Report Text

Essentially, report text is a text that presents information in a clear and factual manner.
It means that the content of a report text offers information about a particular subject, such as
animals, places, events, or anything else, in a general way and according to the actual
condition of the subject. For instance, if the topic is about endangered species, the text will
inform readers about the species’ vulnerable status and the factors contributing to it.
It’s worth mentioning that report texts have some commonalities with descriptive texts. Both
of these English writing styles offer information about a subject, such as people, animals,
places, events, or other items. Furthermore, the primary function of both text types is to
deliver factual information for the readers.
Report text’s language features
1. General nouns
Report texts often contain general nouns because they aim to provide objective and factual
information about a broad subject rather than focusing on specific details or personal
experiences. By using general nouns, report texts offer a comprehensive overview of a topic,
making the information more accessible and applicable to a wider audience.
General nouns refer to words that denote a group or class of things, instead of a singular
instance or individual item. For instance, when discussing transportation, a report text might
utilize general nouns like “cars,” “trains,” or “bicycles” to encompass the various modes of
transport available.
Incorporating general nouns in report texts enables the author to present a well-rounded and
objective perspective on the subject matter.
2. Linking verbs
Linking verbs are important in report texts because they help connect the main idea of a
sentence with more information about it. They make the text easy to understand for readers.
Linking verbs are words that join the main subject of a sentence with extra information that
gives more details about it. Some common linking verbs include “be” (am, is, are, was,
were), “seem,” “appear,” “become,” “feel,” “look,” “sound,” and “taste.”
In report texts, linking verbs help to share clear and simple information about a general topic.
They show the connection between the main idea and its features, for example, in a report
text about coral reefs, you might find a sentence “Coral reefs are diverse ecosystems that
support a wide variety of species.” In this case, the linking verb “are” connecting the subject
“coral reefs” with the subject complement “diverse ecosystems,” providing essential
information about the nature of coral reefs.
By incorporating linking verbs in report texts, authors can effectively convey information,
relationships, and descriptions, enabling readers to gain a comprehensive understanding of
the subject matter.
3. Present Tense
Report texts typically use the present tense because they aim to provide general, factual
information about a subject that is considered to be true or relevant now and in the future.
To give you a refresher. the present tense is used to describe actions, events, or situations that
are happening now, or general truths and facts that don’t change over time.
For example, in a report text about the benefits of exercise, an author might use the present
tense to write, “Exercise improves our physical and mental health.” This statement conveys a
general truth about exercise that applies to people now and will continue to be true in the
future.
Report text’s structure
1. General Classification
This section introduces the subject and provides an overall classification or categorization. It
sets the context for the readers, allowing them to understand the broader topic that will be
discussed. In the General Classification, you’ll find a brief introduction to the subject, its
purpose, and its relevance.
For example, if the report text is about smartphones, the General Classification may introduce
smartphones as handheld electronic devices used for communication, internet access, and
various other purposes.
2. Description
The Description section offers more detailed information about the subject, covering its
features, characteristics, functions, or any other relevant aspects. This part aims to give
readers a comprehensive understanding of the topic by presenting various aspects or
subtopics related to the general subject. In the Description section, you may find information
about the subject’s history, types, uses, advantages, disadvantages, and any other pertinent
details.
Continuing with the smartphone example, the Description section could discuss the different
types of smartphones, their operating systems, features, applications, and their impact on
society.
Example: Rainforest
[General classification]
Rainforests are extensive forests located in tropical areas with high levels of rainfall
throughout the year. Characterized by their rich biodiversity, rainforests play a crucial role in
maintaining Earth’s ecological balance.
[Description]
Rainforests can be found in various parts of the world, including South America, Africa, and
Asia. The most extensive rainforest is the Amazon rainforest, located in South America.
These ecosystems are vital due to their ability to support a diverse range of plant and animal
species. It is estimated that more than half of Earth’s species reside within rainforest habitats.
A key feature of rainforests is their abundant plant life, which contributes to numerous
benefits. Many plants found in rainforests are utilized for medicinal purposes, providing
essential resources for human health. Additionally, rainforests contribute to air purification by
absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, thus playing a role in mitigating climate
change.
Nevertheless, rainforests face significant challenges, primarily due to deforestation. Driven
by logging and land clearance for agricultural purposes, deforestation results in the loss of
natural habitats for plant and animal species, and it contributes to global climate change.
Exercise 1
Last holiday, my family and I went to Yogyakarta. We visited Borobudur Temple, which is
one of the most famous tourist attractions in Indonesia. We arrived early in the morning and
enjoyed the sunrise from the top of the temple. The view was really beautiful. After that, we
walked around the temple and took many pictures. We also learned about the history of the
temple from the tour guide. In the afternoon, we went shopping at Malioboro Street before
returning to our hotel. It was an unforgettable experience for me.
Questions
1. What is the main idea of the text above?
a. The history of Malioboro street
b. The writer’s experience in Yogyakarta holiday
c. The history of Borobudur Temple
d. The shopping experience at Malioboro
e. The sunrise at Borobudur Temple
Answer: b. The writer’s experience in Yogyakarta holiday
Reason: The text mainly describes the writer’s holiday activities in Yogyakarta
(visiting Borobudur, seeing the sunrise, taking pictures, shopping at Malioboro). It’s
about the overall experience, not only one specific part

2. Where did the writer and family go during their holiday?

a. Yogyakarta
b. Bali
c. Semarang
d. Jakarta
e. Bandung
Answer: a. Yogyakarta
Reason: The first sentence clearly says: “Last holiday, my family and I went to
Yogyakarta.”

3. What did they do after watching the sunrise?

a. Returned to their hotel
b. Take a rest to their hotel
c. Went shopping at Malioboro
d. Walked around and took pictures
e. Listened to the tour guide only
 Answer: d. Walked around and took pictures
Reason: After seeing the sunrise, the text says: “After that, we walked around the
temple and took many pictures.”

4. Which of the following is the important information mentioned in the text?

a. The writer bought souvenirs in Jakarta
b. They visited Borobudur and Malioboro
c. The sunrise was not beautiful
d. The beautiful sun in the sky
e. They stayed at home during the holiday
Answer: b. They visited Borobudur and Malioboro
Reason: The text directly mentions visiting Borobudur Temple and going shopping at
Malioboro Street. The other options are not mentioned.

5. Why was the trip unforgettable for the writer?

a. Because they saw Borobudur Temple for the first time
b. Because they spent the holiday abroad
c. Because the writer did not enjoy the trip
d. Because the writer did not join the trip
e. Because the tour guide was boring
Answer: a. Because they saw Borobudur Temple for the first time
Reason: At the end, the writer says: “It was an unforgettable experience for me.” The
unforgettable part comes from visiting Borobudur Temple, enjoying the sunrise, and
the whole experience. The other options (abroad, boring tour guide, not enjoying) are
not supported by the text

Possessive Pronoun
Question:
Identify the correct possessive pronoun to complete the sentence:
”This bag is not mine; it is ___.”
A. her
B. yours
C. his
D. our
E. their
Answer: B. yours
Explanation:
The possessive pronoun yours correctly indicates ownership in this context.
2. Agreement (Subject-Verb Agreement)
Question:
Which sentence demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement?
A. The students is waiting outside the classroom.
B. Each of the participants were given a certificate.
C. Neither of the answers is correct.
D. The team play very well today.
E. Everyone have submitted their assignments.

Answer: C. Neither of the answers is correct.

Explanation:
The subject neither is singular and requires the singular verb is. Other options incorrectly
match subjects and verbs.
3. Tense
Question:
Choose the sentence with the correct tense usage:
A. She will have finish the project by next week.
B. They had went to the park before it started raining.
C. He is watching a movie when I called him.
D. I have been studying for three hours now.
E. She go to school every morning.

Answer: D. I have been studying for three hours now.

Explanation:
This sentence uses the present perfect continuous tense correctly to describe an action that
started in the past and continues to the present.
4. Passive Voice
Question:
Transform the following active sentence into a correct passive sentence:
“Scientists have discovered a new species of butterfly in the rainforest.”
A. A new species of butterfly was discovered by scientists in the rainforest.
B. A new species of butterfly is being discovered by scientists in the rainforest.
C. A new species of butterfly has been discovered by scientists in the rainforest.
D. A new species of butterfly had been discovered by scientists in the rainforest.
E. A new species of butterfly is discovered by scientists in the rainforest.

Answer: C. A new species of butterfly has been discovered by scientists in the

rainforest.
Explanation:
The sentence uses have discovered, which becomes has been discovered in the passive voice.
Other options use incorrect tenses or structures.
5. Grammatical Reference
Question:
The committee decided to delay the project until more data became available. This decision
was supported by all the members.
What does This decision refer to in the second sentence?
A. The availability of more data.
B. The committee members.
C. The act of delaying the project.
D. The project itself.
E. The data collected by the committee.

Answer: C. The act of delaying the project.

Explanation:
This decision refers to the committee’s action to delay the project, mentioned in the first
sentence.
6. Conjunction (Showing Contrast)
Question:
Which sentence uses the correct conjunction to show contrast?
A. He stayed home because it was raining heavily.
B. They completed the task despite facing many difficulties.
C. I will call you and inform you about the details.
D. She left early so that she could catch the train.
E. We decided to cancel the trip as the weather was unfavorable.

Answer: B. They completed the task despite facing many difficulties.

Explanation:
The conjunction despite correctly shows contrast between completing the task and the
difficulties faced. Other options do not involve contrasting ideas.
7. Modal Verb
Question:
Which of the following sentences uses a modal verb to express a strong obligation?
A. You might consider joining the meeting later.
B. They must finish the report before the deadline.
C. She could visit her grandmother this weekend.
D. He would prefer to stay at home tonight.
E. We can take a break after lunch.

Answer: B. They must finish the report before the deadline.

Explanation:
The modal verb must expresses a strong obligation, while others express possibility
(might, could, can) or preference (would).
8. Conditional Sentence
Question:
Choose the most logical and grammatically correct conditional sentence:
A. If she had taken the train earlier, she would arrive on time.
B. I study harder, I will have passed the exam last week.
C. If we were to invest in that project, we might see significant returns.
D. If they will come to the meeting, we would discuss the agenda.
E. If the weather was better, we will go hiking tomorrow.

Answer: C. If we were to invest in that project, we might see significant returns.

Explanation:
This sentence correctly uses the second conditional, with a hypothetical situation and a
possible result. Others misapply tense or conditional structure.
9. Derivative Form (Word Formation)
Question:
Identify the correct derivative of the root word educate to complete the sentence:
“Proper ____ is essential for the development of society.”
A. education
B. educating
C. educator
D. educated
E. educational

Answer: A. education
Explanation:
Education is a noun that fits the sentence context, referring to the act or system necessary for
societal development.
10. Phrase, Summary, and Conclusion
Question:
Read the text:
The rising sea levels, melting glaciers, and frequent natural disasters are clear indicators of
global warming. Governments and individuals must act immediately to reduce carbon
emissions and protect the planet for future generations.
Which phrase best summarizes the text?
A. Natural disasters are the biggest threat to human survival.
B. The environment can recover without human intervention.
C. Global warming requires immediate action from everyone.
D. Climate change is a natural process that cannot be stopped.
E. Governments should focus on economic development over environmental issues.

Answer: C. Global warming requires immediate action from everyone.

Explanation:
The text highlights the urgency of combating global warming, making option C the most
suitable summary.
11. Reference Meaning
Question:
Read the text:
The mayor announced a new policy aimed at reducing air pollution. He explained that the
city would introduce more green spaces and encourage the use of public transportation.
What does He in the second sentence refer to?
A. The policy
B. The city
C. The mayor
D. Air pollution
E. Public transportation

Answer: C. The mayor

Explanation:
The pronoun He refers to The mayor, as introduced at the beginning of the passage.