What is the difference between writing a report and an essay?

Reports are written with a specific purpose and audience in mind. Essays are written with the purpose to demonstrate that the author fully understands the research question and was able to answer it with research. All reports start with a purpose but also include details of events/results of research.

How do you write a report or essay?

The purpose of a report is to convey specific information to provide the reader with information. The purpose of an essay is to show how well you have understood the question and are able to answer it. University essays usually require some form of argument in response to the essay question.

What is a literature review in a report?

The literature review is a written overview of major writings and other sources on a selected topic. Sources covered in the review may include scholarly journal articles, books, government reports, Web sites, etc. The literature review provides a description, summary and evaluation of each source.

How many articles should a literature review have?

Maybe – as a very rough and ready rule of thumb – 8-10 significant pieces (books and/or articles) for a 8,000 word dissertation, up to 20 major pieces of work for words, and so on. But use your judgement! Skim through the books and articles identified as potentially relevant.

What is in the literature review?

A literature review surveys books, scholarly articles, and any other sources relevant to a particular issue, area of research, or theory, and by so doing, provides a description, summary, and critical evaluation of these works in relation to the research problem being investigated.

What is a basic literature review?

A literature review is a descriptive, analytic summary of the existing material relating to a particular topic or area of study. The literature review process involves a systematic examination of prior scholarly works.