STUDY AND WRITING SKILLS
45
4.5
WRITING SKILLS
A SHORT REPORT
9
The government’s Health Department plans to
provide information about alternative therapies on its
internet site. It has asked a consumer research agency,
GRS, to write a report on a very popular alternative
therapy, homeopathy. Read the report. Are these
statements true, false or not given?
1
Mr J. Simmons, Health Department, is the writer of
the report.
2
The purpose of the report is to highlight the dangers
of homeopathy.
3
Homeopathy was invented by a German scientist.
4
Homeopathy products do not use large amounts of
natural materials.
5
Medical experts believe that homeopathy products
are effective in treating illnesses.
6
The writer believes that all homeopaths should be
registered.
7
The writer advises people not to buy homeopathic
products on the internet.
10
Read the report again. Put the topics in order.
a
the writer’s advice to readers of the report
b
what the writer discovered in her investigation
c
the subject of the report
d
the person who asked for the report
e
the writer’s opinion of the facts
11
Making recommendations
Report recommendations
are usually written in an impersonal style to make it
clear that they are based on fact, not just the opinion
of the writer. They are often written using a structure
which makes the information clear and gives it
impact. What impersonal phrase is used to introduce
each recommendation?
12
Rewrite five recommendations using the
alternative grammatical structures below.
• must
+ active or passive verb
•
It is advisable to …
• It is vital that …
•
should
/
might/could
+ active/passive verb
•
It is a good idea to …
Patients must understand that symptoms can get worse
before they get better.
13
Choose one of the following tasks. (You work for
GRS and both reports have been requested by Mr J.
Simmons, Health Department.)
1
Write a report on herbal remedies (i.e. plant-
based treatments to improve health). Use the
notes on page 166.
2
Write a report on hypnotherapy, using your research
from Exercise 8.
14
Work with a partner. Look at each other’s reports
and try to improve them.
Report on Homeopathy
Introduction
This report was requested by Mr J. Simmons, Health
Department. It investigates homeopathy and considers
whether the therapy is effective and safe. The report was
to be submitted by 10 May.
Facts and findings
1
Homeopathy was developed in Germany in the late
1700s. Illnesses are treated with very small samples
of natural materials such as plants, minerals and
some animal products.
2
Homeopathic prescriptions are tailored to each
patient. Two patients may have the same symptoms,
but be given different remedies.
3
Homeopathy is considered safe by most users and
experts because the ingredients are used in small
quantities and are diluted.
4
Some leading medical journals say that the therapy
does not have any real benefits. However, some studies
have found that homeopathic remedies are ‘equivalent
to conventional medicines’ in treating certain illnesses.
Conclusion
Scientific experts and users of the therapy are divided about
its benefits. However, homeopathy is considered to be safe.
Recommendations
It is recommended that patients:
• consult their doctor before using homeopathic remedies.
• get advice from a registered homeopath before taking
a remedy.
• understand that symptoms can get worse before they
get better.
• read the instructions on homeopathic products
carefully before using them.
• buy products from an established
outlet, for example a reputable healthcare store.
• think carefully before using products advertised on the
internet as they may not be of good quality.
Aileen McGuire
Director, GPS
