· 4 min read
Many students lose marks by writing a report when the brief asks for an essay, or the other way round. The two formats share academic tone and referencing, but they are built differently.
The main differences
- Purpose: an essay builds an argument; a report presents findings and recommendations for a reader who needs to act.
- Structure: an essay flows as continuous paragraphs; a report uses numbered sections and headings.
- Headings: essays usually have none; reports always do.
- Visuals: reports often include tables, charts and appendices; essays rarely do.
- Executive summary: reports usually start with one; essays never do.
- Recommendations: central to most reports; usually absent from essays.
Typical essay structure
- Introduction with your argument
- Body paragraphs, each making one point with evidence
- Conclusion that answers the question
Typical report structure
- Title page
- Executive summary
- Table of contents
- Introduction
- Findings or analysis (with headings)
- Conclusions
- Recommendations
- References and appendices
How to tell which one you need
Read the brief and marking rubric. Words like "discuss", "critically evaluate" or "to what extent" usually mean an essay. Words like "report", "recommend", "for the management team" or "findings" usually mean a report. If it is still unclear, ask your tutor.
For more on essay structure, read how to structure an assignment. Stuck on a brief? Get online assignment help with a free quote.