Differences between the report and the essay
Report Essay
Topic often a problem or case
study which sets up a
hypothetical situation
based on reading, field
work or practical work
Purpose to investigate, analyse
and present information
usually to make
recommendations to
solve a problem
Audience established in the topic
and is often a client or
manager
Format contains an executive
summary or abstract
comprises sections with
headings
may use bullet points,
tables, graphs to convey
information.
Style third person
formal language
responds to a
question or a
proposition
is based on research
to articulate a well-
argued response to a
question or
proposition
an academic
audience
does not typically
include sections or
headings
does not typically
include use bullet
points, tables,
graphs
third or first person
formal language
Assessment Success depends on: Success depends on:

the demonstration of the demonstration of

good research skills good research skills
the identification of
the quality of the a cogent argument
recommendations to the quality of
respond to an issue reasoning and
the presentation and evidence
analysis of relevant how well it analyses
information and evaluates the
issue