essay and a report difference

Reports and essays: key differences

Know what to expect

Explore the main differences between reports and essays and how to write for your assignments

You'll complete assignments with different requirements throughout your degree, so it's important to understand what you need to do for each of them. Here we explore the key differences between reports and essays. 

This page describes general features of academic reports and essays. Depending on your subject you may use all of these features, a selection of them, or you may have additional requirements. 

There is no single right way to write a report or essay, but they are different assignments. At a glance: 

• Reports depend heavily on your subject and the type of report.
• Essays usually have specific content and a planned structure with a focus on sense and flow. You subject might need different types of information in your introduction –  some disciplines include a short background and context here, while others begin their discussion, discuss their resources or briefly signpost the topic.

Differences between reports and essays

This table compares reports and essays and provides an outline of the standard structure for each. Your assignment will also depend on your discipline, the purpose of your work, and your audience – so you should check what you need to do in your course and module handbooks, instructions from your lecturer, and your subject conventions.

Table adapted from Cottrell, 2003, p. 209.

The structure of reports

Most reports use an IMRaD structure: Introduction, Methods, Results and Discussion.

Below are some common sections that also appear in reports. Some sections include alternative headings.

1. Table of contents

Your contents shows the number of each report section, its title, page number and any sub-sections. Sub-section numbers and details start under the section title, not the margin or the number.

2. Abstract or Executive summary

This brief summary of the report is usually the last thing you write.

3. Introduction

Your introduction describes the purpose of the report, explains why it necessary or useful, and sets out its precise aims and objectives.

4. Literature review

This describes current research and thinking about the problem or research question, and is often incorporated into the introduction.

5. Methods or Methodology

This describes and justifies the methods or processes used to collect your data.

6. Results or Findings

This section presents the results (or processed data) from the research and may consist of mainly tables, charts and or diagrams.

7. Discussion, or Analysis, or Interpretation

This section analyses the results and evaluates the research carried out.

8. Conclusion

The conclusion summarises the report and usually revisits the aims and objectives.

9. Recommendations

In this section the writer uses the results and conclusions from the report to make practical suggestions about a problem or issue. This may not be required.

10. Appendices

You can include raw data or materials that your report refers to in the appendix, if you need to. The data is often presented as charts, diagrams and tables. Each item should be numbered : for example, write Table 1 and its title; Table 2 and its title, and so on as needed.

Structure of essays

Introduction.

Your essay introduction contextualises and gives background information about the topic or questions being discussed, and sets out what the essay is going to cover.

Your essay body is divided into paragraphs. These paragraphs help make a continuous, flowing text.

The conclusion summarises the main points made in the essay. Avoid introducing new information in your conclusion.

Bibliography or Reference list

This is a list of the resources you've used in your essay. This is usually presented alphabetically by authors’ surname.

Reference for the Table of Distinctions above: 

Cottrell, S. (2003).  The Study Skills Handbook  (2nd ed.). Basingstoke: Palgrave.

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Key features of academic reports

Basic essay structure

Writing clear sentences

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What is the Difference Between Essays and Reports?

Published by Alaxendra Bets at August 19th, 2021 , Revised On August 23, 2023

What is the difference between essays and reports? Report writing is a specialised skill that your academic tutor would like you to develop.

Whether you are writing a report in university or business, report writing skills are equally important to get your message across to the readers effectively.

Generally, your academic tutor decides what form of writing you must undertake and will provide the layout requirements in the assignment brief.

However, as you move towards university-level study, you will have the freedom of choice to decide what form of writing you must undertake to address the problem question .

This means that you will need a critical evaluation of what form of writing will be the most appropriate for you, considering a given academic assignment’s requirements.

Whether you are a student or a professional, it is important to understand the key differences between an  essay and a report to work out why you should prefer one form of writing over the other.

This article lists the most notable differences between a report and an essay, so whenever you are unsure about which form of writing is the most suitable, you will know exactly what decision is right or wrong.

Difference Between Essays and Reports – Purpose

Purpose of a report.

Typically you will be  asked to write a report  if you must present an  analysis of practical research results. All reports start with the topic background, research aim, and objectives to provide details of what your work will examine.

You may also include a  hypothesis  in your report if you are testing a proposition with your research. Depending on your topic’s nature and the report writing guidelines laid out by your tutor, you may also have to include a separate section for future recommendations in your report.

Purpose of an Essay

On the other hand, Essays find answers to a question using the researcher’s own critical evaluation of the existing theories. An essay does not directly include any practical research because it only uses the existing literature material.

Difference Between Essays and Reports – Content

The report starts with introducing the topic and lists the aim and objectives your practical research will address.

It quickly moves to report chronological actions such as gathering data and presenting findings from primary research activities and laboratory experiments before the writer finally provides an assessment of the results in the conclusion  and recommendations for future sections.

The  content of an essay  depends on the  essay question  you need to answer. Whether your essay must be evaluative,  argumentative ,  narrative , discursive, or descriptive  will be determined by the nature of your essay question.

However, in general, all essays involve a synthesis of knowledge obtained from existing literature on the given question and the writer’s personal arguments and opinions based on the evidence collected during research.

Whether you have been asked to write an essay or a report, ResearchProspect writers can help you achieve the highest academic grade. We have a large team of academic writers who can meet every bit of your requirements regardless of your academic level and the academic subject.

Difference Between Essays and Reports – Formatting

A report and an essay format are similar as both include an  introduction ,  main body , and  conclusion sections. Reports include methodology and analysis in the main body and have a fixed structure.

It is recommended to check your school’s formatting guidelines if you are unsure how to format your report. Further, you can get our professional report writing service that will help you achieve your desired grades.

If you are writing an essay, the essay question’s critical evaluation will determine the  structure you must follow in your essay.

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Difference Between Essays and Reports in a Table

Despite describing these differences, it may not be easy to distinguish between an essay and a report. For example , in some academic disciplines, essays are structured like reports, with headings separating the different parts of an essay. The best practice regarding the style and format suitable to your academic discipline would be to consult your academic tutor.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do you differentiate between an essay or a report.

An essay is a concise piece of writing that presents an argument, opinion, or analysis with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. A report is a structured document that conveys information, often including data, findings, and recommendations, typically with headings, sections, and sometimes visual aids.

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Narrative essays let the authors provide an account of their personal experience in the form of a story. In a narrative essay, you can let your creativity and ideas flow freely.

The paragraphs in the main body of an essay is where you develop the central argument. Here is all you need to know about how to write paragraph for essay.

An expository essay requires the writer to take a balanced approach to the subject matter rather than justifying a particular point of view.

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10 Difference between Essay and Report (With Table)

What is the main difference between essay and report? An essay pertains to a literary technique wherein nearly all aspects of a subject are thoroughly explored or articulated. A report serve as the documentation and comprehensive analysis of the discoveries and suggestions derived from practical research.

In the realm of academic writing, students frequently come across two prevalent types of assignments: essays and reports. While these assignments share certain resemblances, they also possess marked distinctions.

This piece aims to delve into the contrasting characteristics of essays and reports, with a particular emphasis on their objectives, structures, and writing approaches.

Difference between Essay and Report with Table

What is essay.

An essay is a written composition that presents a focused and organized discussion or exploration of a particular topic, idea, or argument. Essays are a common form of academic, literary, and creative writing and are characterized by several key features:

Thesis Statement : An essay typically begins with a clear and concise thesis statement that outlines the main argument or purpose of the essay.

Structure : Essays follow a specific structure, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. This structure allows for the logical presentation of ideas and arguments.

Supporting Evidence : Arguments and claims in an essay are supported by evidence, which may include examples, data, quotes, or references to authoritative sources.

Coherence : Essays are expected to be coherent, with ideas flowing logically from one point to the next. Transitions and topic sentences help maintain this coherence.

Analysis : Essays often involve critical thinking and analysis, where the writer evaluates, interprets, or critiques the topic or subject matter.

Clarity and Conciseness : Effective essays are clear, concise, and free from unnecessary jargon or verbosity. They communicate ideas effectively to the intended audience.

Variety of Types : Essays come in various forms, such as argumentative, persuasive, expository, narrative, and descriptive, each with its own unique characteristics and objectives.

What Is Report?

A report is a formal and structured document that presents information, data, findings, or recommendations on a specific topic, issue, or problem. Reports are typically written for a targeted audience, such as business professionals, government officials, researchers, or stakeholders, and they serve various purposes:

Information Dissemination : Reports convey objective and factual information, often gathered through research, investigation, or analysis.

Problem-Solving : Some reports are designed to address specific problems or challenges, offering solutions or recommendations.

Decision-Making : Reports provide the necessary data and analysis to support informed decision-making processes.

Documentation : They serve as records of events, actions, or research, preserving information for future reference.

Accountability : Reports may be used to document the performance or progress of projects, organizations, or individuals, ensuring accountability.

Main Difference between Essay and Report

• An essay serves as a concise literary composition for presenting and analyzing ideas, while a report is a formal document that communicates research findings.
• Essays blend subjective analysis with personal ideas, while reports maintain objectivity by relying on past research and current data.
• Essays incorporate general facts and the writer’s opinions in a non-fictional manner. Conversely, reports offer information that aids in identifying facts or supports decision-making and problem-solving.
• Reports are structured with sections featuring engaging headings, while essays follow a continuous flow but are divided into coherent paragraphs.
• Reports use visuals like tables, charts, graphs, and statistics for clarity, whereas essays typically do not include such elements.
• Essay conclusions reflect the writer’s personal opinions and tend to be optimistic, lacking recommendations for future actions. Reports provide impartial conclusions, potentially including expert opinions and recommendations for further research and improvement.

Similarities between Essay and Report

• Both are written documents.
• They require clear and coherent writing.
• Proper grammar, punctuation, and style are essential in both.
• Both may require citations and references.
• They serve as means of conveying information or ideas.
• Both should have a well-organized structure.
• An introduction and conclusion are common elements in both.

In conclusion, while essays and reports are both written forms of communication, they serve distinct purposes and exhibit notable differences in their characteristics and structures.

Essays are primarily vehicles for presenting, analyzing, and discussing ideas or viewpoints, often incorporating subjective analysis and personal opinions.

In contrast, reports are formal documents intended to convey objective information, research findings, or recommendations, maintaining objectivity and utilizing data and past research.

The structural variances are evident, with essays featuring a continuous flow of text divided into paragraphs, while reports are organized into sections with informative headings for clarity. Additionally, reports often employ visual aids like charts and tables, enhancing data presentation.

Finally, their conclusions differ significantly, as essays express personal opinions and optimism, while reports provide impartial conclusions with recommendations for further research or action.

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• Reports vs essays

Students are sometimes unclear about different genres of assessment tasks.

Students often ask the question "What is the difference between a report and an essay?" This short video explains what a report is in academic writing, how it is used in different situations, and the structure of a report including executive summary, introduction, findings and conclusion.

What is a report?

A report is a piece of writing that tells you about some experience, event, or situation. This could include just doing research on some topic, a practical experiment, some issue that has arisen in a company/organisation, or a system, or even a piece of equipment, maybe.

Reports are often problem-based, but not always. It describes what you have found out, and it goes deeper - it explains and analyses what you have found out. Reports are very structured and there is an expected format. They always have sections and headings.

Have a look at this report outline:

“The aim of this report was to investigate Unilab staff attitudes to the use of mobile phones in staff and team meetings. A staff survey and policies on mobile phone use from a number of similar companies were analysed. There was significant support for a clear company policy on mobile phone use, including their banning in certain situations. The results of this research reflected the findings from similar studies. The report concluded that personal mobile phones should not be turned on during all staff meeting times.”

Most reports have executive summaries. In some disciplines, we call it an “abstract”. They are not the same as the introduction. An executive summary summarises the whole report. That means that there will be a sentence or two representing each section of the report. You always write it after you have completed the full report. Have a look at how the writer summarises each main section in one sentence (refer to executive summary above). As you can see, it’s got a very definite structure drawn from the larger report. It is very different to the introduction which just talks about the broad context, the purpose of the report, and what is going to be covered in the following sections. It gives the reader an idea of what is ahead – it does not give the overview like the executive summary.

The other important sections are the Findings and Discussion. This is where you would describe and then analyse your findings. Your findings will be reporting what you have discovered during your research, or your experiment, or an observation you have made. In the discussion section, you must delve deeper: you have to analyse and make sense of these findings and not just state what they are.

Finally, in the conclusion, you summarise your findings or use your findings or to come out with a more unified understanding or outcome. In some disciplines like business, you might be asked to give solutions or recommendations to overcome a problem that you have noticed. Recommendations might have their own section or be included in the conclusion, too.

For more information about reports, try the tutorials. Thanks for watching!

The table below shows the main differences between reports and essays.

• Provides objective information: Can be constructed collaboratively.
• Highly structured into sections identified using headings.
• Sections can be read in isolation of the most of the text: the reader can dip in and out.
• Objective report and analysis of facts.
• Grounded in practice but often links to theory.
• For a specific audience.
• Includes tables, graphs and diagrams.
• Dot points used for conciseness.
• Presents a particular writer's claim or argument.
• Structured by paragraphing with key points identified in topic sentences.
• Paragraphs are read in the context of the whole: the reader starts at the beginning and reads the entire text.
• Subjective argument or interpretation.
• Grounded in theory but sometimes linked to practice.
• For a generalised audience.
• Meaning is conveyed through text.
• Meaning constructed through sentences.
• Purpose of reports and sources to use
• Overall structure of a report
• Sample report structures

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The purpose of a report

A report is a practical document that describes, details or analyses something so that the reader can make decisions or take specific action concerning it. A report can be written about anything; a business issue, a recent event, a piece of research, however it is likely to be one or more of the following in character:

Informative Defining or establishing the facts surrounding a current situation

Explanatory Exploring and explaining a situation and suggesting a range of possible actions

Persuasive Investigating a problem and recommending a specific course of action

The difference between reports and essays

As a part of the assessment for your course, you may be required to write both reports and essays; this table highlights the main differences between the two:  

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The purpose of an essay

When we write an essay we are often looking at topics in depth. The essay may voice an opinion, or explain something in detail. The essay may include arguments or counter arguments or offer solutions to problems.Tthere are many different ways to approach writing an essay.  The purpose of an essay is to provide a detailed insight in to an aspect of a topic.

The purpose of a report

A report often discusses the results of a practical investigation. For example a report could discuss an experiment and its results or discuss  research that has been undertaken.  The purpose of a report is to help people to find the information they need quickly . For example they may need to see the results of an experiment but not want to know how it was carried out.

The common structure of an essay

An essay has the following structure: introduction,  main body of the essay and conclusion. Each part of the essay is written in paragraphs. It is not common practice to use headings within an essay. The paragraphs within the essay should link together clearly as the reader is going to be reading every section. This can be done by trying to link each paragraph to the other.

The common structure of a report

Reports often include the following features:

A list of contents -  this shows your reader where  they can find the exact information they are looking for.

An abstract  -  an abstract is a brief summary of the report journal article or research. It usually outlines its purpose, methodology and findings ( results)

An introduction - h ere you say what you are going to be discussing in the report and why the report is important .

A literature review -  this shows what you have read before completing your report.

Methodology -  this explains what you did and how you did it

The results  - here you present your findings

Discussion - i n this section you discuss your results.

Conclusions -  here you say what the report has shown and what you think could be learnt from the report.  

Recommendations -  often a report will include your recommendations - what you think should be done next having considered the results.

The main differences between a report and an essay

Reports are divided into many sections  whereas essays have three main sections divided into paragraphs.

Reports include an abstract,  essays do not.

Reports can use bullet points,  essays do not.

Reports can use subheadings  for each of the sections, it is rare for essays to have subheadings.

Reports often include graphs and tables , essays do not.

Similarities between report writing and essay writing

Both use a formal style-  this means that we don't use shortened words, we remember we are writing for an academic audience, we don't use slang, and we write in sentences,  using a formal style.

Both avoid sounding personal -  in academic writing it is important to  sound objective . This means that you don't try to sway your reader with your own opinions and viewpoints but you put your points across using proof and evidence. With this in mind, in reports and essay writing personal pronouns (Example: I) should be avoided.

Both need to be clear-  whatever you are writing it is important that you make your writing clear. In both reports and essays an introduction will be included to show the purpose of the piece of work, and a conclusion to sum up the key points. The main body of both texts should be written in a logical well ordered way.

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Differences between reports and essays

A report is a piece of informative writing that describes a set of actions and analyses any results in response to a specific brief. A quick definition might be: “This is what I did and this is what it means.”

You may also have assignments which are not called reports but which are still pieces of informative writing; for instance, some dissertations and project write-ups fall into this category.

A good way to understand the key features of reports is to see how they differ from essays as a type of academic writing.

Essay vs. Report: What's the Difference?

Key Differences

Comparison chart, tone and style, inclusion of opinion, essay and report definitions, what is the primary aim of an essay, are reports subjective, how is a report typically structured, can essays contain personal opinions, is a report a detailed account, are essays longer than reports, what's the tone of a report, are essays always formal, should essays be persuasive, can an essay be a literary composition, can essays explore philosophical concepts, do essays have a rigid structure, can reports include tables and figures, who is the typical audience for an essay, what's the main objective of a report, do reports always result from research, who typically reads a report, can a report be spoken, is critical thinking essential in essay writing, do reports make recommendations.

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Difference Between Essay and Report

Essays and reports are both common types of written assignments that students are required to complete in school. However, there are some key differences between the two that you should be aware of.

Here is a comparison table that summarizes the main differences between essays and reports:

Essays are typically shorter than reports and are more focused on the author’s perspective and argument. Reports, on the other hand, are longer and are more focused on presenting information objectively.

Table of Contents

What is Essay?

An essay is a piece of writing that presents the author’s argument or point of view on a particular topic. It is typically longer than a paragraph, but shorter than a full-length book. Essays are often written in a formal, academic style and may be structured with an introduction, body, and conclusion.

In an essay, the author’s own perspective and opinion are important and are often the main focus of the piece. The purpose of an essay is to express an opinion, persuade the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint, or argue a point. Essays may be written on a wide range of topics and may take on various forms, such as narrative, descriptive, expository, or persuasive.

What is Report?

A report is a written document that presents information about a particular subject. Reports are often longer than essays and are more focused on presenting information objectively. They are typically written in a formal, academic style and may be structured with an introduction, body, and conclusion.

The purpose of a report is to present information, explain a particular subject, or describe something in detail. Reports may be written on a wide range of topics and may take on various forms, such as investigative, technical, or business reports.

Reports may include information from research, experiments, or other sources, and may be accompanied by charts, tables, and other visual aids to help illustrate the information being presented.

Main Key Difference Between Essay and Report

Here are some main differences between essays and reports:

• Essays are pieces of writing that present the author’s own argument or point of view on a particular topic.
• Reports are pieces of writing that present information about a particular subject.
• Both essays and reports typically have an introduction, body, and conclusion.
• Essays are typically written in a personal, subjective tone and may express the author’s opinion or perspective on a topic.
• Reports are typically written in an impersonal, objective tone and are focused on presenting information rather than expressing personal opinions.
• Essays can vary in length, but are generally shorter than reports.
• Reports are typically longer than essays.
• The purpose of an essay is to express an opinion, persuade the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint, or argue a point.
• The purpose of a report is to present information, explain a particular subject, or describe something in detail.
• Both essays and reports are typically written in a formal, academic style.

Here are a few ideas for writing a unique conclusion for a blog post:

• Recap the main points of the post and emphasize the key takeaways for the reader.
• Ask a thought-provoking question that encourages the reader to reflect on the topic and engage with the content in a deeper way.
• Share a personal story or anecdote that relates to the topic of the post and adds a personal touch to the conclusion.
• Offer a call to action, such as inviting readers to leave a comment or share their own experiences related to the topic.
• Offer additional resources or further reading suggestions for readers who want to learn more about the topic.
• End with a quote or a piece of advice that sums up the post and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Sajius Islam is a creative writer who enjoys Blog & Content Writing. He received his Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) degree from Guwahati University, Guwahati. He loves spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and exploring new cultures.

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Home » Language » Difference Between Essay and Report

Difference Between Essay and Report

Main difference – essay vs report.

Essay and report writing is an area that confuses many people .  Despite having some similarities, they both are written in different styles. Both Essays and Reports must be written in a formal academic style while carefully checking grammar, spelling, and presentations. There are some common features in essay and report writing as both start with an introduction, body with discussions and analysis, and finally conclusions that demonstrate writer’s analytical thinking ability. However, there are some significant differences between Essays and Reports, and writers should be well aware of these differences before starting to write. The main difference between these two types of writings is their purpose ; an essay presents writer’s personal ideas and opinions about a certain topic while a report provides unbiased information about a certain issue.

What is an Essay

Essay is a piece of writing that describes, analyzes and evaluates a certain topic or an issue . An essay generally contains a combination of facts, statistics and writer’s personal view and opinions. An  essay can be categorized into various types, depending on the nature of the title and the style of the author. Descriptive, Narrative, Argumentative, Persuasive, and Expository are some of these types of Essays. Though there is no strict format for essay writing, an essay generally includes an introduction, body, and conclusion. Essays are mostly used in the field of Education and are usually about academic subjects.

What are the Different Types of Essays

How to write an essay, what is a report.

A report is a systematic, well-organised document that defines and analyses a certain issue or a problem . The primary aim of a report is to provide information. A report is divided into several sections, headings, and sub-headings. A report is divided into sections in this manner so that anyone can scan the document and find quickly, the specific information he/she needs. Reports are used in different fields, and various types of reports written for different purposes can be found in our day to day life. Reports are generally written for practical purposes. Academic reports, Business reports, Laboratory reports are examples of such reports. Another significant feature that can be observed in a report is that the writer indicates recommendations,  solutions to the issue at the end of the report. Graphs, tables, sentences in bullet points can also be used in report writing.

Let us now look at the difference between essay and report separately. One of the main difference between essay and report is the purpose. An essay is written to present writer’s personal ideas and opinions while a report is written to provide information about a certain issue. Another significant difference between essay and report is the format. A report is divided into sections, headings, and sub-headings, but an essay is never divided into sections and headings; it has interconnecting paragraphs. The conclusion of a report is unbiased and recommendations are provided at the end while the conclusion of an essay depends heavily on the opinion of the author. A report contains graphs and tables while an essay rarely contains graphs and tables. An appendix can be attached to the report for further reference. One of the most efficient features of a report, is that  the information can be found quickly by scanning the headings and sections but, in an essay, it is difficult to find a specific information without reading the whole essay.

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How does an essay differ from a report?

Essays and reports differ in terms of  layout and focus

Essays traditionally, don’t have headings; instead writers develop and sustain an extended argument throughout the text, moving from logically connected paragraphs to create a text that makes sense to the reader. Nowadays it is fairly common for students to use headings and sub-headings in essays if it makes sense to do so. However, your lecturer may have a layout preference for essays without headings, so if you're not sure check with your lecturer or module handbook.

Reports are divided into sections with headings and sub-headings so that the reader can find specific information easily. Business reports often present information visually using graphs, tables and diagrams. Your module handbook will often give you a structure to follow.

An essay tends to focus on concepts, issues and/or theory. The focus of a report is more concrete: the report looks at an issue in a real-world context. Essays, especially business essays, often use real-world examples to illustrate a concept or theory but a conceptual, or abstract, idea is the focus. Business reports often focus on a case study organisation and draw on relevant literature to understand the company.

However essays and reports are similar in many ways. They both:

• Require  critical reading of relevant literature
• Integrate ideas from the  literature into the text
• Demonstrate  critical analysis
• Have a clear structure, written in paragraphs
• Are written in an  academic style
• Cite and reference sources using  Harvard

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Meaning of Essay and Report

Advantages of essay and report in academics, difference between essay and report, how our experts can help you.

When it comes to academic writing, understanding the difference between " Essay vs Report " is crucial. These two forms may seem similar initially, but each has unique characteristics and purposes. Therefore, it is important to grasp the differences, as you'll be better equipped to decide when to use an essay or a report for your writing tasks.

In this blog, we'll delve into the critical disparities between a "report vs essay" to help you with this academic writing more effectively. We'll break down their specific features so that you have a clear understanding of how to choose between an essay and a report and meet their respective requirements. So, if you are aiming for top grades, this guide will empower you to write confidently in both styles. But before that, you should know the meaning of essay and report.

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Academic essays and academic reports are two distinct forms of academic writing that serve different purposes and have different structures. Here are the key differences between an  essay vs report :

This academic writing allows you to express your opinions on a particular topic. Essays are more flexible and subjective, emphasizing critical thinking, and the use of supporting evidence to back up the writer's claims. Moreover, they are frequently used to explore complex ideas, engage in academic discourse, and develop writing skills. In case of difficulty, you can always pay for essay  to experts.

These are structured and objective documents that present factual information and findings on a specific topic. Unlike essays, reports are more focused on providing information rather than presenting personal opinions or arguments. These are often based on research, investigation, or data analysis.

Understanding the meaning of both essay vs report can help you approach each type of writing appropriately and effectively.However, if you need assistance with either form, you can ask, Can you  write my essay for me  or report? Now, let's further check out the advantages of writing these tasks.

In school or college, when you have to write things, there are two significant ways to do it: essays and reports. They each have their good sides, and it's essential to understand the strengths of "essay vs report " in academics. In this part, we will look at the advantages of using essays and reports for your college work. Let's see why essays and reports are excellent and how they can help you improve in universities.

Advantages of Essays:

Here are the advantages of essay in academics that you need to know:

• Expressiv e : Essays, in the context of essay vs report, enable writers to express their thoughts, opinions, and analyses on a topic, fostering creativity and critical thinking. They provide a platform to present arguments persuasively and engage readers.
• Flexibility : Essays offer flexibility in structure and content, allowing writers to adapt their approach based on the topic and purpose, you may require  essay help . This versatility enables the exploration of complex ideas and encourages individual writing styles.
• Personal Development : Writing essays enhances various skills such as research, critical thinking, organization, and communication. It helps writers develop their ability to articulate ideas, analyze information, and construct logical arguments.
• Academic Discourse : Essays contribute to academic discourse by facilitating discussions and debates on various subjects. They encourage scholars to engage with existing research, challenge ideas, and contribute to the body of knowledge.

Now, as you know, the advantages of writing an academic essay. Let's discuss some advantages of report writing, to know the difference between report vs essay more clearly.

Advantages of Reports:

Here are the advantages of report writing in academics that you need to learn:

• Accuracy : Reports prioritize objectivity and provide accurate and reliable information. They present data, research findings, and evidence-based conclusions, making them valuable for decision-making and informing actions.
• Structure Clarity : Reports follow a structured format, making them easy to navigate and comprehend, whether for professional communication or presenting research findings. It allows readers to locate specific information quickly.
• Professional Communication : Reports are commonly used in professional and scientific contexts to communicate research findings, project outcomes, or business insights. They provide a concise and standardized way to present complex information.
• Evidence-Based : Reports aid evidence-based decision-making by systematically presenting data and research findings. They help students assess the validity and reliability of information.

It's important to note that the advantages mentioned above, in the context of  essay vs report , can offer a great help in your academics. Both essays and reports have unique strengths and serve different purposes in academia and professional settings. Let's move forward to understand the differences between the academic writing tasks.

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Remember that these distinctions can vary based on specific academic requirements or disciplines, so it's important to refer to your guidelines for precise instructions on structuring your essay vs report. However, if you are still struggling with writing any of these academic writing tasks, then it is best to seek help from experts and learn how to write a report  or an essay. Check out the below section to know how our experts can help you.

At Assignment Desk, our expertise in e ssay v s r eport  writing can be invaluable to individuals seeking academic or professional assistance. By leveraging our skills, you can access comprehensive, well-researched, and expertly crafted essays and reports on a wide range of topics. Our "Report Writing Services" can help clients save time, reduce stress, and achieve better grades or outcomes. Here's how we can assist:

Quality Content:

We deliver high-quality, original content tailored to your specific requirements, adhering to academic standards and guidelines for both "Essays" and "Reports."

Thorough Research:

We conduct in-depth research, compile relevant data, and cite sources properly to support arguments and claims in both essays and reports.

Structured Writing:

We ensure a clear, logical structure for essays, and appropriate headings, subheadings, and sections for reports.

Editing and Proofreading:

We review and refine content for grammar, spelling, and formatting errors, enhancing the overall clarity and coherence of the work in both essay vs report.

Customization:

Our experts tailor each piece to individual needs, respecting specific guidelines, formats, and deadlines for both essays and reports.

Our experts can be a valuable resource for those seeking help with " Essay Vs Report " writing. Also, we offer them the opportunity to excel in their academic or professional endeavors through our specialized report writing services  that you can get help with.I hope we have resolved your query and you would seek assistance in case you are still in dilemma.

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Difference Between Essay and Report

When in college, you will expect to receive various assignments that require a different approach when writing. One of the assignments is essay and report writing which might confuse many students. Although their structure is almost similar, their content differs and you should not confuse one with the other.

Essays are divided into different categories according to their purpose but reports present factual facts about something and are backed by data and numbers. Essays give more details using words but reports have lesser words. Here are the main differences.

• 2 Where to get help with essay or report writing 
• 3 Writing format
• 4 Biases in conclusion
• 5 Use of figures and diagrams
• 6 Conclusion

Students are encouraged on  reading essays to improve writing  and understand the various types of essays and their purposes. Essays are divided into four categories, namely the argumentative essay, an expository, narrative, and descriptive. Each type serves a certain purpose and a writer must stay within that purpose in the writing process. The writer presents their ideas about a topic.

A report does not rely on a personal idea but it entirely presents information concerning an issue. The information provided must the backed by facts and one of the best ways to present the facts is to use numbers and data.

Where to get help with essay or report writing 

Essays and reports have major differences but despite this fact, most students cannot outrightly tell their differences. This is because some academic fields have writing style requirements for reports and essays that sometimes make one look like the other. Whether you’ve been assigned a college essay or report, you can  buy thesis paper  on StudyClerk and avoid confusion. When you buy a thesis online, you make your education experience better. You just need to search thesis papers for sale to get the best paper writer online.

Writing format

The general format for writing a report and an essay might look similar but there is a big difference. In an essay, the writer starts with an introduction where they tell the reader a few details about the topic. A thesis statement is usually included within the introduction.

The writer goes on to write the body of the essay and uses paragraphs. Each paragraph transitions into the next and it could contain between three to five paragraphs, with each covering a specific point. The writer summarizes the essay in the concluding statement and then adds references.

The format of a report is different and starts with an executive summary, where a writer gives a summary of the report. An index page follows, which contains the table of contents and then the introduction comes next. It discusses the origin and the components of the main heading. The main report is contained in the body and the conclusion depicts the measures taken and the projections. The references come after the conclusion, followed by the appendix. In general, a report has sections, headings, and subheadings but an essay is divided into paragraphs.

Biases in conclusion

The  conclusion of an essay  contains biases because it is written according to what the writer feels is their best opinion concerning the topic. Even though the majority might be in support of a topic, the writer is free to think otherwise and take a different view. They might decide to provide personal recommendations but they are not bound to do so.

A report cannot be biased because it is based on real data, statistics, or information. The writer doesn’t report about what they feel is best for the topic but reports strictly on what the facts say. In conclusion, the writer is bound to give recommendations based on the facts they provided in the body.

Use of figures and diagrams

Because a report must be based on facts and not opinions, a writer provides evidence to the facts using several ways. They create tables with figures, they  use graphs and illustrations . At some point, they even use bullet points and use numbered or labeled headings and subheads.

An essay does not require facts to prove a point but only relies on the power of a writer to persuade their audience, argue a point, narrate a story, or describe a situation. They don’t require to use tables, bullets, figures, or graphs to prove their points.

A student who writes an essay presents their point of view and convinces their audience to agree with it. They give a conclusion that is biased based on their personal opinion. The writer of a report must give facts and back them with tables, figures, and graphs. The conclusions they give cannot be biased because it’s not about their opinion but facts. They must give recommendations to their audience.

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What is the difference between an essay and a report.

Reports are typically used to present the findings from a particular project, experiment, or investigation in a systematic way. Essays are used to develop a discussion of a topic or build an argument.

Reports present information in a different way from an essay. Whilst essays are generally quite fluid in terms of structure, enabling the author to explore a topic through a series of paragraphs, a report will be highly structured with section headings and subheadings that have a clear function. Reports often use tables, bullet points and graphics to present information.

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What is the difference between an essay and a report.

Essays differ from reports in a number of ways:

• Essays require the writer to argue, defend or justify a point of view with respect to a particular topic or question.  
• An essay includes an introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion.
• In essays, headings are not normally used, so each new idea needs to be introduced within the paragraph structure.
• In essays, bullet points and short phrases should be avoided.  Each new sentence should link to the previous one and each paragraph should link to the previous or next one. 
• A Report is used to provide concise information, and in some cases, opinions on a specific subject.
• A report usually includes an executive summary, introduction, body paragraphs, a conclusion and recommendations. However, report structure and format may vary depending on the intended audience. Please consult your assessment brief or learning facilitator if you are unsure.
• Each section has a heading.
• The recommendations may be listed in bullet point format.
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• Key Differences

Know the Differences & Comparisons

Difference Between Article and Essay

An article is nothing but a piece of writing commonly found in newspapers or websites which contain fact-based information on a specific topic. It is published with the aim of making the reader aware of something and keeping them up to date.

An essay is a literary work, which often discusses ideas, experiences and concepts in a clear and coherent way. It reflects the author’s personal view, knowledge and research on a specific topic.

Content: Article Vs Essay

Comparison chart, definition of article.

An ‘article’ can be described as any form of written information which is produced either in a printed or electronic form, in newspaper, magazine, journal or website. It aims at spreading news, results of surveys, academic analysis or debates.

An article targets a large group of people, in order to fascinate the readers and engage them. Hence, it should be such that to retain the interest of the readers.

It discusses stories, reports and describes news, present balanced argument, express opinion, provides facts, offers advice, compares and contrast etc. in a formal or informal manner, depending upon the type of audience.

For writing an article one needs to perform a thorough research on the matter, so as to provide original and authentic information to the readers.

Components of Article

• Title : An article contains a noticeable title which should be intriguing and should not be very long and descriptive. However, it should be such that which suggests the theme or issue of the information provided.
• Introduction : The introduction part must clearly define the topic, by giving a brief overview of the situation or event.
• Body : An introduction is followed by the main body which presents the complete information or news, in an elaborative way, to let the reader know about the exact situation.
• Conclusion : The article ends with a conclusion, which sums up the entire topic with a recommendation or comment.

Definition of Essay

An essay is just a formal and comprehensive piece of literature, in which a particular topic is discussed thoroughly. It usually highlights the writer’s outlook, knowledge and experiences on that particular topic. It is a short literary work, which elucidates, argues and analyzes a specific topic.

The word essay is originated from the Latin term ‘exagium’ which means ‘presentation of a case’. Hence, writing an essay means to state the reasons or causes of something, or why something should be done or should be the case, which validates a particular viewpoint, analysis, experience, stories, facts or interpretation.

An essay is written with the intent to convince or inform the reader about something. Further, for writing an essay one needs to have good knowledge of the subject to explain the concept, thoroughly. If not so, the writer will end up repeating the same points again and again.

Components of the Essay

• Title : It should be a succinct statement of the proposition.
• Introduction : The introduction section of the essay, should be so interesting which instantly grabs the attention of the reader and makes them read the essay further. Hence, one can start with a quote to make it more thought-provoking.
• Body : In the main body of the essay, evidence or reasons in support of the writer’s ideas or arguments are provided. One should make sure that there is a sync in the paragraphs of the main body, as well as they,  should maintain a logical flow.
• Conclusion : In this part, the writer wraps up all the points in a summarized and simplified manner.

Key Differences Between Article and Essay

Upcoming points will discuss the difference between article and essay:

• An article refers to a written work, published in newspapers, journals, website, magazines etc, containing news or information, in a specific format. On the other hand, an essay is a continuous piece of writing, written with the aim of convincing the reader with the argument or merely informing the reader about the fact.
• An article is objective in the sense that it is based on facts and evidence, and simply describes the topic or narrate the event. As against, an essay is subjective, because it is based on fact or research-based opinion or outlook of a person on a specific topic. It analyses, argues and criticizes the topic.
• The tone used in an article is conversational, so as to make the article easy to understand and also keeping the interest of the reader intact. On the contrary, an essay uses educational and analytical tone.
• An article may contain headings, which makes it attractive and readable. In contrast, an essay does not have any headings, sections or bullet points, however, it is a coherent and organized form of writing.
• An article is always written with a definite objective, which is to inform or make the readers aware of something. Further, it is written to cater to a specific niche of audience. Conversely, an essay is written in response to a particular assertion or question. Moreover, it is not written with a specific group of readers in mind.
• An article is often supported by photographs, charts, statistics, graphs and tables. As opposed, an essay is not supported by any photographs, charts, or graphs.
• Citations and references are a must in case of an essay, whereas there is no such requirement in case of an article.

By and large, an article is meant to inform the reader about something, through news, featured stories, product descriptions, reports, etc. On the flip side, an essay offers an analysis of a particular topic, while reflecting a detailed account of a person’s view on it.

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Anna H. Smith says

November 15, 2020 at 6:21 pm

Great! Thank you for explaining the difference between an article and an academic essay so eloquently. Your information is so detailed and very helpful. it’s very educative, Thanks for sharing.

Sunita Singh says

December 12, 2020 at 7:11 am

Thank you! That’s quite helpful.

Saba Zia says

March 8, 2021 at 12:33 am

Great job!! Thank u for sharing this explanation and detailed difference between essay and article. It is really helpful.

Khushi Chaudhary says

February 7, 2021 at 2:38 pm

Thank you so much! It is really very easy to understand & helpful for my test.

Dury Frizza says

July 25, 2022 at 8:18 pm

Thanks a lot for sharing such a clear and easily understood explanation!!!!.

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Gender pay gap in U.S. hasn’t changed much in two decades

The gender gap in pay has remained relatively stable in the United States over the past 20 years or so. In 2022, women earned an average of 82% of what men earned, according to a new Pew Research Center analysis of median hourly earnings of both full- and part-time workers. These results are similar to where the pay gap stood in 2002, when women earned 80% as much as men.

As has long been the case, the wage gap is smaller for workers ages 25 to 34 than for all workers 16 and older. In 2022, women ages 25 to 34 earned an average of 92 cents for every dollar earned by a man in the same age group – an 8-cent gap. By comparison, the gender pay gap among workers of all ages that year was 18 cents.

While the gender pay gap has not changed much in the last two decades, it has narrowed considerably when looking at the longer term, both among all workers ages 16 and older and among those ages 25 to 34. The estimated 18-cent gender pay gap among all workers in 2022 was down from 35 cents in 1982. And the 8-cent gap among workers ages 25 to 34 in 2022 was down from a 26-cent gap four decades earlier.

The gender pay gap measures the difference in median hourly earnings between men and women who work full or part time in the United States. Pew Research Center’s estimate of the pay gap is based on an analysis of Current Population Survey (CPS) monthly outgoing rotation group files ( IPUMS ) from January 1982 to December 2022, combined to create annual files. To understand how we calculate the gender pay gap, read our 2013 post, “How Pew Research Center measured the gender pay gap.”

The COVID-19 outbreak affected data collection efforts by the U.S. government in its surveys, especially in 2020 and 2021, limiting in-person data collection and affecting response rates. It is possible that some measures of economic outcomes and how they vary across demographic groups are affected by these changes in data collection.

In addition to findings about the gender wage gap, this analysis includes information from a Pew Research Center survey about the perceived reasons for the pay gap, as well as the pressures and career goals of U.S. men and women. The survey was conducted among 5,098 adults and includes a subset of questions asked only for 2,048 adults who are employed part time or full time, from Oct. 10-16, 2022. Everyone who took part is a member of the Center’s American Trends Panel (ATP), an online survey panel that is recruited through national, random sampling of residential addresses. This way nearly all U.S. adults have a chance of selection. The survey is weighted to be representative of the U.S. adult population by gender, race, ethnicity, partisan affiliation, education and other categories. Read more about the ATP’s methodology .

Here are the questions used in this analysis, along with responses, and its methodology .

The  U.S. Census Bureau has also analyzed the gender pay gap, though its analysis looks only at full-time workers (as opposed to full- and part-time workers). In 2021, full-time, year-round working women earned 84% of what their male counterparts earned, on average, according to the Census Bureau’s most recent analysis.

Much of the gender pay gap has been explained by measurable factors such as educational attainment, occupational segregation and work experience. The narrowing of the gap over the long term is attributable in large part to gains women have made in each of these dimensions.

Related: The Enduring Grip of the Gender Pay Gap

Even though women have increased their presence in higher-paying jobs traditionally dominated by men, such as professional and managerial positions, women as a whole continue to be overrepresented in lower-paying occupations relative to their share of the workforce. This may contribute to gender differences in pay.

Other factors that are difficult to measure, including gender discrimination, may also contribute to the ongoing wage discrepancy.

Perceived reasons for the gender wage gap

When asked about the factors that may play a role in the gender wage gap, half of U.S. adults point to women being treated differently by employers as a major reason, according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in October 2022. Smaller shares point to women making different choices about how to balance work and family (42%) and working in jobs that pay less (34%).

There are some notable differences between men and women in views of what’s behind the gender wage gap. Women are much more likely than men (61% vs. 37%) to say a major reason for the gap is that employers treat women differently. And while 45% of women say a major factor is that women make different choices about how to balance work and family, men are slightly less likely to hold that view (40% say this).

Parents with children younger than 18 in the household are more likely than those who don’t have young kids at home (48% vs. 40%) to say a major reason for the pay gap is the choices that women make about how to balance family and work. On this question, differences by parental status are evident among both men and women.

Views about reasons for the gender wage gap also differ by party. About two-thirds of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents (68%) say a major factor behind wage differences is that employers treat women differently, but far fewer Republicans and Republican leaners (30%) say the same. Conversely, Republicans are more likely than Democrats to say women’s choices about how to balance family and work (50% vs. 36%) and their tendency to work in jobs that pay less (39% vs. 30%) are major reasons why women earn less than men.

Democratic and Republican women are more likely than their male counterparts in the same party to say a major reason for the gender wage gap is that employers treat women differently. About three-quarters of Democratic women (76%) say this, compared with 59% of Democratic men. And while 43% of Republican women say unequal treatment by employers is a major reason for the gender wage gap, just 18% of GOP men share that view.

Pressures facing working women and men

Family caregiving responsibilities bring different pressures for working women and men, and research has shown that being a mother can reduce women’s earnings , while fatherhood can increase men’s earnings .

Employed women and men are about equally likely to say they feel a great deal of pressure to support their family financially and to be successful in their jobs and careers, according to the Center’s October survey. But women, and particularly working mothers, are more likely than men to say they feel a great deal of pressure to focus on responsibilities at home.

About half of employed women (48%) report feeling a great deal of pressure to focus on their responsibilities at home, compared with 35% of employed men. Among working mothers with children younger than 18 in the household, two-thirds (67%) say the same, compared with 45% of working dads.

When it comes to supporting their family financially, similar shares of working moms and dads (57% vs. 62%) report they feel a great deal of pressure, but this is driven mainly by the large share of unmarried working mothers who say they feel a great deal of pressure in this regard (77%). Among those who are married, working dads are far more likely than working moms (60% vs. 43%) to say they feel a great deal of pressure to support their family financially. (There were not enough unmarried working fathers in the sample to analyze separately.)

About four-in-ten working parents say they feel a great deal of pressure to be successful at their job or career. These findings don’t differ by gender.

Gender differences in job roles, aspirations

Overall, a quarter of employed U.S. adults say they are currently the boss or one of the top managers where they work, according to the Center’s survey. Another 33% say they are not currently the boss but would like to be in the future, while 41% are not and do not aspire to be the boss or one of the top managers.

Men are more likely than women to be a boss or a top manager where they work (28% vs. 21%). This is especially the case among employed fathers, 35% of whom say they are the boss or one of the top managers where they work. (The varying attitudes between fathers and men without children at least partly reflect differences in marital status and educational attainment between the two groups.)

In addition to being less likely than men to say they are currently the boss or a top manager at work, women are also more likely to say they wouldn’t want to be in this type of position in the future. More than four-in-ten employed women (46%) say this, compared with 37% of men. Similar shares of men (35%) and women (31%) say they are not currently the boss but would like to be one day. These patterns are similar among parents.

Note: This is an update of a post originally published on March 22, 2019. Anna Brown and former Pew Research Center writer/editor Amanda Barroso contributed to an earlier version of this analysis. Here are the questions used in this analysis, along with responses, and its methodology .

What is the gender wage gap in your metropolitan area? Find out with our pay gap calculator

• Gender & Work
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Carolina Aragão is a research associate focusing on social and demographic trends at Pew Research Center

Women have gained ground in the nation’s highest-paying occupations, but still lag behind men

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After U.N. Report, Germany Says It Will Resume Funding for UNRWA

The announcement was likely to further strain Germany’s longstanding ties with Israel, which have deteriorated because of differences over the war in Gaza.

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By Christopher F. Schuetze

reporting from Berlin

• April 24, 2024 Updated 9:13 a.m. ET

Germany said on Wednesday that it would resume funding for the main U.N. agency aiding Palestinians in Gaza, known as UNRWA, after an independent review found that Israel had not provided evidence of an allegation that led many donor nations to withdraw support for the agency.

The announcement was likely to cause further strain in Germany’s longstanding close ties with Israel , which have deteriorated because of differences over the war in Gaza.

Germany, which gave more than $200 million to UNRWA in 2023 , is the agency’s second largest donor after the United States, which has also withdrawn its funding and has yet to say whether it will restore it.

“The German government has looked closely at the allegations made by Israel against UNRWA and has been in close contact with the Israeli government, the United Nations and other international donors,” read a statement issued by Germany’s foreign and development ministries on Wednesday.

The statement said that Germany expected the agency to take on the recommendations from the independent review led by a former French foreign minister, Catherine Colonna, to protect its neutrality.

The review was commissioned by the United Nations in January, just before Israel alleged that a dozen of the agency’s 13,000 employees in Gaza had participated in the Oct. 7 Hamas-led terrorist attacks or their aftermath, and that many were members of Hamas or its allies. In findings released on Monday , the review did not address whether some employees had taken part in the attack but said Israel had provided no evidence that many UNRWA workers belonged to militant groups.

Israel harshly criticized the report and repeated its claim that UNRWA should be disbanded.

After Israel’s claims in January, Germany joined more than a dozen countries, in pausing new funding for the agency, though it noted no new funds were scheduled. Several countries, including Australia, Canada and Sweden, have since resumed funding for UNRWA . The United States and Britain, among several others, have not done so, with the State Department saying this week that it was reviewing the report on UNRWA.

Germany’s support for Israel is considered central to the modern German state, part of its national effort to atone for the Holocaust. Chancellor Olaf Scholz was one of the first Western leaders to arrive in Tel Aviv following the Oct. 7 attacks.

But that support has come under strain over the worsening conditions for civilians in Gaza under Israeli bombardment. Germany’s foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, said in February that “words can hardly describe the situation of the people in Gaza,” and she has repeatedly warned against an Israeli invasion of Rafah, the southernmost Gaza city where more than a million civilians have sought shelter from the war.

Last week, when Ms. Baerbock made her seventh trip to Israel since the war began, her meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu turned tense, Israel’s Channel 13 News reported . Mr. Netanyahu showed Ms. Baerbock pictures of full market stands and people bathing on the beach in Gaza, the channel reported, an apparent effort to show that conditions in Gaza were not that bad.

Christopher F. Schuetze is a reporter for The Times based in Berlin, covering politics, society and culture in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. More about Christopher F. Schuetze

Our Coverage of the Israel-Hamas War

News and Analysis

Israel has not provided evidence to support its accusations that many employees of the main U.N. agency  for Palestinian refugees are members of terrorist organizations, according to an independent review commissioned by the United Nations.

The United Nations says famine is likely to set in by May in Gaza. For those living under Israel’s attacks and a crippling blockade, every day is a race against time. Here’s how two Palestinian families  try to keep their children alive.

Israel has failed to achieve its two primary goals of the war, while the suffering of Palestinians  erodes support even among its allies. Here’s a look inside the stark reality  of Israel’s fight in Gaza.

The United States is considering imposing sanctions on one or more Israeli battalions accused of human rights violations during operations in the occupied West Bank , according to a person familiar with the deliberations.

PEN America’s Fallout: The free expression group PEN America has canceled its 2024 literary awards ceremony following months of escalating protests over the organization’s response to the war in Gaza , which has been criticized as overly sympathetic to Israel.

Fears Over Iran Buoy Netanyahu: The Israeli prime minister lost considerable support after the Hamas-led Oct. 7 attacks on Israel. Tensions with Iran have helped him claw  some of it back.

A Surprising Rift: The Israel-Hamas war, which has roiled cultural and political institutions far beyond the Middle East, is causing divisions in a prominent Japanese American group .

Mobilizing the American Left: As the death toll in Gaza climbed, the pro-Palestinian movement grew into a powerful, if disjointed, political force in the United States . Democrats are feeling the pressure.

More From Forbes

6 overlooked professional skills—and why you need them.

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Whether you are just entering the workforce or already well into your career, these lesser-known workplace skills can make all the difference in your professional trajectory.

Your professional skills are vital to success

It’s an exciting time for the class of 2024 as they prepare to don their caps and walk. But once all the fanfare of graduating gives way to the realities of the workplace, what then? Are they really ready for the world of work?

Many managers don’t think so. According to a survey by Intelligent.com , 58% of employers believe recent college graduates are not prepared for the workforce—and almost half have had to fire one.

So what’s up with Gen Z college graduates? Are they simply not equipped for the technical aspects of their roles—or is there something else holding them back?

According to the Intelligent.com report, it’s partly a lack of workplace etiquette that is turning so many hiring managers off this generation of workers—along with things like missing deadlines, falling behind on their workload and failing to dress professionally.

It’s rare for anyone to hit the ground running at work, especially those navigating the transition between the classroom to the office. The quality of the company’s onboarding program also plays a significant role in retention and employee experience. But there are a few key skills, apart from the technical qualifications for the role, that new college graduates (and the rest of us) can focus on to improve our chances of success in the workplace.

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Here are six of the lesser known (but still vital) professional skills you need for success in the full-time workforce.

1. Human Connection

This is the simple, yet often overlooked ability to create a true rapport with another person. I believe everyone we interact with is silently asking three questions: do you see me? Do you hear me? And do I matter? If the answer to any of these questions is negative, the chance to connect with that person on a human level is gone.

Without human connection, it’s hard (if not impossible) to get people on board with our vision, build consensus and work together productively. In education, teachers must have a human connection with their students for those young people to move forward in their learning. It’s no different at work, where we all want to feel seen, heard and valued.

Your ability to forge a genuine human connection with people—making good eye contact, practicing active listening, demonstrating empathy and expressing authentic interest in what they are saying—will only become more important as AI gains traction in our workplaces.

2. Teachability

Here’s one you don’t see very often: the innate humility to admit you don’t know it all. Many times this runs counter to our instincts; we want to appear polished and perfect, all the time. It can be a real challenge to cultivate a teachable attitude.

Being teachable means you are open to feedback—and are willing to act upon it when you do receive it. This goes beyond a mere desire to learn (also important) because it’s more of an attitude. It’s the ability to hear you’re not doing something perfectly without getting offended in the process.

I don’t know if you’ve ever worked with someone who was fundamentally unteachable, but it’s no fun. You can’t say anything to help them get better because they immediately become defensive at the slightest hint that they’re not already performing flawlessly. Don’t be that person. Be teachable.

3. Dependability

Oh, how hiring managers long for people they can count on! If you’re dependable , that means you “consistently produce high quality work, are punctual, are driven by deadlines, and develop relationships” by helping others. In fact, an overall lack of dependability is one of the biggest beefs employers have with their Gen Z workers.

There could be a lot of factors at play here—maybe managers aren’t communicating expectations clearly to their younger workers, maybe younger workers don’t yet grasp the necessity of deadlines and results in the workplace or maybe there’s been some other type of breakdown. But the fact remains that a dependable worker is hard to find. If you do what you say and follow through every time, you will be hard to replace.

4. Time Management

It doesn’t sound exciting, but this is a vital skill not just for your productivity at work, but also for your mental health. People who know how to use their time well are less stressed, they tend to have more time for family and friends, they don’t find themselves scrambling to meet deadlines at the last minute and they also have more free time for themselves.

Candidly, time management is the secret hack to having enough time for hobbies and passions. If you can make a schedule for yourself and understand how much time you need for each thing you have to do, you can carve out the time for the things you want to do. You can have it all—if you’ve got a plan for your day. And this is why effective time management is one of the best ways to enjoy better mental health.

5. Failing Well

How we respond to failure is, ironically, a measure of how much we will accomplish. None of us likes to fail, but it can actually be a more valuable experience than easily succeeding. Failing at something grabs our attention, makes us more relatable, keeps us humble and pushes us to find a better way.

But it’s not enough just to fail at something. We have to be able to experience the disappointment of failing without allowing ourselves to wallow in it. We have to let go of the perfectionism that demands we either perform flawlessly or don’t even try. It’s okay to mess up if you’re committed to giving it your best shot next time.

I say it all the time: I don’t know a successful person who never failed. It’s my own failures that have led me to become the person I am today, but first I had to embrace what they had to teach me. Failure never feels good, but it can be a huge asset. If you can fail well, you will succeed.

6. Risk Taking

The ability to tolerate a level of risk is at the heart of every new venture. But this isn’t just a skill that entrepreneurs need. We all need the ability to step outside our comfort zone and try new things—things that may not always turn out the way we envision. This goes back to being able to fail well by reframing our failures as powerful learning moments that propel us toward personal and professional growth.

In my own career, I have always lived by the motto, “Say yes and then figure out how.” This has pushed me to achieve things that were far beyond my capability when I first agreed to take them on. I said yes, and then I went to work learning what I needed to learn to accomplish the mission. There was always a chance I wouldn’t be able to nail it, and that low-level discomfort spurred me on. It’s hard to achieve big wins without some level of risk.

Now, take action

As you consider these six skills, it’s a good idea to make an action plan to master the top three you see as most important to your own career path. You can work on these abilities in a variety of ways—learning from a mentor (official or not), finding a good book on the topic, taking a micro-course online or sharing your learning goals with a trusted friend or coworker for extra accountability. What matters is that you take action to enhance your own skillset—and ultimately create the kind of career you’ve always wanted.

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NPR suspends veteran editor as it grapples with his public criticism

David Folkenflik

NPR suspended senior editor Uri Berliner for five days without pay after he wrote an essay accusing the network of losing the public's trust and appeared on a podcast to explain his argument. Uri Berliner hide caption

NPR suspended senior editor Uri Berliner for five days without pay after he wrote an essay accusing the network of losing the public's trust and appeared on a podcast to explain his argument.

NPR has formally punished Uri Berliner, the senior editor who publicly argued a week ago that the network had "lost America's trust" by approaching news stories with a rigidly progressive mindset.

Berliner's five-day suspension without pay, which began last Friday, has not been previously reported.

Yet the public radio network is grappling in other ways with the fallout from Berliner's essay for the online news site The Free Press . It angered many of his colleagues, led NPR leaders to announce monthly internal reviews of the network's coverage, and gave fresh ammunition to conservative and partisan Republican critics of NPR, including former President Donald Trump.

Conservative activist Christopher Rufo is among those now targeting NPR's new chief executive, Katherine Maher, for messages she posted to social media years before joining the network. Among others, those posts include a 2020 tweet that called Trump racist and another that appeared to minimize rioting during social justice protests that year. Maher took the job at NPR last month — her first at a news organization .

In a statement Monday about the messages she had posted, Maher praised the integrity of NPR's journalists and underscored the independence of their reporting.

"In America everyone is entitled to free speech as a private citizen," she said. "What matters is NPR's work and my commitment as its CEO: public service, editorial independence, and the mission to serve all of the American public. NPR is independent, beholden to no party, and without commercial interests."

The network noted that "the CEO is not involved in editorial decisions."

In an interview with me later on Monday, Berliner said the social media posts demonstrated Maher was all but incapable of being the person best poised to direct the organization.

"We're looking for a leader right now who's going to be unifying and bring more people into the tent and have a broader perspective on, sort of, what America is all about," Berliner said. "And this seems to be the opposite of that."

Conservative critics of NPR are now targeting its new chief executive, Katherine Maher, for messages she posted to social media years before joining the public radio network last month. Stephen Voss/Stephen Voss hide caption

Conservative critics of NPR are now targeting its new chief executive, Katherine Maher, for messages she posted to social media years before joining the public radio network last month.

He said that he tried repeatedly to make his concerns over NPR's coverage known to news leaders and to Maher's predecessor as chief executive before publishing his essay.

Berliner has singled out coverage of several issues dominating the 2020s for criticism, including trans rights, the Israel-Hamas war and COVID. Berliner says he sees the same problems at other news organizations, but argues NPR, as a mission-driven institution, has a greater obligation to fairness.

"I love NPR and feel it's a national trust," Berliner says. "We have great journalists here. If they shed their opinions and did the great journalism they're capable of, this would be a much more interesting and fulfilling organization for our listeners."

A "final warning"

The circumstances surrounding the interview were singular.

Berliner provided me with a copy of the formal rebuke to review. NPR did not confirm or comment upon his suspension for this article.

In presenting Berliner's suspension Thursday afternoon, the organization told the editor he had failed to secure its approval for outside work for other news outlets, as is required of NPR journalists. It called the letter a "final warning," saying Berliner would be fired if he violated NPR's policy again. Berliner is a dues-paying member of NPR's newsroom union but says he is not appealing the punishment.

The Free Press is a site that has become a haven for journalists who believe that mainstream media outlets have become too liberal. In addition to his essay, Berliner appeared in an episode of its podcast Honestly with Bari Weiss.

A few hours after the essay appeared online, NPR chief business editor Pallavi Gogoi reminded Berliner of the requirement that he secure approval before appearing in outside press, according to a copy of the note provided by Berliner.

In its formal rebuke, NPR did not cite Berliner's appearance on Chris Cuomo's NewsNation program last Tuesday night, for which NPR gave him the green light. (NPR's chief communications officer told Berliner to focus on his own experience and not share proprietary information.) The NPR letter also did not cite his remarks to The New York Times , which ran its article mid-afternoon Thursday, shortly before the reprimand was sent. Berliner says he did not seek approval before talking with the Times .

NPR defends its journalism after senior editor says it has lost the public's trust

Berliner says he did not get permission from NPR to speak with me for this story but that he was not worried about the consequences: "Talking to an NPR journalist and being fired for that would be extraordinary, I think."

Berliner is a member of NPR's business desk, as am I, and he has helped to edit many of my stories. He had no involvement in the preparation of this article and did not see it before it was posted publicly.

In rebuking Berliner, NPR said he had also publicly released proprietary information about audience demographics, which it considers confidential. He said those figures "were essentially marketing material. If they had been really good, they probably would have distributed them and sent them out to the world."

Feelings of anger and betrayal inside the newsroom

His essay and subsequent public remarks stirred deep anger and dismay within NPR. Colleagues contend Berliner cherry-picked examples to fit his arguments and challenge the accuracy of his accounts. They also note he did not seek comment from the journalists involved in the work he cited.

Morning Edition host Michel Martin told me some colleagues at the network share Berliner's concerns that coverage is frequently presented through an ideological or idealistic prism that can alienate listeners.

"The way to address that is through training and mentorship," says Martin, herself a veteran of nearly two decades at the network who has also reported for The Wall Street Journal and ABC News. "It's not by blowing the place up, by trashing your colleagues, in full view of people who don't really care about it anyway."

Several NPR journalists told me they are no longer willing to work with Berliner as they no longer have confidence that he will keep private their internal musings about stories as they work through coverage.

"Newsrooms run on trust," NPR political correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben tweeted last week, without mentioning Berliner by name. "If you violate everyone's trust by going to another outlet and sh--ing on your colleagues (while doing a bad job journalistically, for that matter), I don't know how you do your job now."

Berliner rejected that critique, saying nothing in his essay or subsequent remarks betrayed private observations or arguments about coverage.

Other newsrooms are also grappling with questions over news judgment and confidentiality. On Monday, New York Times Executive Editor Joseph Kahn announced to his staff that the newspaper's inquiry into who leaked internal dissent over a planned episode of its podcast The Daily to another news outlet proved inconclusive. The episode was to focus on a December report on the use of sexual assault as part of the Hamas attack on Israel in October. Audio staffers aired doubts over how well the reporting stood up to scrutiny.

"We work together with trust and collegiality everyday on everything we produce, and I have every expectation that this incident will prove to be a singular exception to an important rule," Kahn wrote to Times staffers.

At NPR, some of Berliner's colleagues have weighed in online against his claim that the network has focused on diversifying its workforce without a concomitant commitment to diversity of viewpoint. Recently retired Chief Executive John Lansing has referred to this pursuit of diversity within NPR's workforce as its " North Star ," a moral imperative and chief business strategy.

In his essay, Berliner tagged the strategy as a failure, citing the drop in NPR's broadcast audiences and its struggle to attract more Black and Latino listeners in particular.

"During most of my tenure here, an open-minded, curious culture prevailed. We were nerdy, but not knee-jerk, activist, or scolding," Berliner writes. "In recent years, however, that has changed."

Berliner writes, "For NPR, which purports to consider all things, it's devastating both for its journalism and its business model."

NPR investigative reporter Chiara Eisner wrote in a comment for this story: "Minorities do not all think the same and do not report the same. Good reporters and editors should know that by now. It's embarrassing to me as a reporter at NPR that a senior editor here missed that point in 2024."

Some colleagues drafted a letter to Maher and NPR's chief news executive, Edith Chapin, seeking greater clarity on NPR's standards for its coverage and the behavior of its journalists — clearly pointed at Berliner.

A plan for "healthy discussion"

On Friday, CEO Maher stood up for the network's mission and the journalism, taking issue with Berliner's critique, though never mentioning him by name. Among her chief issues, she said Berliner's essay offered "a criticism of our people on the basis of who we are."

Berliner took great exception to that, saying she had denigrated him. He said that he supported diversifying NPR's workforce to look more like the U.S. population at large. She did not address that in a subsequent private exchange he shared with me for this story. (An NPR spokesperson declined further comment.)

Late Monday afternoon, Chapin announced to the newsroom that Executive Editor Eva Rodriguez would lead monthly meetings to review coverage.

"Among the questions we'll ask of ourselves each month: Did we capture the diversity of this country — racial, ethnic, religious, economic, political geographic, etc — in all of its complexity and in a way that helped listeners and readers recognize themselves and their communities?" Chapin wrote in the memo. "Did we offer coverage that helped them understand — even if just a bit better — those neighbors with whom they share little in common?"

Berliner said he welcomed the announcement but would withhold judgment until those meetings played out.

In a text for this story, Chapin said such sessions had been discussed since Lansing unified the news and programming divisions under her acting leadership last year.

"Now seemed [the] time to deliver if we were going to do it," Chapin said. "Healthy discussion is something we need more of."

Disclosure: This story was reported and written by NPR Media Correspondent David Folkenflik and edited by Deputy Business Editor Emily Kopp and Managing Editor Gerry Holmes. Under NPR's protocol for reporting on itself, no NPR corporate official or news executive reviewed this story before it was posted publicly.

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Bangladesh + 1 more

'Making a difference': Promoting Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in Bangladesh

Attachments.

Delivering care to expectant mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic

Growing up in busy Dhaka, Dola Akter had always dreamed of making a difference in the lives of others and decided to pursue a profession as a midwife. Upon graduating from Satkhira College of Nursing and Midwifery in 2015, she found employment as a midwife at Doha Upazila Health Complex. With its recently constructed, modern labour rooms, this UNFPA supported health complex fulfilled an important function in preventing maternal and child mortality when the COVID-19 pandemic hit Bangladesh in 2019.

During these trying times, Dola and her colleagues faced unprecedented challenges as the country experienced growing uncertainty and women were afraid to physically come to the health complex. Thinking innovatively, Dola and her colleagues were able to utilise a telemedicine app to regularly provide vital services to expectant mothers in their community during COVID-19 pandemic. In mid-March 2020, just before the lockdown measures took effect, a distressed mother arrived at the health complex, writhing in intense labour pain. Dola was the only midwife on duty at that moment, and she kicked into action despite the anxiety surrounding the pandemic and unknown risk of contagion. She quickly gathered the mother’s medical history, and it became apparent that the mother was in fact COVID-19 positive and had been turned away by two hospitals prior to arriving at the health complex.

Despite the risks involved, Dola understood that the woman needed her care, and she was able to successfully deliver the child and provide expert care to the mother. One year later, Dola’s effort in providing care under very trying circumstances was recognized by the Bangladesh government. In honour of her firm dedication to providing quality care, she as the sole midwife and 9 other nurses were recognized for their exceptional service and commitment to maternal care.

“While the award brought me joy and pride, it is the unique experiences I encounter every day that truly fuels my passion. The opportunity to touch the lives of countless mothers, providing them with the care they deserve, serves as my ultimate inspiration.”

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