Writing a report

Here is some advice about writing a report. Do you think the advice should be 'do' or 'don't'?

1. ....begin by stating the purpose of the report. DO.
2. ....summarise given information succinctly. DO.
3. ....use adjectives and adverbs for effect. DON’T.
4. ....use bullet points where appropriate. DO.
5. ....include all the words from the input texts. DON’T.
6. ....divide the report into sections with headings if appropriate. DO.
7. ....develop ideas in task input with your own details. DO.
8. ....use an impersonal semi-formal/formal style. DO.
9. ....give your own opinion throughout. DON’T.
10. ....use appropriate linking words. DO.
11. ....use all the information from the input. DO.

Which plan do you think is best? Why?

Plan B
1. Reason for writing
2. Survey results
3. Recommendations for the day environmental issues
4. Conclusion

Like any writing, I think the first thing is to have an introduction and a conclusion. We must explain what we are going to say and why, and the conclusion is to summarize briefly the idea we want to transmit with this report. The remaining paragraphs must explain carefully what you want to trasmit. In this case, we must to mention the results of the survey, and the next paragraph, to suggest changes according to the problems which have been identified in the survey.

Work with a partner. Discuss how to deal with the recommendations, and how they should be grouped in the time slots. Think about:


- how many recommendations you should make, given the time constraints
- whether any suggestions are not useful for the day
- what activities could happen at the same time
- when lectures would be most acceptable and effective
- when outside work should be done


Discuss the approach to take in the report. Should you use bullet points or text? Where should you include your opinion?

I think the best way would be to use text, but sometimes you can use the bullet points to list things that do not need much explanation. Obviously, as I'am student of the school, my opinion may be important, and it's not a bad idea it appears in the report.