Grade 9 English First Additional Language (EFAL) A community issue
Class Notes: How to Write a REPORT
3. Format of a Report
1. What is a Report? REPORT FORMAT
A report is a formal piece of writing that gives information Heading / Title
about an event, situation, investigation, or experience.
Gives the topic of the report.
Reports are written to:
Must be clear and short.
Inform
Example:
Explain Report on the School Clean-Up Campaign
Describe facts clearly
A report is usually: Introduction
Formal Introduce the topic.
Clear and factual State:
Written in the past tense o What happened
Written in paragraphs with headings o Where it happened
o When it happened
2. Purpose of a Report Example:
On Friday, 10 March 2026, Grade 9 learners participated
A report can be written about:
in a school clean-up campaign at Masakhane High
A school event School.
An accident
A sports match Body Paragraphs
A survey or investigation Give the details in logical order.
Include: ✔ Use formal language
✔ Write in the past tense
What happened
✔ Use third person where possible
Who was involved ✔ Use facts, not opinions
✔ Use clear paragraphs
Problems or successes ✔ Use linking words:
Results or findings Firstly
Use separate paragraphs for different ideas. Secondly
Furthermore
Conclusion / Recommendations Finally
Summarise the report.
Give suggestions or recommendations if needed. 5. Example of a Report
Example: Report on the Grade 9 Soccer Tournament
The clean-up campaign was successful and helped
learners understand the importance of keeping the On Saturday, 15 February 2026, Grade 9 learners
school environment clean. participated in a soccer tournament at Siyakhula Sports
Ground.
Firstly, eight schools took part in the event. The matches
Writer’s Name started at 9:00 a.m. and continued throughout the day.
At the end of the report. Many learners, teachers, and parents attended the
tournament.
Example:
Prepared by: Secondly, the tournament was well organised, although
Thando Mokoena there were slight delays because of rainy weather.
Despite this problem, all matches were completed
successfully.
4. Language Features of a Report Finally, our school won the final match and received a
trophy and medals.
In conclusion, the tournament was successful and Question Yes/No
promoted teamwork and sportsmanship among learners.
Did I use formal language?
Prepared by:
Lerato Nkosi Did I write in the past tense?
Did I include a conclusion?
6. Important Tips Did I check spelling and punctuation?
DO:
✔ Use paragraphs Practice Activity
✔ Stick to the topic
✔ Use formal language Activity: Write a Report
✔ Check spelling and grammar Topic:
✔ Write facts only
Your school recently held a Heritage Day Celebration.
DO NOT:
Write a report of 120–150 words about the event.
✘ Use slang
✘ Use contractions (don’t, can’t) Include:
✘ Write unnecessary details When and where the event took place
✘ Use informal language
Activities that happened
Who attended
7. Report Writing Checklist
Problems or successes
Before submitting your work, ask yourself:
Your conclusion or recommendation
Question Yes/No
Did I include a title?
Planning Frame
Did I write an introduction?
Title:
Did I use paragraphs?
Introduction:
(What happened? When? Where?)
Body:
(Activities, people involved, problems/successes)
Conclusion:
(Summary/recommendation)
Prepared by:
Homework / Extension Activity
Interview one teacher or learner about a recent school
event and write a short report using the correct format.