5. Writing reports: Findings and discussion

Practise signposting, describing data and writing cohesively.

1. Interpreting information.

TIP:

It is important to analyse information that you are given in the report brief, and to select the key information to include in the report.

First, read this brief requesting a report.

Dear Janet,
Due to the unavailability of our CCC centre next year, we need to consider an alternative venue for the E-4-Education conference. Both the HG Conference Centre and Ztech Functions are in suitable locations in the city. I would like you to do some research to recommend which of these two venues better suits the conference needs. Please use the following criteria:

Capacity
Cost
Transport options
Venue facilities

Please write a report on your research and findings and send it to me by the end of the month.
Regards,
Mark

Mark Jackson

E-4-Education conference organiser

The table below contains research results to include in the Findings section of the report. Refer to the table and mark the statements true or false.

HG Conference Centre Ztech Functions
Capacity: 550 Capacity: 300
$3,500 $2,000
Shuttle bus every 20 minutes from Central Station (15-minute travel time) Half-hourly bus service (35-minute travel time)
Parking: 250 cars
$12.50 an hour 		Parking: 80 cars – free
200 cars public car park, 5-minute walk from function centre
Catering facilities: Lunch + morning and afternoon snacks: $35 per person Catering facilities: Morning and afternoon snacks: $25 per person
Facilities: WiFi, live video facilities (3 cameras), wireless lapel microphones, press centre, stand area, meeting room, admin office Facilities: WiFi, live video facilities (1 camera), microphones on desk stands, stand area, meeting room


2. Including key information.

Now read and complete the Findings and Discussion section of this report. You will need to refer to the research results in the table again. This exercise is in two parts. Scroll down to see Part 2.

HG Conference Centre Ztech Functions
Capacity: 550 Capacity: 300
$3,500 $2,000
Shuttle bus every 20 minutes from Central Station (15-minute travel time) Half-hourly bus service (35-minute travel time)
Parking: 250 cars
$12.50 an hour 		Parking: 80 cars – free
200 cars public car park, 5-minute walk from function centre
Catering facilities: Lunch + morning and afternoon snacks: $35 per person Catering facilities: Morning and afternoon snacks: $25 per person
Facilities: WiFi, live video facilities (3 cameras), wireless lapel microphones, press centre, stand area, meeting room, admin office Facilities: WiFi, live video facilities (1 camera), microphones on desk stands, stand area, meeting room

Part 1

Part 2

3. Signposting, linking and comparing.

Use the words and phrases to complete the Findings and Discussion section from the previous exercise. This exercise is in two parts. Scroll down to see Part 2.

Part 1

Part 2

4. Concession, contrasting and describing alternatives.

Look at the examples below. Then choose the correct option to complete the sentences.

Concession
Although it is closer to the city centre, it is also the more expensive option.
Despite being closer to the city centre, it is also the more expensive option.
It is closer to the city. Nevertheless, it is the more expensive option.
It is closer to the city. However, it is the more expensive option.
While it is closer to the city, it is also the more expensive option.

Contrasting
Centre A is serviced by a shuttle bus, whereas/while Centre B relies on the local bus service.
Centre A is serviced by a shuttle bus. In contrast, Centre B relies on the local bus service.

Describing alternatives
Participants could travel by bus. Alternatively/On the other hand, they could use private transport.

 

5. Comparing.

What do the following sentences describe: similarity, a small difference or a big difference? Choose the correct option.

6. Practice: Comparing.

Can you remember? Write in the missing words to complete the sentences from the previous exercise. The first letter of each word is given.

7. Facts and opinions.

Are the following statements facts or opinions?

8. Opinions: Word order.

Put the words in order to complete sentences that express opinions.

9. Packing information into sentences.

TIP:

To avoid repetition and to make each section of a report as concise as possible, it is important to pack different information into key sentences. Look at the example below.

The HG Centre is adequate. The Ztech centre is adequate.
... can be packed into the one sentence.
Both possible venues are adequate.

These facts:
The difference in catering cost is marginal. Ztech is cheaper. Ztech charges $25 per person. The HG centre charges $27 per person.
... can be packed into the one sentence.
Ztech is marginally cheaper, charging $25 per person compared to the HG centre's $27.

These facts:
Zenith Couriers have a delivery once a day. Ox Couriers have a delivery twice a day.
... can be packed into the one sentence.
Zenith Couriers have a delivery once a day, whereas Ox Couriers have one twice a day.

Type in the missing words to complete the second sentence so that it includes all the information from the sentences above it.

10. Review.

Choose the best options to complete the Findings and Discussion section you have focused on in the previous exercises.