is formal or semi-formal, and objectivity is crucial. In both FCE and CAE exams, your report should:
- Answer the prompt – address all aspects of the question.
- Organise ideas logically – information should flow clearly from one point to another.
- Present factual data – include findings, observations, and analysis based on the scenario given.
- Plan Your Report
Before you start writing, spend 5-10 minutes planning your report. A solid structure helps ensure clarity and coherence, which are essential for higher marks.
For both FCE and CAE, a typical structure might look like this:
Title – A clear and concise title outlining the report’s subject.
Introduction – Briefly explain the purpose of the report and what it will cover.
Main Body – Divide your main points into clear headings. Each section should discuss a specific aspect of the topic (e.g., ‘Current Facilities’, ‘Areas for Improvement’). Use bullet points or numbered lists if appropriate, as they can make information easier to read.
Conclusion/Recommendations – Summarise your key findings and suggest possible improvements or actions to take.
- Use Formal Language
Reports require a formal tone. Avoid contractions (e.g., don’t should be do not) and informal language or idioms (e.g., get out of hand, should be, become difficult to manage). Stick to precise, professional vocabulary.
Here are some phrases that are useful for report writing:
For presenting facts:
- "According to the data..."
- "It was found that..."
- "The survey indicated..."
- For making recommendations:
- "It is recommended that..."
- "I would suggest considering..."
- "In order to improve…"
For evaluating or comparing:
- "Compared to last year’s figures…"
- "The current situation is better/worse than expected…"
- Headings Are Key
Headings are not only encouraged but essential in reports. They make it easier for the reader to follow the structure and find key information. Be clear and specific with your headings, such as:
- Introduction
- Findings
- Areas for Improvement
- Recommendations
- Each section should stay focused on the heading’s topic, ensuring clarity.
- Tailor Your Vocabulary to the Task
Vocabulary is an important aspect of both FCE and CAE writing exams, especially for the higher bands. Using topic-specific words or phrases shows that you have a good command of English. For example, if you’re writing a report on a school trip, you might use phrases like “educational value,” “organisational challenges,” or “student engagement.”
Avoid repetition. Try to use synonyms to show variety in your vocabulary, but make sure the synonyms are appropriate for the context. For example, instead of repeating "good" in a recommendation, you could say “beneficial” or “advantageous.”
- Manage Your Time Wisely
In the FCE and CAE exams, time is of the essence. You’ll have about 40 minutes to write each text, so aim to follow these steps to stay on track:
Plan (5-10 minutes) – Structure your report, brainstorm key points, and jot down useful phrases.
Write (25-30 minutes) – Focus on presenting your ideas clearly and concisely.
Review (5 minutes) – After finishing, take a few minutes to check for grammar mistakes, punctuation errors, or spelling issues. Ensure that your report flows smoothly and all parts of the prompt are addressed.
- Avoid Over-Complicating Sentences
While it’s tempting to show off your grammar knowledge, overly complex sentences can lead to confusion or mistakes. For the FCE, aim for clear, concise sentences with some variety in structure (e.g., a mix of compound and complex sentences).
In the CAE exam, a more sophisticated range of sentence structures is expected, but still, avoid overloading sentences with too many clauses. Clarity should be your priority.
- Practice Makes Perfect
Finally, the best way to prepare for writing a report is through practice. Look at past exam questions and try writing reports on various topics. When practising, focus on:
- Timing yourself to get used to the exam format.
- Improving your formal writing style.
- Expanding your vocabulary by incorporating useful report phrases.
Final Thoughts
Writing a report for the Cambridge FCE or CAE exam requires a blend of structure, formality, and clarity. By organising your ideas, using appropriate language, and practising regularly, you’ll develop the skills necessary to succeed in the writing paper. Remember, reports are about clear communication, so always keep your reader in mind and tailor your writing to fit the task at hand.
Good luck!
If you want to do some report writing and put your learning here into practice then take a look at the writing worksheet here!
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