writing difference between essay and report

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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.

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.

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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

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Essay vs Report: What Are the Key Differences?

(Last updated: 5 April 2024)

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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.

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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.

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

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Key features of academic reports

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Report vs Essay: A Clear and Complete Comparison of Them

Publish Date: 10 November 2023

Reports and essays are both forms of academic writing. They each serve different purposes and cater to specific audiences. Thus, understanding the differences between them is crucial. This blog post will delve into the differences between reports and essays. Also, we will explore their purposes and structures. Furthermore, we will look at their content and writing styles. And finally, we will look at the situations where each format is usable.

Table of contents

Report vs essay: purpose and audience.

• Report vs Essay: Structural Differences

Report vs Essay: Content and Focus

Report vs essay: writing style and tone, when to use report vs essay.

Before we get into the specifics, look at the purposes and target audiences of reports and essays. Thus, helping us understand the core difference between a report and an essay.

• Purpose of Reports: Reports are documents designed to give out information. Namely, they are usually an analysis or research findings on a particular topic . They aim to inform and persuade. Or, they may provide recommendations to a specific audience. Moreover, reports are often used in a professional or organisational context.
• Purpose of Essays: Essays, on the other hand, are more broad in nature. They usually present various arguments or ideas. Thus, they analyse concepts or interpret information. Essays encourage critical thinking and often involve personal opinions. Therefore, making them a platform for expressing ideas and engaging readers.
• Target Audience for Report vs Essay: Reports usually target decision-makers, stakeholders, or experts in a specific field. Namely, those who need accurate and correct information. However, Essays target a broader audience. Such as, educators, peers, or the general public. Hence, they usually aim to provoke thoughtful discussion and debate.

Structural Differences

To start the comparison, let’s look at how essays are written and how reports are written. Therefore, we can compare how they differ in style and structure.

Report Structure:

Reports follow a structured format. This includes a title page, abstract, introduction, method, findings, conclusion, recommendations, and references. Thus, it ensures a logical flow of information. Therefore, allowing readers to easily understand the research process and outcomes.

Essay Structure:

Essays have a more flexible and varied structure. However, they generally consist of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. There is no fixed rule for the paragraphs in the body. However, essays often present arguments in a structured manner. Additionally, supporting them with evidence and analysis. Furthermore, citations and references are used to show the sources used. Therefore, improving the credibility of the arguments discussed in the essay.

Now, let’s look at the content and focus differences between reports and essays. Hence, understanding the approaches writers take within these two forms of writing.

• Content in Reports: Reports focus on presenting data, analysis, and research findings. They rely on facts, charts, graphs, and tables to support their conclusions. The content in reports is objective. Therefore, it aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the topic under investigation.
• Content in Essays: Essays prioritise arguments, discussions, and understandings. They explore various ideas. Also, they may look at theories or concepts. Additionally, essay writers often give personal opinions on matters. Essays may delve into historical context or case studies to support their claims. Thus, encouraging readers to properly assess the presented information.
• Focus in Reports: Reports maintain a neutral stance. Therefore, focusing on the presentation of information without personal bias. The focus lies on providing accurate data and analysis. In turn, let readers draw their own conclusions based on the evidence.
• Focus in Essays: Essays adopt a biased approach. Hence, encouraging writers to express their opinions and ideas. The focus is on exploring various viewpoints. Namely, engaging with existing writing, and challenging common ideas. Essays invite readers to consider the writer’s perspective and think about the ideas presented.

Moving forward, we will look at the writing styles that are different in reports and essays. Also, we will be diving into the details of language and expression within each.

• Writing Style in Reports: Reports use a formal and clear writing style. Hence, the language used is technical and straightforward. Thus, making sure of clarity and precision in giving out information. Furthermore, passive voice is often preferred in reports to maintain an impersonal tone.
• Writing Style in Essays: Essays exhibit a formal to semi-formal writing style. This is characterised by analytical and persuasive language. Moreover, writers craft their sentences carefully by employing language devices. Thus, improving the persuasiveness of their arguments. Active voice is common in essays. Thus, allowing writers to convey their ideas in a more personal and direct way.
• Tone Differences in Report vs Essay: The tone in reports remains neutral and free of personal opinions or emotions. The focus is on providing information without influencing the reader’s judgment.

Here, we will discuss the situations where reports and essays should be used in place of each other. Thus, guiding writers on when to opt for one over the other.

• Situations Where Reports are Preferred: Reports are preferred in analytics and academic research. They are ideal for research findings, market analyses, or financial data. Furthermore, they are usually meant for those who need detailed and factual information. Namely, people like stakeholders, managers, or field experts. 
• Situations Where Essays are Preferred: Essays find their place in personal writing. Writings such as literary analyses and philosophical ideas. Additionally, they are useful when looking at abstract concepts and literary works. Also, they are useful for debating social issues or sharing personal opinions. Essays invite readers to engage in thinking. Thus, making them suitable for educational purposes.
• Choosing the Appropriate Format: Choosing between a report and an essay depends on the purpose of the communication. Is the goal to inform professionals, decision-makers, or experts? If so, a report would be the appropriate choice due to its structured and factual nature. However, if the aim is to provoke thought, stimulate discussion, or present personal viewpoints, an essay would be the preferred format. Thus, allowing for a more exploratory and engaging approach.

In short, reports are like detailed and organised summaries. Thus, making them great for serious topics and professional settings. Meanwhile, essays are more like personal conversations. Thus, making them perfect for expressing ideas and opinions in a friendly way. Knowing when to use each one helps you share your thoughts better. So, keep this in mind for the next time. Happy Writing!

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Core Differences

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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

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.

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What is the Difference Between Essays and Reports?

Published by Alaxendra Bets at August 19th, 2021 , Revised On August 23, 2023

What is the difference between essays and reports? Report writing is a specialised skill that your academic tutor would like you to develop.

Whether you are writing a report in university or business, report writing skills are equally important to get your message across to the readers effectively.

Generally, your academic tutor decides what form of writing you must undertake and will provide the layout requirements in the assignment brief.

However, as you move towards university-level study, you will have the freedom of choice to decide what form of writing you must undertake to address the problem question .

This means that you will need a critical evaluation of what form of writing will be the most appropriate for you, considering a given academic assignment’s requirements.

Whether you are a student or a professional, it is important to understand the key differences between an  essay and a report to work out why you should prefer one form of writing over the other.

This article lists the most notable differences between a report and an essay, so whenever you are unsure about which form of writing is the most suitable, you will know exactly what decision is right or wrong.

Difference Between Essays and Reports – Purpose

Purpose of a report.

Typically you will be  asked to write a report  if you must present an  analysis of practical research results. All reports start with the topic background, research aim, and objectives to provide details of what your work will examine.

You may also include a  hypothesis  in your report if you are testing a proposition with your research. Depending on your topic’s nature and the report writing guidelines laid out by your tutor, you may also have to include a separate section for future recommendations in your report.

Purpose of an Essay

On the other hand, Essays find answers to a question using the researcher’s own critical evaluation of the existing theories. An essay does not directly include any practical research because it only uses the existing literature material.

Difference Between Essays and Reports – Content

The report starts with introducing the topic and lists the aim and objectives your practical research will address.

It quickly moves to report chronological actions such as gathering data and presenting findings from primary research activities and laboratory experiments before the writer finally provides an assessment of the results in the conclusion  and recommendations for future sections.

The  content of an essay  depends on the  essay question  you need to answer. Whether your essay must be evaluative,  argumentative ,  narrative , discursive, or descriptive  will be determined by the nature of your essay question.

However, in general, all essays involve a synthesis of knowledge obtained from existing literature on the given question and the writer’s personal arguments and opinions based on the evidence collected during research.

Whether you have been asked to write an essay or a report, ResearchProspect writers can help you achieve the highest academic grade. We have a large team of academic writers who can meet every bit of your requirements regardless of your academic level and the academic subject.

Difference Between Essays and Reports – Formatting

A report and an essay format are similar as both include an  introduction ,  main body , and  conclusion sections. Reports include methodology and analysis in the main body and have a fixed structure.

It is recommended to check your school’s formatting guidelines if you are unsure how to format your report. Further, you can get our professional report writing service that will help you achieve your desired grades.

If you are writing an essay, the essay question’s critical evaluation will determine the  structure you must follow in your essay.

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Difference Between Essays and Reports in a Table

Despite describing these differences, it may not be easy to distinguish between an essay and a report. For example , in some academic disciplines, essays are structured like reports, with headings separating the different parts of an essay. The best practice regarding the style and format suitable to your academic discipline would be to consult your academic tutor.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do you differentiate between an essay or a report.

An essay is a concise piece of writing that presents an argument, opinion, or analysis with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. A report is a structured document that conveys information, often including data, findings, and recommendations, typically with headings, sections, and sometimes visual aids.

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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

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Report Writing: Differences between reports and essays

• What's in this guide
• Elements of a report

Differences between reports and essays

• Steps to writing a report

What is a report? 

The main purpose for a report is to be informative. .

• The biggest difference between reports and essays is the structure used
• An essay is usually written in continuous text, but a report is broken into sections
• Essays discuss ideas, but reports present the information that is available on a subject
• The purpose of an essay is to make a convincing argument for a position, or discuss opinions, but a report outlines facts and figures and may give recommendations.

A report has:

1.  Defined structure:  information is organised under headings

2.  Independent sections: a report contains stand-alone sections, to which a reader can refer selectively

3.  Unbiased conclusions:  reports are written objectively

For some subjects, you may have a more specific report structure, such as a lab report, or a business report.  Most reports follow a section and sub-section structure.  The challenge is to arrange the information in a way that is easy to follow. 

Your report will have a specific purpose and audience, which will influence how you arrange the information to communicate clearly.  Read carefully through your assessment question to make sure you are following the expected structure, including the right content, and incorporating the right sections. 

Acknowledgements

The information in this guide has been adapted (with permission) from the University of Newcastle Library guide to report writing

Images sourced from Unsplash.com , by RawPixel

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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.

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The purpose of an essay

When we write an essay we are often looking at topics in depth. The essay may voice an opinion, or explain something in detail. The essay may include arguments or counter arguments or offer solutions to problems.Tthere are many different ways to approach writing an essay.  The purpose of an essay is to provide a detailed insight in to an aspect of a topic.

The purpose of a report

A report often discusses the results of a practical investigation. For example a report could discuss an experiment and its results or discuss  research that has been undertaken.  The purpose of a report is to help people to find the information they need quickly . For example they may need to see the results of an experiment but not want to know how it was carried out.

The common structure of an essay

An essay has the following structure: introduction,  main body of the essay and conclusion. Each part of the essay is written in paragraphs. It is not common practice to use headings within an essay. The paragraphs within the essay should link together clearly as the reader is going to be reading every section. This can be done by trying to link each paragraph to the other.

The common structure of a report

Reports often include the following features:

A list of contents -  this shows your reader where  they can find the exact information they are looking for.

An abstract  -  an abstract is a brief summary of the report journal article or research. It usually outlines its purpose, methodology and findings ( results)

An introduction - h ere you say what you are going to be discussing in the report and why the report is important .

A literature review -  this shows what you have read before completing your report.

Methodology -  this explains what you did and how you did it

The results  - here you present your findings

Discussion - i n this section you discuss your results.

Conclusions -  here you say what the report has shown and what you think could be learnt from the report.  

Recommendations -  often a report will include your recommendations - what you think should be done next having considered the results.

The main differences between a report and an essay

Reports are divided into many sections  whereas essays have three main sections divided into paragraphs.

Reports include an abstract,  essays do not.

Reports can use bullet points,  essays do not.

Reports can use subheadings  for each of the sections, it is rare for essays to have subheadings.

Reports often include graphs and tables , essays do not.

Similarities between report writing and essay writing

Both use a formal style-  this means that we don't use shortened words, we remember we are writing for an academic audience, we don't use slang, and we write in sentences,  using a formal style.

Both avoid sounding personal -  in academic writing it is important to  sound objective . This means that you don't try to sway your reader with your own opinions and viewpoints but you put your points across using proof and evidence. With this in mind, in reports and essay writing personal pronouns (Example: I) should be avoided.

Both need to be clear-  whatever you are writing it is important that you make your writing clear. In both reports and essays an introduction will be included to show the purpose of the piece of work, and a conclusion to sum up the key points. The main body of both texts should be written in a logical well ordered way.

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Home » Language » Difference Between Essay and Report

Difference Between Essay and Report

Main difference – essay vs report.

Essay and report writing is an area that confuses many people .  Despite having some similarities, they both are written in different styles. Both Essays and Reports must be written in a formal academic style while carefully checking grammar, spelling, and presentations. There are some common features in essay and report writing as both start with an introduction, body with discussions and analysis, and finally conclusions that demonstrate writer’s analytical thinking ability. However, there are some significant differences between Essays and Reports, and writers should be well aware of these differences before starting to write. The main difference between these two types of writings is their purpose ; an essay presents writer’s personal ideas and opinions about a certain topic while a report provides unbiased information about a certain issue.

What is an Essay

Essay is a piece of writing that describes, analyzes and evaluates a certain topic or an issue . An essay generally contains a combination of facts, statistics and writer’s personal view and opinions. An  essay can be categorized into various types, depending on the nature of the title and the style of the author. Descriptive, Narrative, Argumentative, Persuasive, and Expository are some of these types of Essays. Though there is no strict format for essay writing, an essay generally includes an introduction, body, and conclusion. Essays are mostly used in the field of Education and are usually about academic subjects.

What are the Different Types of Essays

How to write an essay, what is a report.

A report is a systematic, well-organised document that defines and analyses a certain issue or a problem . The primary aim of a report is to provide information. A report is divided into several sections, headings, and sub-headings. A report is divided into sections in this manner so that anyone can scan the document and find quickly, the specific information he/she needs. Reports are used in different fields, and various types of reports written for different purposes can be found in our day to day life. Reports are generally written for practical purposes. Academic reports, Business reports, Laboratory reports are examples of such reports. Another significant feature that can be observed in a report is that the writer indicates recommendations,  solutions to the issue at the end of the report. Graphs, tables, sentences in bullet points can also be used in report writing.

Let us now look at the difference between essay and report separately. One of the main difference between essay and report is the purpose. An essay is written to present writer’s personal ideas and opinions while a report is written to provide information about a certain issue. Another significant difference between essay and report is the format. A report is divided into sections, headings, and sub-headings, but an essay is never divided into sections and headings; it has interconnecting paragraphs. The conclusion of a report is unbiased and recommendations are provided at the end while the conclusion of an essay depends heavily on the opinion of the author. A report contains graphs and tables while an essay rarely contains graphs and tables. An appendix can be attached to the report for further reference. One of the most efficient features of a report, is that  the information can be found quickly by scanning the headings and sections but, in an essay, it is difficult to find a specific information without reading the whole essay.

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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.

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How does an essay differ from a report?

Essays and reports differ in terms of  layout and focus

Essays traditionally, don’t have headings; instead writers develop and sustain an extended argument throughout the text, moving from logically connected paragraphs to create a text that makes sense to the reader. Nowadays it is fairly common for students to use headings and sub-headings in essays if it makes sense to do so. However, your lecturer may have a layout preference for essays without headings, so if you're not sure check with your lecturer or module handbook.

Reports are divided into sections with headings and sub-headings so that the reader can find specific information easily. Business reports often present information visually using graphs, tables and diagrams. Your module handbook will often give you a structure to follow.

An essay tends to focus on concepts, issues and/or theory. The focus of a report is more concrete: the report looks at an issue in a real-world context. Essays, especially business essays, often use real-world examples to illustrate a concept or theory but a conceptual, or abstract, idea is the focus. Business reports often focus on a case study organisation and draw on relevant literature to understand the company.

However essays and reports are similar in many ways. They both:

• Require  critical reading of relevant literature
• Integrate ideas from the  literature into the text
• Demonstrate  critical analysis
• Have a clear structure, written in paragraphs
• Are written in an  academic style
• Cite and reference sources using  Harvard

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Table of Content

Advantages of Essays:

Advantages of reports:, quality content:, thorough research:, structured writing:, editing and proofreading:, customization:.

When it comes to academic writing, understanding the difference between " Essay vs Report " is crucial. These two forms may seem similar initially, but each has unique characteristics and purposes. Therefore, it is important to grasp the differences, as you'll be better equipped to decide when to use an essay or a report for your writing tasks.

In this blog, we'll delve into the critical disparities between a "report vs essay" to help you with this academic writing more effectively. We'll break down their specific features so that you have a clear understanding of how to choose between an essay and a report and meet their respective requirements. So, if you are aiming for top grades, this guide will empower you to write confidently in both styles. But before that, you should know the meaning of essay and report.

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Meaning of Essay and Report

Academic essays and academic reports are two distinct forms of academic writing that serve different purposes and have different structures. Here are the key differences between an  essay vs report :

This academic writing allows you to express your opinions on a particular topic. Essays are more flexible and subjective, emphasizing critical thinking, and the use of supporting evidence to back up the writer's claims. Moreover, they are frequently used to explore complex ideas, engage in academic discourse, and develop writing skills. In case of difficulty, you can always pay for essay  to experts.

These are structured and objective documents that present factual information and findings on a specific topic. Unlike essays, reports are more focused on providing information rather than presenting personal opinions or arguments. These are often based on research, investigation, or data analysis.

Understanding the meaning of both essay vs report can help you approach each type of writing appropriately and effectively.However, if you need assistance with either form, you can ask, “Can you  write my essay for me  or report? Now, let's further check out the advantages of writing these tasks.

Advantages of Essay and Report in Academics

In school or college, when you have to write things, there are two significant ways to do it: essays and reports. They each have their good sides, and it's essential to understand the strengths of "essay vs report " in academics. In this part, we will look at the advantages of using essays and reports for your college work. Let's see why essays and reports are excellent and how they can help you improve in universities.

Here are the advantages of essay in academics that you need to know:

• Expressiv e : Essays, in the context of essay vs report, enable writers to express their thoughts, opinions, and analyses on a topic, fostering creativity and critical thinking. They provide a platform to present arguments persuasively and engage readers.
• Flexibility : Essays offer flexibility in structure and content, allowing writers to adapt their approach based on the topic and purpose, you may require  essay help . This versatility enables the exploration of complex ideas and encourages individual writing styles.
• Personal Development : Writing essays enhances various skills such as research, critical thinking, organization, and communication. It helps writers develop their ability to articulate ideas, analyze information, and construct logical arguments.
• Academic Discourse : Essays contribute to academic discourse by facilitating discussions and debates on various subjects. They encourage scholars to engage with existing research, challenge ideas, and contribute to the body of knowledge.

Now, as you know, the advantages of writing an academic essay. Let's discuss some advantages of report writing, to know the difference between report vs essay more clearly.

Here are the advantages of report writing in academics that you need to learn:

• Accuracy : Reports prioritize objectivity and provide accurate and reliable information. They present data, research findings, and evidence-based conclusions, making them valuable for decision-making and informing actions.
• Structure Clarity : Reports follow a structured format, making them easy to navigate and comprehend, whether for professional communication or presenting research findings. It allows readers to locate specific information quickly.
• Professional Communication : Reports are commonly used in professional and scientific contexts to communicate research findings, project outcomes, or business insights. They provide a concise and standardized way to present complex information.
• Evidence-Based : Reports aid evidence-based decision-making by systematically presenting data and research findings. They help students assess the validity and reliability of information.

It's important to note that the advantages mentioned above, in the context of  essay vs report , can offer a great help in your academics. Both essays and reports have unique strengths and serve different purposes in academia and professional settings. Let's move forward to understand the differences between the academic writing tasks.

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Difference Between Essay and Report

Remember that these distinctions can vary based on specific academic requirements or disciplines, so it's important to refer to your guidelines for precise instructions on structuring your essay vs report. However, if you are still struggling with writing any of these academic writing tasks, then it is best to seek help from experts and learn how to write a report  or an essay. Check out the below section to know how our experts can help you.

How Our Experts Can Help You?

At Assignment Desk, our expertise in e ssay v s r eport  writing can be invaluable to individuals seeking academic or professional assistance. By leveraging our skills, you can access comprehensive, well-researched, and expertly crafted essays and reports on a wide range of topics. Our "Report Writing Services" can help clients save time, reduce stress, and achieve better grades or outcomes. Here's how we can assist:

We deliver high-quality, original content tailored to your specific requirements, adhering to academic standards and guidelines for both "Essays" and "Reports."

We conduct in-depth research, compile relevant data, and cite sources properly to support arguments and claims in both essays and reports.

We ensure a clear, logical structure for essays, and appropriate headings, subheadings, and sections for reports.

We review and refine content for grammar, spelling, and formatting errors, enhancing the overall clarity and coherence of the work in both essay vs report.

Our experts tailor each piece to individual needs, respecting specific guidelines, formats, and deadlines for both essays and reports.

Our experts can be a valuable resource for those seeking help with " Essay Vs Report " writing. Also, we offer them the opportunity to excel in their academic or professional endeavors through our specialized report writing services  that you can get help with.I hope we have resolved your query and you would seek assistance in case you are still in dilemma.

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What is the difference between an essay and a report.

Reports are typically used to present the findings from a particular project, experiment, or investigation in a systematic way. Essays are used to develop a discussion of a topic or build an argument.

Reports present information in a different way from an essay. Whilst essays are generally quite fluid in terms of structure, enabling the author to explore a topic through a series of paragraphs, a report will be highly structured with section headings and subheadings that have a clear function. Reports often use tables, bullet points and graphics to present information.

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Difference Between Essay and Report

Essays and reports are both common types of written assignments that students are required to complete in school. However, there are some key differences between the two that you should be aware of.

Here is a comparison table that summarizes the main differences between essays and reports:

Essays are typically shorter than reports and are more focused on the author’s perspective and argument. Reports, on the other hand, are longer and are more focused on presenting information objectively.

Table of Contents

What is Essay?

An essay is a piece of writing that presents the author’s argument or point of view on a particular topic. It is typically longer than a paragraph, but shorter than a full-length book. Essays are often written in a formal, academic style and may be structured with an introduction, body, and conclusion.

In an essay, the author’s own perspective and opinion are important and are often the main focus of the piece. The purpose of an essay is to express an opinion, persuade the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint, or argue a point. Essays may be written on a wide range of topics and may take on various forms, such as narrative, descriptive, expository, or persuasive.

What is Report?

A report is a written document that presents information about a particular subject. Reports are often longer than essays and are more focused on presenting information objectively. They are typically written in a formal, academic style and may be structured with an introduction, body, and conclusion.

The purpose of a report is to present information, explain a particular subject, or describe something in detail. Reports may be written on a wide range of topics and may take on various forms, such as investigative, technical, or business reports.

Reports may include information from research, experiments, or other sources, and may be accompanied by charts, tables, and other visual aids to help illustrate the information being presented.

Main Key Difference Between Essay and Report

Here are some main differences between essays and reports:

• Essays are pieces of writing that present the author’s own argument or point of view on a particular topic.
• Reports are pieces of writing that present information about a particular subject.
• Both essays and reports typically have an introduction, body, and conclusion.
• Essays are typically written in a personal, subjective tone and may express the author’s opinion or perspective on a topic.
• Reports are typically written in an impersonal, objective tone and are focused on presenting information rather than expressing personal opinions.
• Essays can vary in length, but are generally shorter than reports.
• Reports are typically longer than essays.
• The purpose of an essay is to express an opinion, persuade the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint, or argue a point.
• The purpose of a report is to present information, explain a particular subject, or describe something in detail.
• Both essays and reports are typically written in a formal, academic style.

Here are a few ideas for writing a unique conclusion for a blog post:

• Recap the main points of the post and emphasize the key takeaways for the reader.
• Ask a thought-provoking question that encourages the reader to reflect on the topic and engage with the content in a deeper way.
• Share a personal story or anecdote that relates to the topic of the post and adds a personal touch to the conclusion.
• Offer a call to action, such as inviting readers to leave a comment or share their own experiences related to the topic.
• Offer additional resources or further reading suggestions for readers who want to learn more about the topic.
• End with a quote or a piece of advice that sums up the post and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Sajius Islam is a creative writer who enjoys Blog & Content Writing. He received his Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) degree from Guwahati University, Guwahati. He loves spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and exploring new cultures.

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Report structure and tips

The following guide has been created for you by the  Student Learning Advisory Service . For more detailed guidance and to speak to one of our advisers, please book an  appointment  or join one of our  workshops . Alternatively, have a look at our  SkillBuilder  skills videos.   

Reports are formal documents which can include headings, sub-headings, numbered sections, bullet point text, and graphics such as flow charts, diagrams or graphs. All of these devices may be used to help the reader navigate the report and understand its content.

A report is likely to include some or all of these elements, typically ordered as follows:

Title page: clearly identifying the subject of the report and the author Acknowledgements: naming third parties who have helped create the document Executive summary: an abbreviated, stand-alone overview of the report. Similar to the abstract of a journal article Contents page: allowing the reader to find their way quickly to sections of interest. This may or may not also include a table of figures or tables Introduction: outlining the main context, aims and objectives of the report Background information: anything essential to a full understanding of the report Methodology: describing how the report’s objectives were met or how the research was conducted Findings: what the report found Analysis: what these findings mean; their relevance and importance Conclusion: summarising the key things the report learned or established Recommendations: suggestions for action based on the report’s findings Bibliography: a full list of sources used to compile the report Appendices: containing supplementary information referred to in the report Glossary: definitions of technical terms used in the report

Common requirements

Different types of report – from technical reports to business reports - can vary widely in length, format and function. However, with every report:

Objectives: should be clearly defined Structure: should be logical and easy to navigate Writing: should be clear, succinct, and easy to understand Evidence: should support all conclusions made

Report writing tips

• Often, reports are written about a collaborative project. If this is the case, make sure you know who is doing what and how the report will come together, including timeframes. Make sure to include time to share the report with the rest of the team before it is ‘published’, and that any requirements from external stakeholders or project partners are clearly outlined and factored in
• Before you start writing, clarify the aims, structure and content of your report
• Write in the 3rd person (This report will show…) to emphasise your objectivity
• Use clear, formal language, avoiding slang, jargon and contractions such as don’t or can’t
• Write sections as and when you are able, not necessarily in order of appearance
• Have a system of version control (numbered drafts)
• Write freely, whilst allowing time for editing and proof-reading later
• Keep the report’s title in mind, and stay focussed on fulfilling its objectives
• Each finding should have a conclusion; each leading to a recommendation

Report writing in the sciences

• Writing in a scientific context This resource offers an introduction to writing in an engineering or scientific context, offering an outline of some of the most common conventions in technical writing . 
• Structure and content of lab reports This resource offers an introduction to structuring and writing both simple and extended lab reports .  
• Writing for publication in the biosciences This resource presents guidelines on getting published in Molecular Microbiology .

FAQs: Academic Skills

What is the difference between an essay and a report.

Essays differ from reports in a number of ways:

• Essays require the writer to argue, defend or justify a point of view with respect to a particular topic or question.  
• An essay includes an introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion.
• In essays, headings are not normally used, so each new idea needs to be introduced within the paragraph structure.
• In essays, bullet points and short phrases should be avoided.  Each new sentence should link to the previous one and each paragraph should link to the previous or next one. 
• A Report is used to provide concise information, and in some cases, opinions on a specific subject.
• A report usually includes an executive summary, introduction, body paragraphs, a conclusion and recommendations. However, report structure and format may vary depending on the intended audience. Please consult your assessment brief or learning facilitator if you are unsure.
• Each section has a heading.
• The recommendations may be listed in bullet point format.
• Academic Success
• Assessments
• Last Updated Apr 30, 2024
• Answered By Library Torrens

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What is the difference between Essay and Report?

Essay is "a short piece of writing on a particular subject." based on Oxford Dictionaries definition

However I don't know exactly what a report is. is it "information about something:"( https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/report )?

what is the difference between them especially in academia

• 3 The dictionaries aren't particularly informative here, but there's a bunch of information online if you search for "essay vs. report". The specifics may vary, but usually an essay is a continuous piece of prose presenting an argument, while a report presents information and can include things like bullet points, tables and charts. –  Maciej Stachowski Commented Mar 19, 2021 at 22:43
• 1 visit Wikipedia if you desire more detail en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essay and en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Report –  Mari-Lou A Commented Mar 19, 2021 at 23:02
• I suggest you edit the question and ask the question you really want the answer to. Should the past tense be always used in a report, and if so, why? –  Mari-Lou A Commented Mar 19, 2021 at 23:13

2 Answers 2

Briefly, an essay is often a piece of writing where the author is discussing a statement or presenting a point of view. In schools it is usually formal and factual, but the student gets the opportunity to express their opinion as long as it is supported with valid examples and data.

On the other hand, a report is a collection of facts, data, and often involves the results of a survey or questionnaire. It should be formal and neutral and presented in such a way that the reader finds the relevant pieces of information as quickly and as easily as possible.

• aren't both of them a collection of facts and data and formal so what is the difference? –  pobig43001 Commented Mar 19, 2021 at 22:54
• I thought I said the author can express their opinion in an essay. It is a freer piece of writing but not as free as an article. –  Mari-Lou A Commented Mar 19, 2021 at 22:56
• do reports always use past tense since they are collections of facts, data and often involve surveys or questionnaire? –  pobig43001 Commented Mar 19, 2021 at 22:58
• It depends on the author. If they want to represent information that is relevant to "now" by using the present tense it should be possible –  Mari-Lou A Commented Mar 19, 2021 at 23:00
• I found these ( answers.com/Q/Is_a_report_written_in_past_tense ) ( quora.com/Is-a-report-written-in-past-tense ) and that they should be written in past tense and it is confusing to me to be honest –  pobig43001 Commented Mar 19, 2021 at 23:07

"Report" is more general than "essay" and can have a wider range of connotations or implications, so it may need more adjectives or context around it as compared with an essay, for the listener's understanding. An essay is most often understood to be a relatively short piece of writing on a certain topic, while a report can be spoken, written, short, long, and so on. Reports have a wider range of usage than essays, which are commonly found in academic or literary contexts. Reports are common in media, institutions, scientific contexts, organizations, and so on.

• you can also write an essay more generally? I mean I am still confused, what is the real difference since I see none. –  pobig43001 Commented Mar 20, 2021 at 17:11
• An essay can fulfil the purpose of a report and vice versa. The word essay is just more specific than a report. –  Rubrud Commented Mar 20, 2021 at 17:27
• so they are the same thing? –  pobig43001 Commented Mar 20, 2021 at 17:28
• "Report" has multiple meanings. So they can mean the same thing if you're using "report" to describe an essay that fulfils the purpose of a report. –  Rubrud Commented Mar 20, 2021 at 17:29
• @Ruburd but what is the difference for instance "formal report" and "essay" what is the difference ? –  pobig43001 Commented Mar 20, 2021 at 17:41

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