🟣 1. Structure & Format
What information should appear in the title of a report?
The title of a report should clearly state what the report is about , usually including:
The main topic or purpose of the report (what it’s investigating or describing).
Who or what it concerns (for example, “Report on the School Sports Day” or “Report on Students’ Use of the Library”).
💡 Tip: A good report title is short, specific, and informative, so the reader immediately knows what to expect.
What does “objective” mean when describing a report’s tone?
“Objective” means that the tone of the report is neutral, factual, and free from personal opinions or emotions.
What is the purpose of a report
The purpose of a report is to present information clearly and objectively about a specific topic, event, or issue — often to inform, describe, or make recommendations to someone in authority.
Replace “because” with a more formal linking phrase
A more formal alternative to “because” is “due to the fact that.”
💡 Other formal options:
as a result of
since
owing to
Example:
The event was successful due to the fact that it was well organized.
How is a report different from an article in purpose and tone?
A report is written to present information and make recommendations in a clear, factual, and formal or semi-formal tone. It is usually for someone in authority (like a teacher or manager) and focuses on objectivity.
An article, on the other hand, is meant to interest, engage, or entertain readers. It uses a lively, personal, and persuasive tone, often including opinions and rhetorical questions to connect with the audience.
💡 In short:
➡️ Report = factual, formal, objective
➡️ Article = engaging, personal, opinion-based
What are the four main parts of a report?
The four main parts of a report are:
Title – tells the reader what the report is about.
Introduction – explains the purpose of the report and gives background information.
Body (Findings) – presents the main points, facts, and evidence in clear sections or paragraphs.
Conclusion (and sometimes Recommendations) – summarizes key points and may suggest actions or improvements.
💡 Tip: Think of it as T–I–B–C: Title, Introduction, Body, Conclusion!
Give one example of a neutral phrase to express opinion formally
It is believed that...
💡 Other examples:
I recommend that...
It can be concluded that...
The general view is that...
What happens to your mark if you use contractions like “don’t” or “can’t” in IGCSE report?
Using contractions like “don’t” or “can’t” makes your writing too informal, which can lower your mark for tone and register in the IGCSE report.
💡 Tip: Always write the full forms — “do not”, “cannot”, “it is” — to keep your report formal and professional.
Give two linking words to show contrast.
Answer:
Formal linking words to show contrast in an IGCSE report are:
However
On the other hand
Nevertheless
💡 Example:
Most students enjoyed the trip; however, a few found it tiring.
You've just earned 200 points
Lucky you
How can you make your report easy to navigate and scan for key details?
Using clear headings and subheadings to organize each section logically.
How can passive voice make your writing more formal? Give one example
Using the passive voice makes your writing more formal because it focuses on the action, not the person, creating an objective and impersonal tone.
💡 Example:
Active: We collected money from students.
Passive (formal): Money was collected from students.
Underline the 3 words suitable for a formal report and explain why each fits:
bad | unsatisfactory | amazing | satisfactory | terrific | impressive
Expected answers: unsatisfactory, satisfactory, impressive
💡 Formal adjectives that express evaluation objectively.
This sentence sounds awkward:
The event was enjoyable. However, it was successful.
Rewrite it using a more suitable linking word or phrase
The event was enjoyable; moreover, it was successful.
✅ Explanation: “However” shows contrast, but here both ideas are positive .So, a connector of addition like moreover or in addition is more cohesive and logical.
Identify three grammar or language features that make a report sound formal.
Use of passive voice (e.g., The students were informed that…).
Use of reported speech (e.g., Most students said that they enjoyed…).
Avoiding contractions (e.g., cannot instead of can’t).
Using complex structures and neutral phrasing.
Write a correct outline for a report about “A School Charity Event,” including appropriate subheadings.
Sample Outline for a Report:
Title: Report on the School Charity Event
1. Introduction
Purpose of the report (to describe the charity event and its outcomes)
When and where the event took place
Who organized it and why
2. Preparation and Planning
How students and teachers prepared for the event
Sponsors or donations received
Roles and responsibilities of participants
3. The Event
Description of activities (performances, sales, games, etc.)
Attendance and overall atmosphere
Any challenges faced during the event
4. Results and Impact
Amount of money raised
Who benefited from the donations
Reactions from participants and audience
5. Conclusion and Recommendations
Overall success of the event
What could be improved for future charity events
Give 3 examples of a Band 9-level adjectives (vocabulary) suitable for an IGCSE report
Three Band 9-level adjectives suitable for a formal IGCSE ESL report are:
Significant – showing something important or meaningful
A significant number of students took part in the event.
Efficient – working in a well-organized and productive way
The event was efficiently managed by the student committee.
Beneficial – producing positive results or advantages
The charity event proved highly beneficial to the local community.
How is the content of an IGCSE report different from the content of an article?
A report focuses on facts, findings, and recommendations, presented formally and objectively, while an article is more opinion-based, engaging, and can include personal feelings or persuasion.
Which adjective best replaces “good” in this sentence?
The event was a good experience for students.
Answer: The event was a valuable / rewarding experience for students.
List five things you should definitely do when writing an IGCSE ESL report.List five things you should definitely do when writing an IGCSE ESL report.
1️⃣ Use clear subheadings to organize each section logically.
2️⃣ Begin with an introduction that states who, what, when, and why.
3️⃣ Write formally and objectively — no emotions or personal opinions.
4️⃣ Include findings and recommendations as required by the task.
5️⃣ Use a range of formal linking words (e.g., furthermore, however, consequently).
6️⃣ Plan before writing — identify key ideas and structure.
7️⃣ Paraphrase ideas from the prompt instead of copying.
8️⃣ Write clearly and legibly, aiming near the word limit (160–200 words).
9️⃣ Check spelling, punctuation, and grammar at the end.
This introduction is written poorly. Rewrite it to sound like a Band 9 IGCSE formal report introduction.
Introduction
Our school had a charity event last week and it was really fun. Everyone helped and we raised some money for poor people.
Expected Band 9 Rewrite:
This report outlines the details of the school charity event held on 14 October. It describes the preparation, activities, and results of the event, and evaluates its overall success in raising funds for those in need.
Change this sentence into reported speech:
“Most students said, ‘We enjoyed the trip.’”
Most students said they had enjoyed the trip.
What are the “7 WHs” and why are they useful?
The 7 WHs are: Who, What, Where, When, Why, Which, and How.
💡 They are useful because they help you include all key details in your report ensuring it is clear, complete, and informative.
Example:
A strong report answers questions like:
Who organized the event?
What happened?
Where and when did it take place?
Why was it held?
How was it carried out?
Replace “students liked it” with a more formal expression.
It was well received by participants. / It gained positive feedback from attendees/students
The Big Don’ts
List five things you should not do when writing an IGCSE ESL report.
1️⃣ Don’t use contractions (e.g., don’t, can’t, isn’t).
2️⃣ Don’t use slang, texting language, or idioms (e.g., OMG, cool, awesome).
3️⃣ Don’t write informally or address the reader directly (avoid you).
4️⃣ Don’t list points mechanically (avoid firstly, secondly, thirdly).
5️⃣ Don’t repeat the same words or sentence structures.
6️⃣ Don’t wander off-topic or include irrelevant details.
7️⃣ Don’t use emotive or humorous language — stay factual and objective.
8️⃣ Don’t forget to organize your report into paragraphs with headings.