What is Report Writing? Report vs. Essay

 What is a report? 

A report is a structured form of writing that involves the identification of a problem, its detailed examination, and an organized provision of all the results and discussions followed by some suggestions and recommendations. 

Characteristics of a Report 

A report is to be structured with the use of headings and subheadings. It should be comprised of sections that can stand independently when it comes to the comprehension of these sections without referring to the other sections. A report is a form of impartial communication based on facts and figures to maintain objectivity in language.

Expectations 

A report is based on a problem-solving hypothetical situation for which a solution has to be provided. This has to be highlighted as the topic of a report. A report has to be developed keeping in view the fact that it has to be submitted as a proposal. In other words, you have a clear purpose and prepare your report on the defined objective. Thus, a report has a clearly defined audience (client, manager, etc.). A report is given a proper structure and format using headings and subheadings. The information has to be provided with the use of objective language instead of being personal or subjective. That is, the author must avoid using the first person singular and plural. A good report is based on good research and analysis. This adds credibility and authenticity to the results and makes a successful and target-oriented report. 

General Purpose of Writing a Report

In general, a report is used to provide information that is used to persuade your target audience. This leads to a change in their perspectives. In other words, you are influencing your audience to make a decision. As a result, you initiate an action. 

Significance of a Report 

A report is used to maintain a written account of all the tasks and activities being performed within an organization. Furthermore, a report also acts as a hierarchical source of written communication within an organization. It can be upward communication starting from the employee moving towards the employer or vice versa, i.e. downward communication. Likewise, it can be a source of parallel communication, i.e., employee-to-employee (peer-to-peer communication).

Report Attributes 

A report is a well-planned document that outlines and evaluates a subject or problem. 

Essentially, a report is a short, sharp, and concise document that is written for a particular purpose and audience. 

It analyzes a situation or problem, often making recommendations for future actions. 

It is a factual paper and needs to be clear and well-structured. 

 Features of a Well-Written Report 

A report reflects a clear picture of your clarity of thought. It also elaborates on the fact that your knowledge is comprehensive and you have provided information in a manner that is self-explanatory. The information should not only be thorough but also compact. In other words, maximum information is provided with a minimum use of words. The overall structure of a well-written report is presentable and legible. 

 Report vs. Essay 

A report can be compared with an essay as these two writing formats have similarities and differences.

 Similarities 

Common features of these two formats include: 

1. An introductory section; 

2. A detailed body; 

3. A conclusive section; 

4. Analytical thinking; 

5. Formal style; 

6. Careful proofreading, and 

7. A neat presentation. 

1.6 Differences

The differences between a report and an essay are as follows: 

1. A report is based on providing information whereas in an essay, the basic idea is to argue for a particular topic. 

2. Factual information is meant to be scanned quickly by the reader in a report since a report is well structured by the use of numbered headings and subheadings. This is absent in an essay as a reader has to go through the essay completely to understand the subject matter. 

3. A report is generally based on short paragraphs whereas an essay uses a more complex sentence structure. 

4. A report also includes tables, graphs, and other illustrations whereas an essay is simply a collection of words. If needed, informal figures are included. 

5. A report begins with a short abstract also known as the executive summary whereas the outline of an essay is presented in the introductory paragraph. 

6. A report provides suggestions and recommendations at the end of a detailed analysis and discussion of results whereas an essay concludes by reviewing the arguments and does not always provide recommendations and suggestions