phrases to use in report writing

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Useful Vocabulary for Writing Reports

Writing a report can be a long, daunting process. Fortunately, if you take it one step at a time and plan as you go, writing a report can an enjoyable learning experience.

Simply complete the following phrases and see for yourself.

INTRODUCTION

• The aim / intention / purpose of this report is to outline / present / discuss / sum up …
• Further to my visit to …, I have prepared the following report.
• I have recently visited … and have prepared the following report for your consideration.
• This involved visiting / looking at / investigating … / The data was obtained by …
• In order to help make this report I asked / discussed / gave out a questionnaire …
• It is based on my observations / the feedback from participants …
• My findings are outlined / presented below. / I outline my findings below.
• The report contains the relevant details concerning the problem as you required.

INTRODUCING POINTS

• To begin with … / Let us start with …
• First(ly) … / In the first place … / First of all … / The first aspect / thing to consider is …
• Second(ly) … / Third(ly) …
• Moreover … / Furthermore … / What is more …
• Another aspect to consider … / Yet another aspect / consideration is …
• Besides that … / Apart from that … / In addition to this … / On top of that …

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INTRODUCING YOUR OPINION

• I think / believe that … / In my opinion … / I am of the opinion that … / It seems to me that …
• Personally I believe that … / In my view … / If you ask me … / To my mind … / As far as I am concerned …
• I would like to suggest / recommend … / I therefore suggest / recommend …
• I (strongly) recommend … / My recommendation is to …

INTRODUCING SOMEONE ELSE’S OPINION

• A few / Many / The majority / minority of people said / reported / complained …
• According to … / As … said … / In the words of …
• It is said that … / It is often suggested that …

GIVING EXAMPLES

• For example / instance …
• This can be shown / illustrated / demonstrated / clarified by …
• Let me just give you an example, …
• The picture / diagram shows / illustrates …
• One of the main / biggest / most significant / … differences between … and … is …
• Unlike …, … is … / While / Whereas / Although … is, … is …
• … is completely / entirely / totally different from …
• … is a little / slightly / somewhat / a great deal bigger / more elegant / … than …
• … is not quite / nearly as comfortable / expensive / convenient / … as …
• … is virtually / exactly the same as … when it comes to …

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• It can be seen from the data / reactions / information above that …
• All things considered, I believe that … / Taking everyone’s comments into consideration …
• In general / On the whole I found that …
• In conclusion … / To conclude … / To sum up … / In summary …
• To put the matter in a nutshell … / In a nutshell …

Academic Phrasebank

• GENERAL LANGUAGE FUNCTIONS
• Being cautious
• Being critical
• Classifying and listing
• Compare and contrast
• Defining terms
• Describing trends
• Describing quantities
• Explaining causality
• Giving examples
• Signalling transition
• Writing about the past

The Academic Phrasebank is a general resource for academic writers. It aims to provide you with examples of some of the phraseological ‘nuts and bolts’ of writing organised according to the main sections of a research paper or dissertation (see the top menu ). Other phrases are listed under the more general communicative functions of academic writing (see the menu on the left). The resource should be particularly useful for writers who need to report their research work. The phrases, and the headings under which they are listed, can be used simply to assist you in thinking about the content and organisation of your own writing, or the phrases can be incorporated into your writing where this is appropriate. In most cases, a certain amount of creativity and adaptation will be necessary when a phrase is used. The items in the Academic Phrasebank are mostly content neutral and generic in nature; in using them, therefore, you are not stealing other people’s ideas and this does not constitute plagiarism. For some of the entries, specific content words have been included for illustrative purposes, and these should be substituted when the phrases are used. The resource was designed primarily for academic and scientific writers who are non-native speakers of English. However, native speaker writers may still find much of the material helpful. In fact, recent data suggest that the majority of users are native speakers of English. More about  Academic Phrasebank .

This site was created by  John Morley .  

Academic Phrasebank is the Intellectual Property of the University of Manchester.

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Transitional Words and Phrases

One of your primary goals as a writer is to present ideas in a clear and understandable way. To help readers move through your complex ideas, you want to be intentional about how you structure your paper as a whole as well as how you form the individual paragraphs that comprise it. In order to think through the challenges of presenting your ideas articulately, logically, and in ways that seem natural to your readers, check out some of these resources: Developing a Thesis Statement , Paragraphing , and Developing Strategic Transitions: Writing that Establishes Relationships and Connections Between Ideas.

While clear writing is mostly achieved through the deliberate sequencing of your ideas across your entire paper, you can guide readers through the connections you’re making by using transitional words in individual sentences. Transitional words and phrases can create powerful links between your ideas and can help your reader understand your paper’s logic.

In what follows, we’ve included a list of frequently used transitional words and phrases that can help you establish how your various ideas relate to each other. We’ve divided these words and phrases into categories based on the common kinds of relationships writers establish between ideas.

Two recommendations: Use these transitions strategically by making sure that the word or phrase you’re choosing matches the logic of the relationship you’re emphasizing or the connection you’re making. All of these words and phrases have different meanings, nuances, and connotations, so before using a particular transitional word in your paper, be sure you understand its meaning and usage completely, and be sure that it’s the right match for your paper’s logic. Use these transitional words and phrases sparingly because if you use too many of them, your readers might feel like you are overexplaining connections that are already clear.

Categories of Transition Words and Phrases

Causation Chronology Combinations Contrast Example

Importance Location Similarity Clarification Concession

Conclusion Intensification Purpose Summary

Transitions to help establish some of the most common kinds of relationships

Causation– Connecting instigator(s) to consequence(s).

accordingly as a result and so because

consequently for that reason hence on account of

since therefore thus

Chronology– Connecting what issues in regard to when they occur.

after afterwards always at length during earlier following immediately in the meantime

later never next now once simultaneously so far sometimes

soon subsequently then this time until now when whenever while

Combinations Lists– Connecting numerous events. Part/Whole– Connecting numerous elements that make up something bigger.

additionally again also and, or, not as a result besides even more

finally first, firstly further furthermore in addition in the first place in the second place

last, lastly moreover next second, secondly, etc. too

Contrast– Connecting two things by focusing on their differences.

after all although and yet at the same time but

despite however in contrast nevertheless nonetheless notwithstanding

on the contrary on the other hand otherwise though yet

Example– Connecting a general idea to a particular instance of this idea.

as an illustration e.g., (from a Latin abbreviation for “for example”)

for example for instance specifically that is

to demonstrate to illustrate

Importance– Connecting what is critical to what is more inconsequential.

chiefly critically

foundationally most importantly

of less importance primarily

Location– Connecting elements according to where they are placed in relationship to each other.

above adjacent to below beyond

centrally here nearby neighboring on

opposite to peripherally there wherever

Similarity– Connecting to things by suggesting that they are in some way alike.

by the same token in like manner

in similar fashion here in the same way

likewise wherever

Other kinds of transitional words and phrases Clarification

i.e., (from a Latin abbreviation for “that is”) in other words

that is that is to say to clarify to explain

to put it another way to rephrase it

granted it is true

naturally of course

finally lastly

in conclusion in the end

to conclude

Intensification

in fact indeed no

of course surely to repeat

undoubtedly without doubt yes

for this purpose in order that

so that to that end

to this end

in brief in sum

in summary in short

to sum up to summarize

Improving Your Writing Style

This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.

Clear, Concise Sentences

Use the active voice

Put the action in the verb

Tidy up wordy phrases

Reduce wordy verbs

Reduce prepositional phrases

Reduce expletive constructions

Avoid using vague nouns

Avoid unneccessarily inflated words

Avoid noun strings

Connecting Ideas Through Transitions

Using Transitional Words and Phrases

Breakout English

How to write a report

Are you planning to take an English exam like Cambridge B2 First, C1 Advanced or the Trinity ISE exams and feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of writing a report? Let’s discuss the style and purpose of a report, the suggested format when you write a report for an exam, and useful phrases for reports. Finally, we’ve got some free downloadable materials to learn useful phrases for reports and sample writings to practise at home.

Style and purpose of a report

The style of a report should be formal and objective, presenting information in a clear, concise, and logical way. The purpose of a report is to communicate important information, findings, and recommendations to a specific audience in a structured and organised format. A report should also provide evidence to support its claims, such as statistics, data, and expert opinions.

Reports in English exams are mini-replicas of what you would be expected to write in a professional context. These may be written for a company, a government organisation, or for a university/school setting.

How to write a report with paragraph headings

A report typically follows a specific format with paragraph headings that make it easier for the reader to navigate the content. In the real world, a report would probably be several pages long, with multiple sections, and packed full of data, graphs and conclusion based on those. Obviously, in 150-250 words (depending on the exam) you can’t do that, but it’s good to keep paragraph headings to split up the text into sections. This leaves you with a four paragraph plan, much like we have for many other writings.

• Introduction : This sets the context and outlines the purpose of the report.
• Main body 1 : This contains the findings and analysis related to the topic.
• Main body 2 : This contains further analysis and recommendations.
• Conclusion : This summarises the key points made in the report and a call to action for the main recommendations.

Paragraph headings should be descriptive and focussed on the content of each section. Both Introduction and Conclusion can be the headings of your first and last paragraphs, while the central ones can often be taken directly from the question. What headings would you use for this sample question?

Remember to include a title in your report as well. It doesn’t have to be exciting or engaging like an article, but it should describe what the report is about.

Seeing samples is a good way to learn how to write a report. This example is the answer to the question above.

Useful phrases for reports

To write a successful report, it’s essential to use appropriate phrases that convey your ideas clearly. There are often many ways to do this, but you will want to learn several of them for exam day. The useful phrases we recommend considering include:

• The aim of this report is to…
• This report considers several aspects of [topic] in order to…
• The findings of this report/survey are outlined below.
• One issue is that…
• The current situation is unacceptable because…
• According to several students/employees/clients…
• It was suggested that…
• The vast majority of students/employees/clients believe…
• I would therefore strongly recommend…
• Based on the above, the best course of action would be…

These phrases are all part of our downloadable materials below, so if you want more practice, check them out. With practice and dedication, you can write a successful report that impresses your examiners and earns high marks.

The materials

These materials can be used in class or individually. First, you’ll discuss the purpose of reports and some details. Then there is a quick task to learn some useful phrases for reports. Finally, you can test if you know how to write a report by trying one or both of the practice questions. Both questions include sample answers.

How to write a report (with tips and examples)

Delve into our practical guide designed to improve your report writing skills. Explore example reports and discover useful tips for writing clear and effective reports.

1. Understand Your Purpose: Always start with a clear understanding of your report's objective. This clarity guides your research, the writing process, and the way you present your findings.

2. Emphasize Clarity and Precision: Your report should be written in clear, simple language. Prioritize precision and avoid unnecessary jargon. Use visuals to represent complex data effectively.

3. Refine Through Revision: Never underestimate the power of editing and proofreading. These steps are critical in enhancing the quality of your report. Additionally, seeking feedback from colleagues or mentors can provide valuable insights.

What is a Report?

Imagine having to comprehend the intricate details of a six-month-long project in a single meeting, or having to make an informed decision based on a sea of raw data. Overwhelming, isn't it? This is where the power of a report comes into play.

A report is a strategic tool that communicates the results of an investigation, a project, or any complex analysis in a clear and concise way. It is the torchlight that cuts through the dense forest of data and information, guiding us toward understanding and action.

At its heart, a report is about simplicity and clarity. It takes the core findings from a more complex investigation and distills them into a simpler, easier-to-follow narrative.

Take, for example, a Financial Analysis Report in a business setting. Such a report takes a mountain of financial data – from revenue to expenses, assets to liabilities – and transforms it into a clear analysis that highlights the company's financial health, trends, and areas that need attention. By distilling complex financial data into a digestible format, the report empowers decision-makers to understand the company's financial state and make informed strategic decisions.

Types of Report

Reports come in all shapes and sizes, each designed to communicate specific types of information to particular audiences. Here are five common types of reports used in a professional setting:

Project Status Report

As its name suggests, a Project Status Report provides an update on a specific project's progress. It typically includes information about completed tasks, ongoing work, any challenges encountered, and next steps. This report is crucial in keeping stakeholders informed and facilitating timely decision-making. For example, a project manager in an IT company might prepare a weekly Project Status Report to update the leadership team about the progress of a new software development project.

Financial Report

A Financial Report is an essential document in the business world. It provides a comprehensive overview of a company's financial health, including details about revenue, expenses, profits, losses, assets, and liabilities. These reports, often prepared quarterly or annually, help stakeholders, investors, and decision-makers understand the company's financial performance and make better-informed strategic decisions.

Research Report

Research Reports are commonly used in both academia and various industries. These reports present the findings from a research study, detailing the research methods, data collected, analysis, and conclusions drawn. For instance, a market research report might reveal consumer behavior trends, helping a company shape its marketing strategy.

Audit Report

An Audit Report is a formal document outlining an auditor's unbiased examination of a company's financial statements. It gives stakeholders confidence in the company's financial integrity and compliance with regulatory standards.

Progress Report

A Progress Report is often used to monitor the advancement of ongoing work or projects. These reports can be on an individual, team, or organizational level. For example, a sales team might produce a monthly progress report showing sales volumes, trends, and areas for improvement.

Each type of report serves its unique purpose and shares a common goal: to transform complex information into an accessible format that drives understanding, decision-making, and progress.

How to Format a Report

Every report requires a structured format for clear communication. The actual format of a report might vary depending on its purpose and formality, but here are the key components of an effective report:

1. Title Page: The Title Page should include the report's title, your name, the date, and often the name of your organization or institution.

2. Executive Summary: A succinct overview of the report's key points, findings, and implications. This section gives the reader a clear idea of what to expect from the report. Sometimes it's easier to compose this section last, once the rest of the report has been completed.

3. Table of Contents: A systematic list of the report's sections and subsections, acting as a navigational tool for your reader.

4. Introduction: The foundational part of the report. It introduces the topic, outlines the report's purpose, and defines its scope, preparing the reader for what's to come.

5. Methodology: An explanation of the methods and tools used for gathering and analyzing data. This section establishes the credibility of your findings and helps the reader comprehend your investigative process. This is perhaps more common in an academic setting: a project status report, for example, is less likely to need a section dedicated to methodology.

6. Findings/Results: The section where you detail your data and the results of your analysis. This is the core of your report, presenting the results of your investigation or research. As well as written data, you should include graphs, images and tables to present your findings, where appropriate.

7. Conclusion: The summary and interpretation of your findings. It reaffirms the insights your report offers and solidifies the report's overall message.

8. Recommendations: Based on the findings, this section proposes future actions or improvements, steering the course for next steps.

The final two sections are perhaps more common in an academic report, but both are worth mentioning here too:

9. Appendices: A place for any supplementary information or data that supports your report but isn't part of the main flow. It serves as a resource for readers interested in delving deeper into the topic.

10. References/Bibliography: A list of all the sources you've cited in your report. This section gives due credit to the referenced works and showcases the depth of your research.

How to Write a Report

Writing a compelling report is a skill crucial to various professional roles, no matter what position or industry you’re in. While the subject of each report might differ, there are key steps to creating an impactful document:

1. Understand the Purpose

Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the purpose of your report. Why is it needed? What questions should it answer? Who will be reading it? Understanding these factors will guide your research, writing style, and the overall structure of your report.

2. Conduct Thorough Research

A strong report is based on accurate and comprehensive data. In a business setting, this research is usually based on your own data, whereas in an academic setting you'll often rely on external data sources. Take the time to research your topic thoroughly, using reliable and relevant sources. Keep track of all the sources you consult—you’ll need them for your bibliography.

3. Plan Your Report

Start with an outline. This step ensures your report has a logical flow and covers all necessary points. Just like a blueprint, an outline helps you structure your thoughts, organize your data, and divide your content into meaningful sections.

4. Write Clearly and Concisely

Your goal is to communicate, not to confuse. Keep your language simple and your sentences short. Make your points clearly, and support them with facts. Avoid jargon unless it's necessary and you're certain your audience understands it.

5. Use Visuals When Helpful

Charts, graphs, tables, and other visual aids can enhance your report by illustrating complex data in a digestible way. Ensure all visuals are relevant, appropriately labelled, and referenced in the text.

6. Draft and Revise

Your first draft won't be perfect, and that's okay. The key is to start writing. Once you have your thoughts on paper, you can refine and reorganize the content. Revising is a critical part of the writing process —never underestimate its power.

7. Proofread

Review your report for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Also, ensure all data and facts are accurate, and all sources are correctly cited (where applicable). An error-free report enhances your credibility and reflects your attention to detail.

8. Get Feedback

If possible, have a colleague or mentor review your report before finalizing it. They can provide fresh perspectives, point out any gaps, and suggest improvements.

9. Distribute the Report

Once your report is finalized, it's time to share your work. Distribute it to the appropriate audience, which may include your team, supervisor, or client. If the report will be discussed in a meeting or presentation , it might be helpful to distribute it in advance to give everyone a chance to review it.

Remember, writing a strong report is a blend of strategic thinking, thorough research, clear communication, and attention to detail.

Tips for Writing Successful Reports

While the structure and purpose of reports may vary, certain principles apply universally to create successful documents. Here are five tips to elevate your report writing:

1. Maintain Objectivity

Your report should present data and facts as objectively as possible. Avoid letting personal biases influence the way you present information. Even when you're interpreting results or making recommendations, ensure that your conclusions are driven by the evidence at hand.

2. Stay Focused

Each report should have a single, clear purpose. Avoid going off on tangents or including irrelevant information. While it's important to provide context and background, don't lose sight of your report's main objective.

3. Think About Your Audience

Tailor your language, tone, and level of detail to the needs and understanding of your audience. A report written for experts in your field may use different language than one written for non-specialists. Always explain technical terms or industry jargon that your readers may not be familiar with.

4. Validate Your Points

Support every assertion you make with evidence or data. This adds credibility to your report and allows readers to understand the basis of your conclusions. Wherever possible, use graphics or visuals to illustrate your points—it’s a powerful way to represent data and ideas.

5. Format consistently

Consistency lends your report a professional look and helps readability. Stick to a consistent format in terms of font, spacing, heading styles, and captioning. Ensure your visuals are in sync with the rest of the document in terms of style and color scheme.

Reports are powerful communication tools, vital in various professional settings. The ability to write an effective report is a skill that can significantly enhance your impact in the workplace. From understanding what a report is, knowing the different types of reports, through to formatting and writing your report, the goal of this guide was to provide a comprehensive overview to help you excel in this critical skill.

By keeping the report’s purpose in mind, conducting thorough research, using a clear and concise writing style, and meticulously revising and proofreading your document, you can ensure your report not only communicates its intended information but does so in an engaging, digestible manner. Employing these strategies, combined with the tips offered, will help you create high-quality, impactful reports.

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More on reports

How to write a report? | C1 Advanced (CAE)

There are three main areas of focus when writing a report:

• Present factual information Obviously, these facts might be made up (not real) by you but you need to present them as if they were factual.
• Effective and efficient text organization That means you need to think about the right paragraph structure , relevant headings as well as different linking words and expressions that we can use to connect our ideas.
• Making suggestions/recommendations Every report has a suggestion or recommendation at the end of it because that’s the sole purpose of writing a report.

Check our Writing Guide – to see how to write a CAE report in detail.

FCE, CAE, CPE

Practice tests online, c1 advanced (cae) report: structure, c1 advanced (cae) report: writing guide.

We will use the example topic below:

You have just completed six months in a new job. In preparation for a progress meeting, you have been asked to write a report to your manager.

Your report should explain what you feel you have achieved in the job so far, describe an problems you have had, and suggest any future training that would be suitable.

Write your  report (around 220 – 260  words)

Step 1: Find the topic points & topic

Knowing the topic can help you set the tone as well as think about vocabulary and expressions that you might want to include in your text. Also, we need to find the main topic points that we need to address in the task because they will make up the main portion of our text.

You have just completed six months in a new job. (topic: Job) In preparation for a progress meeting, you have been asked to write a report to your manager. (report is for : manager)

Your report should explain what you feel you have achieved (topic point) in the job so far, describe any problems you have had, (topic point) and suggest any future training (topic point) that would be suitable.

Topic: six months in a new job

Main key points:

• explain what you feel you have achieved
• describe any problems you have had
• suggest any future training

The topic is your new job and we have three points which we must comment on.

The last thing we should think about in our task analysis s who’s going to read our report by finding out this kind of information we can decide on the correct style and most appropriate register for our text.

Target reader: your manager.

As soon as we’ve analyzed the task and extracted all the information that we need we can start building our structure and writing a report.

Practice, Write & Improve

Step 2: title.

The report should start with the title it could be something like:

• Report on …….   and then you write the topic of what you’re reporting.
• or you can write the topic and end it with phrase  : a report

in this way, the title will have an appropriately formal connotation. See both examples below:  Title: Report on six-month progress as a teacher Title: Six-month teacher progress : a report

Step 3: Introduction

The introduction must contain all the necessary information covered by the report:

• appropriate beginning in which you should explain your purpose for writing your report The purpose of this report is to…..
• The topic of the report (see step 1) 
• The three main key points that you discovered (see step 1)

See sample introduction:

Report on six-month progress as a teacher The purpose of this report is to (appropriate beginning) evaluate the progress following the first half year in my current position as an English Teacher (topic)   as well as enumerate achievements (point 1) , outline issues (point 2)  and make suggestions (point 3)  for professional development measures.

Step 4: The body paragraphs (main content) 

In the main content, you should comment on/answer the main key points that you discovered in the task  (see step 1) under suitable subheadings (positive/negative points), and each is placed in a separate section/paragraph .

Main key points  (see step 1):

See the example main content below, with additional annotations you may find useful:

Achievements – add heading/simple, informative, formal Throughout the first six months of employment at XYZ School, I have made important strides in professional development by incorporating several new methods such as the task-based approach in daily teaching practice, which has improved my students’ experience tremendously . Apart from personal progress , numerous students have achieved their goals and advanced to higher education providers under my guidance. [describes  first point – what you have achieved]

Problems – add heading Despite all of this organisation of internal exams is underdeveloped as there does not seem to exist policy and students have expressed their displeasure with other groups at the same level receiving easier or more difficult questions in their tests. Additionally , my mentor has not always been available even though a certain level of guidance in specific areas, for example developing teaching materials, is still required . [describes the second point – problems]

Future opportunities – add heading  Considering all of the above, two main areas of possible improvement can be identified . Firstly , student and teacher satisfaction could be increased by establishing a resource bank for tests and exams and by training all the teachers to use them so as to ensure a consistent experience for our students. Secondly , regular meetings with a mentor should be mandatory in order to provide guidance and to help teachers become independent and confident with teaching materials. [describe the third point – suggestions]

                      – topic paragraphs / contain the main information about a given section

                   – useful language, formal expressions

                    – transitional words, expressions and conjunctions, which link the sentences and make the text more fluid

Step 5: Conclusion

The conclusion should contain a final assessment of the report , providing information, conclusions and giving a final answer.

If the task of the report was, for example, to answer some questions, then this information should be included in the summary.

Conclusion – add heading  In the final analysis, the situation of the teachers and students at our school is very likely to improve and overall satisfaction will probably increase due to more efficient work processes if ideas included in the report are implemented.                 – persuasive language

See full report…

Full report.

Report on six-month progress as a teacher

The purpose of this report is to evaluate the progress following the first half year in my current position as an English Teacher as well as enumerate achievements outline issues and make suggestions for professional development measures.

Achievements Throughout the first six months of employment at XYZ School, I have made important strides in professional development by incorporating several new methods such as the task-based approach in daily teaching practice, which has improved my students’ experience tremendously. Apart from personal progress, numerous students have achieved their goals and advanced to higher education providers under my guidance.

Problems Despite all of this organisation of internal exams is underdeveloped as there does not seem to exist policy and students have expressed their displeasure with other groups at the same level receiving easier or more difficult questions in their tests. Additionally, my mentor has not always been available even though a certain level of guidance in specific areas, for example developing teaching materials, is still required.

Future opportunities Considering all of the above, two main areas of possible improvement can be identified. Firstly, student and teacher satisfaction could be increased by establishing a resource bank for tests and exams and by training all the teachers to use them so as to ensure a consistent experience for our students. Secondly, regular meetings with a mentor should be mandatory in order to provide guidance and to help teachers become independent and confident with teaching materials.

Conclusion In the final analysis, the situation of the teachers and students at our school is very likely to improve and overall satisfaction will probably increase due to more efficient work processes if ideas included in the report are implemented.

Submit your (CAE) Report for review

C1 advanced (cae) report: example answers, cae report sample 1.

You have been helping to run a new music club at your college. Now the college principal wants to get more people involved with the club and attract new members. The club organiser has asked you to write a report for the principal outlining what the club currently does, explaining the club’s future plans and suggesting ways of getting more people involved with the music club.

Student’s CAE Report Answer:

RockSun – present situation, future plans and improvement suggestions (title)

The objective of this report is to outline the current condition of the RockSun music club, shed some light on the club’s plans in the near future, and propose novel ways of attracting new visitors.

Present situation

At present, the activities that the club organises are twofold:

• gigs of indie bands at least once a week at weekends;
• musical instrument courses for wannabe musicians on weekdays.

Regrettably, he club does not enjoy much popularity among students, despite it being located in the heart of the campus near the dorms . This is, firstly, due to the prices at the club which are on the expensive side and, secondly, the fact that performers visiting the club are chiefly little-known artists. Both factors greatly discourage many potential customers.

The future of the club looks bleak and some corrective actions are required. The club management, aware of the gravity of the situation, is planning to expand its operations to attract new visitors. In the first place, additional musical courses, including singing lessons by reputable teachers, are planned. Additionally, the club intends to attract better known artists for the weekend concerts.

Suggestions to attract more visitors

The actions planned, which are certainly a step in the right direction, may not be sufficient. What could attract more visitors is reducing food and drink prices as it is one of the most important factors on which any club’s popularity is based. Furthermore, weekly musical quizzes with prizes might appeal to the club’s target customers.

Get Your (CAE) Report Checked!

Cae report sample 2.

You have recently attended a week’s training course and on your return you receive the following note from your boss:

Hope you enjoyed the training modules. We’re compiling a report to help us evaluate our Staff Development programme. P lease send me an outline of what you did on the course, which modules were the most useful and your opinion of how colleagues would benefit from attending in the future. Thanks.

Student’s CAE Report Answer:

Report on the Staff Development Programme – a description of the training course carried out to improve the performance of our staff at work.

Organisation of the training modules

I have recently attended the training course organised by the company in order to workers get more information and develop some skills required in this activity.

I have to say that the information given in the course is hugely useful, but it should be scheduled in other date. At this moment, everybody is really busy and workers find it difficult to set aside time to not miss the course.

There is no point arguing that the sessions are too long and dense, what makes even harder to get the most of the training.

Alternative course

I would recommend to divide the content is several shorter sessions according to the main topics to deal with.

Perhaps, not everybody needs to receive the whole information. So, there can be some specific sessions to people involved in that area, whereas who is not working on that subject would only receive a short session just to get some knowledge.

Recommendations

I would like to make the following recommendations:

1.Schedule the training course in a less busy time.

2.Divide the sessions into shorter modules to ease people to attend.

3.Ensure the content is targeted to the people who are meant to attend them. 

If these recommendations are implemented, the training programme will be much more successful.

Get Your (CAE)m Report Checked!

C1 advanced (cae) report: writing topics, example topic 1.

Your report should explain what you feel you have achieved in the job so far, describe any problems you have had, and suggest any future training that would be suitable.

Write your report .

Example Topic 2

An international youth organisation is planning to publish a report looking at attitudes between different generations:

We are very keen to hear how elderly people are regarded by younger people in different countries and why the younger generation feel the way they do about elderly people. Suggestions regarding how positive attitudes can be developed are welcome.

Write the report for the organisation.

Example Topic 3

You have been asked to write a report for the World Information Organisation on the following topic:

What are the greatest threats to the environment in your country today? What are the solutions?

Write your report

C1 Advanced (CAE) Report: Common Mistakes

What is recommended to include in the report.

• Inverted conditional (Were we to..)
• Participle clause (Being…/Having gone..)
• Double comparative (The more we… the more)
• Passive structures (The committee has been informed about …)
• Cleft sentence (What is most crucial is..)
•   Linkers (Notwithstanding / despite / due to / consequently)

What is not recommended in the report?

• Idioms (are informal)
• Phrasal Verbs  (are informal)
• Contractions (We’ve, It’s been said)
• Giving personal opinions (I think, | guess)

More than Practice Tests

C1 advanced (cae) report: writing checklist.

After writing your text, you can check it yourself using the writing checklist below.

How to do that? Simply check your text/email by answering the questions one by one:

• Have I covered all the key information required by the task?
• Have I written only information which is relevant to the task?
• Have I developed the basic points in the task with my own ideas?

Communicative Achievement

• Have I achieved the main purpose(s) of the text (for example, explaining, persuading, suggesting, apologising, comparing, etc.)?
• Have I used a suitable mix of fact and opinion?
• Have I used a suitable style and register (formal or informal) for the task?

Organisation

• Have I used paragraphs appropriately to organise my ideas?
• Have I used other organisational features appropriately for the genre of the text (for example, titles, headings, openings, closings, etc.)?
• Is the connection between my ideas clear and easy for the reader to follow? (For example, have I used appropriate linking words, pronouns, etc. to refer to different things within the text?)
• Are the ideas balanced appropriately, with suitable attention and space given to each one?
• Have I used a wide range of vocabulary?
• Have I avoided repeating the same words and phrases?
• Have I used a range of simple and more complex grammatical structures?
• Have I correctly used any common phrases which are relevant to the specific task or topic?
• Is my use of grammar accurate?
• Is my spelling accurate?

C1 Advanced (CAE) Report: Tips

Tips on structure:.

• You don’t need a heading for the introduction – a line or two describing the report will be sufficient.
• Cover the content points in the order in the text, and try to link between them where possible. One way to link is to report something good, followed by something bad, and then use an appropriate linking word.

Tips on language:

• Think who wants to read your Report?
• Usually, it’s somebody who wants some specific information.
• The information is about something that happened in the past.
• The Target Reader of a Report usually doesn’t have much time – help them find the information they need by using headings.
• The Target Reader doesn’t need to be entertained, but they will be better informed if there is specific informat ion in the Report.

C1 Advanced (CAE) Report: Mark Scheme

C1 advanced (cae) report: useful phrases & expressions.

We will finish it with some useful vocabulary mostly used to organize information. Although it is taking a shortcut, if you learn several expressions for each paragraph in each type of text that could be on your exam, you will certainly be able to create a very consistent and well-organized text.

Introduction (the goal of the report)

The objective of this report is to compare ….. and ….. The purpose of this report is to examine / evaluate / explain / describe / analyse / present / outline… This report aims to… It is based on a survey conducted among… It is the result of a discussion which took place among…

Development

The first observation to make concerns… First of all,… Firstly,… Secondly,… Furthermore,… Moreover,… In fact,… Lastly,… Finally,… It has to been stressed that… According to (the majority of respondents)… In spite of (the fact that)… Despite (the fact that)… The outlook for …… is (far from) bright/optimistic/depressing/daunting The future looks bleak/remains uncertain/is promising This seems unlikely in the near/foreseeable future

I would strongly recommend that… The following measures should be implemented: In the light of the results of the survey I would advise against… Given the results of the survey, I would advise for… I feel it would be to our advantage if… The best solution would be to… In order to improve …… it is necessary to.. This will have an impact on …….

Provided that these recommendations are taken into consideration,… In conclusion,… From the research one can conclude that…

Would you pass C1 Advanced (CAE)?

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Language for reports Some formulaic phrases

On this page you will find some language for reports . The language provides further examples of the formulaic language used in academic contexts. As with other formulaic language (e.g. the language for presentations ), you do not need to learn all of these phrases. You should be able to use at least one phrase for each function (e.g. stating the aim(s) of your report, referring to figures in the Results section or the Discussion section ). How many more you learn after this is up to you. Good writing requires varying the expressions you use, rather than using the same ones all the time. On the other hand, you will only state the aim once in a report, so one phrase may be enough for life!

Preliminaries

For another look at the same content, check out the video on YouTube (also available on Youku ).

The title of your report will depend very much on the subject matter, and will be very individual. Nonetheless, there are some useful verbs and phrases which can be used in titles, especially for science reports. These include:

• Investigating X
• Calculating X
• Measuring X
• Demonstrating X
• Analysing X
• Determining X
• An Investigation into X
• A Demonstration of X
• An Analysis of X

There is no special language for writing abstracts or contents pages , which are the other components of the prilimaries of a report.

You may need to talk about something in general in the background section of your introduction. The most common way is to use [No article] + [plural]. For example:

• Mobile phones have become very popular in China in recent years.

It is also possible to use [The] + [singular]. For example:

• The mobile phone has become very popular in China in recent years.

The background section of your introduction is likely to require in-text citations. Some structures for citations are given below. For more, see the references and citations section.

You may need to give definitions and classify in this section. See the relevant pages on the website for language for definitions and classification.

If you want to refer to theories or principles, you can use the following structures.

The following structures can be used for presenting equations.

The following phrases can be used for stating what something stands for or represents.

• X stands for/represents/denotes/symbolizes Y
• Y is represented by X
• Y is denoted by X
• Y is symbolized by X
• ...where X is/stands for/denotes/represents Y

This part of the report explains why you are writing the report. The tense you use will depend on whether the subject of the sentence is the report (which still exists) or the experiment (which has finished). If you are referring to the report, you should use present tense . If you are referring to the experiment, which has finished, you should use past tense .

Examples of aims, using the above structures, are given below.

• The aim of this experiment was to measure the value of gravity in Guangzhou by using a simple pendulum.
• The aim of this report is to investigate whether class size has a significant effect on student achievement.

The Method section outlines how you gathered information. Because academic language does not usually use 'I' or 'we', this section will often contain passive structures, usually the past passive (because the experiment or survey is finished). It can be useful to use transition signals to show sequence or process, such as the ones below.

• First(ly)/Initially/At first/At the beginning/To begin with...
• Second(ly)/Then/Next/Subsequently/After that...
• Finally/At the end/Lastly...
• After doing X, Y was done.
• After X was done, Y was done.
• Before/prior to doing X, Y was done.
• Before X was done, Y was done.
• Prior to X being done, Y was done.

For example:

• After measuring the length of the string, the bob was moved several degrees.

Science reports will usually include apparatus for conducting the experiment. The following phrases can be used for describing the apparatus.

If you use tables, charts, etc., the following language can be used to refer to these. Note that this language is description, i.e. it does not analyse or draw conclusions.

The following language can be used for referring to graphs etc. in the Discussion section. Unlike similar phrases used for the Findings section , which merely describe, this language discusses, i.e. it says what the information means.

The following phrases can be used for science reports when comparing the results to those expected.

The following phrases can be used when discussing how errors may have affected the results.

There is not much language for conclusions, though conclusion signals such as 'In conclusion' are useful. For science reports, the following phrases can be used to indicate the degree of accuracy.

Recommendations

Recommendations can use the following modal verb constructions

Examples, using the above structures, are given below.

• Based on the conclusions above, it is recommended that the company consider paying more attention to above-the-line promotion in order to attract new customers.
• Further research should be carried out to find out if these opinions are true in other market segments.

If you are writing a lab report, the following conditional structures can be used to indicate how the experiment could have been improved.

There is no language for reference sections, but you can refer to the section on reference sections for more information on these.

There is no language for appendices, though the following may be used in the main body to refer to the appendices.

• A complete copy of X is shown in Appendix 1.
• For more detail, refer to Appendix 1, which shows...
• See Appendix 1 for more information.

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Like the website? Try the books. Enter your email to receive a free sample from Academic Writing Genres .

There is a downloadable checklist for reports ( structure and language) in the writing resources section.

Next section

Read more about writing essays in the next section.

Previous section

Read the previous article about report structure .

Author: Sheldon Smith    ‖    Last modified: 10 April 2022.

Sheldon Smith is the founder and editor of EAPFoundation.com. He has been teaching English for Academic Purposes since 2004. Find out more about him in the about section and connect with him on Twitter , Facebook and LinkedIn .

Compare & contrast essays examine the similarities of two or more objects, and the differences.

Cause & effect essays consider the reasons (or causes) for something, then discuss the results (or effects).

Discussion essays require you to examine both sides of a situation and to conclude by saying which side you favour.

Problem-solution essays are a sub-type of SPSE essays (Situation, Problem, Solution, Evaluation).

Transition signals are useful in achieving good cohesion and coherence in your writing.

Reporting verbs are used to link your in-text citations to the information cited.

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16 Easy and Simple Tips To Write Your Report In English

On certain occasions, you might be required to submit a report as part of doing your coursework or your job. Hence, report writing is an essential skill for anyone who is working or even studying.  Reports are used for presenting factual information and observations about a situation, process, or events to a particular audience. It may also be used to document projects completed, present research findings, or to define and analyze problems and recommend solutions or strategy.  Reports are written with a definite purpose, ergo to meet its requirements and target, it has to be written in a report style writing. To write an easy to understand report while maintaining clarity and professionalism, here’s a guide you can use when writing it.

1. Write your report in the English language

English is an international business language, hence often the preferred language to be used when presenting formal writing. As reports are meant to be read by different people involved in a certain project, it must be written in a language where all its readers will understand it. English can serve as your bridge language to readers who speak in a different language to yours. 

2. Use simple language 

Since your report includes a lot of details, it should be written in a manner that is easy to understand. To achieve this, use plain English. Refrain from using jargon, or specialist words to allow readers with a little background about the subject understand it easily as well. If you opt to use industry or profession-specific words, explain it as you use them. Your vocabulary choice must be suitable for your audience, their expertise, and level of knowledge on the subject. Using hifalutin or highly technical words to impress will not make your report better but only more confusing. A well-written report intended to communicate better is more preferred and useful. 

3. Strive for clarity

People agree with what is presented to them when they understand its points clearly. This also applies to report writing. To strive for clarity in your report, use precise terms, and avoid words that are vague and don’t give any exact details. Moreover, if you are going to use names, consistently use the same name throughout your report. Meanwhile, for special characters, define it the first time you use it. Also, you can avoid being ambiguous by ensuring that each word included in the report is relevant and contributes to the development of your main point. 

4. Use formal language

Reports should be written in a formal language. It must not include flowery, colloquial, or slang terms. Fillers and unnecessary words must also be eliminated. Aim to express your writing in a professional sounding manner. Do this by using easy to understand formal words. 

5. Avoid using emotive words

Reports are expected to be presented and interpreted objectively. Using emotive words to describe facts creates a personal tone in the text. Although it appeals to emotions, it may diminish the credibility of your report of being evidently sound. Also, using it is being discouraged as it can prevent an objective analysis on a subject. As it includes emotion in the report, it may be perceived that you are attempting to incite an emotional reaction from your target readers. 

6. Refrain from using judgmental words

Another way to achieve an objective tone in your report is by avoiding the use of judgemental words. This kind of words reveals that you are making a personal judgment as you express your personal stand and opinions. Readers may perceive that instead of allowing evidence to be the support for your report, you base your conclusions on previously-held beliefs and values. To make your writing credibly sound and objective focus on presenting what the evidence suggests instead of referring to what you think and avoid judgemental language. 

7. Stick to the facts

When writing a report always stick to facts and what the evidence tells you. Avoiding opinions and unsupported conclusions will make your report bias-free. Keep in mind the purpose of your report and target readers while writing it to determine the details you need to include in the report. 

8. Write concisely

To improve readability, simplify your sentences. Avoid complex sentence structures and use short sentences instead. Some sentences are longer because they are too wordy. Also, some include redundant words, repetitive points, and multiple punctuations.  Keep your sentence on point to avoid being wordy and lengthy. Omit anything unnecessary and make sure that it’s not exceedingly detailed nor has insufficient descriptions. If the sentences are longer than it should be, break it up and create multiple sentences out of it.  Do this by limiting your sentences to a single idea per sentence. 

9. Use linking words for coherence

Your report should be coherent and clearly shows the relationship between details. This can be made possible by using connectors, reference words, and signal words or phrases within and between your paragraphs. This will enable your reader to easily follow your points and see the connections of the details you included.

10. Use  appropriate pronouns

There are differing opinions on whether to use personal pronouns or not in report writing. Some claim that not using personal pronouns will keep the objectivity of a report, while others suggest otherwise. To determine whether to use personal pronouns or not, it is best to consider your target readers. The type of report you are doing whether it is formal or semi-formal will also help you to figure out the appropriate pronoun to use.  If you want to keep your report independent from your presence as a writer, avoid using first-person pronouns such as ‘I’, and ‘we’. Meanwhile, if you want to make your report impersonal and formal, refrain from using ‘you’. The pronoun ‘you’ directly addresses the reader, ergo makes the report sound more conversational and less formal.

11. Use correct tenses and be consistent

Follow the general rules when writing your report. Use past tense if you are writing the method and results section or anything that was done and happened in the past. Meanwhile, if it is a fact use the present tense. Also, for introduction, conclusion and summary use present tense. Make sure that you remain consistent with the tenses that you use throughout paragraphs. 

12. Use the right voice of the verb

There are also different opinions on whether to use passive or active voice in report writing. To identify which one should you use, it is better to consider the purpose, content, readers, and level of formality you intend your report to sound. Also, determine the significant elements you wanted to be highlighted in your report. Passive voice is used when you want to emphasize events and processes. It is also utilized to show the effect of an action on a person or thing. This is good to use when the ‘doer’ is unknown, irrelevant on the report or it is already obvious thus not need to be mentioned. Another reason why some prefer to use this is because writing in the passive voice makes your report sound more formal. Meanwhile, others support the use of active voice because it is easier to understand. Plus active voice uses fewer words thus simpler to write. This is good to use if you want to emphasize the person or thing responsible for the action.

13. Use the right punctuation

Writing sentences with correct punctuation marks enhances the readability of your report. It guides your reader to understand your report better by giving them the right cues. Hence it is imperative not to forget including punctuation marks, neither making your sentences overly punctuated nor using punctuation interchangeably. 

14. Avoid contractions

In report writing words in full form is preferred. Contractions made of combined two abbreviated words are avoided as it sounds conversational and less formal. If you need to use abbreviations, it is important to briefly explain it. Writing your words in full form enables your readers to understand the text clearly as it spelled in its original form. 

15. Write numbers correctly 

Part of writing reports is also including numbers to show results or estimates. It gives significant details and shows sequence, hence must be presented properly to be interpreted appropriately. When writing numbers, spell out one to nine. Hundred, thousand and million are also written in words. Meanwhile, if the number follows a unit of measurement, it should be written in numerals.

16. Proofread

Even if you have carefully written your report, it is still best to edit and proofread your text to check if it’s easy to comprehend. Check any typographical errors, grammar lapses, and inconsistencies, punctuation errors, and omit redundant and unnecessary words. Also check if there are missing, or irrelevant details and whether its organization is illogical. By going through your work again, you will be able to see if there are any flaws in your work before it will be read by your target readers. 

Regardless of your report’s length, the content will depend on what you are writing about and who you are writing it for. By following the guidelines above you’ll be able to follow the general standard in report style writing. It will help you to achieve a clear, concise, and easy to understand report. 

Want to learn more about report writing in English? Enroll in LingualBox now and get to express yourself better may it be in speaking or writing. Take a look at our courses and avail of our 2 free trial classes .

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Vocabulary to use when writing business reports in English exercise

Writing a good report is not only about knowing how you structure it and what type of things to include (and not include), but also how you say what you do include: the words and phrases you use.

Although your choice of vocabulary is not as important for writing good reports as what you actually write about, to look professional you should you try the right type of vocabulary and not overuse the same words and phrases in your reports.

To help you know what words and phrases to use in your own reports, I have created the below online exercise. Through reading an example of a good report and doing a quiz/test, you'll learn and remember some English vocabulary which will make your reports look more professional and read better.

If you have already done the exercise on ' how to write business reports ' (which explains what type of things to write about and how to structure them in a report), you don't need to reread the report below again. Just focus on the words and phrases in bold in the report and from the context which you find them in (e.g. the sentence they are in), think about what their purpose is and their meaning.

Example & Exercise: The report

The following report evaulates the performance of a help desk in a small bank. From the context, try to guess what the meaning and purpose of the words/phrases in bold are. Then do the quiz at the end to check if you are right.

Report on the customer help desk's inbound customer call performance

Introduction.

The following report evaluates the current performance level of our customer help desk based in Pudsey, Leeds. It focuses on its performance when dealing with inbound/incoming customer enquiries made by phone.

This report was produced in response to the results of a recent customer survey. This survey identified a high level of customer dissatisfaction with our company's help desk. Of the 1506 customers who left a rating for the help desk in the survey, 1254 of those rated the service as bad or terrible. Of this 1254, 67% gave the reason for their dissatisfaction as 'call waiting time', while 25% said that the 'service is unhelpful'.

The purpose of this report is to identify failings with the current set up of the help desk which could account for this low customer rating. And to recommend changes to the help desk to improve the service provided to customers.

The findings which are contained in this report are predominantly based on a combination of statistics from the help desk's call management system (CallCom) and random monitoring of calls (100 in total) between customers and help desk analysts. Both the statistics and the call monitoring stem from the same 7 day period (4 May to the 11 May 2015).

In order to ensure the integrity of the results, during the period of evaluation, nobody in the help desk section was aware that an evaluation was being conducted.

After this 7 day period, a number of interviews with staff at the help desk (the manager of the section, a team leader and 6 help desk analysts) were then conducted to hear their views and opinions.

In addition to the above, I also reviewed the processes and procedures in place at the help desk for dealing with inbound/incoming call customer enquiries.

Customer waiting time

From reviewing the statistics from CallCom, one thing did stand out , the customer waiting time (before a call is answered by an help desk analyst). The length of customer waiting time varied throughout the day. During most of the day, the average waiting time for customers was around 25 seconds, but during 5pm to 9pm (except on weekends), this rose to an average of 3 minutes and 44 seconds.

These 4 hours of the day, coincide with the highest call volume of the day for the help desk. On average, 41% of all calls each day were received during these 4 hours.

Chart showing the average customer weekday waiting time and the average percentage of calls received during the period of the study.

During these peak hours of call volume, the help desk does have more analysts answering customer calls. On average 10 extra staff (mainly part-time) are answering customer calls during these peak hours.

Length of call

Not only did customer waiting time increase during these peak hours, but there was also an increase in how long staff were actually speaking with customers during these hours as well. During 5pm to 9pm (except on weekends), the average time that analysts spoke to customers increased from 4 minutes 23 seconds to 7 minutes and 59 seconds.

Chart showing the average length of help desk analyst speaking time with customers during the period of the study.

During these peak hours of call volume, the nature of the calls did not differ significantly from those received during the rest of the day. But what did stand out was a difference between the length of time that full-time analysts spoke to customers during these peaks hours (on average 6 minutes and 56 seconds) and part-time analysts (on average 9 minutes and 28 seconds).

The statistics from ComCall indicated that although part-time analysts performed only slightly slower than their full-time counterparts on simple enquiries (e.g. confirming account and balance information), they performed significantly slower on more complex enquiries (e.g. freezing and resetting accounts).

Monitoring of customers calls supports this. On more complex enquiries, part-time staff put their customers on hold more often and for longer while they consulted with other staff to find out what they had to do.

Call procedures and processes

The procedures and processes that are in place in the help desk for dealing with customer enquiries meet the industry's highest standards (the standards set down in the Financial Services Association's customer service best practices).

Through monitoring calls between customers and help desk analysts, I can confirm that the vast majority of analysts always followed set procedures when dealing with customer enquiries. Furthermore , except for one or two occasions, they dealt with customers in a professional manner (even when customers were aggressive).

• The help desk's customer application system

From conducting interviews with help desk analysts, one of the things they stated was an issue was the slowness of the help desk's customer application system. In particular, they stated that the system had a tendency to run slow at peak hours (between 5pm to 9pm on weekdays). Resulting in them taking longer to deal with customer enquiries.

The monitoring of customer calls seems to confirm this. Analysts performed tasks using the system a lot slower when there were more staff taking calls (during peak call volume hours) than when there were less staff taking calls during the rest of the day.

The findings of this report on the help desk's performance would strongly seem to indicate that there is a problem with dealing with customer calls only during the hours of peak call volume (between 5pm to 9pm on weekdays). During these peak hours, the average waiting time for customers was nearly 10 times higher than during other times of the day (from an average of 25 seconds to an average of 3 minutes and 44 seconds).

Although it would appear that simply increasing the number of help desk staff taking calls would resolve this issue, the rise in the average time that analysts spoke to customers when dealing with enquiries (an average of 7 minutes and 59 seconds at peak call volumes in comparison with an average 4 minutes 23 seconds outside of these hours) would indicate that it is not only a problem of not having enough staff on at these times.

Although having more staff taking customer calls at these times should reduce the average customer waiting time, it would not address the issue of customer enquiries taking longer to resolve at these times. It would appear that this is the main factor causing the longer waiting times that customers are experiencing.

The findings would appear to demonstrate that this issue is caused by two main reasons:

• The underperformance of part-time staff

The first (and most important) reason is that there appears to be a problem with the help desk's customer application system. It appears to run a lot slower during periods of peak call volume when more analysts are logged on and using it.

The second reason is that part-time staff complete tasks slower on average than their full-time colleagues. This would appear to not stem from a lack of willingness on their part to answer calls quickly, but that they have less experience on resolving more complex customer enquiries.

Recommendations

On the basis of the above findings, I make the following recommendations:

1. Request the I.T. department to perform an investigation into the problems experienced with the help desk customer application system as soon as possible.

2. Undertake a training programme for part-time help desk staff to improve their knowledge and speed in dealing with customer enquiries (especially more complex enquiries).

If you require any clarification or further information on the report, please do not hesitate to contact myself (James Smith) by email ([email protected]) or by phone (01535 666541).

Below is a definition/description of each of the words/phrases in bold from the above text. Now choose the word/phrase from the question's selection box which you believe answers each question. Only use one word/phrase once. Click on the "Check Answers" button at the bottom of the quiz to check your answers.

1. A formal way to say 'said', is

2. A more formal way of saying 'strongly suggested that', is

3. A phrase which is used to begin the paragraph where you explain to the readers the reasons behind why you are writing the report, is

4. A more formal way to say 'wasn't caused by' is

5. A more formal way to say 'carrying out', which you can use to say how you got the data that you are using in the report, is

6. A phrase which you use to introduce the part of the report where you say from where and how you obtained the data that you are using in it, is

7. A verb which you use when you want to say that you noticed something important when you were investigating or evaluating, is

8. A phrase which is used to begin the paragraph where you tell the readers what the report looks at, is

9. A formal way to say that there 'wasn't a big difference' between two things, is

10. A different way of saying 'causing', is

11. A phrase you would use when you want to say that doing an action 'won't have any impact on resolving' a particular problem, is

12. A more formal way of saying 'clearly show that', is

13. A phrase which is used to begin the paragraph where you tell the readers what you want to achieve in the report, is

14. A different way to say 'in addition', is

Now that you understand the vocabulary, practise it by writing your writing your own report with these words/phrases.

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Useful phrases for your report

Writing a concise, reader-friendly, and informative report is challenging for many employees, students, and pupils. That’s why I compiled this article for you, to provide you with useful phrases for your report. Read on and become a pro-report writer. 

What to write in your introduction? 

The introduction section of your report lets the reader know about the content of your writing. So, it’s essential to use these first sentences to let the reader know 

• what the purpose of your report is 
• what the topic is 

In most cases, reports aim to present or summarise information. 

useful introduction phrases for your report

• The purpose of this report is to …. (e.g. summarise, show, examine, analyse, present, inform, etc.) 
• The aim of this report is to … 
• This report (examines, analyses, shows, summarises, presents, inform, etc.) 
• This report/It is based on… (a survey, a study) … 
• The source for this report is (a recent survey on , a study on…etc.) 
• ….(Insert number) people were questioned/interviewed and the results are presented below. 
• The key findings are presented/outlined below. 

What to write in your main body?

The main body of your report contains the necessary information you need to pass on to your reader. For example, you summarise the most important findings of a study. Depending on what you are expected to cover in your report, you need to also analyse the findings and write about the impact they have on your company, product, school, etc. 

Make sure you know what you are expected to write about in your report! 

useful main body phrases for your report

• According to the data, … 
• There is a slight/moderate/steady increase/decrease in… 
• Around/Nearly/Almost/About/Approximately … percent of… 
• The amount/number of … has remained steady/stable/constant/unchanged at… 
• The figures for… have risen/fallen since … 
• Compared to …., the figures for … are high/low. 
• There are several factors which affect… 
• Several people claim/suggest/state that…. 
• There are a number of reasons for… 
• As might have been expected… 
• Contrary to expectations,… 
• It is important to add that… 
• It should not be forgotten that… 
• It should be mentioned/added that… 
• It should be kept in mind that… 
• Reasons for this development/trend could be…. 

What to write in your conclusion? 

The conclusion is the place where you give suggestions, recommandations, and shortly summarise the most vital points made in the main body of your report. 

useful summary phrases for your report 

• In the light of these findings, …
• Taking into account the findings, … 
• For this reason/ these reasons, it might be a good idea to… 
• A possible solution would be… 
• It is suggested/recommended/proposed that… 
• I/We would (strongly) recommend that… 
• It is essential/vital/important/necessary to… 
• It would be advisable to…. 
• It would be beneficial to… 
• It is clear/obvious that
• After a thorough data analysis, it is clear that… 
• A further consideration could also be… 
• In short/brief, it should be therefore concluded that… 
• To summarise/sum up, it has been shown that… 
• All in all, it can be summarised that… 
• Finally, it should be mentioned that… 

I am sure that this collection of phrases for reports will help you to write a great report. 

If you want to know more about report writing, you can check out the following articles: 

5 steps on how to write a report

How to write effective reports

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Cash-strapped Trump is now selling $60 Bibles, U.S. Constitution included

Rachel Treisman

Then-President Donald Trump holds up a Bible outside St. John's Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C., during a controversial 2020 photo-op. Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Then-President Donald Trump holds up a Bible outside St. John's Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C., during a controversial 2020 photo-op.

Former President Donald Trump is bringing together church and state in a gilded package for his latest venture, a $60 "God Bless The USA" Bible complete with copies of the nation's founding documents.

Trump announced the launch of the leather-bound, large-print, King James Bible in a post on Truth Social on Tuesday — a day after the social media company surged in its trading debut and two days after a New York appeals court extended his bond deadline to comply with a ruling in a civil fraud case and slashed the bond amount by 61%.

"Happy Holy Week! Let's Make America Pray Again," Trump wrote. "As we lead into Good Friday and Easter, I encourage you to get a copy of the God Bless The USA Bible."

Consider This from NPR

Why trump's persecution narrative resonates with christian supporters.

The Bible is inspired by "God Bless the USA," the patriotic Lee Greenwood anthem that has been a fixture at many a Trump rally (and has a long political history dating back to Ronald Reagan). It is the only Bible endorsed by Trump as well as Greenwood, according to its promotional website .

The Bible is only available online and sells for $59.99 (considerably more expensive than the traditional Bibles sold at major retailers, or those available for free at many churches and hotels). It includes Greenwood's handwritten chorus of its titular song as well as copies of historical documents including the U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence and Pledge of Allegiance.

"Many of you have never read them and don't know the liberties and rights you have as Americans, and how you are being threatened to lose those rights," Trump said in a three-minute video advertisement.

"Religion and Christianity are the biggest things missing from this country, and I truly believe that we need to bring them back and we have to bring them back fast."

'You gotta be tough': White evangelicals remain enthusiastic about Donald Trump

Trump critics on both sides of the aisle quickly criticized the product, characterizing it as self-serving and hypocritical.

Conservative political commentator Charlie Sykes slammed him for "commodifying the Bible during Holy Week," while Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota critiqued him for "literally taking a holy book and selling it, and putting it out there in order to make money for his campaign."

Trump says the money isn't going to his campaign, but more on that below.

Klobuchar added that Trump's public attacks on others are "not consistent with the teachings of the Bible," calling this "one more moment of hypocrisy." Tara Setmayer, a senior adviser for anti-Trump Republican PAC the Lincoln Project, called it "blasphemous ."

And former Rep. Liz Cheney, a Republican from Wyoming, trolled Trump with a social media post alluding to his alleged extramarital affairs.

"Happy Holy Week, Donald," she wrote. "Instead of selling Bibles, you should probably buy one. And read it, including Exodus 20:14 ."

Christianity is an increasingly prominent part of his campaign

Trump has made a point of cultivating Christian supporters since his 2016 presidential campaign and remains popular with white evangelicals despite his multiple divorces, insults toward marginalized groups and allegations of extramarital affairs and sexual assault.

And his narrative of being persecuted — including in the courts — appears to resonate with his many Christian supporters.

Trump has increasingly embraced Christian nationalist ideas in public. He promised a convention of religious broadcasters last month that he would use a second term to defend Christian values from the "radical left," swearing that "no one will be touching the cross of Christ under the Trump administration."

He made similar comments in the Bible promotional video, in which he warned that "Christians are under siege" and the country is "going haywire" because it lost religion.

What to know about the debut of Trump's $399 golden, high-top sneakers

"We must defend God in the public square and not allow the media or the left-wing groups to silence, censor or discriminate against us," he said. "We have to bring Christianity back into our lives and back into what will be again a great nation."

Trump himself is not known to be particularly religious or a regular churchgoer. He long identified as Presbyterian but announced in 2020 that he identified as nondenominational .

A Pew Research Center survey released earlier this month found that most people with positive views of Trump don't see him as especially religious, but think he stands up for people with religious beliefs like their own.

Trump said in the promotional video that he has many Bibles at home.

"It's my favorite book," he said, echoing a comment he's made in previous years. "It's a lot of people's favorite book."

The Impact Of Christian Nationalism On American Democracy

Trump's relationship to the Bible has been a point of discussion and sometimes controversy over the years.

In 2020, amid protests over George Floyd's murder, he posed with a Bible outside a Washington, D.C., church, for which he was widely criticized. U.S. Park Police and National Guard troops had tear-gassed peaceful protesters in the area beforehand, seemingly to make way for the photo-op, though a watchdog report the following year determined otherwise .

That same year, a clip of a 2015 Bloomberg interview, in which Trump declines to name his favorite — or any — Bible verse resurfaced on social media and went viral.

Bible sales are unlikely to solve Trump's financial problems

An FAQ section on the Bible website says no profits will go to Trump's reelection campaign.

"GodBlessTheUSABible.com is not political and has nothing to do with any political campaign," it says.

However, the site adds that it uses Trump's name, likeness and image "under paid license from CIC Ventures LLC."

Trump is listed as the manager, president, secretary and treasurer of CIC Ventures LLC in a financial disclosure from last year.

Here's what happens if Trump can't pay his $454 million bond

Trump's sales pitch focuses on bringing religion back to America.

"I want to have a lot of people have it," he said at one point in the video. "You have to have it for your heart and for your soul."

But many are wondering whether Trump has something else to gain from Bible sales while facing under mounting financial pressure.

There's his presidential reelection campaign, which has raised only about half of what Biden's has so far this cycle. Trump acknowledged Monday that he "might" spend his own money on his campaign, something he hasn't done since 2016.

There's also his mounting legal expenses, as he faces four criminal indictments and numerous civil cases. Trump posted bond to support a $83.3 million jury award granted to writer E. Jean Carroll in a defamation case earlier this month, and was due to put up another $454 million in a civil fraud case this past Monday.

Trump is on the verge of a windfall of billions of dollars. Here are 3 things to know

His lawyers had said last week that they had approached 30 companies for help making bond, but doing so was a "practical impossibility" — prompting New York's attorney general to confirm that if Trump did not pay, she would move to seize his assets . On Monday, the appeals court reduced the bond amount to $175 million and gave Trump another 10 days to post it.

Trump has evidently been trying to raise money in other ways.

The day after the civil fraud judgment was announced, he debuted a line of $399 golden, high-top sneakers , which sold out in hours . The company behind his social media app, Truth Social, started trading on the Nasdaq exchange on Tuesday, which could deliver him a windfall of more than $3 billion — though he can't sell his shares for another six months.

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I’m a CEO in Finland, the happiest country in the world: 3 phrases we use at work every day

Finland is the happiest country in the world for the seventh year running, according to the latest World Happiness Report .

Two major factors help Finns find happiness at work: a high level of trust in institutions and colleagues, as well as a strong focus on work-life balance, says Miika Makitalo, CEO of HappyOrNot.

The Finland-based company makes the smiley-faced feedback buttons used in airports and other retail spaces around the world. It employs 56 people in Finland, who are of 15 different nationalities, as well as some 15 people in the U.S. and around 5 workers in the U.K.

As a business leader, Makitalo says there are three phrases in particular that capture the Finnish mentality around finding happiness and contentment at work.

'No one is born a smith.'

Essentially, this phrase underscores that "no one is born as a professional," and "there's always things to learn," Makitalo says.

The phrase is meant to empower people to aspire to do great work, even if they're still learning on the job.

"If you dream of something, go for it," he says. "Apply for the positions you aspire to. And when you land something, learn how to do it."

Experts agree that having a growth mindset at work, or believing that you can improve your skills with practice, is an attractive quality in a star worker.

The Finnish phrase also emphasizes that it's OK to make mistakes in the learning process, as long as you use those experiences and any constructive feedback to improve.

It's a comforting idea, Makitalo says, that "it's not required or expected to master [something] on day one. Have mercy on oneself."

'Serious business matters are taken care of; otherwise, we'll be like Mary's chickens on the loose.'

This phrase comes from the classic Finnish novel, The Unknown Soldier , and is used to say that a team of soldiers will take care of matters expected of them, Makitalo says. After accomplishing the task, they'll take it easy with the idea of being "chickens on the loose" as a positive thing: They've done their job and will use the rest of their time as they see fit.

Funny imagery aside, Makitalo says this phrase is meant to highlight the flat hierarchies common in Finnish work cultures. The main takeaway is, "Anything that is urgent will be taken care of. But we don't care about structures, bosses — don't come here telling me what to do," Makitalo says. "I know what I should be doing. And I'm setting the priorities."

As CEO, Makitalo says he supports hearing feedback directly from his employees. "Anyone in the organization can come to me and say, 'Miika that doesn't make any sense. Correct the strategy.'"

"I think that's good feedback, especially if it's based in facts," he says.

Finnish workers may have different roles and supervisory responsibilities, but "we are all equal contributors, and this amplifies that," Makitalo says.

It also prevents micromanaging behaviors and can empower workers to take ownership of their work. "When everyone in the organization knows the strategy and vision, they can act on their own and they don't need to be told what is required," he adds.

'"Forward" said the granny in the snow.'

Another visual metaphor, this phrase is meant to help people work through challenges.

There's a mindset of: Let's not worry, let's not dwell on it, it will be taken care of when starting moving forward. Miika Makitalo CEO of HappyOrNot

"There's this playful idea that, even in four feet of snow, even a granny can say, 'Hey this is not a big deal,'" Makitalo says.

This phrase might come up during a long meeting where people can't decide on the next point of action. At a certain point, Makitalo says, you have to move forward and address the unknowns as they come up.

"The idea is, let's get things done," he says. "So there's a mindset of: Let's not worry, let's not dwell on it, it will be taken care of when starting moving forward."

Want to land your dream job in 2024?  Take  CNBC's new online course How to Ace Your Job Interview  to learn what hiring managers are really looking for, body language techniques, what to say and not to say, and the best way to talk about pay.