C1 Advanced Writing · Part 2 · Report

How to Write a C1 Advanced Report Step by Step ✍️

Welcome, my lovely students! 💙 In this lesson, we are going to learn how to solve a Cambridge C1 Advanced Writing Part 2 report. And please remember this: with enough training, this task does not have to feel scary. We are going to understand the task, plan it, write it, and check why the model answer works.

Official exam instructions you must know

  • Paper: C1 Advanced Writing.
  • Time allowed: 1 hour 30 minutes.
  • Part 1: mandatory essay. You must answer it.
  • Part 2: choose one task from three options.
  • Word count: 220–260 words for each answer.
  • Paper-based exam: write clearly in pen, not pencil.
  • Alterations: you may make changes, but your writing must be easy to read.
  • Time limit: you must complete your answer sheet within the time limit.
  • Digital-based exam: you type your answer, but the task, timing and word count remain the same.
  • Marks: each Writing question carries equal marks.

Part 1

Mandatory essay based on notes and opinions.

Part 2

Choose one option: email/letter, review, report or proposal.

Today

We are practising the report task.

Teacher note 💡: A report is not an essay. A report is organised, objective and practical. Your job is to evaluate information and make useful recommendations.

Understanding the exam task

What do you have to do in C1 Advanced Writing Part 2?

In Part 2, Cambridge gives you three possible tasks. You answer only one. In this official 2022 Sample Paper 2, the options are a proposal, a report and a review. Today, we are focusing on the report, which is Question 3. 📝

Important correction ⚠️: In this official paper, the report is Question 3, not Question 2. So in this lesson, we practise Question 3 because it is the real report task.

Full official Part 2 task

Write an answer to one of the questions 2–4 in this part. Write your answer in 220–260 words in an appropriate style on the separate answer sheet.

Question 2 · Proposal

There are plans to demolish an old and unused building in the town where you are a student. You feel that the building should be saved. You decide to write a proposal for the town council explaining why you think the building should be preserved, suggesting what could be done to modernise it and saying how the building could benefit the local people.

Write your proposal.

Question 3 · Report · Our focus today

You have just finished a three-week study and work programme in an English-speaking country. You studied English language in the mornings and worked for a local company in the afternoons. The programme organiser has asked you to write a report about your experience. In your report, you should evaluate the programme, explaining which part of the programme was more useful, and suggest changes you would recommend for next year’s programme.

Write your report.

Question 4 · Review

A travel website has asked you to write a review of a holiday resort you have been to, explaining what kinds of people the resort is likely to appeal to, and which aspects of the resort you would most recommend to other visitors. You should also suggest at least one way in which you feel the resort could be improved.

Write your review.

Assessment criteria

CriterionWhat it meansIn a report, this means...
ContentYou answer every part of the task.You evaluate the programme, say which part was more useful, and recommend changes.
Communicative AchievementYour writing is appropriate for the reader and purpose.You sound objective, organised and helpful for the programme organiser.
OrganisationYour ideas are logically arranged.You use clear sections, headings and paragraphs.
LanguageYou use accurate and varied grammar and vocabulary.You use evaluative language, recommendation structures and formal vocabulary.

Teacher tip 💡: In the exam, choose the task you can organise most clearly. For reports, headings are your best friends because they make your answer look structured and professional.

Examiner secrets 🚨

Problems and common mistakes in C1 reports

A report is not about sounding poetic. It is about being clear, organised, objective and useful. Students often lose marks because they write the report like an essay, a story or an informal email. Let’s avoid that. 💪

Time management warning ⏱️

You have 1 hour 30 minutes for two writing tasks. For Part 2, aim for around 40–45 minutes: 5 minutes planning, 30–35 minutes writing, and 5 minutes checking. Do not sacrifice organisation because you are rushing.

What lowers your score?

Memorised phrases

Using phrases that sound copied can make your writing feel unnatural.

Repetition

Repeating “good”, “useful” or “important” makes your language look limited.

Bad organisation

A report without headings or clear sections is difficult to follow.

Wrong style

A report should be formal or semi-formal, not chatty or emotional.

Common mistakes Spanish students make

IncorrectCorrectWhy?
❌ People is very satisfied.✅ People are very satisfied.“People” is plural.
❌ I am agree with the organiser.✅ I agree with the organiser.“Agree” is a verb.
❌ It depends of the company.✅ It depends on the company.The correct preposition is “on”.
❌ I recommend to change the schedule.✅ I recommend changing the schedule.After “recommend”, use a gerund.
❌ The programme was very funny.✅ The programme was very enjoyable.“Funny” usually means humorous, not enjoyable.
Strategy ⚡

Tips for success: always plan before writing

Please, do not start writing immediately. In a report, planning is essential because the examiner needs to see a clear structure. A good plan can be done in less than 5 minutes.

The 5-minute lightning plan

  1. Identify the text type: report.
  2. Identify the reader: the programme organiser.
  3. Underline the task points: evaluate the programme, say which part was more useful, and recommend changes.
  4. Choose your opinion: work placement was more useful than morning lessons.
  5. Decide your sections: Introduction, Programme evaluation, Most useful part, Recommendations.

Example: this is what your lightning plan should look like ✅

Lightning Plan — Report about a study and work programme

Exam pointMy quick decision
Text typeReport
ReaderProgramme organiser
PurposeEvaluate the experience and suggest improvements for next year
Overall opinionPositive programme, but schedule and preparation could improve
Most useful partAfternoon work placement because it gave real communication practice
Less effective partMorning lessons were useful but sometimes too general
RecommendationsMore job-specific language lessons and better matching with companies

What raises your score?

Good paragraphing

Each section has a clear function and uses a heading.

Variety of grammar

Use passive forms, conditionals, relative clauses and recommendation structures.

Topic relevance

Every paragraph must answer one part of the task.

Formal register

Use objective language, not emotional or casual expressions.

Cohesion

Use linking phrases such as “Overall”, “In addition”, “However” and “It is recommended that”.

Model answer

Solving Step by Step – MODEL ANSWER

Now we are going to solve the official report task. The programme organiser wants a report about your experience on a three-week study and work programme. Your report must evaluate the programme, explain which part was more useful, and suggest changes for next year.

Cambridge-style report structure

SectionPurposeApprox. length
TitleMake the topic clear.5–10 words
IntroductionState the aim of the report.35–45 words
EvaluationComment on the programme overall.55–65 words
Most useful partExplain which part helped most and why.55–65 words
RecommendationsSuggest practical changes for next year.65–80 words

Report on the Study and Work Programme

Introduction

The aim of this report is to evaluate the three-week study and work programme I recently completed in an English-speaking country. It will consider the usefulness of both parts of the programme and suggest improvements for next year.

Overall evaluation

Overall, the programme was well organised and provided a valuable opportunity to improve both language skills and professional confidence. The morning English lessons were useful, particularly for revising formal vocabulary and presentation language. However, some activities were rather general and did not always prepare students for the specific communication needed in the workplace.

Most useful part of the programme

The afternoon work placement was the most beneficial part of the programme. Working with a local company allowed students to use English in real situations, such as answering emails, attending short meetings and dealing with customers. This practical exposure made the learning experience more memorable and helped develop fluency more naturally.

Recommendations

It is recommended that future morning lessons include more job-specific language practice. For example, students could prepare workplace dialogues, emails and problem-solving tasks before going to their placements. In addition, participants should be matched with companies according to their interests and previous experience, as this would make the work placement more relevant and motivating.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the programme was a highly worthwhile experience, especially because of the work placement. With more specialised preparation and better company matching, it could be even more effective next year.

Highlighted parts explained paragraph by paragraph 🔍

1. Introduction

The introduction says exactly what the report is going to do. Reports need a clear aim, not a dramatic opening.

2. Overall evaluation

This paragraph evaluates the programme in a balanced way. It says what worked and what was less effective.

3. Most useful part

The task asks which part was more useful. This paragraph answers directly: the work placement.

4. Recommendations

The recommendations are practical and connected to the evaluation. This is exactly what a report should do.

5. Conclusion

The conclusion gives a final judgement and repeats the main improvement in a concise way.

Teacher tip 💡: A strong report should feel useful to the person who requested it. It should not simply describe your experience; it should evaluate it and help the organiser improve the programme.

Language bank 📚

Essential Grammar and Vocabulary Knowledge for C1 Reports

In a report, your language should be formal, clear and useful. You are not trying to sound emotional. You are trying to sound objective, organised and professional.

15 useful report phrases

PhraseFunctionExample
The aim of this report is to...Introduce purposeThe aim of this report is to evaluate the programme.
This report will consider...Preview contentThis report will consider both the lessons and the work placement.
Overall, the programme was...General evaluationOverall, the programme was well organised.
One of the main strengths was...Positive evaluationOne of the main strengths was the work placement.
A minor weakness was...Balanced criticismA minor weakness was the lack of specific preparation.
The most beneficial aspect was...Identify strongest pointThe most beneficial aspect was working with a local company.
This was particularly useful because...Explain reasonsThis was particularly useful because it created real communication practice.
It is recommended that...Formal recommendationIt is recommended that lessons include more workplace tasks.
A further recommendation would be to...Add recommendationA further recommendation would be to match students by interest.
This would enable students to...Explain benefitThis would enable students to feel better prepared.
In addition,...Add informationIn addition, students should receive clearer instructions.
However,...ContrastHowever, some lessons were too general.
As a result,...ConsequenceAs a result, students became more confident.
In conclusion,...Final judgementIn conclusion, the programme was highly worthwhile.
With these changes,...Final improvementWith these changes, the programme would be more effective.

C1 vocabulary upgrades for reports

BasicC1 upgradeExample
goodbeneficial / worthwhileThe placement was highly beneficial.
badineffective / limitedSome activities were rather limited.
usefulpractical / valuableThe experience provided valuable practice.
changeadjustment / improvementSeveral improvements should be considered.
helpenable / supportThis would enable students to participate more confidently.

Grammar structures that help in reports

StructureWhy it helpsExample
Passive voiceSounds formal and objectiveStudents should be matched with suitable companies.
Modal recommendationGives advice professionallyThe organiser should provide clearer instructions.
ConditionalExplains possible resultsIf lessons were more specific, students would feel better prepared.
Relative clauseAdds detail smoothlyThe work placement, which took place in the afternoons, was extremely useful.
C1 Writing phrase bank

Useful Phrases for C1 Writing Tasks

Keep these phrases as a reference. Use them naturally and adapt them to the task. Cambridge rewards flexible language, not memorised blocks.

Text typeUseful phrasesExample
EssayIn my opinion; Firstly; Moreover; However; As a result; It could be argued that; To a certain extent; This suggests that; Another key factor is; To conclude; From my perspective; The main advantage is; A possible drawback is; It is worth noting that; On balanceOn balance, setting an example is more effective than giving advice.
Email / LetterI’m writing to; Thank you for your email; I was delighted to hear; I would be grateful if; Please let me know; I look forward to hearing from you; I am sorry to inform you; Could you possibly; I am contacting you regarding; I hope this helps; Best wishes; Yours sincerely; Yours faithfully; Kind regards; Many thanksI am writing to enquire about the possibility of joining the programme.
ReviewI would highly recommend; One drawback is; What impressed me most was; It is particularly suitable for; The highlight of my visit was; I was pleasantly surprised by; It may not appeal to; The atmosphere was; The service was outstanding; It offers excellent value for money; Visitors should bear in mind that; Despite this minor issue; Overall; If you are looking for; It is well worth visitingWhat impressed me most was the peaceful atmosphere.
Report / ProposalThe aim of this report is; This report will consider; The main findings suggest; It is recommended that; One possible solution would be; The evidence indicates; A further recommendation is; In order to improve; The majority of participants; It would be advisable to; The following measures should be considered; This would benefit; The current situation; A practical approach would be; In conclusionIt is recommended that the programme include more job-specific language practice.

Formal and informal email formulas

SituationGreetingEndingExample
Formal, name knownDear Ms Taylor,Yours sincerely,Dear Mr Brown, I am writing to enquire about...
Formal, name unknownDear Sir or Madam,Yours faithfully,Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing regarding...
Semi-formalDear Alex,Kind regards,Dear Alex, Thank you for your message.
InformalHi Jamie,Best wishes, / Take care,Hi Jamie, Thanks for getting in touch!

When to use Mr, Ms, Miss, Mrs and Dr

TitleUseSafe example
MrFor a man, followed by surname.Dear Mr Johnson,
MsFor a woman when marital status is unknown or irrelevant. Usually the safest option.Dear Ms Carter,
MissTraditionally for an unmarried woman, but avoid guessing.Dear Miss Green,
MrsFor a married woman, only if you know she uses it.Dear Mrs Wilson,
DrFor someone with the title Doctor.Dear Dr Evans,
Final message 🌟

You can write a strong C1 report — step by step

My final advice is simple: never leave a writing task unanswered. Cambridge does not reward blank pages, and even an imperfect answer gives the examiner something to assess. If you plan, answer every bullet point, use clear headings and check your grammar, you are already protecting your score.

Remember these exam facts

  • The Writing paper has 2 parts.
  • You must answer Part 1 and one option from Part 2.
  • Each Writing question carries equal marks.
  • The Writing paper represents approximately 20% of the total C1 Advanced exam score.
  • In each writing task, Cambridge assesses Content, Communicative Achievement, Organisation and Language.

Before writing 🧠

Read the task twice and create your lightning plan.

While writing ✍️

Use headings, objective language and clear recommendations.

After writing ✅

Check prepositions, subject-verb agreement, spelling and word count.

Please remember: you do not need to be perfect to improve. You need a system, practice and feedback. And that is exactly what we train together. 💙

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Source: This activity is based on the official Cambridge C1 Advanced Sample Paper 2 (2022) – Writing: Part 2.

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¡Hora de hacer ejercicios! Explora con los botones los distintos grupos.

Report Structural Connectors

Pregunta 1:

Introduction


The 1 of this report is to outline the findings of the recent survey regarding workplace facilities and to make recommendations for improvement.
Pregunta 2:

Reporting Findings


1 the whole, the majority of respondents expressed satisfaction with the new office layout, although some concerns remained.
Pregunta 3:

Identifying Trends


It was 1 out by several staff members that the heating system is often inconsistent during the winter months.
Pregunta 4:

Presenting Results


According to the data, 1 few people were aware of the available training budget before the announcement.
Pregunta 5:

Basis of Recommendation


In the 1 of the information presented above, it is suggested that the company invests in more ergonomic furniture.
Inglés · Cambridge · C1
Lección 14 de 17

Cambridge C1 Advanced Exam: Mastering Writing Part 2 Report

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