1reports

REPORTS

A report is usually written for a superior (e.g. a boss or college principal) or peer group (e.g. club members or colleagues. Candidates will be expected to give some factual information and make suggestions or recommendations. A report should be clearly organised and may include headings.

Students need to be taught a report format with the use of headings where appropriate. They should also work on specific vocabulary areas such as transport, leisure and entertainment, and learn how to make suggestions and recommendations.

Useful language for reports

Introducing the report

The (main/principal) aim/purpose of this report is to examine/ evaluate/ describe/ outline...It will also include/consider/suggest/recommend...The report is based on/draws on se basa en a survey conducted among (college students)

Talking about specifics

According to some students,...From the data/diagram it can be seen that...A campaign appeal llamamiento was launched to...Advantages/Strong points/StrengthsDisadvantages/Weak points/Weaknesses

Predicting the future

The outlook perspectiva for young people/jobs/the country is (far from) bright/optimistic/depressing.The future looks bleak poco prometedor/remains uncertain/is promising.This seems unlikely in the near/foreseeable previsible future.It is highly likely/probable/unlikely/improbable that something will happen.There is a (very) strong/distinct clara/faint vaga/remote chance/possibility of something happening.

Making recommendations

I would (strongly) recommend that (the school/company) should... doing something

In the light of the results of the survey/this year’s experience, I would (strongly) advise against...I feel it would be to our advantage if...One/Another solution would be... In the short/long term, we suggest you should consider doing something.

doing something.My recommendations are as follows:...

2reports

Task

An international research group is carrying out an investigation into the housing situation for young people around the world. You have been asked by the group to write a report about your country, including the following points:

the different housing options available in your country for young people in their early twenties

the problems faced by young people with each option possible future changes in the housing situation for young people in your country

Write your report in 220-260 words.

Sample answer

The housing situation for young people in my country

IntroductionThe aim of this report is to examine the various options open to people in their early twenties in my country and the difficulties encountered with each one. It will also consider likely future developments in the housing situation for young people here.

Buying a propertyProperty speculation and soaring x las nubes inflation have put house prices beyond the reach of the majority of first-time buyers. The few who do manage to raise the money for the deposit on a small flat, are likely to experience problems obtaining a mortgage. Banks are unwilling to lend money to anyone without a permanent contract, something which most young workers can only dream of.

RentingAn obvious alternative is to rent a property. However, rents, like house prices, have risen dramatically, forcing low-earners to share. For many twenty-sometings this can prove an enjoyable experience, but some soon discover that they are not suited to living with others. Local authorities provide some low-cost rented accommodation specifically for young single people, but this tends to be very short supply.

Living with parentsIt is hardly surprising, then, that a significant proportion of school and college leavers opt to continue living in the parental home until they have saved enough money to buy a place of their own. This may take some time, however, and friction between parents and children can result.

Future developmentsAs long as house prices continue to increase, the outlook for young people here will remain bleak poco prometedor. Only a substantial fall in property values will improve the situation and this seems unlikely in the near future.

3reports

Task

An international research group is investigating attitudes to education in different parts of the world. You have been asked to write a report on education in your country. Your report should address the following questions:

What are the strengths and weaknesses of education in your country? What educational developments would you like to see in your country in the future?

Write your report in 220-260 words.

Answer

A MATTER OF EDUCATION

IntroductionThe main purpose of this report is to outline people’s view of education in my country. It will also include its strengths and weaknesses and some suggestions for years to come.

Strengths of educationIn the past, although the educational methods were excessively strict sometimes, there was respect for the work provided by teachers that has disappeared nowadays. As a result, the effectiveness of punishments in that time were guaranteed but now student’s parent do not support teachers and leave them almost all the responsibility o education on them.

Weaknesses of educationIn general, there is a lack of student motivation that has led to high rates of academic failure. This is probably due to an obsolete educational system, conceived for a different age with different economic and cultural circumstances. Due to standardized teaching methods this does not allow student involvement or interaction with subjects in a natural way. Moreover, regarding extra-curricular activities, apart from being limited, they are treated as a type of empty entertainment instead of a complementary activity for the development of student’s interests.

RecommendationsIt is not easy to decide what improvement would be more necessary but, a fully rounded education should be a must. It would be a good idea to improve student motivation updating teachers’ teaching techniques from time to time by mean of some specific courses with this purpose. I suggest that teachers could have a closer relationship with pupils helping them to find their passion in life to develop their creativity and enable them for a real labour market. Undoubtedly, a greater collaboration between teachers and parents would be helpful as well.