differences between an essay and a report

• 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

• How it works

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.

Stuck on a report writing assignment? We can help!

Our report writing service Features:

• Expert UK Writers
• Plagiarism-free
• Timely Delivery
• Thorough Research
• Rigorous Quality Control

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.

Learn More About Our Essay Services Order Now

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.

You May Also Like

An expository essay requires the writer to take a balanced approach to the subject matter rather than justifying a particular point of view.

You can see the word ‘discursive’ is close to the word ‘discourse’; in short, it means involving discussion. In a discursive essay you explore

Not sure about how to organize an essay? This article is designed to provide a brief yet compact view to master the skill of organization of essay.

USEFUL LINKS

LEARNING RESOURCES

COMPANY DETAILS

• How It Works

• 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

• +44 (0) 207 391 9032

Recent Posts

How to write an effective essay outline.

• How to Write a Law Essay: A Comprehensive Guide with Examples
• What Are the Limitations of ChatGPT?
• How to Properly Write an Essay Outline Using ChatGpt
• Why Presentation Skills Are Important for Students
• Tips on How to Make an Essay Longer
• How to Structure Your Dissertation in 2024
• How to Write a Research Paper Like a Pro
• Academic Integrity vs. Academic Dishonesty: Understanding the Key Differences
• How to Use AI to Enhance Your Thesis
• 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
• 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
• [email protected]
• Contact Form

Payment Methods

Cryptocurrency payments.

No products in the basket.

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!

Are you looking for report writing help? If so, consider checking out our Report Writing Course for the best learning experience!

Course Description :

• Certificate: Free
• Accreditation Status: CPD Accredited
• Credits: 12

Related Blog Posts

10 reasons why personal effectiveness is important for you

In life, one often looks for the secret to personal progress, prosperity, and happiness. Well, the key is personal effectiveness. …

Teaching Primary English: A Complete Guide for Educators

Teaching primary English is one of the most rewarding and challenging tasks in the education sector. It lays the foundation …

Indian Head Massage: The Ultimate Way to Soothe and Relax

In the modern world, stress and tension are everywhere. So, the search for relaxation and soothing methods is ever-present. Among …

Payment Varify

• Copyright ©

2024 Unified Course All rights reserved.

Save up to 85%

New year sale, on 556+ of awesome course.

• 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.

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.

About the Author: Hasa

Hasanthi is a seasoned content writer and editor with over 8 years of experience. Armed with a BA degree in English and a knack for digital marketing, she explores her passions for literature, history, culture, and food through her engaging and informative writing.

​You May Also Like These

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

LibAnswers: Library and Learning Services

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.

Links & Files

• Learn more about different types of assignment
• Learn more about academic writing
• Academic Writing
• Last Updated Aug 21, 2023
• Answered By Anna Nunn

FAQ Actions

• Share on Facebook

Comments (0)

➔ About the Library

➔ Meet the Team

➔ Customer Service Charter

➔ Library Policies & Regulations

➔ Privacy & Data Protection

Essential Links

➔ Database A-Z

➔ Frequently Asked Questions

➔Discover the Library

➔Referencing Help

➔ Print & Copy Services

➔ Service Updates

Library & Learning Services, University of Suffolk, Library Building, Long Street, Ipswich, IP4 1QJ

✉ Email Us: [email protected]

✆ Call Us: +44 (0)1473 3 38700

• Undergraduate courses
• Postgraduate courses
• Foundation courses
• Apprenticeships
• Part-time and short courses
• Apply undergraduate
• Apply postgraduate

Search for a course

Search by course name, subject, and more

• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate
• (suspended) - Available in Clearing Not available in Clearing location-sign UCAS

Fees and funding

• Tuition fees
• Scholarships
• Funding your studies
• Student finance
• Cost of living support

Why study at Kent

Student life.

• Careers and employability
• Student support and wellbeing
• Our locations
• Placements and internships
• Year abroad
• Student stories
• Schools and colleges
• International
• International students
• Your country
• Applicant FAQs
• International scholarships
• University of Kent International College
• Campus Tours
• Applicant Events
• Postgraduate events
• Maps and directions
• Research strengths
• Research centres
• Research impact

Research institutes

• Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology
• Institute of Cyber Security for Society
• Institute of Cultural and Creative Industries
• Institute of Health, Social Care and Wellbeing

Research students

• Graduate and Researcher College
• Research degrees
• Find a supervisor
• How to apply

Popular searches

• Visits and Open Days
• Jobs and vacancies
• Accommodation
• Student guide
• Library and IT
• Partner with us
• Student Guide
• Student Help
• Health & wellbeing
• Student voice
• Living at Kent
• Careers & volunteering
• Diversity at Kent
• Finance & funding
• Life after graduation

These guides have 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.   

The purpose of a report

A report is a practical document that describes, details or analyses something so that the reader can make decisions or take specific action concerning it. A report can be written about anything; a business issue, a recent event, a piece of research, however it is likely to be one or more of the following in character:

Informative Defining or establishing the facts surrounding a current situation

Explanatory Exploring and explaining a situation and suggesting a range of possible actions

Persuasive Investigating a problem and recommending a specific course of action

The difference between reports and essays

As a part of the assessment for your course, you may be required to write both reports and essays; this table highlights the main differences between the two:  

Essay vs. Report — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Essay and Report

Table of contents, key differences, comparison chart, compare with definitions, common curiosities, can an essay include personal opinions, how long can an essay be, do all essays require citations, can essays be narrative, what is the primary goal of an essay, what's the main content of a report's methodology section, are reports always objective, how is a report structured differently from an essay, are reports only used in academic settings, share your discovery.

Author Spotlight

Popular Comparisons

Trending Comparisons

New Comparisons

Trending Terms

Library Guides

Academic Support

• Code of Practice
• Get Academic Support

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.

• Last Updated: Apr 25, 2024 1:19 PM
• URL: https://libguides.gre.ac.uk/academicskills

Library policies | Library Code of Conduct | IT Service Status | Portal © University of Greenwich | FOI | Privacy and cookies | Legal | Terms & conditions

English for University

Academic English skills for international students

What is the difference between an essay and a report?

For more help with report writing you check out the excellent Learn Higher site.

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

FAQ Actions

• Share on Facebook

Comments (0)

Stack Exchange Network

Stack Exchange network consists of 183 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow , the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers.

Q&A for work

Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search.

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

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for browse other questions tagged meaning ..

• Featured on Meta
• Announcing a change to the data-dump process
• Upcoming initiatives on Stack Overflow and across the Stack Exchange network...

Hot Network Questions

• How do input pins work?
• Does forgetful functor commute with limits?
• 7x10 floor and a 8x8 and a 6x1 carpet, only one cut allowed
• Is it truth or not truth that Aristotle might not have written the lecture notes that are so important for philosophers?
• Which external monitor to choose for MacBook?
• Canola oil and dishwasher interaction
• How to make sure a payment is actually received and will not bounce, using Paypal, Stripe or online banking respectively?
• but Ireland has ever been a shipwreck coast
• What does "joint-most" exactly mean?
• What can a time traveler use to generate an encryption key to encrypt information so it's only decryptable after a given time period
• Why does the 68000 have Immediate addressing modes for byte-width instructions?
• Who wrote the book of Job?
• When is Normal force 0?
• What is the historical origin of lone CR as a line terminator?
• Electron "clouds" in an atom
• What reference is Deadpool making in his line, "What is it, girl? Is there trouble at the well?"
• multiple t test analysis or indidivual t tests
• What did Rohan and Gondor think Sauron was?
• Schengen visa (Indian passport) for Cruise Ship - Italy or Greece?
• Can I remove these truss supports?
• Why is this pipe in my garage filled with concrete?
• Pistorius: “We must be ready for war by 2029”. Why 2029?
• Is copy elision in the form of named return value optimization permitted in C?
• Why try to explain the unexplainable?

• Difference between debt settlement and debt consolidation
• Debt settlement

Debt consolidation

• Debt settlement vs debt consolidation
• Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between debt consolidation and bankruptcy?

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us and terms apply to offers listed (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate products and services to help you make smart decisions with your money.

• Debt consolidation lowers your interest rate, while bankruptcy clears your total debt.
• While bankruptcy devastates your credit score, consolidating debt may help your credit.
• Those who cannot pay their debts back should consider bankruptcy, and those with manageable debt should consider consolidating debt.

Nearly everyone who owes money to creditors thinks about how they can reduce or eliminate their debt . Depending on your situation, declaring bankruptcy or consolidating debt can be good options. However, each borrower must carefully consider which approach makes the most sense or if neither is a good choice.

"Each debt relief option comes with different types of benefits and costs, as well as potential risks," says Renauld Smith, executive director of IAPDA Certification , a non-profit organization that certifies and accredits debt settlement companies. 

Difference between debt consolidation and bankruptcy

While bankruptcy and consolidation will help you pay off your debt, they vary drastically in method. Debt consolidation focuses on simplifying your debt at a lower interest rate, while a bankruptcy will clear the debt you owe your creditors. These two methods also differ in how they affect your credit.

Before we get into the differences, let's first quickly go over both debt relief method.  

Bankruptcy is the most severe debt relief option for the most severe debt problems. Typically, you'll be able to lower your total debt to a manageable amount with a debt settlement. The best debt settlement services can help you cut your debt down to a third of what you originally owed. But if a debt settlement isnt enough, you may have to pull out that last resort and declare bankruptcy.

While there are six types of bankruptcies , individuals who file for bankruptcy generally have two options: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy is known as liquidation bankruptcy in which all of a debtor's nonessential assets  — luxuries, collectors items, expensive clothing — are sold off to pay back their creditors. Once those proceeds are divided amongst the creditors, the debtor's remaining debts are discharged, and the debtor is no longer responsible for paying off those debts, essentially given a blank slate. The entire process takes a few months.

If a debtor makes a significant amount of money above their state's median income, even after monthly expenses on necessities, they may not qualify for Chapter 7. Instead, they'll file Chapter 13 bankruptcy, also known as the wage earner's plan. This form of bankruptcy has the debtor reorganize their finances into a repayment plan that outlines how they'll pay their creditors back over the next three to five years. 

While the process for these bankruptcies are very different, the end result is the same. The debtor emerges from the process with a clean slate.

Debt consolidation is the process of combining multiple loans into one, Smith says. However, according to Sophie Raseman , head of financial solutions at Brightside, the term encompasses several situations where a borrower replaces one debt with another. Some examples are transferring the balance of one credit card to another using a balance transfer credit card , paying off one student loan with another, or paying off credit cards and other consumer debt with installment loans or a secured loan like a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) . You can read about our picks for the best balance transfer cards here.

Typically borrowers consolidate debt because they can get a lower interest rate or more favorable repayment terms. Smith explains that this is a good option for those with multiple loans who are current on payments and want to optimize their finances. When borrowers consolidate debt, they still pay the full amount of their debt. You can find our guide on the  best debt consolidation loans  here.

Raseman recommends that before deciding whether or not to consolidate debt, borrowers should ask themselves, "Is this move going to save you significantly on interest costs?" She also recommends that borrowers consider whether consolidating debts is part of a holistic plan for improving payment consistency or getting out of debt, such as by closing credit cards.

It's often not a good idea to consolidate unsecured debt, such as credit cards, by using a secured loan like a HELOC. "Such a move can meaningfully increase the risk you lose your home if your financial situation goes south," Raseman says.

Raseman also cautions that consolidating federal student loans into private loans means losing "generous protections" from the federal government, including relief when some borrowers have financial difficulties and allowing them to reduce payments under some circumstances. 

Another factor to consider before consolidating loans is that fees involved in taking out a new loan may offset any savings, says Jay Zigmont , a certified financial planner with Childfree Wealth. It's important to look at the numbers carefully before consolidating a loan. 

Debt consolidation vs. bankruptcy

The biggest difference between bankruptcy and debt consolidation is the type of situation that these solutions remedy. Debt consolidations are good for people with a manageable amount of debt across multiple accounts with high interest rates. Their position isn't necessarily bad, but it could be better. On the other hand, bankruptcies are for people in more dire situations. They have an overwhelming amount of debt that they have no hope of paying off.

While a bankruptcy will have a more noticeable impact on your debt than debt consolidation, bankruptcy also come with greater consequences. One of the biggest differences between bankruptcy and debt consolidation is their impact on your credit score.

A good candidate for bankruptcy is not only behind on their payments, but has no way to pay their debts back. As a result, they are probably behind on making payments and have already taken a hit on their credit score. The addition of a bankruptcy will further hurt your credit score. The impact to your credit score will likely be in the triple digits, though the higher your credit score prior to the bankruptcy, the bigger the impact on your credit score. A bankruptcy on your credit report will continue to hurt your credit for up to 10 years.

On the other hand, consolidating debt may affect your credit score positively or negatively, depending on the circumstances. Smith explains that consolidating debts will result in numerous loans being paid and closed and a new loan being generated. While paying off loans may sound like a good thing, it lowers the number of open accounts and overall available credit. This can lower your credit score , Smith explains.

Raseman adds that a  hard inquiry  on your credit report while you shop around for ways to consolidate loans may also hurt your credit score. "On the other hand, a new loan and payment history may be helpful enough to offset the score difference," Smith explains. Additionally, paying off loans may help your  credit utilization ratio , which can help your credit score, Smith says. 

However, Smith says it's always a good idea to put a plan in place to deal with debt, even if your credit score takes a hit. "Delinquent debt, when left without a plan of action, can lead to lawsuits, wage garnishment, and more," she says. 

Don't expect bankruptcy or debt consolidation to solve all of your financial problems

Neither bankruptcy nor debt consolidation are one-size-fits-all solutions, Smith cautions. "There are still budgeting, spending, and money management issues to work on behind the scenes," he says. The goal after bankruptcy is staying debt-free or at least keeping debt under control. 

When it comes to debt consolidation, Zigmont emphasizes that while debt consolidation may feel like progress, the total amount owed does not change. Instead, it gets shuffled around. The goal, he says, should be to pay off debt rather than moving it around. Raseman recommends that after consolidating debts, "it's critical to simultaneously commit to not run up more debt." 

Debt consolidation vs bankruptcy frequently asked questions

Is consolidating debt the same as bankruptcy.

A debt consolidation isn't necessarily better than a bankruptcy, but it won't hurt your credit score nearly as much. That said, it will have a smaller impact on the money you save on your debt, only affecting your interest rate.

How much debt can you discharge with bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy should eliminate all your debt, but not all debts are dischargeable. For example, you cannot discharge taxes or child support.

How long will a debt consolidation stay on your credit report?

Debt consolidation isn't a specific piece of information recorded on your credit report, but the hard inquiry that you incur will factor into your credit score for a year and will fall off your credit report after two years.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

• Main content

How States Can Support Coordination Between 988 and 911 Systems

Effectively linking the national suicide and crisis line with call centers is a local function, but report shows states can play key role.

Navigate to:

• Table of Contents

States can play a key role in helping local jurisdictions coordinate 911 call centers and the national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline , according to a recent report from RAND, a nonprofit research organization. In examining interoperability, or how localities ensure formal processes and protocols are in place to transfer calls between the two systems, researchers also detail how states have been involved in this vital work.

The report explains that 911 is still “often the default option for individuals experiencing mental health emergencies,” even though the behavioral health clinicians who field calls to the 988 Lifeline are trained to help people in crisis and de-escalate emergencies. Policies and practices that help the two systems seamlessly move callers to the appropriate emergency line ensure that people receive the assistance they need. The report focuses on elements that support such coordination, including timely, accurate call transfers; collaboration and coordination across agencies; and community response services.

RAND, which received support from The Pew Charitable Trusts for the work, presented case studies from several localities, including two where state involvement was particularly helpful in 988/911 interoperability efforts: Virginia’s Fairfax County and South Dakota’s City of Sioux Falls and Minnehaha County.

In Fairfax, the county implemented related policies and procedures as part of a larger crisis response overhaul mandated by the state. In Minnehaha, meanwhile, county staff were members of a 988/911 coalition, with local call center directors and the state 911 coordinator working closely together to ensure that callers to either line are connected with the services they need.

In Virginia, state mandate and stakeholder efforts drive planning

In Virginia, state lawmakers enacted the Marcus-David Peters Act in 2020 in response to the 2018 death of Peters, a young Black teacher killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. The act established the Marcus Alert System, which provides emergency behavioral health response via coordination among 988 and 911 call centers and law enforcement. Currently, 10 cities and counties are using the system; statewide implementation is required by July 2028.

Both the state mandate and a state-provided framework for the Marcus Alert System shaped the alignment between the 988 and 911 systems in Fairfax County. Researchers learned through interviews with those who worked on the effort that the state tools were “not a substitute for the work of bringing together stakeholders.” Those people did the work to create procedures and policies aligned with the state framework. Still, the state guidance provided an important roadmap that helped drive the effort, providing clear guidelines for interoperability, including triage maps, training protocols, and timelines for implementation.

Those involved in the Fairfax work spent a year planning before implementing 988/911 interoperability in June 2023. The process included leveraging the county's crisis intervention processes, group planning sessions with regional stakeholders involved in emergency response, and “synergy sessions” between 988 and 911 staff to develop call transfer protocols.

In South Dakota, state and local relationships drive integration

In South Dakota’s Minnehaha County and the City of Sioux Falls, state involvement at two critical points aided 988/911 interoperability. Leveraging the statewide coalition working on the 988 launch allowed state and local stakeholders to work in tandem on 988/911 coordination. A strong relationship between the director of the state call center, located in Minnehaha County, and the state 911 coordinator also helped advance this work.

Planning was conducted as part of the state’s rollout of 988. In 2021, South Dakota convened the Behavioral Health Crisis Services Stakeholder Coalition planning group to focus on 988-related tasks, including steps to ensure interoperability. The group included various state and local agencies involved in crisis response plus Tribal organizations, community mental health providers, people with lived experience, and other stakeholders.

In the RAND researchers’ conversations with coalition members, many cited the importance of having both local 911 call center directors and the state 911 coordinator at the table during these meetings. This allowed the group to plan for the launch of 988 with all relevant parties in the room to share ideas, concerns, and identify opportunities for improvement.

After the July 2022 launch of 988, the task force split into small working groups addressing specific issues related to crisis response.

Although 988/911 interoperability is a local task, efforts in Fairfax and Minnehaha counties show that state-level involvement can be important to this work. Whether helping jurisdictions implement statewide mandates or being closely involved in local planning efforts, state officials can play a critical part in building emergency call response systems that help people in crisis.

Julie Wertheimer directs research and policy for The Pew Charitable Trusts’ mental health and justice partnerships project.

Don’t miss our latest facts, findings, and survey results in The Rundown

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

MORE FROM PEW

Advertisement

Supported by

Rival Palestinian Factions Project Unity, but Deep Divisions Remain

In a move brokered by China, Fatah and Hamas endorsed a unified government for the West Bank and Gaza, but Palestinians are skeptical that the two parties can put aside their differences.

• Share full article

By Adam Rasgon Matthew Mpoke Bigg Alexandra Stevenson and Thomas Fuller

Adam Rasgon and Matthew Mpoke Bigg reported from Jerusalem.

The two main rival Palestinian factions, Fatah and Hamas, signed a joint statement in Beijing on Tuesday that endorsed, in concept, a temporary government for the Gaza Strip and the Israeli-occupied West Bank, in a grand show of unity brokered by China’s foreign ministry.

The statement supports the formation of a unified government for the two territories that all parties can agree on — a high bar to clear for two factions that have long been vehemently, sometimes violently, opposed. But it offers little about how such a government would be formed, or when. Smaller Palestinian groups also signed the statement.

For China, the agreement represents an opportunity to promote an image of Beijing as a peace broker and an important player in the Middle East.

Mousa Abu Marzouk, a senior Hamas official, declared that “historic moments” were underway. Mahmoud al-Aloul, the deputy leader of Fatah, showered praise on China for standing beside the Palestinian people. Both men posed for photos with Wang Yi, China’s foreign minister, in an ornate hall in Beijing.

Yet, for many Palestinians, without concrete steps to make the unity plan a reality, the gathering in the Chinese capital was little more than a performance — and one they had seen before.

“What happened in China isn’t significant,” said Jehad Harb, an analyst of Palestinian affairs. “There aren’t any indications that Hamas and Fatah intend to end the split between them.”

We are having trouble retrieving the article content.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and  log into  your Times account, or  subscribe  for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber?  Log in .

Want all of The Times?  Subscribe .