Essay vs. Report: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 6, 2024
Essays are structured arguments or discussions written in a personal or academic style, while Reports present factual information in a structured, formal format.
Key Differences
An Essay focuses on presenting an argument, opinion, or viewpoint, often reflecting the author's personal perspective or analysis. Reports, in contrast, emphasize factual and objective information, often used for business, science, or technical subjects.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
The structure of an Essay includes an introduction, body, and conclusion, forming a cohesive narrative or argument. Reports follow a more rigid structure: an introduction, methodology, findings, and conclusion, often accompanied by subsections and bullet points.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
In Essays, the writing style is typically more descriptive, exploratory, and subjective, allowing for a personal tone. Reports require a formal, concise, and objective style, focusing on clarity and precision.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
The purpose of an Essay is to explore a topic, express thoughts, and engage readers in a discussion. Reports aim to provide clear and organized information, analysis, or findings for a specific audience.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
Essays are common in academic settings, where personal insight and critical thinking are emphasized. Reports are often used in professional settings, where clear communication of facts and data is essential.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Structure
Introduction, body, conclusion
Introduction, methodology, findings, conclusion
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
Writing Style
Descriptive, exploratory, subjective
Formal, concise, objective
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
Purpose
Explore topics, express thoughts
Provide organized information, analysis
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Essay and Report Definitions
Essay
A written composition where you express a specific idea and then support it with facts, statements, analysis, and explanations.
The essay required thorough research and evidence to support her point.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 17, 2023
Report
An official document that presents facts and information systematically.
The annual financial report was published by the company.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 17, 2023
Essay
A short piece of writing on a particular subject.
She wrote an essay on Shakespearean comedy.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 17, 2023
Report
A formal record of the progress, status, or outcome of a matter under consideration.
The project manager submitted a progress report every month.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 17, 2023
Essay
An attempt or effort at writing about something.
His first essay into novel writing was a success.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 17, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Report
A document that presents data and information for a specific audience and purpose.
She wrote a report summarizing the market research findings.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 17, 2023
Essay
A literary composition on a single subject, usually presenting the personal view of the author.
Her essay on climate change was highly praised.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 17, 2023
Report
A formal account of the proceedings or transactions of a group
A company's annual report.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Essay
A short literary composition on a single subject, usually presenting the personal view of the author.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
A spoken or written account of an event, usually presented in detail
A news report.
Reports of children getting food poisoning.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
A person who is accountable or subordinate to another person within a company or organization
A manager with two reports.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Essay
A testing or trial of the value or nature of a thing
An essay of the students' capabilities.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
Reports(Law) Bound volumes containing the published court opinions in legal cases, intended to provide a reference for precedents in subsequent cases.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Essay
(authorship) A written composition of moderate length, exploring a particular issue or subject.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
To make or present an official or formal account of
The study reported a decline in heart disease. The audit reports that the company lost money.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
To write or provide an account or summation of for publication or broadcast
Report the news.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
To tell about the presence or occurrence of
A burglar was reported in the area.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
To relate or tell, especially from personal experience
They reported that fallen tree limbs were blocking the road.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
To submit or relate the results of considerations concerning
The committee reported the bill.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Essay
An effort made, or exertion of body or mind, for the performance of anything; a trial; attempt; as, to make an essay to benefit a friend.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
To complain about or denounce
Reported the students to the principal.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Essay
A composition treating of any particular subject; - usually shorter and less methodical than a formal, finished treatise; as, an essay on the life and writings of Homer; an essay on fossils, or on commerce.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Essay
To exert one's power or faculties upon; to make an effort to perform; to attempt; to endeavor; to make experiment or trial of; to try.
What marvel if I thus essay to sing?
Essaying nothing she can not perform.
A danger lest the young enthusiast . . . should essay the impossible.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
To serve as a reporter for a publication, broadcasting company, or other news media.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
To be accountable or subordinate to someone
She reports directly to the board of directors.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
(transitive) To repeat (something one has heard), to retell; to pass on, convey (a message, information etc.).
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Essay
Make an effort or attempt;
He tried to shake off his fears
The infant had essayed a few wobbly steps
The police attempted to stop the thief
He sought to improve himself
She always seeks to do good in the world
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
To take oneself (to someone or something) for guidance or support; to appeal.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Essay
Put to the test, as for its quality, or give experimental use to;
This approach has been tried with good results
Test this recipe
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
To notify someone of (particular intelligence, suspicions, illegality, misconduct etc.); to make notification to relevant authorities; to submit a formal report of.
For insurance reasons, I had to report the theft to the local police station.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Essay
A piece of academic writing that argues for or against a particular point.
His essay argued for more environmental regulations.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 17, 2023
Report
(transitive) To make a formal statement, especially of complaint, about (someone).
If you do that again I'll report you to the boss.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
(intransitive) To show up or appear at an appointed time; to present oneself.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
(ambitransitive) To write news reports (for); to cover as a journalist or reporter.
Andrew Marr reports now on more in-fighting at Westminster.
Every newspaper reported the war.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
(intransitive) To be accountable to or subordinate to (someone) in a hierarchy; to receive orders from (someone); to give official updates to (someone who is above oneself in a hierarchy).
The financial director reports to the CEO.
Now that I've been promoted, I report to Benjamin, whom I loathe.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
To return or present as the result of an examination or consideration of any matter officially referred.
The committee reported the bill with amendments, or reported a new bill, or reported the results of an inquiry.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
To take minutes of (a speech, the doings of a public body, etc.); to write down from the lips of a speaker.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
A piece of information describing, or an account of certain events given or presented to someone, with the most common adpositions being by (referring to creator of the report) and on (referring to the subject).
A report by the telecommunications ministry on the phone network revealed a severe capacity problem.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
An employee whose position in a corporate hierarchy is below that of a particular manager.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
To refer.
Baldwin, his son, . . . succeeded his father; so like unto him that we report the reader to the character of King Almeric, and will spare the repeating his description.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
To bring back, as an answer; to announce in return; to relate, as what has been discovered by a person sent to examine, explore, or investigate; as, a messenger reports to his employer what he has seen or ascertained; the committee reported progress.
There is no man that may reporten all.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
To give an account of; to relate; to tell; to circulate publicly, as a story; as, in the common phrase, it is reported.
It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
To give an official account or statement of; as, a treasurer reports the receipts and expenditures.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
To return or present as the result of an examination or consideration of any matter officially referred; as, the committee reported the bill witth amendments, or reported a new bill, or reported the results of an inquiry.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
To make minutes of, as a speech, or the doings of a public body; to write down from the lips of a speaker.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
To write an account of for publication, as in a newspaper; as, to report a public celebration or a horse race.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
To make a statement of the conduct of, especially in an unfavorable sense; as, to report a servant to his employer.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
To make a report, or response, in respect of a matter inquired of, a duty enjoined, or information expected; as, the committee will report at twelve o'clock.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
To furnish in writing an account of a speech, the proceedings at a meeting, the particulars of an occurrence, etc., for publication.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
To present one's self, as to a superior officer, or to one to whom service is due, and to be in readiness for orders or to do service; also, to give information, as of one's address, condition, etc.; as, the officer reported to the general for duty; to report weekly by letter.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
That which is reported.
It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom.
Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and . . . of good report among all the nation of the Jews.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
Rapport; relation; connection; reference.
The corridors worse, having no report to the wings they join to.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
A written document describing the findings of some individual or group;
This accords with the recent study by Hill and Dale
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
A short account of the news;
The report of his speech
The story was on the 11 o'clock news
The account of his speech that was given on the evening news made the governor furious
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
The act of informing by verbal report;
He heard reports that they were causing trouble
By all accounts they were a happy couple
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
A sharp explosive sound (especially the sound of a gun firing);
They heard a violent report followed by silence
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
A written evaluation of a student's scholarship and deportment;
His father signed his report card
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
An essay (especially one written as an assignment);
He got an A on his composition
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
The general estimation that the public has for a person;
He acquired a reputation as an actor before he started writing
He was a person of bad report
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
To give an account or representation of in words;
Discreet Italian police described it in a manner typically continental
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
Announce as the result of an investigation, or announce something to the proper authorities;
Dozens of incidents of wife beatings are reported daily in this city
The team reported significant advances in their research
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
Make known to the authorities;
One student reported the other to the principal
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
Be responsible for reporting the details of, as in journalism;
Snow reported on China in the 1950's
The cub reporter covered New York City
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
Complain about; make a charge against;
I reported her to the superviser
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Report
A written account or description of the findings of an investigation or analysis.
The scientist presented a report on the experiment's results.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 17, 2023
Report
A detailed account or statement about an event or situation.
The journalist filed a report on the political situation.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 17, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can Essays include personal opinions?
Yes, essays often reflect the author's personal perspective or analysis.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
What is the main goal of a Report?
To provide factual, structured, and objective information or analysis.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
Are Reports subjective or objective?
Reports are objective, focusing on factual and systematic presentation of information.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
What is the typical structure of an Essay?
Essays usually have an introduction, body, and conclusion forming a cohesive narrative.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
How do I conclude an essay effectively?
A strong conclusion summarizes the main points, restates the thesis, and leaves the reader with a thought-provoking final statement.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
Do reports require citations and references?
Yes, reports typically include citations and a list of references to acknowledge sources and provide credibility to the information presented.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
How is a Report structured?
Reports have a more rigid structure, including sections like introduction, methodology, and findings.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
Should Reports be written in a specific style?
Yes, reports require a formal, concise, and objective style.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
Where are Essays commonly used?
Essays are commonly used in academic settings for exploring and discussing topics.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
What is the primary purpose of an Essay?
To present an argument, opinion, or personal viewpoint on a subject.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
What is the difference between a report and an essay?
Reports are typically more factual and objective, presenting information and findings, whereas essays involve analysis and argumentation.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
Is the writing style in Essays formal or informal?
Essays can range from formal to informal, often allowing for a personal tone.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
What is the difference between an essay and a research paper?
An essay presents the author's perspective and analysis, while a research paper is based on in-depth research and includes citations from various sources.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
How do I write an effective executive summary for a report?
An executive summary should provide a concise overview of the report's main points and findings, helping readers grasp the content quickly.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
Is there a specific format for writing a report?
Reports often follow a standard format, including headings and subheadings, to ensure clarity and organization.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
Can I use personal pronouns in an essay?
Depending on the essay's style (e.g., academic or personal), you may or may not use personal pronouns like "I" and "we."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 06, 2024
Share this page
Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Hifza Nasir
Shumaila Saeed
