Cambridge IGCSE First Language English Teacher’s Resource Handouts

Formal report structure

1 Context
In the introduction, indicate what you are reporting on, who you are reporting to and the purpose of the
report. The person(s) receiving the report is someone in authority in an official position, and the formal
style reflects this.

2 First stage
If bullet points are provided to help you structure a formal report, you should aim to address them evenly,
using paragraphs carefully. Your paragraphs should refer to and support the relevant ideas from the
passage.

3 Second stage
This will be another aspect of the event or situation under consideration, or data that contrasts with that
presented in the first stage. It is likely to support an alternative argument.

4 Third stage
This will take a stand on one side or the other of the issue, reaching a conclusion by weighing up which
position is the most tenable, giving reasons. There may be more credible or extensive evidence for one
interpretation compared to the other.

5 Recommendation
The final sentence of a report will give a recommendation to the recipient of the report. This usually
involves offering suggestions for what further action should be taken.

Cambridge IGCSE First Language English Teacher’s Resource © Cambridge University Press 2014