FCE report

In this blog, we will look at how to write a report for the FCE exam.
Writing reports are in my teaching experience only for the most proficient and bravest souls who know what they are doing. Don’t get me wrong, the task is not impossible, it just requires a certain mindset and imagination that not everyone has.


1. Analyze the task:
a) What information do we need to include?
b) What is the purpose of the report?
c) Who will read it?

A report is usually written for a superior (e.g. a teacher, the group leader.) or a peer group (e.g. English club). You are expected to give some factual information and make suggestions or recommendations.

Be clear to avoid unnecessary detail. Give essential information and recommendations. An impersonal style is often appropriate (passive voice recommended), avoiding overuse of the pronoun “I”.

Make a number of points in answer to the question. Give some description and explanation. Conclude with a personal recommendation.

2. Headings. Use clear headings to help the reader see how the report is organized. Introduction and Recommendations or Conclusions are most often used.

3. Give each section in the report its own paragraph. Use numbers or bullets to make them stand out. Where appropriate, divide sections into paragraphs.

4. Conclusion. Use your conclusion to summarise briefly. Make sure that you express your personal recommendation if this is asked for in the question. Make points clearly and directly.

Example: Report on a location

Introduction
The aim of this report is to describe ………. and to say why it’s the best destination for ……….. to visit.

(Name of the location)
(a description of the …………, its history)

Activities
(what you can do there)

Why It’s Perfect for Visitors
(the tour is given in English so it’s good practice, ………. is popular because ….., it’s great for taking photos)

Conclusion
For the reasons I have mentioned, I highly recommend visiting ………… for ………. I’m sure they will all have a great time.

Here are some useful phrases you can use in your article:
1. Starting aims:
a. The aim of this report is to…
b. This report will consider/examine/compare…
c. This report is intended to…

2. Giving reasons:
a. Since/As (this location is well known)…
b. For this reason/these reasons

3. Making suggestions and recommendations:
a. In view of this, I (would) recommend/suggest (that)…
b. We/I suggest (that)…
c. They/We could…

Reminder! Don’t forget about the commas!

In addition

And finally, let’s speak about word count and time management.
In this task, you will have to write between 140-190 words. It means that you can fit about 10 to 15 sentences. In such writings try to be straightforward, don’t add information that the reader doesn’t need to know.
From my personal experience, I know that my usual sentences are about 12 to 16 words long and that means that I can write about 12 sentences to meet such criteria. You won’t lose marks if you write 5 words too many. Focus on writing that you have to write, and the word count will take care of itself. Don’t waste time in the exam counting how many words you have written! The usual time-management is 10 – 25 – 5. 10min planning, 25min writing and 5min review.