IGCSE Report Writing:
Essential Skills for writing a Report
Mrs Hima Bindhu R
What is a Report?
● A factual account of a situation,
event, or issue
● Presents information clearly and
objectively
● Often requested by someone in
authority
● Used to inform and sometimes make
recommendations
● What types of reports have you
written before?
Purpose and Audience
● Identify why the report is needed
● Consider who will read it (e.g. teacher, manager,
committee)
● Tailor your language and content to the audience
● Keep the purpose in mind throughout writing
● How might you adjust your writing for different
audiences?
Structure of a Report
● Title: Clear and informative
● Introduction: Purpose and scope of
report
● Main body: Organized into sections
with subheadings
● Conclusion: Summary of key points
● Recommendations (if required)
● Why is structure important in report
writing?
Planning Your Report
● Read the question carefully and identify key
requirements
● Brainstorm relevant ideas and information
● Organize your points into a logical order
● Create an outline with main sections and subheadings
● What planning strategies do you find most helpful?
Language and Style
● Use formal, impersonal language
● Write in clear, concise sentences
● Avoid unnecessary jargon or technical
terms
● Use passive voice where appropriate
● Maintain an objective tone
throughout
● How does report language differ from
creative writing?
Presenting Data and Information
● Use bullet points for lists
● Include tables, graphs, or charts if relevant
● Ensure all visuals are clearly labeled
● Refer to any visuals in your text
● What types of visual aids might be useful in a report?
Introduction
Techniques
● State the purpose of the report
● Provide brief background information
● Outline the scope of the report
● Mention methods used to gather
information (if applicable)
● Why is a strong introduction
important?
Developing the Main Body
● Organize information into logical sections
● Use clear, informative subheadings
● Present facts and findings objectively
● Support points with evidence or examples
● Ensure smooth transitions between sections
● How can you make your report easy to navigate?
Writing Effective Conclusions
● Summarize the main points of the report
● Avoid introducing new information
● Relate back to the purpose stated in the introduction
● Keep it concise and clear
● What makes a conclusion effective?
Making
Recommendations
● Base recommendations on the
findings in your report
● Be specific and practical
● Explain the rationale behind each
recommendation
● Consider potential impacts or
consequences
● How might recommendations differ
based on the report's audience?
Proofreading and Editing
● Check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors
● Ensure consistency in formatting and style
● Verify all facts, figures, and sources
● Read aloud to catch awkward phrasing
● What strategies do you use when proofreading your
work?
Practice Makes Perfect
● Familiarize yourself with past IGCSE
report questions
● Practice planning and writing reports
under timed conditions
● Seek feedback from teachers or peers
● Review and learn from your mistakes
● How can you incorporate report
writing practice into your study
routine?
