Comparison Of Essays And Reports

Essay and report writing
This table has been constructed to illustrate the main differences between the sections to be contained within reports compared to the format of essays.
Report
Title page:
Name, tutor’s name, course title, date
List of contents:
Titles of main sections of report with page numbers Introduction: (approx. 10% of word count)
Purpose and content of the report
An outline of what the piece of research is about and its importance or significance
Definitions of terms

Essay
Title page:
Name, tutor’s name, course title, date

Literature review: (not necessary for all reports)
Discussion of existing literature concerning the topic Introduction of hypothesis
Method: (not necessary for all reports)
Description of how the research was conducted; research methods used and conditions, such as sample size
Presentation of findings:
Give results of your findings (use of tables, charts and graphs)
Discussion of results:
Analysis and explanation of findings
Consideration of how research could be improved and what could happen next
(additional research)

Main body:
The first part of your main body will usually define the key topics (these are likely to be included in the essay title).

Conclusion: (approx. 10% of word count)
Summary of main points
Recommendations:
A list of a number of suggestions for future action to resolve acknowledged issues
References:
All sources used in the report
Bibliography:
List of all additional reading (not cited in the main report)
Appendices:
Additional material used, such as group meetings Introduction: (approx. 10% of word count)
Purpose and content of essay
How you will answer question
Definitions of terms

Paragraphs of different ideas, starting with a topic sentence. The topic sentence should let the reader know what the paragraph is about. Furthermore, think about how you are communicating the main ideas. Make use of signpost language to introduce another idea (in addition, furthermore, moreover) as well as introduce an opposing idea (on the other hand, however).
Your essay needs to include an argument of some kind which includes different opinions, or perspectives, on the topic under discussion.
Conclusion: (approx. 10% of word count)
Summarises the key ideas (how they help answer the question)

References:
A list of sources used to construct the essay
Bibliography:
List of all additional reading (not cited in the main report)

References: A list of sources used to construct the essay Bibliography: List of all additional reading (not cited in the main report)