How Not to Write a CAE Report: Common Mistakes to Avoid
1 Introduction
Under exam pressure, even well-prepared students can make mistakes in their CAE Report writing. Today, we’ll examine a common scenario where a student’s implementation of report writing conventions falls short. Writing Coach Jenny will guide us through Maria’s response to a task about evaluating gym facilities and suggesting improvements.
Key Terms
- implementation
- the process of putting a plan or system into effect
- facilities
- buildings, equipment, or services provided for a particular purpose
2 Poor Writing Example
To: Mr. Johnson
From: Maria
Subject: Gym facilities report
Hi there! I wanted to tell you about the problems with our gym. I did a survey and lots of people are really unhappy!
First problem – the equipment is super old and keeps breaking. Like yesterday, three treadmills weren’t working! And the weights area is way too small.
Also, the changing rooms are gross. The showers are always cold and there’s never any soap in the dispensers. Plus the lockers are broken.
I think you should:
– Buy new equipment
– Make the gym bigger
– Fix everything that’s broken
– Hire more staff
Hope this helps! Let me know if you need anything else.
Bye!
Maria
Key Terms
- amenities
- useful features or facilities of a building
- feasibility
- the possibility that can be made, done, or achieved
- inadequate
- not sufficient in quality or quantity
3 How Many Errors Did You Spot?
Before we analyze this report’s shortcomings in detail, take a moment to identify the errors yourself. Consider aspects such as formality, structure, and the effectiveness of the recommendations. How well does this report fulfill its purpose of providing a professional assessment of the situation?
Key Terms
- shortcomings
- faults or deficiencies
- recommendations
- suggestions or proposals as to the best course of action
- assessment
- the evaluation or estimation of the nature, quality, or ability of someone or something