How to Write a Report for C1 Advanced (CAE)

Learning how to write a report for C1 Advanced is essential if you want to do well in Writing Part 2. A report is a clear, organised piece of writing that presents information, evaluates a situation and often makes recommendations. In C1 Advanced Writing Part 2, a report is one of the possible task types, together with a proposal, review, letter or email. You choose one task from three, and you write 220–260 words.

What is a Report in C1 Advanced?

A report is a formal or semi-formal text written for a specific reader, such as:

• a manager
• a teacher
• a course organiser
• a club committee
• a school director
• a local council representative

The purpose of a report is usually to:

• describe a situation
• present findings
• evaluate positive and negative points
• compare options
• explain problems
• make recommendations

A report is not a story. It is not a personal essay. It is not a friendly email.

It should be clear, factual, organised and useful.

A good report helps the reader make a decision.

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Report or Proposal: What is the Difference?

Students often confuse reports and proposals because both can include recommendations.

Here is the difference.

A report usually looks at a situation that already exists or something that has already happened.

A proposal usually suggests a future plan or recommends a new idea.

Compare:

Report:

You have visited a new sports centre. Write a report evaluating its facilities and suggesting improvements.

Proposal:

Your school wants to improve its sports facilities. Write a proposal suggesting what changes should be made.

A report says: This is what I found. This is what works. This is what should be improved.

A proposal says: This is what we should do in the future. This is why it would be a good idea.

Of course, a report can include recommendations, but they are usually based on findings.

The Best Structure for a C1 Advanced Report

A clear structure is essential. Do not write one long block of text. That is not a report; that is a wall. And nobody wants to climb a wall in an exam.

Use headings.

A simple C1 Advanced report structure could look like this:

Title

Use a clear title.

Examples:

• Report on Student Satisfaction with the School Library
• Report on Facilities at the New Sports Centre
• Report on the Language Exchange Programme

Introduction

Say why you are writing the report and what it is based on.

Findings

Present the main information clearly. You can divide this into two or three sections.

Problems or Areas for Improvement

Mention any weaknesses, complaints or difficulties.

Recommendations

Make practical suggestions.

Conclusion

This is optional. In many reports, recommendations can work as the final section.

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Useful Phrases for a C1 Advanced Report

Introducing the Report

• The aim of this report is to evaluate student satisfaction with the school library.
• This report is based on feedback from students who attended the summer course.

Presenting Findings

• The majority of respondents felt that the new study area was comfortable and well equipped.
• Several participants commented on the lack of clear information before the trip.

Describing Positive Points

• One clear strength is the variety of activities offered to students.
• Students particularly appreciated the helpful attitude of the staff.

Describing Problems

• However, some concerns were raised about the limited number of computers available.
• There were several complaints regarding the quality of the food.

Making Recommendations

• It is recommended that the library opening hours be extended during the exam period.
• The school should consider providing more detailed information before future trips.

Concluding the Report

• Overall, the programme was successful, although improvements should be made to the booking system.

Formal Style in a C1 Advanced Report

A report should usually be formal or semi-formal. That means you should avoid language that is too casual.

Avoid contractions

Informal: The facilities weren’t good enough.

Formal:The facilities were not adequate.

Avoid chatty language

Informal: The trip was really great and everyone loved it.

Better: The trip was generally well received by students.

Avoid emotional exaggeration

Informal: The food was absolutely terrible.

Better: Several students expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of the food.

Use passive structures when appropriate

• Several complaints were made about the booking system.
• It was suggested that the timetable should be changed.

Passive structures are useful in reports because they make the writing sound more objective.

C1 Advanced Report Task Example

Here is an example task.

You recently attended a two-week English course at a language school. The course director has asked you to write a report about the course.

In your report, you should:

• evaluate the quality of the lessons
• comment on the facilities
• suggest improvements for future courses

Write your report in 220–260 words.

Model Report for C1 Advanced

Report on the Two-Week English Course

Introduction

The aim of this report is to evaluate the two-week English course recently held at Greenhill Language School. The report is based on my own experience as well as informal feedback from several other students.

Quality of the Lessons

Overall, the lessons were well organised and highly practical. Most students appreciated the variety of activities, particularly the speaking tasks and exam-focused writing practice. The teachers were knowledgeable and provided clear explanations, which helped students feel more confident. However, some grammar points were covered rather quickly, especially in the second week.

Facilities

The classrooms were bright, clean and equipped with modern technology. The interactive whiteboards were useful, and the online materials were easy to access. Nevertheless, the study area was rather small, and there were not enough computers available during breaks. Several students also mentioned that the Wi-Fi connection was unreliable.

Recommendations

It is recommended that future courses include a short grammar review at the end of each day. The school should also consider expanding the study area and improving the internet connection. In addition, providing more computers would allow students to complete online tasks more comfortably.

Conclusion

On balance, the course was successful and met the needs of most students. If the suggested improvements are made, future courses are likely to be even more effective.

Free C1 Advanced Report Writing Worksheet

Ready to practise writing your own report?

Download our free C1 Advanced Report Writing Worksheet and try a new exam-style task.

The worksheet includes guided planning activities, space for your report, useful expressions and a self-assessment checklist to help you improve your writing.

Download the Free Report Writing Worksheet (PDF)

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Useful Vocabulary for C1 Advanced Reports

Here are some useful words and phrases you can use in reports.

Positive Evaluation

• effective
• well organised
• beneficial
• practical
• well received
• suitable
• valuable
• efficient
• highly appreciated
• of considerable benefit

Examples:

• The new timetable was considered highly effective.
• The workshops were of considerable benefit to participants.

Negative Evaluation

• inadequate
• limited
• unsatisfactory
• unreliable
• inefficient
• poorly organised
• insufficient
• disappointing
• a major drawback
• an area for improvement

Examples:

• The number of computers was insufficient.
• The booking system was inefficient and caused unnecessary delays.

Recommendation Language

• recommend
• suggest
• advise
• propose
• consider
• introduce
• improve
• increase
• provide
• ensure

Examples:

• It is recommended that more staff be available during peak hours.
• The organisers should consider introducing an online booking system.

Common Mistakes in C1 Advanced Reports

1. Not Using Headings

A report should be easy to scan. Headings help the reader find information quickly.

Weak structure: I am going to talk about the library. It is good, but there are some problems…

Better structure:

• Introduction
• Library Facilities
• Student Feedback
• Recommendations

Headings make your report look organised before the examiner even reads the first sentence.

2. Writing Too Casually

Too informal: The course was great, but the Wi-Fi was rubbish.

Better: The course was generally successful, although the Wi-Fi connection was unreliable.

3. Forgetting the Target Reader

Always ask yourself: Who will read this report?

A report for a school director should sound different from a review for a magazine.

If the task says the report is for a manager, teacher or committee, use a respectful and objective tone.

4. Not Covering All the Bullet Points

If the task asks you to discuss three points, cover all three.

For example:

• quality of lessons
• facilities
• suggestions for improvement

Do not spend 230 words talking only about the lessons and forget the facilities. The examiner will not be amused. Examiners rarely throw confetti for missing content.

5. Giving Recommendations That Are Too General

Weak: The school should make everything better.

Better: The school should improve the Wi-Fi connection and provide additional computers in the study area.

Specific recommendations are much stronger.

6. Writing Like an Essay

A report is not an essay. Do not write long argumentative paragraphs with no headings.

An essay usually develops an argument.

A report presents information clearly and makes recommendations.

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Practice Task 

You are a member of your school’s English club. Your teacher has asked you to write a report about the club’s activities this year.

In your report, you should:

• describe the most successful activities
• explain any problems
• suggest improvements for next year

Write your report.

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Improve Your C1 Advanced Writing Skills

Would you like more guidance and practice for the Cambridge C1 Advanced Writing paper?

My Writing for C1 Advanced guide provides clear explanations, model answers and practical techniques for essays, reports, proposals, reviews and letters or emails.

The accompanying C1 Advanced Writing Practice Workbook offers additional exercises and exam-style tasks to help you develop your writing skills and become more confident.

Both books are available individually or together as a bundle.

Explore the C1 Advanced Writing Books

Related posts:

• How to Write a Proposal in English: A Guide for C1 Advanced 
• Subjunctive and Formal Expressions in English 
• Linking Words and Phrases 
• Expressing Cause and Effect in English 
• Nominalisation in English

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FAQ 

How do you write a report for C1 Advanced?

To write a report for C1 Advanced, use a clear title, headings, formal or semi-formal language, relevant details and practical recommendations. Make sure you answer all the points in the task.

What is the structure of a C1 Advanced report?

A good C1 Advanced report usually includes a title, introduction, main findings, problems or areas for improvement, and recommendations.

Do I need headings in a C1 Advanced report?

Yes. Headings make your report clearer and easier to read. They also help organise your ideas effectively.

Is a C1 Advanced report formal?

A C1 Advanced report is usually formal or semi-formal. Avoid slang, contractions and overly emotional language.

How many words should a C1 Advanced report have?

A C1 Advanced Writing Part 2 answer should usually be between 220 and 260 words.