When it comes to “report writing”, your concepts should be clear.
In this article, you will go through an O Level report writing sample. After that, we will discuss some strengths and weaknesses of the response.
But before moving ahead, let me introduce this topic to you.
What is Report Writing:
As the name suggests, you simply “report” an incident or event.
Let me explain.
A report is a concise document written for a particular purpose and audience. This means that you give an account of a particular event, issue or topic.
Pretty simple, isn’t it?
Let me explain this with the help of an example.
Let’s say that you witnessed a fight during a school trip. You will simply write a report to describe what happened.
So, here’s the idea. Instead of giving your personal opinions (unless you are asked to do so), you will simply tell what happened.
This is report writing! Before moving ahead, here are some elements of a report:
- Subject
- Introduction
- Body
- Conclusion
And More.
Before talking about them in detail, here is a sample report for you.
O Level Report Writing Question:
Section 1: Directed Writing
You are advised to write between 200 and 300 words.
- You will be awarded up to 15 marks for following the task instructions.
- You will be awarded up to 15 marks for the language you use.
Task 1:
Many new students join your school every year. Your principal wants to make starting at the school as easy as possible for the new students and she asks you to write a report for her about how to do this.
Write your report. You must include the following:
- Some of the difficulties that you and other students had when you joined the school
- Suggestions about what the school can do to help new students
- How the students and the school will benefit
Cover all three points in detail. You should make your report polite and informative. Start your report “To the Principal”. Remember to give a name and a date.
O Level Report Writing Sample:
To the Principal,
Subject: Problems encountered by the new students in school.
This report is going to discuss the problems faced by the new students. We will also explore a few solutions to these problems to make starting at school easier for new students.
It is very delightful to hear that many students are willing to join our school this year (2022). However, the students are likely to face some problems during their initial days in school. The sudden change in the environment is what makes the candidates uncomfortable. They do not feel a part of the institute. Moreover, approaching teachers and students is even more difficult.
To help the new students, we can conduct an assembly on the first day of school to introduce the teachers and students. Furthermore, a warm-hearted welcome will give them a friendly atmosphere which is likely to make them comfortable.
Simultaneously, all of this will bring some benefits to the students and the school. This will allow the candidates to adjust to new surroundings easily. The students will feel like a part of the institute and therefore, they will be able to concentrate on their studies. Thus, producing good grades. Due to all this, the reputation of the school is likely to enhance and the biggest achievement of a school is the satisfaction of its students.
Overall, I hope that my recommendations will be taken into suggestion and they will make starting at school easier. If you have any questions related to my suggestions, it will be my pleasure to assist you.
Yours faithfully,
Adam Ryan
12th October 2021
Further reading:
Account Writing | O Level (1123)
O Level Formal Letter Sample (Directed Writing)
Comments on the sample:
I have a question for you. Is this a good report?
Let’s find out.
This report is a perfect sample to discuss how to write a report for your O Level examination.
The report is likely to receive high marks for its “task fulfilment“. This is because the report starts with “To the Principal” as the question instructs.
Similarly, the subject is clearly mentioned which is essential when you are writing a report. In the end, the name and date are mentioned because the question says, “Remember to give a name and a date”.
These are some “plus points”. But, there are multiple mistakes in this sample.
- Lack of planning.
As a reader, this is something that I noticed. Here’s how.
For the three content points, the candidate should have provided better details.
According to the examiner, it is better to provide “greater details for fewer ideas.”
So before attempting any directed writing topic, take out 5-8 minutes to plan your work. Then, shortlist 2-3 ideas for each content point.
Then, provide relevant details.
Simple, isn’t it?
- Introduction:
Here’s what you should know.
The introductory paragraph is more than just repeating the question.
To write a good introduction, hook your reader first. Then provide some background information (if possible).
Finally, state the purpose of your writing.
- In report writing, you should avoid giving your opinions.
This is something important.
Instead of giving your opinions, simply tell “what happened”. You should only share your opinions if you are asked to do so.
This is what we call a “report”.
If I talk about “language”, the “variety in sentence structure” is missing. Along with simple sentences, compound and compound-complex sentences should be used.
The question clearly instructs you to make your tone polite and informative. The below-mentioned transition words can make your report informative:
Important Note:
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Now back to report writing.
Transition words for an informative paragraph:
Here are some transition words that you should use in a report.
For “First” Details:
- First
- For example
- To start
- To begin
For “Middle” Details:
- Also
- In addition
- Next
- Plus
For “Last” Details:
- Last but not least
- Lastly
- Finally
- To summarise
This takes us to discuss the format for O Level Report Writing. The format for report writing is as follows:
O Level English Report Writing Format
To the ……..
Subject: …………
- Introduction
- First Content Point (first bullet in the question)
- Second Content Point (second bullet in the question)
- Third Content Point (third bullet in the question)
Note that “Body” refers to these three content points.
- Conclusion
- Name
- Signature (not compulsory)
- Date
Now when you do something about report writing, it is time to practice. Below, there is a question for directed writing (report). Try to attempt it according to Cambridge Assessment International Examination (CAIE).
Practise Question For O Level English Report Writing:
The majority of your schoolmates are not interested in sports. You have carried out a survey on the reason for their lack of interest. Based on your findings, write a report to the Principal regarding the matter.
You must include the following in your report:
- Reason for the lack of interest in sports
- Some information on school facilities
- Providing suggestions to overcome the problems
Cover all points in detail. Remember to keep your tone polite and informative. Start your report “To the Principal” and provide a proper conclusion to your report.
Note: Remember that the purpose of the introduction and conclusion is to reinstate the subject of your report.
Important features in a Report:
- Use transition words. Some transition words are:
For time: afterwards, recently, subsequently, then, earlier and immediately etc.
For emphasis: Even, Indeed, truly and in fact etc.
For Similarity: Also, in the same way, and likewise etc.
For Summary: Finally, to conclude, briefly, in conclusion, on the whole, and thus etc.
- Do not use vague sentences (To understand this, let’s review an example).
E.g: “You should make the environment sustainable”. This is a vague statement. To improve it, provide details such as: “…by planting trees and increasing the vegetation”.
- Make Paragraphs and connect them with words such as “Similarly and “Simultaneously”.
- Keep your tone informative and refined (as the question states).
- Elaborate your reason for writing in the introduction and the conclusion.
- Use mature words (avoid “bad”. Instead use words such as “substandard” and “unpleasant”).
- Use compound (has at least two independent clauses) and complex sentences (contains an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses) along with simple sentences.
Conclusion:
With this, our topic (O Level Report Writing Sample) has come to an end. I hope that your questions are answered. If you have any queries, you can use the comment section below.
If you think that you are prepared to attempt a report, try answering the practice question mentioned above. Make sure to observe the word limit which is 200 to 300 words.
Thank You very much for reading and staying with me till the end. Stay tuned for more helpful articles.
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Speech Writing | The Ultimate Guide