What is the difference between an essay and a report?
Answer
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.