Question 1(b): How to Write a Report (Cambridge International IGCSE English Language)
Paper 2: Question 1(b): how to write a report
Question 1(b): how to write a report
For Question 1(b), you will be asked to write in one of four possible formats (genres):
- Speech
- Letter
- Article
- Report
Up to 10 marks are available for reading skills, and up to 25 marks are available for writing skills.
The following guide will detail how to structure your response in the style of a report.
Key features of a report
A report is a fact-based piece of writing designed to present information and make evaluative judgements. The purpose is to convey information, analyse a situation and make recommendations in a clear, objective manner.
| Report |
|---|
| In a report you should: - Use a clear, functional title - Use subheadings to organise your writing: - Aim for 2–3 clear subheadings between your introduction and conclusion - Include a brief introduction stating the purpose of the report - Include a final section that summarises the findings or offers specific advice based on the texts - Use a formal tone and professional language: - Do not use slang or contractions (e.g., “don’t”) - Be evaluative but detached: - While you must express an opinion, it should sound like a weighed judgement rather than a personal rant - Group together information from the texts under your subheadings |
Exam Hint The primary purpose of a report in this task is to take scattered facts, ideas and opinions from the source texts and organise them logically. While a report is factual, its purpose in the exam is not just to list facts; you must use, develop and evaluate the situation.
This means you are often writing to help someone make a decision or understand a problem. You must therefore weigh the pros and cons found in the text.
Report structure
The information and opinions you put forward in your report will be based on what you have read in the text(s), but you are expected to group related points together under appropriate subheadings. This demonstrates that you are able to organise and structure facts, ideas and opinions for deliberate effect.
Recommended structure for a report
| Title | - Keep it functional and precise - For example: - “Report on workplace attitudes and challenges for new employees” |
|---|---|
| Introduction | - State clearly what the report is about and who it is for - For example: - “The purpose of this report is to outline the varying attitudes towards teamwork and competition in modern business and to identify challenges new employees may face.” |
| Subheading 1 | - Address the first bullet point of the question |
| Subheading 2 | - Address the second bullet point of the question |
| Subheading 3 | - Include recommendations/suggested solutions |
| Conclusion | - Write a brief summary sentence |
For a full report model answer, see Question 1(b) Model Answer: Report.
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