1. Writing a Report on a Survey
Step Ahead
Book 5 Unit 4
Writing a Report on a Survey
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2. the factors affecting the writing of a survey report
In this lesson, you will learn about:
the factors affecting the writing of
a survey report
the organisation of a survey report
the features of a survey report
the writing process

3. What factors affect the writing of a survey report?

4. Genre Purpose Audience
The style and structure of writing is affected by three factors:
Genre
i.e. What is the text type? e.g. a survey report
Purpose
Audience
i.e. Why am I writing?
e.g. to present and analyse information from a survey
i.e. Who will read my writing?
e.g. students and teachers

5. principal, teachers and students
What is the genre of this writing task?
a survey report
Who is the audience for this genre?
principal, teachers and students

6. to describe the information from a survey
What is the purpose of the survey report?
to describe the information from a survey
to discuss possible issues that the findings present
to discuss possible solutions to the issues

7. Exercise 1
Tick the sentence below which most likely comes from a survey report. 
1. According to your teachers, you should focus more on your studies. 
2. In your , you asked me about the tourist attractions in Hong Kong. 
3. I had promised my mother to take good care of my sister. However, after two hours, I was bored. 
4. Of the students surveyed, 86% were generally satisfied with the sports facilities in our school.
4. Of the students surveyed, 86% were generally satisfied with the sports facilities in our school.

8. What does a survey report include?

9. conclusion and recommendations
A survey report includes:
a title
an introduction
findings
conclusion and recommendations

10. tell the readers what the report is about
Title:
tell the readers what the report is about
short but eye-catching
e.g.
Report on Students’ Hobbies

11. state the purpose of the report
Introduction:
state the purpose of the report
provide background information
e.g.
In order to improve the overall quality of the food sold in the school canteen, the Students’ Union conducted a survey between 10th and 15th October.
During the period, we interviewed 200 students from our school.

12. describe the findings in detail
summarise the information obtained from the survey
e.g.
Only 50% of the interviewees are satisfied with the lunch boxes sold at the school canteen. Their major criticism is the lack of variety.
The majority of the interviewees like the snacks sold at the school canteen. Among all kinds of snacks, fish balls are students’ favourite. However, they also think that the price of the snacks is too high.

13. analyse the information in the findings
Conclusion and Recommendations:
analyse the information in the findings
discuss possible issues and solutions derived from the findings
e.g.
Based on the findings, we conclude that students are not satisfied with the variety of lunchboxes sold at the school canteen. The school canteen should offer a wider variety of food for the students to choose from.

14. What are the main features of a survey report?

15. adverbs of frequency to say how often an action happens
In a survey report, we use:
adverbs of frequency to say how often an action happens
formal language to show formality
modal verbs to make recommendations

16. We use adverbs of frequency to say how often an action happens:
adverbs of frequency: always, usually, often, sometimes, seldom, rarely, never, once an hour, twice a year, once a year
e.g.
We learned that 50% of the parents in Hong Kong always buy takeaways for dinner.
e.g.
To protect our teeth, we should have our teeth cleaned by the dentist at least twice a year.

17. do not use contracted forms
We use formal language to show formality:
do not use contracted forms
use the passive voice
e.g.
It is shown that the majority of students in our school lead a sedentary lifestyle. Their hobbies include watching television and playing computer games.
e.g.
The data was collected last month.

18. modal verbs such as should can be used when making recommendations
We use modal verbs to make recommendations:
modal verbs such as should can be used when making recommendations
e.g.
Schools in Hong Kong should promote a drug-free environment.

19. Choose the best word or phrase to complete the survey report.
Exercise 2
Choose the best word or phrase to complete the survey report.
recommended
twice a month
admit
according
questionnaires
should
majority
summarises
In order to help students develop healthy hobbies, (1) ____________ were sent to students. The following report (2) __________ the results.
(3) _____________ to the data collected, the (4) ___________ of
junior form students spend most of their time surfing websites. Over 90% of them (5) _________ that they do not develop a hobby. About 75% of the interviewees say that they only exercise (6) ___________.
It is (7) ____________ that schools provide extra-curricular activities to their students. Help (8) ___________ also be offered to students in order to help them understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
questionnaires
summarises
According
majority
admit
twice a month
recommended
should

20. The Writing Process 20

21. How do I generate ideas for a survey report?

22. Use note sheets to keep track of details:
Purpose of the survey: ______________________
__________________________________________
Number of interviewees: _____________________
Age range of interviewees: ___________________
Questions for the survey:
Question 1: ________________________________
Question 2: ________________________________
Question 3: ________________________________
Question 4: __________________________

23. Exercise Mental health Healthy lives Eating habits Diet
Use mind maps to help you list out details to be included in the survey report:
Click the subgroup for more ideas.
heart-lung function
weight-loss
cardiac
Exercise
stress
anxiety
insomnia
junk food
home-cooked food
takeaways
Mental
health
Healthy lives
Eating habits
Diet
healthy eating
balanced diet
vegetarian

24. Common words used in a survey report about exercise.
Vocabulary
Common words used in a survey report about exercise.
Aerobic
Anaerobic
aerobic-dancing
brisk walking
jogging
swimming
tai chi
yoga
body-building
gymnastics
karate
pull ups
push ups
weight-lifting 24

25. How do I write a survey report?

26. Pre-writing Drafting Editing Proofreading
-brainstorm ideas using mind maps, tables, etc.
-note down ideas, vocabulary 
Drafting
-use a flow chart to outline your writing plan
-draft your writing 
Editing
-re-read and examine your draft
-correct for ideas, organisation, style 
Proofreading
-proofread for spelling, grammar, punctuation
-correct any mistakes 
Finished product

27. Three factors affect writing: audience purpose
Summary:
genre
Three factors affect writing:
audience
purpose
a title
Organisation of a survey report:
an introduction
findings
conclusion and recommendations

28. Features of a survey report:
Summary:
adverbs of frequency
Features of a survey report:
formal language
modal verbs
Generate ideas using:
note sheets
mind maps

29. The writing process: pre-writing drafting editing proofreading
Summary:
The writing process:
pre-writing
drafting
editing
proofreading

30. Step Ahead
Book 5 Unit 4
The End