Reports & Essays
English Language: Edexcel IGCSE - Specification B, topic 4.1.2
Reports and Essays
Essays (or reports) are designed to inform readers and advise readers about what they should do or believe.
Features of an essay or report
- An effective and interesting introduction.
- Paragraphs that flow well into each other.
- A convincing and clear conclusion.
- A logical structure of connected ideas or pros & cons.
Audience
- Essays are usually targeted at a wide group of people.
- Reports are usually commissioned for a particular purpose and are targeted at a specific audience.
Language
- Use formal language and do not appear biased. Your job as a report writer is to inform and advise.
- E.g. On 28 October 1995, the scientists tested the medicine on five patients. The patients were part of a control group.
- This language is formal and impersonal.
- Use an objective tone.
- E.g. The fire started on 8 December 2010. The fire killed 20 people.
- This is objective. The writer has given facts without stating their opinion on the fire or the deaths.
- However, your report or essay should still show your viewpoint.
Test yourself on Reports & Essays
What are essays designed to do?
How should you use language when writing an essay or report?
Which sentence would be most appropriate for use in an essay?