| Reports | Essays |
| Presents information | Develops an argument |
| Can be scanned quickly to find relevant information | Is meant to be read carefully |
| Uses headings and sub-headings | No headings used |
| Has specific sections | Usually just has an introduction, main body and conclusion |
| Usually referenced and cited | Always contains references and citations |
| Uses short concise paragraphs. Can use numbered and bulleted points | Links ideas into cohesive paragraphs, rather than breaking them down into a list of bullet points |
| Is written for a particular audience | Is written for the lecturer |
| Uses tables, graphs and illustrations that are well referenced | Is written in continuous text. |
Both essays and reports:
