Difference Between Report and Essay

Report vs Essay
 

Report and Essay are two words used by the common man with almost the same sense when there exists a difference between report and essay. Strictly speaking the sense differs when it comes to the understanding of the purport of the two words, report and essay. Report has its origins in Late Middle English. Essay, on the other hand, is said to be formed in the late 15th century. Report is used in phrases such as on report. When used as a verb essay means to attempt or to try. Another fact about the word report is that reportable is an adjective that derives from the word report.

What is a Report?

A report is a summary of an event to be precise. Mass communication forms the basis of report writing. In other words, it can be said that journalism is the source for writing a report. When it comes to writing a report, you will write a report of an event that took place based on the first-hand information available to you. You would have witnessed the event yourself to write the report. As a result, a report is said to have been derived from journalism or mass communication. Direct experience is involved in a report. Contrary to writing an essay, imagery is not needed in the writing of a report. You will have to be descriptive while writing a report.

What is an Essay?

On the other hand, an essay is a description of a historical event or a character of a person. When it comes to an essay, essay literature forms the basis of an essay. In other words, it can be said that literature is the source for writing an essay. You can write an essay on the use of the figure of speech of metaphor by Shakespeare based on the literature available to you. You will take the help of the available literature to prepare or write an essay. You might not have witnessed what you write in an essay. Hence, an essay is said to have been derived from literature. Unlike in a report, direct experience may not be involved in an essay. Poetical expressions are needed in the writing of an essay. In other words, it can be said that you will have to be creative while writing an essay.

What is the difference between Report and Essay?

• A report is a summary of an event to be precise. On the other hand, an essay is a description of a historical event or a character of a person.

• Mass communication forms the basis of report writing. On the other hand, essay literature forms the basis of an essay

• Journalism is the source for writing a report. Literature is the source for writing an essay.

• An essay is said to have been derived from literature whereas report is said to have been derived from journalism or mass communication.

• Direct experience is involved in a report whereas direct experience may not be involved in essay.

• Poetical expressions are needed in the writing of an essay whereas imagery is not needed in the writing of a report.

• In other words, it can be said that you will have to be creative while writing an essay. You will have to be descriptive while writing a report .

• An essay is a literary form whereas a report is a form of journalism.

• Essays form part of literature whereas reports do not form part of literature.