Reports
Reports are a means of presenting experimental, investigative or research findings. Writing reports is used by some disciplines as a form of assessment. Report writing is also common in the workplace.
Differences and similarities between essays and reports
| Differences between essays and reports | |
|---|---|
| Reports | Essays |
| Presents information (description and explanation) | Presents an explicit argument |
| Makes use of numbered headings, and sub headings | Does not require headings |
| Makes use of dot point presentation as well as short concise paragraphs | Written in paragraphs which are linked clearly to each other |
| Can be scanned quickly for specific information | Needs to be read in detail to gain understanding of argument |
| Uses graphics where possible | Usually no use of graphics |
| May end with recommendations | Rarely has recommendations |
| Research may be primary and secondary | Research usually secondary/tertiary sources |
| Similarities between essays and reports | |
| Written in an academic style | |
| Appropriate referencing in-text and reference list | |
Learn how to transform a journal reference to an APA 6th referencing style.
Activity 1: APA 6th - from journal to referencing
Activity 2: APA 6th - order of elements
