how to write a report for igcse

Exercise 6: Writing a report (Ultimate Guide)

Exercise 6: writing a report (ultimate guide).

Exercise 6 of the Reading and Writing paper of the IGCSE English as a Second Language (ESL) exam (0510/0511/0991/0993) is always a formal or a semi-formal writing. It can be an article, a report, or a review.

In this article, you will discover how to write an almost perfect report that impresses the examiner and gets you the highest band.

So, what is a report?

A report is a nonfiction account that presents and/or summarizes the facts about a particular event, topic, or issue to a person of authority. Reports are a mixture of facts and opinions.

The purpose of a report is often to give relevant information in an ordered way and to make suggestions to the reader based on that information . Therefore, the vocabulary should be Standard English and straightforward , presenting the topic precisely .

The Tone and register of a report

The audience of the report is often a teacher or someone in charge (e.g., the head teacher, organizers of an event, etc.) so the language and tone tend to be more formal and impersonal .

A report should be well-organized and clear . It often has headings to show the reader what information can be found in each section of the report. This helps the reader to locate the information they need more easily.

Now, let’s discover the ideal format of a report.

The format of a report

A report often follows a 3-part structure (in addition to the title), which may span 3-5 paragraphs:

• Title/heading: The title of the report you are writing about. It should be brief and relevant. For example, “Report: School Trip to a Recycling Centre”, “A Visit to a Recycling Centre”, etc.
• First Paragraph: Introduction
• Body paragraph(s): Findings (organized according to the requirements of the report asked for in the question), for example, what you enjoyed about the trip, what you learned, etc.
• Final paragraph: Conclusion and Recommendations

Introduction

The purpose of the introduction is to provide a background and an overview of the report. It should include:

• The 7 WHs (of which 3 are absolutely necessary): Who (e.g. your class), What (e.g. a day spent at a science exhibition), When (e.g. last week), Where (e.g. in the town), Why (e.g. to learn about recycling), (written by) Whom (yourself), to Whom (e.g. your teacher, organizers of the event, etc.).
• The purpose of the report (what it will cover): This is mentioned in the question, e.g. things that students enjoyed about the trip, suggestions for improvements if it’s repeated next year, etc.

Here are some example phrases to mention the purpose of the report:

• The report aims to highlight/present/investigate …
• The report contains relevant information regarding …
• The (aim/intention/purpose) of this report is to (present/discuss/outline/detail/highlight) … based on (my observations/feedback from students, etc.).
• How you collected the information you have based your report on (e.g. observation, feedback from students, from a survey, interviewed classmates, etc.). This is optional , so you may or may not include it.

Here are some examples of effective report introductions (the 3 necessary Whs have been underlined):

• Last week , our class spent the day at a science exhibition in the town. This report aims to detail what we learned from the visit and provide recommendations for improvement if it is repeated next year.
• As requested, I have prepared a report about a sports festival my class attended last week . I have interviewed my classmates, and my findings are presented below.
• As requested by my teacher, I have compiled a detailed assessment of the work experience week that my class participated in on the 1 st of March . This report aims to outline what was learnt by students and provide suggestions to enhance the experience next time.
• Last week , our school had the opportunity to visit The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) . The purpose of this report is to provide an account of our visit and offer suggestions for improvements based on my observations and feedback from students.

Remember to keep the introduction brief.

The body of the report generally includes your findings , which are the positive and/or negative things you and other people have noticed. It should be organized according to what is asked for in the question , for example, what you enjoyed about the trip, what you learned, etc. The choice of subheadings will depend on what you mention in the body of the report.

Here are some guidelines:

• Read the question carefully, underline the keywords and draft a plan for your report in the blank space below the question using a pencil.
• You can use the few prompts given in the question, but it is better to use your own ideas if you want to get higher marks. If, however, you are out of ideas, use the ideas in the question and make sure to paraphrase them (write them in different words) and develop them well.
• Decide how many body paragraphs you need and what ideas you want to include in each paragraph; write a suitable subheading for each one .
• Present each topic in detail under suitable subheading and support your ideas and develop them well with reasons, evidence, or examples .
• Keep to the topic (don’t wander away from the main subject and requirements of the report). Remind yourself constantly by looking again at the question.
• Use a wide variety of formal linking words and cohesive devices to create a smooth and logical flow in your writing. Here are some examples.

Showing order

• First of all
• First and foremost
• In the first place
• To begin with
• Subsequently
• In addition,
• Furthermore,
• Additionally,
• Not only … but also…
• As well as.

Contrasting

• Nevertheless
• Even though
• Despite/ Despite the fact that
• In spite of
• On the other hand
• On the contrary
• By contrast
• In comparison
• Alternatively

Giving Examples

• For example
• For instance
• One clear example is
• To illustrate
• In other words
• Results and consequences: as a result, consequently, therefore, thus, hence, for this reason, as a result (of), which means that, etc.
• Reasons and causes: owing to, because (of), on account of, due to, since, as, etc. 

Highlighting and Stressing

• Particularly
• In particular
• Specifically

Conclusion and Recommendations

The conclusion should include:

• A brief summary of the main points raised in your report (expressed in different words)

Your opinion about the whole experience or on the facts that you have discovered.

For example, “In conclusion, I believe that the trip was an overall success, as it provided an invaluable opportunity for students to discover more about the fascinating world of science.”

In the new syllabus, the word limit is reduced to only 160 words, so it’s preferred to mention your opinion about the whole experience briefly rather than summarizing the main points raised in the report. For example, “To conclude, the visit was an exceptional learning experience and a success overall”.

Here are some concluding phrases you could use:

• In conclusion
• To conclude
• On the whole
• All things considered
• It can be concluded that …
• I feel/ I believe/ I am convinced/ I am confident that …
• Your recommendations, solutions, or suggestions + Reason/ your prediction on what will happen if the recommendation is followed

For example: “I recommend extending the duration of the visit and prohibiting the use of mobile phones to maximize the learning experience.”

Here are some example phrases you could use for giving recommendations, solutions or suggestions:

• I suggest/recommend/propose …
• I would like to suggest …
• A solution to this issue might be …

Note: It’s also possible to write 2 separate paragraphs for the conclusion and the recommendations.

Points to keep in mind

• Organize your report into 3-5 paragraphs depending on the requirements of the question. Leave a line between paragraphs or indent the first line of each new paragraph. Don’t do both!
• Take care of spelling, punctuation, and grammar. This is important as the examiner will look at the accuracy of your language.
• Use a combination of simple, compound, and complex sentences, with more focus on complex structures .
• Use a wide range of formal vocabulary, including some advanced and less commonly used ones.
• Include a range of topic-related vocabulary to show that you have a good understanding of the topic, for example, if a question asks for a report about a sports festival that your class attended, sports-related vocabulary could be included, such as “fitness”, “warm up before exercising”, “gym”, “membership fees”, “tournament”, etc.
• Use a wide range of formal linking words. Examples have been mentioned earlier.
• Use advanced punctuation sparingly (1-3 in the whole report), for example, colon (:) and semicolon (;).
• Aim to complete towards the maximum word limit (approximately 200 words for the current syllabus and 160 words for the new syllabus). Exceeding the word limit slightly (15-20 words) is fine as long as you write accurately and complete the task within the correct time. If you exceed the word limit by any number of words, be it even 100, no marks will be cut directly, but you increase your chances of making more mistakes and spending more time than required for this exercise, which may affect your mark indirectly. If you write towards the lower limit or below, you are highly unlikely to achieve the highest band for Content as your content is not well developed.
• Spend about 30 minutes on this exercise : the initial 5 minutes for planning and the last 2-3 minutes for checking your work for simple spelling, punctuation, and grammatical mistakes.
• Use passive voice to increase the formality of your report, for example, “No food had been provided.”, “We were given plenty of information.”, “The seats were damaged.”, etc. But don’t write entirely in passive voice; just try to include some passive sentences.
• Use reported speech rather than direct speech to increase the formality of your report, for example, “Most students said that they would have liked to take part in more activities”.
• Write legibly

Don’ts:

• Avoid contractions (isn’t, aren’t, etc.) .
• Avoid abbreviations and slang (texting language) such as, OMG, BTW, gonna, etc.
• Avoid using informal vocabulary, informal linking words (e.g. “besides”, “anyway”, etc.) and idioms.
• Avoid directly addressing the reader (using “you”).
• Avoid listing (firstly, secondly, thirdly, etc.). There is no problem in writing “firstly” but avoid writing “secondly” and “thirdly”.
• Avoid repetition of vocabulary and beginning your sentences with the same words. Sometimes, students write 3 or more sentences in a row starting with “The”!

Practice a lot of past papers and get feedback on your writing. If you don’t have a teacher, reread these notes and check for what you have done right and what you haven’t. Read some of the samples on the samples page to see what you have just learned effectively used and incorporated into a report.

Good luck! Go get that A*!

16 responses to “Exercise 6: Writing a report (Ultimate Guide)”

thanks for all your effort

You’re welcome 🙂

Extremely helpful and detailed notes! Appreciate all the hardwork put into this. One question though, with the new word limit, which I usually tend to follow, my ideas can be somewhat under-developed what can I do? To illustrate, a question asking for what I liked and improvements, I mentioned two points I liked and one suggestion and tried to develop them, yet, they feel under-developed, what can I do? And how can I tell if my idea is well developed? Thank you!!

Thank you for your kind words! We’re glad you found them helpful!

It’s normal to feel that your ideas are under-developed with the reduction in the word limit of the new syllabus. Examiners know this, and that’s why the focus is now more on language.

However, you can do the following to overcome this feeling: 1-Write a suitable number of strong ideas. As for the example provided, giving 2 ideas for each would be ideal, or if you can’t find more suggestions, write 3 points about what you liked. 2-Exceed the word limit slightly (if you have good language and make few mistakes)

You know you have developed the idea if it’s convincing (i.e. you have provided reasons, evidence or examples, whichever is applicable). And this doesn’t have to be lengthy.

Thank you u have the best among all. I was dying for one like this. Keep it up and publish more! 🙂

Thank you so much for your kind words and wonderful feedback! Truly appreciated!

Thank you for the notes! it really helps! Will u be making notes for review? and if yes, when will it be out? Thx

That’s great to hear! Yes, we’re currently working on it, and we believe it’ll be available within one to two weeks.

Thanks a lot, it really helps. Btw according to the word count, does it mean even if i exceed the wor count by a lot, it does not affect my marks at all as long as it’s well written? I’m quite concerned about this since 200 is already not really enough for me sometimes, and now they’ve reduced it to 160.

i meant word count, there’s a typo, sorry

You’re welcome 🙂 Regarding your question, it’s important to note that the word limit provided is only for guidance, and no marks will be cut for just exceeding it. However, we recommend writing towards the upper limit of 160 words or just above it by 15-20 words since exceeding the word limit too much could lead to making more mistakes, and most importantly, spending more time than required for this exercise, which could affect the time available for other exercises. So, if you have a good quality of writing and you manage to plan your time effectively, you can safely write towards 200 words.

Thank you so much. My first time to see such a helpful website!

Thank you for your kind words! We’re glad our website proved helpful!

Thank you so much you’ve helped so much thank you I love this website

Thank you for your kind words! We’re glad it was helpful!

God bless you. I am grateful for this help.

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0510 Writing a report for examination from 2024

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Writing a report

Topic outline.

The purpose of a report is often to present relevant information in an ordered way and to make carefully considered suggestions based on that information.

Reports are usually a mixture of fact and opinion, reflecting on key facts and details to offer suggestions to the reader.

Reports can also be used to offer an objective view of a situation, proposing alternatives for the reader to consider.

For example, reports in a workplace might include statistics to support different plans for the future of the business so that people can decide on the best option.

The audience of a report is often someone in charge, for example a teacher, or an employer, so the language and tone of a report tends to be more formal.

• think about the audience that the report is for – are you writing this report for one reader, or for a group of people such as the organisers of an event?
• the impression you want your reader to have of you – usually a report should be impersonal and relatively formal since you are writing to someone who is in charge. You would not normally use slang or contractions ( such as don’t or can’t) .It is usually best to avoid attempts at humour or sarcasm
• the purpose for the report – you may have been asked to make suggestions or recommendations in your report based on personal experience, or to offer an overview of a more complex situation. Try to include a range of topic related vocabulary used appropriately
• how to reassure your reader that your report is going to be useful – i magine if your report was full of emotive words and personal appeals based on your own viewpoint, your reader might not be convinced that you were offering them an objective and accurate evaluation. For your report to be effective you will need to sound calm and polite.
• Identify and group the key information, facts and details your report needs to include before you start writing – the structure of a report is usually in three parts. For example:
• An overview – briefly introduce the topic of the report and the key areas you will consider. Your reader should be able to understand what you will be writing about and why by just reading this section.
• A middle – develop and support the relevant facts and opinions about the topic that you or others have noticed.
• An end – offer a brief summary of your suggestions, recommendations or solutions. Here you might like to include any new points you think should be considered in the future .
• Organise different aspects of the report into paragraphs as appropriate – this will help you to explain, develop and support your points.
• Help your reader to locate the information they need more easily – a report should be well-organised and clear. Reports often use headings to show the reader what information can be found in each section. Sometimes bullet points might also be used to highlight key information to the reader. Do not overdo these, but a precise, short, bulleted list can help to draw your reader’s attention to the key points you are making.
• Connect the points you are making logically – for example, where you are offering suggestions based on points you made earlier you might use a linking word or phrase such as ‘in conclusion’, ‘as a consequence’ or ‘finally’.
• Select activity Example of a report Example of a report

• Select activity Resource Resource

IGCSE ESL Report Writing: Tips and Guidelines

IGCSE ESL Report Writing is essential to the Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (ESL) examination. 

It is a formal piece of writing that requires the writer to present information, findings, and recommendations on a particular topic or issue. The report should be structured and organized, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.

The IGCSE ESL Report Writing has undergone revisions, with the latest pattern of examinations being introduced in 2019.

The revised pattern of examinations requires students to write a report of approximately 200-250 words based on a given topic or situation.

To write an effective IGCSE ESL Report, the writer must consider the audience and the report’s purpose. The report’s tone should be formal, and the language should be clear and concise. 

The report should be well-structured, with headings and subheadings that help the reader navigate the information presented.

The report should also include an introduction that provides a brief overview of the discussed topic or issue.

The introduction should be followed by the main body of the report, which should present the findings, observations, and recommendations. 

The main body of the report should be well-organized, with each paragraph focusing on a particular aspect of the topic.

Table of Contents

Essential Components of a Report

When writing a report, several essential components must be included to ensure the report is effective and informative.

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These components include language, vocabulary, tone and register, fact and opinion, purpose and audience, introduction, and range.

Language and Vocabulary

The language and vocabulary used in a report should be formal and appropriate for the intended audience.

The writer should use correct grammar and avoid slang or colloquial language. It is essential to use technical terms and jargon only if the audience is familiar with them.

Tone and Register

The tone of a report should be formal and objective. The writer should avoid using emotional language or personal opinions.

The register should be appropriate for the intended audience, and the writer should use linking words and phrases to connect ideas and maintain coherence.

Fact and Opinion

A report should present factual information and avoid personal opinions. If opinions are included, they should be identified and supported by evidence.

It is essential to distinguish between fact and opinion to ensure the report’s credibility.

Purpose and Audience

The purpose of a report is to provide information and make recommendations. The writer should consider the audience and tailor the report to their needs and expectations.

It is crucial to identify the report’s purpose and ensure that all information included is relevant and supports the purpose.

Introduction and Range

The introduction of a report should provide background information and introduce the topic.

The writer should also identify the scope and limitations of the report. The range of the report should be appropriate for the purpose and audience, and the writer should ensure that all relevant information is included while avoiding unnecessary details.

IGCSE ESL Exam Overview

The IGCSE ESL exam is designed for learners whose first language is not English.

The exam assesses the learner’s ability to use English effectively in academic and social contexts. The exam is divided into two papers: Reading and Writing and Listening and Speaking.

Revised Pattern

The IGCSE ESL exam has been revised to include a new pattern. The revised pattern consists of two papers: Core and Extended.

The Core paper is designed for learners with a basic understanding of English, while the Extended paper is designed for learners with a more advanced understanding of English.

Listening and Speaking Test

The Listening and Speaking test assesses the learner’s ability to understand spoken English and communicate effectively in English.

The test includes Listening Questions 1-5, Listening Exercises 3 & 4, and Listening 5 (Extended).

In the Extended paper, students need to view videos and respond to questions related to the material.

Reading and Writing Exercises

The Reading and Writing paper assesses the learner’s ability to read and write in English. The paper includes six exercises: Exercises 1 & 2 (Extended), Exercises 3 & 4 (Extended), and Exercises 5 & 6 (Extended). 

The exercises include short answer, gap-filled, matching, and multiple-choice exercises. In Exercise 4, learners must write a summary of a given passage. Exercises 5 and 6 include a gap fill parts A and B, respectively.

The IGCSE ESL exam syllabus covers various topics, such as education, technology, and social issues.

The exam assesses the learner’s ability to use English accurately, focusing on grammar, spelling, punctuation, and text organization. The test also checks how well learners can use different words and sentence structures.

Effective Report Writing Tips

Report writing is an essential skill that students need to develop for their IGCSE ESL exams. Here are some effective report-writing tips that can help students write a successful report:

Understand the purpose of the report : Before starting to write a report, it is essential to understand the purpose of the report. The report should provide information and suggestions to the reader, and the language should be formal.

Think about the audience : It is crucial to think about the audience that the report is for. The report’s tone should be formal, and the language used should be appropriate for the audience.

Use linking words : Use linking words that suit a formal type of writing, such as ‘Firstly,’ ‘Furthermore,’ or ‘In conclusion.’ These words help to connect ideas and make the report more coherent.

Use reported speech : Use reported speech rather than direct speech. Reported speech is more formal and appropriate for a report.

Organize the report : The report should be well-organized and structured. Use headings and subheadings to make the report more readable.

Provide evidence : Provide evidence to support the report’s findings and suggestions. This evidence can be in statistics, quotes, or examples.

Proofread the report : Finally, it is essential to proofread the report before submitting it. Check for grammatical and spelling mistakes, and ensure the report is well-structured and coherent.

Additional Resources

There are various additional resources available online that can help students improve their IGCSE ESL report writing skills.

These resources include videos, crosswords, word searches, puzzles, emails, letters, speeches, and articles.

Videos and Crosswords

There are many educational videos available on platforms such as YouTube that guide report writing. These videos cover various aspects of report writing, such as structure, tone, and language.

Additionally, IGCSE crosswords can help students improve their vocabulary and comprehension skills.

Word Searches and Puzzles

IGCSE ESL word searches and puzzles can be fun and interactive for students to improve their language skills.

These activities can help students learn new vocabulary, improve their spelling, and enhance their problem-solving abilities.

Emails, Letters, Speeches, and Articles

Apart from report writing, students also need to be proficient in other forms of writing, such as emails, letters, speeches, and articles.

Many online resources guide how to write these forms of communication effectively. These resources cover structure, tone, language, and formatting.

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Report writing: Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language

Cambridge IGCSE ESL English as a Second Language

Report writing

Cambridge IGCSE ESL Examinations

This article focuses on the new topic of formal writing in the revised pattern of examinations starting from 2019 in Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language which needs to be answered together with a few basic rules related to formal register. It then describes various features you should include when you use the formal register. It also focuses on specific phrases and expressions used for reporting accurately, giving opinions and making recommendations, and also to put forward your views and arguments too.

Apart from friendly letters or emails, you need to produce either a report, a review or a school magazine article which you need to be completed in a formal register. You should never forget that your readers or audiences will be a group of students or your teachers so you have to present the facts and recommendations in a formal or semi-formal tone depending on the topics.

Formal language structure is the most important part of your writing that you need for making formal writing. An exam type question usually contains function words, for example, write a report giving suggestions or recommendations and opinion.

Language Tips

The best way to master the formal language is that learning to use phrases associated with language functions, for example, it is high time that a government increased the tax.

Some general tips for formal writing

1. When writing formally it is appropriate to include formal tone and register

2. You should not use the words and phrases that belong to the friendly register.

3. No slang words or phrases.

4. No humor because topics are serious of nature or factual.

5. No personal style (should be impersonal)

6. You should always keep your audience in your mind.

Basic tools for informal writing

Time fixer Phrases

I soon as we reached there…

We arrived at the site…

Once we all arrived  

Phrases for introduction

The aim of this report is to highlight what we learned…

The report aims to highlight…

This report aims to investigate …

This report aims to recommend…

The purpose of this report to highlight…

This report aims to present what we learned from the trip…

Phrases for generalisation

A significant number of students…

I love the number of parents…

Almost all students…

A vast majority of students…

A large number of teachers…

Phrases for the positive side

Many students were captivated to see…

It was fascinating to see…

We all got insight into the importance…

We managed to study fascinating facts about…

The vast majority of students were stunned as they discovered …

Phrases for negative sides

It was appalling to see…

However many people felt that it was

Notwithstanding the boons, it was totally saddening to see that…

A large number of students found that the trip was a bit haphazard…

Opinion phrases

I strongly believe that…

I vehemently believe that …

Phrases for recommendations

I would recommend that…

Perhaps we could also consider asking…

For the reasons, I have mentioned I highly recommend visiting…

I am convinced that they…

In the remaining sections, we examine in detail performing languages which have been traveling to interactions positive signs recommendations and opinions

For more tips and model answers: mail us : [email protected]

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Question 3 Model Answer: Report ( CIE IGCSE English Language )

Revision note.

Question 3 Model Answer: Report

For this task, you will be asked to produce a piece of writing in a particular format, based on what you have read in Text C. You may be asked to write in one of six possible formats (genres):

• A journal entry
• An interview

The following guide will demonstrate how to answer Question 3 in the format of a report . The task itself is taken from a past exam paper. It includes:

Text and question

Report model answer.

The following text is about a narrator and his friend, Royer, going on a fishing trip together.

Based on the above question, the following model answer is an example of a full-mark report response.

Unannotated model answer

Commentary:

• The response starts with a newspaper report style introductory sentence, showing awareness of format
• The response directly refers to details from the text, with appropriate development
• The tone and register are appropriate for a newspaper report
• Each bullet point in the question is dealt with in a separate paragraph
• The level of formality is appropriate for a newspaper report
• The response uses logical inferences made from details in the text
• The development is based upon specific details from the text
• Remember to read the question carefully and highlight:
• The instructions (what you have to do)
• The focus of each bullet point
• Re-read Text C and highlight the relevant information you can use in your answer
• Address each bullet point in order:
• Make sure you cover all of the bullet points as equally as possible
• Base all of your answer on the ideas and details you find in Text C
• Decide on the voice and style you want to create and maintain that in your answer
• Do not just repeat details of what happened:
• You need to develop your ideas to demonstrate understanding

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Formal Report Writing for IGCSE First Language English

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Writing: Exercise 6 (Writing a Review)

Exercise 6 of the ESL paper could also be a review writing.

The review could be for a book, movie, restaurant etc. that you enjoyed (or didn’t!)

The exercise is worth 16 marks and you should write about 150-200 words.

Let’s dive right in. I will be using a book review for examples. I have included a sample review at the end.

• Introduction : state the book’s title, author’s full name, the setting of the story, giving a one-line description of what the story is about. Use adjectives to describe the book such as insightful, beautiful, controversial etc.
• Brief description : give a one-paragraph synopsis of the plot of the book, shortly expanding your one-sentence description in the introduction. Don’t write the whole story, only the beginning! Use the present tense of verbs and linking words to outline the story chronologically. Bonus points if you can use words that fit the theme of the story. If, for example, the book is of the fantasy genre, use words like magic, summon, fate, spells etc.
• Opinion : this is where you have to write down how the book impacted you. Was it inspiring? Thought-provoking? Life-changing? You could praise the book or criticise it, stating why.
• Recommendation : you must state whether you would recommend this book, to whom and why.

Let’s look at a sample. See if I’ve stuck with the points above.

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini has to be the most devastatingly beautiful book I’ve had the pleasure of reading. Set in 20th century Afghanistan, it tells the story of how a young boy’s friendship is tested by war and betrayal.

Amir, the son of a wealthy Afghan, shares a close friendship with their household servant’s son, Hassan. But a fateful kite-flying competition tethers their bond, and as war forces them to part ways, the boys’ lives take them on a journey of love and redemption.

The book made me realise how precious yet fragile the relationships we build are; and that we must always take a chance on our loved ones. It taught me the importance of the people in our lives and how they shape us to be who we are.

The Kite Runner is a beautifully narrated tale, the writing just as simple as it is heart- breaking, the characters realistically portrayed. I would definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy character-driven stories set in troubled times.

Time Management

For the core paper 1 , spend about 20 minutes in this exercise.

For the extended paper 2 , spend 30 minutes on this exercise. Allot 5 minutes to plan the points you will include in each paragraph. Take 20 minutes to write your review, keeping in mind all the above tips. Use the final 5 minutes to proofread and make any changes.

That’s the end of the ESL paper. Good luck!

Notes submitted by Lintha.

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IGCSE Report Writing Guide with Sample Answer

Subject: English

Age range: 14-16

Resource type: Lesson (complete)

Last updated

11 January 2020

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This presentation comprises of guidelines, tips and tricks and a solved IGCSE answer for report writing.

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How To Write A News Report - IGCSE English

One of the simplest and most detailed aspects of your Paper 2 exam is news reports. They should be detailed. So, you may need to use up a large portion of your ink to get this right!

It is important to plan ahead, what you want to compose. This makes it easier to present the facts in a coherent way. As a result, you will obtain more marks.

What is a Newspaper report?

Newspapers are read by people who want information about something that has happened. They want reports quickly so reports have to be easy to read and have a snappy presentation style. They tell readers about events that have been happening in their local area, or national or international news.

How to write a Newspaper report

You will be given a question and two or three bullet points. The bullet points are the main points of your report so try to focus on them.

You would have to create a headline that captures the essence of the event. It should excite the reader's curiosity. Exaggeration is effective in this case.

Let’s take a look an example of a catchy headline:

Where you have to write a newspaper report about any sport event that took place in your school. Give a headline like Wild Cricket Match or Historical Cricket Match or Omegas Won the Cup After 23 years ans so on. This automatically creates a feeling of excitement in the mind of the reader.

Add the byline after the headline, byline consists of the name of the reporter who is reporting the event.

The place should be written just before the content. This is the reporter’s current location.

Example - New Delhi: (your content)

• After completing the initial points comes the content of your newspaper report. The first paragraph should contain the 5W’s and 1H- What, Where, When, Why, Who and How. What was the event that took place, when did it happen, where did it take place, why did it happen and how did it occur.

Example on how to plan your first paragraph:

What - A cricket tournament When - On the nineteenth of March 2021 Where - Omega International School, Chennai Who - Team Blue won Why - Annual Sports Event How - By defeating team Team Yellow

• The second paragraph should contain the testimonies of people who are related to the event at hand. If you want to include what people said make sure it is in direct speech (inverted commas) or indirect speech (no inverted comma).

Example on how to plan your second paragraph:

Reporting in direct speech: “It was a tough match against the yellow team, but we won. I can't express how I feel. Thank you all for supporting us.” said the Blue team captain.

Reporting in indirect speech: The Blue team captain said that the match was tough and the team deserved the win, he also said that they worked really hard for the same.

• In the third paragraph briefly talk about what will happen in the future concerning the story. This is to develop an interest in the mind of the reader.

Example on how to plan your third paragraph:

• When will the next tournament be held
• How will the team members be rewarded.

"The winners of team blue received a cash prize of 1000 rupees. The authorities informed the next tournament will be conducted on the same date next year."

• Another pointer, use past tense at all times, since the reporter mentions an event which already took place.

Example of Newspaper Report:

Q) Write a newspaper report for your local newspaper based on one of the following events: a) Volleyball b) Cricket tournament c) Football league

Wild Cricket Match

The first match was between red and blue teams. Team blue quickly eliminated team red in an hour. In the second round, it was team yellow against green. Team yellow eliminated team green also in about an hour. In the final round, team blue versus team yellow. After two hours, team blue eliminated team yellow and won the tournament. After the tournament, team blue's captain said, "It was a tough match against the yellow team, but we won. I can't express how I feel. Thank you all for supporting us."

The winners of team blue received a cash prize of 1000 rupees. The authorities informed the next tournament will be conducted on the same date next year. In the next tournament, there will be an addition of three teams: Orange, pink and purple. "The stadium will be much bigger than this, for the next tournament," informed the authorities.

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