- Key Differences
Know the Differences & Comparisons
Difference Between Essay and Report
On the other hand, an essay can be understood as a piece of writing, on a specific topic or subject, which expresses the author’s own ideas and knowledge about the subject.
The basic difference between essay and report is that while an essay is argumentative and idea-based, reports are informative and fact-based. Now, let us move further to understand some more points of differences.
Content: Essay Vs Report
Comparison chart.
Basis for Comparison | Essay | Report |
---|---|---|
Meaning | An essay refers to a literary device, in which almost everything is discussed or stated about a subject. | Reports are the documentation and analysis of the findings and recommendations from the practical research. |
Based on | Subjective analysis of theories and past research by experts and one's own ideas. | Past research, as well as present data and findings. |
Presents | Facts and writer's personal ideas and views | Information |
Division | It is divided into cohesive paragraphs | It is divided into sections which contains headings and subheadings. |
Graphical Representation | It does not contain charts, graphs, tables and diagrams. | It contains charts, graphs, tables and diagrams. |
Conclusion and recommendation | Conclusion depends on writers person's experience and views, and it does not include recommendations. | There is independent conclusion and recommendations are included. |
Definition of Essay
An essay can be understood as a comprehensive literary composition, written in a narrative style and presents a particular topic, supports an argument and highlights the writer’s view or ideology. An essay is used to check a person’s outlook and understanding on specific matters and also his/her ability to describe and argue in a way which convinces the reader or informs him/her about a specific topic.
One can make use of learned materials, along with his/her own research, to write an essay effectively. It includes both narrative and subjective thoughts. Further, an essay supports a single idea at a time, for which several components need to be covered in it so as to appear logical and chronological.
It can be a learned argument, observation of day to day life, literary criticism, political manifestos, recollections, and reflections of the writer. It starts with a question and attempts to answer or give suggestions to the problem, on the basis of the existing theories or the writer’s personal opinion and assessment.
While writing an essay, it must be kept in mind that the approach used by the writer should be positive, even if the topic of argument is negative.
Definition of Report
The report implies a well structured factual document which is created and presented after conducting an independent enquiry, research or investigation on a specific subject. It serves as a basis for problem-solving and decision making.
Reports are prepared for a definite purpose and contain relevant information in a proper format, for a particular audience. It is used to identify, observe and analyse the issues, events, findings, that occurred practically, i.e. in real life.
A report is designed with the aim of informing the reader about the event, situation or issue, in a very simple and objective manner, while enabling them to get the desired information quickly and easily. It provides recommendations for future actions. Information collected from research, or from carrying out a project work is presented in a clear and concise manner, under a set of headings and subheadings, that helps the reader to get the desired information quickly and easily.
Characteristics of an Ideal Report
- It must be clear and concise.
- It is written in easy language which the readers can understand easily.
- It has to be appropriate and accurate.
- It should be well drafted and organised, with specific sections, headings and sub-headings.
A report summary can be provided orally, however detailed reports are usually in the form of written documents. It contains – Title Page, Acknowledgement, Authorization Letter, Table of Contents, Executive Summary, Introduction, Discussion, Results, Conclusion, Recommendations and References.
Moreover, Cover letter, Copyright notice, Bibliography, Glossary and Appendices may also form part of a report.
Key Differences Between Essay and Report
The difference Between report and essay is discussed here in detail:
- An essay is a brief literary composition, which is used to describe, present, argue, and analyse the idea or topic. Conversely, a report is a formal and concise document consisting of findings from the practical research. It aims at investigating and exploring the problem under study.
- An essay is written on the basis of subjective analysis of theories and past research, by other people and own ideas, on the concerned subject. As against, a report is objective and factual, which is based on past research, as well as present data and findings.
- An essay talks about general facts and events along with the writer’s personal ideas and views, on the topic in a non-fictional manner. On the contrary, a report contains information which the reader can use to identify the facts or support in decision making or solving issues if any.
- When it comes to sections, a report usually contains different sections, with catchy headings which may attract the attention of the audience. As against, an essay does not have any section, its flow is continuous. However, it is divided into cohesive paragraphs.
- A report uses tables, charts, graphs, diagrams, statistics and many more for a clear and better presentation of the information. But, in the case of essays, they are not used.
- The conclusion in an essay is based on the writer’s personal opinion and views on the topic itself which must be optimistic, and it does not provide any recommendations for future actions. On the other hand, a report gives an independent conclusion, but it may contain the opinion of the experts or previous researchers and recommendations are included, about how the research can be improved and extended.
In a nutshell, Essays are descriptive, subjective and evaluative, whereas, a report is descriptive, objective and analytical. Essays are mainly used in an academic context, whereas reports are preferred in the field of research.
The report is used to present the researched information in a written format, to the audience. Conversely, essays are used to identify what the writer knows about the topic and how well the writer understand the question.
You Might Also Like:
Anna H. Smith says
November 26, 2020 at 3:22 pm
Thank you for explaining this so eloquently. Excellent post, I will keep this handy and refer to it often from now on, the information is so clear and so insightful, thanks for giving a clear difference. It’s a very educative article.!
Presley Dube says
November 20, 2021 at 3:43 pm
very useful to me thank you.
Leonard says
August 8, 2022 at 2:52 pm
Thanks for sharing such nice information about this topic.
Ignatius Phiri says
March 20, 2023 at 10:39 pm
Leave a Reply Cancel reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
- +44 (0) 207 391 9032
Recent Posts
- Practice vs. Practise: What’s the Difference?
- How Homework Builds Good Study Habits for University Students
How to Write an Article Review in Simple Steps
- Understanding Content Validity: Definition & Examples
- 10 Tips for Writing Assignments
- Easy Steps to Write a History Essay: Tips and Tricks
- How To Select the Perfect CV Writing Service
- What Is an Adjective: Types, Uses, and Examples
- How to Write a Reflective Essay
- Abstract vs. Introduction: What’s the Difference?
- Academic News
- Custom Essays
- Dissertation Writing
- Essay Marking
- Essay Writing
- Essay Writing Companies
- Model Essays
- Model Exam Answers
- Oxbridge Essays Updates
- PhD Writing
- Significant Academics
- Student News
- Study Skills
- University Applications
- University Essays
- University Life
- Writing Tips
Essay vs Report: What Are the Key Differences?
(Last updated: 5 April 2024)
Since 2006, Oxbridge Essays has been the UK’s leading paid essay-writing and dissertation service
We have helped 10,000s of undergraduate, Masters and PhD students to maximise their grades in essays, dissertations, model-exam answers, applications and other materials. If you would like a free chat about your project with one of our UK staff, then please just reach out on one of the methods below.
Reports and essays serve as fundamental forms of scholarly communication, each with its distinct purpose, structure, and style. While both convey information and analysis, they vary in their objectives, audience, and presentation. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the different nuances between reports and essays, unpacking their key characteristics and offering insights into when and how to utilise each form effectively.
Reports: Capturing Data and Analysis
Reports are structured documents designed to convey factual information, findings, and analysis on a specific topic or issue. They are commonly used in academic, professional, and scientific contexts to present research outcomes, project evaluations, or business insights. Key features of reports include:
- Objective Presentation : Reports aim to provide an objective overview of data, observations, and analysis without personal interpretation or opinion.
- Structured Format : Reports typically follow a structured format, including sections such as introduction, methods, results, discussion, and conclusions.
- Visual Aids : Reports often incorporate tables, charts, graphs, and other visual aids to enhance the presentation of data and facilitate understanding.
- Audience Focus : Reports are usually intended for a specific audience, such as academic peers, business stakeholders, or policymakers, who require concise and actionable information.
Essays: Exploring Ideas and Arguments
Essays, on the other hand, are scholarly compositions that explore and analyse ideas, arguments, and theories within a particular subject area. They provide opportunities for critical thinking, reflection, and interpretation of course material or research findings. Key features of essays include:
- Thesis-driven Structure : Essays typically present a central thesis or argument, supported by evidence, analysis, and interpretation.
- Logical Progression : Essays follow a logical progression of ideas, with clear transitions between paragraphs and sections to guide the reader through the argument.
- Engagement with Sources : Essays engage with a range of scholarly sources, including academic articles, books, and primary documents, to support the argument and provide context.
- Critical Analysis : Essays encourage critical analysis and evaluation of ideas, theories, and evidence, often requiring students to synthesise information and draw their conclusions.
Key Differences: Report vs Essay
While both reports and essays involve research, analysis, and communication of ideas, there are key differences in their purpose, structure, and approach:
Purpose : Reports aim to present factual information and analysis to inform decision-making, while essays explore ideas, theories, and arguments to provoke thought and discussion.
Structure : Reports follow a structured format with clear sections, while essays offer more flexibility in organisation and presentation.
Language and Style : Reports use formal, concise language and avoid personal opinions, while essays may incorporate personal voice, reflections, and interpretations.
Audience : Reports are often written for a specific audience, such as stakeholders or decision-makers, while essays are typically written for academic audiences or peers.
Choosing the Right Format
The choice between a report and an essay depends on the nature of the assignment, the requirements of the task, and the expectations of the audience. Consider the following factors when determining which format to use:
Purpose : Clarify the purpose of the document—is it to present factual information (report) or to explore and analyse ideas (essay)?
Audience : Consider the intended audience and their expectations regarding format, style, and depth of analysis.
Scope and Depth : Assess the scope and depth of the topic—are you presenting data and findings (report) or engaging in critical analysis and interpretation (essay)?
Instructions : Review the assignment instructions carefully to determine whether a specific format is required and to understand the evaluation criteria.
Leveraging the Power of Structure and Style
Reports and essays are valuable tools for scholarly communication, each offering unique opportunities for knowledge dissemination and intellectual exploration. By understanding the differences between reports and essays and knowing when to employ each format, students and researchers can effectively convey information, analyse ideas, and engage with academic discourse. Whether crafting a data-driven report or crafting a compelling essay, mastering the nuances of structure and style is essential for academic success.
Essay exams: how to answer ‘To what extent…’
How to write a master’s essay, writing services.
- Essay Plans
- Critical Reviews
- Literature Reviews
- Presentations
- Dissertation Title Creation
- Dissertation Proposals
- Dissertation Chapters
- PhD Proposals
- Journal Publication
- Professional CV Writing Service
- Business Proofreading Services
Editing Services
- Proofreading Service
- Editing Service
- Academic Editing Service
Additional Services
- Marking Services
- Consultation Calls
- Personal Statements
- Tutoring Services
Our Company
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Become a Writer
Terms & Policies
- Fair Use Policy
- Policy for Students in England
- Privacy Policy
- Terms & Conditions
- Writing Service Examples
- Editing Service Examples
- Marking Service Examples
- Tutoring Service Examples
- [email protected]
- Contact Form
Payment Methods
Cryptocurrency payments.
Search suggestions update instantly to match the search query.
Reports and essays: key differences
Know what to expect
Explore the main differences between reports and essays and how to write for your assignments
You'll complete assignments with different requirements throughout your degree, so it's important to understand what you need to do for each of them. Here we explore the key differences between reports and essays.
This page describes general features of academic reports and essays. Depending on your subject you may use all of these features, a selection of them, or you may have additional requirements.
There is no single right way to write a report or essay, but they are different assignments. At a glance:
- Reports depend heavily on your subject and the type of report.
- Essays usually have specific content and a planned structure with a focus on sense and flow. You subject might need different types of information in your introduction – some disciplines include a short background and context here, while others begin their discussion, discuss their resources or briefly signpost the topic.
Differences between reports and essays
This table compares reports and essays and provides an outline of the standard structure for each. Your assignment will also depend on your discipline, the purpose of your work, and your audience – so you should check what you need to do in your course and module handbooks, instructions from your lecturer, and your subject conventions.
Reports | Essays |
---|---|
Reports have a table of contents. | Essays don't have a table of contents. |
Reports are divided into headed and numbered sections and sometimes sub-sections, using the IMRaD format(see below). | Essays are not divided into sections but you may have separate headed appendices. |
Reports often originate from outside academic subjects and are typically used in the world of work. | Essays originate in academic settings, including practice-based subjects. |
Reports often present data and findings that you have collected yourself, for example through a survey, experiment or case study. Some reports focus on applying theory to your field of work. | Essays usually focus on analysing or evaluating theories, past research by other people, and ideas. They may include applying theory to practice if you are in a practice-based field. |
A report usually contains tables, charts and diagrams. | Essays don't usually include tables, charts, or diagrams. |
Reports usually include descriptions of the methods used. | Essays don't usually refer to the methods you used to arrive at your conclusions. |
The discussion in a report often comments on how the report research could be improved and extended, and may evaluate the methods and processes used. | Essays don't usually reflect on the process of researching and writing the essay itself. |
Reports sometimes include recommendations. | Essays don't include recommendations. |
Table adapted from Cottrell, 2003, p. 209.
The structure of reports
Most reports use an IMRaD structure: Introduction, Methods, Results and Discussion.
Below are some common sections that also appear in reports. Some sections include alternative headings.
1. Table of contents
Your contents shows the number of each report section, its title, page number and any sub-sections. Sub-section numbers and details start under the section title, not the margin or the number.
2. Abstract or Executive summary
This brief summary of the report is usually the last thing you write.
3. Introduction
Your introduction describes the purpose of the report, explains why it necessary or useful, and sets out its precise aims and objectives.
4. Literature review
This describes current research and thinking about the problem or research question, and is often incorporated into the introduction.
5. Methods or Methodology
This describes and justifies the methods or processes used to collect your data.
6. Results or Findings
This section presents the results (or processed data) from the research and may consist of mainly tables, charts and or diagrams.
7. Discussion, or Analysis, or Interpretation
This section analyses the results and evaluates the research carried out.
8. Conclusion
The conclusion summarises the report and usually revisits the aims and objectives.
9. Recommendations
In this section the writer uses the results and conclusions from the report to make practical suggestions about a problem or issue. This may not be required.
10. Appendices
You can include raw data or materials that your report refers to in the appendix, if you need to. The data is often presented as charts, diagrams and tables. Each item should be numbered : for example, write Table 1 and its title; Table 2 and its title, and so on as needed.
Structure of essays
Introduction.
Your essay introduction contextualises and gives background information about the topic or questions being discussed, and sets out what the essay is going to cover.
Your essay body is divided into paragraphs. These paragraphs help make a continuous, flowing text.
The conclusion summarises the main points made in the essay. Avoid introducing new information in your conclusion.
Bibliography or Reference list
This is a list of the resources you've used in your essay. This is usually presented alphabetically by authors’ surname.
Reference for the Table of Distinctions above:
Cottrell, S. (2003). The Study Skills Handbook (2nd ed.). Basingstoke: Palgrave.
Download our report and essay differences revision sheet
Download this page as a PDF for your report and essay revision notes.
Key features of academic reports
Basic essay structure
Writing clear sentences
Essay vs. Report
What's the difference.
Essays and reports are both forms of academic writing that serve different purposes. An essay is a piece of writing that presents an argument or a point of view on a specific topic. It is typically more subjective and allows the writer to express their thoughts and opinions. On the other hand, a report is a structured document that provides information on a particular subject. It is usually more objective and focuses on presenting facts and findings. While both essays and reports require research and analysis, essays tend to be more flexible in terms of structure and content, while reports follow a more rigid format with headings and subheadings.
Attribute | Essay | Report |
---|---|---|
Format | Flexible | Structured |
Purpose | Expressive, persuasive, or reflective | Informative or analytical |
Structure | Introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion | Introduction, sections, conclusion |
Length | Varies, typically longer | Varies, typically shorter |
Tone | Subjective | Objective |
Research | May or may not require extensive research | Usually requires research and data analysis |
Citations | May or may not require citations | Requires proper citations and references |
Language | Varies, can be more creative | Formal and concise |
Sections | May or may not have distinct sections | Often divided into clear sections |
Conclusion | Summarizes main points and provides closure | Summarizes findings and recommendations |
Further Detail
Introduction.
When it comes to academic writing, two common forms that students often encounter are essays and reports. While both serve the purpose of conveying information, they have distinct characteristics that set them apart. In this article, we will explore the attributes of essays and reports, highlighting their differences and similarities.
One of the primary distinctions between essays and reports lies in their structure. Essays typically follow a more flexible structure, allowing for a greater degree of creativity and personal expression. They often consist of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The body paragraphs present arguments or ideas supported by evidence and analysis.
On the other hand, reports tend to have a more rigid structure. They usually include sections such as an introduction, methodology, findings, and conclusion. Reports are often written in a more objective and formal tone, focusing on presenting factual information rather than personal opinions.
Furthermore, essays often require a thesis statement, which serves as the central argument or main idea of the paper. Reports, on the other hand, may not necessarily have a thesis statement but instead focus on presenting data or findings in a clear and organized manner.
While both essays and reports aim to convey information, they have different purposes. Essays are commonly used to explore and analyze a topic, allowing the writer to present their own ideas and arguments. They often require critical thinking and the ability to construct a coherent and persuasive argument.
Reports, on the other hand, are typically used to present factual information or findings from research or investigations. They are often more objective in nature and focus on providing a comprehensive overview of a particular subject. Reports may be used to inform decision-making, document experiments, or present research findings to a wider audience.
Language and Style
The language and style used in essays and reports also differ. Essays often allow for a more personal and subjective writing style, where the writer can express their thoughts and opinions. The language used in essays can be more creative and engaging, with the use of rhetorical devices and persuasive techniques to captivate the reader.
Reports, on the other hand, require a more formal and objective writing style. The language used in reports is typically straightforward and concise, focusing on presenting information in a clear and logical manner. Reports often avoid the use of personal pronouns and instead rely on passive voice constructions to maintain an objective tone.
Research and Referencing
Both essays and reports may require research and referencing, but the extent and approach can vary. Essays often involve extensive research to support the writer's arguments or claims. They may require the use of various sources, such as books, scholarly articles, or online resources. Referencing in essays is crucial to acknowledge the sources used and provide credibility to the arguments presented.
Reports, on the other hand, may also require research, but the focus is often on presenting factual information rather than analyzing or interpreting it. Reports may rely more heavily on primary research, such as surveys or experiments, to gather data. Referencing in reports is essential to provide transparency and allow readers to access the sources of the presented information.
In conclusion, while essays and reports share the goal of conveying information, they have distinct attributes that set them apart. Essays offer more flexibility in structure and allow for personal expression, while reports follow a more rigid structure and focus on presenting factual information. The purpose, language, and style used in essays and reports also differ, with essays often being more subjective and persuasive, while reports maintain a formal and objective tone. Understanding the differences between essays and reports is crucial for students to excel in their academic writing and effectively communicate their ideas and findings.
Comparisons may contain inaccurate information about people, places, or facts. Please report any issues.
Technical Writing vs. Essay Writing: Differences & Similarities
Technical writing and essay writing are critical and valuable skills to have in any career, but they can be very different. If you are a writer who wants to learn more about technical writing and essay writing, then you have come to the right place.
In contrast, an essay is a piece of writing that discusses an issue or topic, including a research paper, a business proposal, a term paper, or a personal essay. Technical writing is different from essay writing, but there are some similarities that you should be aware of before you start.
Also read: How to Create a Strong Brand Identity Through Writing
📖 Table of Contents
What is Technical Writing?
Technical writing includes all forms that require specialized vocabulary and specialized language to convey information. The writer must also understand the subject to write about it.
What is Essay Writing?
Essay writing is a widespread type of writing. It is usually used to describe or explain a particular topic. The main idea of an essay is to discuss a topic and give your opinion. An essay is different from a story because it usually has more than one point. Essays are often used to write about what people believe and why they believe it.
You may think that essay writing is not a hard thing to do, but there are many things you need to know before you start writing your essay. If you are unsure how to start your essay, You can take essay help from online sites, and it is always advised to learn these skills at the earliest possible time. They can help you write an essay that is good and original.
Argumentative: This type of essay is all about convincing your reader. Persuasive: This type of essay is all about persuading your reader. Narrative: This type of essay is all about telling a story. Explanation: This type of essay is all about explaining a concept. Description: This type of essay is all about describing something.
Technical Writing vs Essay Writing: The Differences
In technical writing, you’re writing about a topic or field of study that you are already familiar with. You’re writing about a topic you’ve studied before, and you’re writing about a topic you’ve written about in the past.
Technical Writing vs Essay Writing: The Similarities
Both of them require the same time and effort. Both technical writing and essay writing are time-consuming processes. This is because the skills are based on facts and figures. Hence, the only thing that matters is to write the content correctly.
Both technical writing and essay writing must be presented in different mediums.
Both technical writing and essay writing focus on a particular subject; however, technical writing requires a more in-depth understanding, whereas essay writing requires a more broad understanding. Both these skills require a considerable amount of time and effort.
“As an Amazon Associate & Affiliate Partners of several other brands we earn from qualifying purchases.” [ Read More Here ]
Leave a Comment
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
Stay Connected
Core Differences
We Provide Comparison for All Terms
10 Difference between Essay and Report (With Table)
What is the main difference between essay and report? An essay pertains to a literary technique wherein nearly all aspects of a subject are thoroughly explored or articulated. A report serve as the documentation and comprehensive analysis of the discoveries and suggestions derived from practical research.
In the realm of academic writing, students frequently come across two prevalent types of assignments: essays and reports. While these assignments share certain resemblances, they also possess marked distinctions.
This piece aims to delve into the contrasting characteristics of essays and reports, with a particular emphasis on their objectives, structures, and writing approaches.
Difference between Essay and Report with Table
To explore, argue, or present a viewpoint. | To convey information, findings, or data. | |
Typically divided into introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. | Often structured with sections like title page, executive summary, introduction, methodology, findings, and conclusion. | |
Varies in length but usually concise, around 1,000 to 2,500 words. | Can be shorter or longer, depending on the topic and purpose, ranging from a few pages to extensive documents. | |
More narrative, often persuasive or analytical, with a personal voice. | Tends to be more formal and objective, with a focus on conveying facts and data. | |
General or academic audience; may aim to engage and persuade. | Specific audience, such as business professionals, policymakers, or researchers; aims to inform or make recommendations. | |
May include citations but often more flexible in citation style. | Requires consistent and formal citation, following a specific style guide (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago). | |
Allows for the expression of personal opinions and subjective analysis. | Typically avoids personal opinions, emphasizing objective presentation of data. | |
Often includes a restatement of the thesis and final thoughts. | Concludes with summaries, findings, recommendations, or actionable insights. | |
Less common; may use subheadings for organization. | Frequently uses headings and subheadings for clear organization and readability. | |
May include visuals like charts, graphs, or images to illustrate points. | Frequently includes visual elements to support data and findings, such as charts, tables, and graphs. |
What Is Essay?
An essay is a written composition that presents a focused and organized discussion or exploration of a particular topic, idea, or argument. Essays are a common form of academic, literary, and creative writing and are characterized by several key features:
Thesis Statement : An essay typically begins with a clear and concise thesis statement that outlines the main argument or purpose of the essay.
Structure : Essays follow a specific structure, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. This structure allows for the logical presentation of ideas and arguments.
Supporting Evidence : Arguments and claims in an essay are supported by evidence, which may include examples, data, quotes, or references to authoritative sources.
Coherence : Essays are expected to be coherent, with ideas flowing logically from one point to the next. Transitions and topic sentences help maintain this coherence.
Analysis : Essays often involve critical thinking and analysis, where the writer evaluates, interprets, or critiques the topic or subject matter.
Clarity and Conciseness : Effective essays are clear, concise, and free from unnecessary jargon or verbosity. They communicate ideas effectively to the intended audience.
Variety of Types : Essays come in various forms, such as argumentative, persuasive, expository, narrative, and descriptive, each with its own unique characteristics and objectives.
What Is Report?
A report is a formal and structured document that presents information, data, findings, or recommendations on a specific topic, issue, or problem. Reports are typically written for a targeted audience, such as business professionals, government officials, researchers, or stakeholders, and they serve various purposes:
Information Dissemination : Reports convey objective and factual information, often gathered through research, investigation, or analysis.
Problem-Solving : Some reports are designed to address specific problems or challenges, offering solutions or recommendations.
Decision-Making : Reports provide the necessary data and analysis to support informed decision-making processes.
Documentation : They serve as records of events, actions, or research, preserving information for future reference.
Accountability : Reports may be used to document the performance or progress of projects, organizations, or individuals, ensuring accountability.
Main Difference between Essay and Report
- An essay serves as a concise literary composition for presenting and analyzing ideas, while a report is a formal document that communicates research findings.
- Essays blend subjective analysis with personal ideas, while reports maintain objectivity by relying on past research and current data.
- Essays incorporate general facts and the writer’s opinions in a non-fictional manner. Conversely, reports offer information that aids in identifying facts or supports decision-making and problem-solving.
- Reports are structured with sections featuring engaging headings, while essays follow a continuous flow but are divided into coherent paragraphs.
- Reports use visuals like tables, charts, graphs, and statistics for clarity, whereas essays typically do not include such elements.
- Essay conclusions reflect the writer’s personal opinions and tend to be optimistic, lacking recommendations for future actions. Reports provide impartial conclusions, potentially including expert opinions and recommendations for further research and improvement.
Similarities between Essay and Report
- Both are written documents.
- They require clear and coherent writing.
- Proper grammar, punctuation, and style are essential in both.
- Both may require citations and references.
- They serve as means of conveying information or ideas.
- Both should have a well-organized structure.
- An introduction and conclusion are common elements in both.
In conclusion, while essays and reports are both written forms of communication, they serve distinct purposes and exhibit notable differences in their characteristics and structures.
Essays are primarily vehicles for presenting, analyzing, and discussing ideas or viewpoints, often incorporating subjective analysis and personal opinions.
In contrast, reports are formal documents intended to convey objective information, research findings, or recommendations, maintaining objectivity and utilizing data and past research.
The structural variances are evident, with essays featuring a continuous flow of text divided into paragraphs, while reports are organized into sections with informative headings for clarity. Additionally, reports often employ visual aids like charts and tables, enhancing data presentation.
Finally, their conclusions differ significantly, as essays express personal opinions and optimism, while reports provide impartial conclusions with recommendations for further research or action.
People Who Read This Also Read:
- Difference between Abstract and Introduction
- Difference between Commercial Bank and Merchant Bank
- Difference between EFT and ACH
- Difference between Copyright Infringement and Plagiarism
Leave a Comment Cancel reply
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
Essay vs. Report: What's the Difference?
Key Differences
Comparison chart, tone and style, inclusion of opinion, essay and report definitions, what is the primary aim of an essay, are reports subjective, how is a report typically structured, can essays contain personal opinions, is a report a detailed account, are essays longer than reports, what's the tone of a report, are essays always formal, should essays be persuasive, can an essay be a literary composition, can essays explore philosophical concepts, do essays have a rigid structure, can reports include tables and figures, who is the typical audience for an essay, what's the main objective of a report, do reports always result from research, who typically reads a report, can a report be spoken, is critical thinking essential in essay writing, do reports make recommendations.
Trending Comparisons
Popular Comparisons
New Comparisons
- RMIT Australia
- RMIT Europe
- RMIT Vietnam
- RMIT Global
- RMIT Online
- Alumni & Giving
- What will I do?
- What will I need?
- Who will help me?
- About the institution
- New to university?
- Studying efficiently
- Time management
- Mind mapping
- Note-taking
- Reading skills
- Argument analysis
- Preparing for assessment
- Critical thinking and argument analysis
- Online learning skills
- Starting my first assignment
- Researching your assignment
- What is referencing?
- Understanding citations
- When referencing isn't needed
- Paraphrasing
- Summarising
- Synthesising
- Integrating ideas with reporting words
- Referencing with Easy Cite
- Getting help with referencing
- Acting with academic integrity
- Artificial intelligence tools
- Understanding your audience
- Writing for coursework
- Literature review
- Academic style
- Writing for the workplace
- Spelling tips
- Writing paragraphs
- Writing sentences
- Academic word lists
- Annotated bibliographies
- Artist statement
- Case studies
- Creating effective poster presentations
- Essays, Reports, Reflective Writing
- Law assessments
- Oral presentations
- Reflective writing
- Art and design
- Critical thinking
- Maths and statistics
- Sustainability
- Educators' guide
- Learning Lab content in context
- Latest updates
- Students Alumni & Giving Staff Library
Learning Lab
Getting started at uni, study skills, referencing.
- When referencing isn't needed
- Integrating ideas
Writing and assessments
- Critical reading
- Poster presentations
- Postgraduate report writing
Subject areas
For educators.
- Educators' guide
- Reports vs essays
Students are sometimes unclear about different genres of assessment tasks.
Students often ask the question "What is the difference between a report and an essay?" This short video explains what a report is in academic writing, how it is used in different situations, and the structure of a report including executive summary, introduction, findings and conclusion.
What is a report?
A report is a piece of writing that tells you about some experience, event, or situation. This could include just doing research on some topic, a practical experiment, some issue that has arisen in a company/organisation, or a system, or even a piece of equipment, maybe.
Reports are often problem-based, but not always. It describes what you have found out, and it goes deeper - it explains and analyses what you have found out. Reports are very structured and there is an expected format. They always have sections and headings.
Have a look at this report outline:
“The aim of this report was to investigate Unilab staff attitudes to the use of mobile phones in staff and team meetings. A staff survey and policies on mobile phone use from a number of similar companies were analysed. There was significant support for a clear company policy on mobile phone use, including their banning in certain situations. The results of this research reflected the findings from similar studies. The report concluded that personal mobile phones should not be turned on during all staff meeting times.”
Most reports have executive summaries. In some disciplines, we call it an “abstract”. They are not the same as the introduction. An executive summary summarises the whole report. That means that there will be a sentence or two representing each section of the report. You always write it after you have completed the full report. Have a look at how the writer summarises each main section in one sentence (refer to executive summary above). As you can see, it’s got a very definite structure drawn from the larger report. It is very different to the introduction which just talks about the broad context, the purpose of the report, and what is going to be covered in the following sections. It gives the reader an idea of what is ahead – it does not give the overview like the executive summary.
The other important sections are the Findings and Discussion. This is where you would describe and then analyse your findings. Your findings will be reporting what you have discovered during your research, or your experiment, or an observation you have made. In the discussion section, you must delve deeper: you have to analyse and make sense of these findings and not just state what they are.
Finally, in the conclusion, you summarise your findings or use your findings or to come out with a more unified understanding or outcome. In some disciplines like business, you might be asked to give solutions or recommendations to overcome a problem that you have noticed. Recommendations might have their own section or be included in the conclusion, too.
For more information about reports, try the tutorials. Thanks for watching!
The table below shows the main differences between reports and essays.
- Provides objective information: Can be constructed collaboratively.
- Highly structured into sections identified using headings.
- Sections can be read in isolation of the most of the text: the reader can dip in and out.
- Objective report and analysis of facts.
- Grounded in practice but often links to theory.
- For a specific audience.
- Includes tables, graphs and diagrams.
- Dot points used for conciseness.
- Presents a particular writer's claim or argument.
- Structured by paragraphing with key points identified in topic sentences.
- Paragraphs are read in the context of the whole: the reader starts at the beginning and reads the entire text.
- Subjective argument or interpretation.
- Grounded in theory but sometimes linked to practice.
- For a generalised audience.
- Meaning is conveyed through text.
- Meaning constructed through sentences.
- Purpose of reports and sources to use
- Overall structure of a report
- Sample report structures
Still can't find what you need?
The RMIT University Library provides study support , one-on-one consultations and peer mentoring to RMIT students.
- Facebook (opens in a new window)
- Twitter (opens in a new window)
- Instagram (opens in a new window)
- Linkedin (opens in a new window)
- YouTube (opens in a new window)
- Weibo (opens in a new window)
- Copyright © 2024 RMIT University |
- Accessibility |
- Learning Lab feedback |
- Complaints |
- ABN 49 781 030 034 |
- CRICOS provider number: 00122A |
- RTO Code: 3046 |
- Open Universities Australia
- LearnHigher Home
- Why is report writing so important?
- Difference between reports and essays
- What makes a good report
- Structure of a report
- How do i critically analyse my findings?
- How do i write clearly and concisely?
- Assess your skills
- Top 3 activities
- Further activities and resources
- Resources for Staff
- Contact LearnHigher
- Video Resources
Differences between reports and essays
A report is a piece of informative writing that describes a set of actions and analyses any results in response to a specific brief. A quick definition might be: “This is what I did and this is what it means.”
You may also have assignments which are not called reports but which are still pieces of informative writing; for instance, some dissertations and project write-ups fall into this category.
A good way to understand the key features of reports is to see how they differ from essays as a type of academic writing.
Reports are… | Essays are… |
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
In a nutshell, Essays are descriptive, subjective and evaluative, whereas, a report is descriptive, objective and analytical. Essays are mainly used in an academic context, whereas reports are preferred in the field of research.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the different nuances between reports and essays, unpacking their key characteristics and offering insights into when and how to utilise each form effectively.
Reports often present data and findings that you have collected yourself, for example through a survey, experiment or case study. Some reports focus on applying theory to your field of work. Essays usually focus on analysing or evaluating theories, past research by other people, and ideas.
An essay is a piece of writing that presents an argument or a point of view on a specific topic. It is typically more subjective and allows the writer to express their thoughts and opinions. On the other hand, a report is a structured document that provides information on a particular subject. It is usually more objective and focuses on ...
In contrast, an essay is a piece of writing that discusses an issue or topic, including a research paper, a business proposal, a term paper, or a personal essay. Technical writing is different from essay writing, but there are some similarities that you should be aware of before you start.
An essay serves as a concise literary composition for presenting and analyzing ideas, while a report is a formal document that communicates research findings. Essays blend subjective analysis with personal ideas, while reports maintain objectivity by relying on past research and current data.
An essay presents arguments and insights on a topic, while a report provides structured information or findings on a specific subject. Key Differences. Essays and reports are two common types of academic writing, each with its own purpose.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENE ETWEEN REPORTS AND ESSAYS? A report is a piece of informative writing that describes a set of actions and analyses any results in response to a specific brief. A quick definition might be: ^This is what I did and this is what it means.
Students often ask the question, What is the difference between a report and an essay? Here we have a helpful summary of the main differences between essays and reports presented in a table and a video.
Differences between reports and essays. A report is a piece of informative writing that describes a set of actions and analyses any results in response to a specific brief. A quick definition might be: “This is what I did and this is what it means.”. You may also have assignments which are not called reports but which are still pieces of ...