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Essay or report?

This is an introductory guide to report writing. It gives some general advice on the content and structure of a report. It is very important for you to consult your Departmental Guidelines or Unit Guide for advice on the required report format for the units in which you are enrolled.

Differences between the report and the essay

Differences between the report and the essay
Report Essay
The topic
  • is often a problem or case study which sets up a hypothetical situation.
  • is based on reading, field work or practical work.
  • is usually a question or a proposition.
  • is based on reading and sometimes field work.
The purpose
  • is to investigate, present and analyse information thoroughly and logically.
  • is often to recommend action to solve a problem.
  • is usually to make proposals.
  • is to articulate a well-argued response to the question or proposition.
  • establishes a proposition.
The reader
  • is established in the topic and is often a client or manager.
  • is usually the lecturer.
The format
  • comprises sections with headings.
  • usually does not include sections.
The style
  • has to be objective.
  • sometimes includes the use of bullet points.
  • can be subjective, but needs the impersonality suited to academic study.
Assessment Success depends on:

  • the demonstration of good research skills
  • the objective presentation and analysis of relevant information.
 Success depends on:

  • the interest of the argument.
  • how the essay relates one point to the next and how well it establishes the proposition.

Features of reports

  1. Referencing and quotations in reports follow the same guidelines required for essays. Endnotes are often preferred in an area like Marketing.
  2. For most reports, a system of numbered sections with headings is used. However, some departments do not require this. Again, check with the Departmental Guidelines for your subject.
  3. Just as in the essay, a good report will analyse and evaluate as well as merely describe. The ability to respond to these academic requirements separates the good or excellent report from the average.

Typical report structures

Different types of reports typically include sections. In the table below, compare the section headings which may be included in the different types of reports. Language and Learning Online includes samples of different types of reports used in different subject areas.

Business and technical reports

Title page

[Memos of Authorisation and Transmittal]

Executive summary

Table of contents

Introduction

  • Purpose
  • Methodology
  • Limitations etc

Findings

Discussion

Conclusions

Recommendations

References

Appendices

(Scientific) Laboratory reports

Title page

Abstract

Introduction

  • Review of previous research
  • Aim of present research

Method

  • Materials
  • Procedure etc

Results

Discussion

References

Appendices etc.

Other useful references

Cotesta, P, Crosling, G, Murphy, H & Sands, J 2005 'Writing reports in accounting' in Writing and presenting in accounting, 2 nd edn, LexisNexis Butterworths, Chatswood, NSW, pp.10-51.

Drury, H 1997, How to write a laboratory report, Learning Assistance Centre, University of Sydney.

Findlay, B 2006, How to write psychology laboratory reports and essays, 4th edn, Pearson Education, Frenchs Forest, NSW.

Language and Learning Online:

Silyn-Roberts, H 2002, 'Writing a report' in Writing for science, 2nd edn, Prentice Hall, Auckland, New Zealand, pp. 36-71.

Summers, J & Smith, B 2004, 'Report writing' in Communication skills handbook, John Wiley & Sons, Milton, Qld, pp. 37-46.

Weissberg, R & Buker, S 1990, Writing up research. Experimental research report writing for students of English , Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.

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