IGCSE ESL Report Top Tips (2024-2028)

Summary

This video offers essential tips on how to write an effective report for the IGCSE ESL exam. Key steps include understanding the report's purpose, analyzing the task, planning your structure, and ensuring a formal tone. The video emphasizes the importance of a concise introduction, clear subheadings, and a logical flow. Viewers are encouraged to start with positives, followed by areas for improvement, and finish with suggestions and possible outcomes. The guide also highlights the need for correct grammar, varied vocabulary, and appropriate linking words to organize the report effectively.

Takeaways

• 😀 Understand the purpose of a report: to give information and make suggestions to the reader.
• 😀 Carefully analyze the task by reading the prompt and any specific guidelines.
• 😀 Identify your audience (likely a teacher or someone in charge) and maintain a formal register.
• 😀 Structure your report with subheadings, including an introduction, findings, and suggestions.
• 😀 Plan your report before writing: outline paragraphs and organize ideas for a logical flow.
• 😀 Use a clear and relevant title that reflects the report’s purpose, even if it's not creative.
• 😀 Begin your report with a concise introduction that outlines the topic and purpose.
• 😀 Provide a mix of facts and opinions about positive changes and areas for improvement.
• 😀 End with suggestions or recommendations and a conclusion highlighting their potential benefits.
• 😀 Use a formal tone throughout, including passive voice and reported speech to enhance formality.
• 😀 Don’t forget to use linking words and phrases for effective organization and to maintain a coherent flow.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of writing a report?

The primary purpose of writing a report is to give information and make suggestions to the reader.

How should you analyze the task before starting to write a report?

Before starting to write a report, you should read the question or prompt carefully, identify the audience, and understand that a report should be written in a formal register with a clear structure.

What are the key sections that must be included in a report?

A report must include an introduction, information about your findings or observations, and suggestions. It should also have subheadings to organize the content.

How should you plan your report to ensure it has a logical flow?

You should create an outline for the title, introduction, findings, and suggestions. Bullet points can help organize ideas, and you must ensure a logical sequence for the report.

Why is an engaging title not a top priority in a report?

An engaging title isn't a top priority because the main goal of the report is to be clear and relevant to the task, not to grab attention.

What is the role of the introduction in a report?

The introduction should outline the purpose and scope of the report, stating the reason for writing it and summarizing the content to follow.

What is the recommended approach when presenting findings in the report?

It is recommended to begin with the positives before mentioning areas for improvement. This sets a constructive tone and makes criticism more impactful.

What language features should be used in a report to maintain a formal style?

In a report, you should use a range of linking words and phrases, passive voice, reported speech, and topic-related vocabulary to maintain a formal style.

How should suggestions be presented in the conclusion of the report?

In the conclusion, suggestions should be presented with a brief explanation of the potential benefits if implemented, using appropriate language like 'could' and 'would' to suggest possibilities.

What are some important writing techniques to use when preparing for the IGCSE ESL exam report?

You should use a formal register, maintain clear structure with facts and opinions, provide appropriate suggestions, and ensure grammatical correctness with varied vocabulary and sentence structures.