the differences between report and essay

Key Differences

Know the Differences & Comparisons

Difference Between Essay and Report

On the other hand, an essay can be understood as a piece of writing, on a specific topic or subject, which expresses the author’s own ideas and knowledge about the subject.

The basic difference between essay and report is that while an essay is argumentative and idea-based, reports are informative and fact-based. Now, let us move further to understand some more points of differences.

Content: Essay Vs Report

Comparison chart, definition of essay.

An essay can be understood as a comprehensive literary composition, written in a narrative style and presents a particular topic, supports an argument and highlights the writer’s view or ideology. An essay is used to check a person’s outlook and understanding on specific matters and also his/her ability to describe and argue in a way which convinces the reader or informs him/her about a specific topic.

One can make use of learned materials, along with his/her own research, to write an essay effectively. It includes both narrative and subjective thoughts. Further, an essay supports a single idea at a time, for which several components need to be covered in it so as to appear logical and chronological.

It can be a learned argument, observation of day to day life, literary criticism, political manifestos, recollections, and reflections of the writer. It starts with a question and attempts to answer or give suggestions to the problem, on the basis of the existing theories or the writer’s personal opinion and assessment.

While writing an essay, it must be kept in mind that the approach used by the writer should be positive, even if the topic of argument is negative.

Definition of Report

The report implies a well structured factual document which is created and presented after conducting an independent enquiry, research or investigation on a specific subject. It serves as a basis for problem-solving and decision making.

Reports are prepared for a definite purpose and contain relevant information in a proper format, for a particular audience. It is used to identify, observe and analyse the issues, events, findings, that occurred practically, i.e. in real life.

A report is designed with the aim of informing the reader about the event, situation or issue, in a very simple and objective manner, while enabling them to get the desired information quickly and easily. It provides recommendations for future actions. Information collected from research, or from carrying out a project work is presented in a clear and concise manner, under a set of headings and subheadings, that helps the reader to get the desired information quickly and easily.

Characteristics of an Ideal Report

It must be clear and concise.
It is written in easy language which the readers can understand easily.
It has to be appropriate and accurate.
It should be well drafted and organised, with specific sections, headings and sub-headings.

A report summary can be provided orally, however detailed reports are usually in the form of written documents. It contains – Title Page, Acknowledgement, Authorization Letter, Table of Contents, Executive Summary, Introduction, Discussion, Results, Conclusion, Recommendations and References.

Moreover, Cover letter, Copyright notice, Bibliography, Glossary and Appendices may also form part of a report.

Key Differences Between Essay and Report

The difference Between report and essay is discussed here in detail:

An essay is a brief literary composition, which is used to describe, present, argue, and analyse the idea or topic. Conversely, a report is a formal and concise document consisting of findings from the practical research. It aims at investigating and exploring the problem under study.
An essay is written on the basis of subjective analysis of theories and past research, by other people and own ideas, on the concerned subject. As against, a report is objective and factual, which is based on past research, as well as present data and findings.
An essay talks about general facts and events along with the writer’s personal ideas and views, on the topic in a non-fictional manner. On the contrary, a report contains information which the reader can use to identify the facts or support in decision making or solving issues if any.
When it comes to sections, a report usually contains different sections, with catchy headings which may attract the attention of the audience. As against, an essay does not have any section, its flow is continuous. However, it is divided into cohesive paragraphs.
A report uses tables, charts, graphs, diagrams, statistics and many more for a clear and better presentation of the information. But, in the case of essays, they are not used.
The conclusion in an essay is based on the writer’s personal opinion and views on the topic itself which must be optimistic, and it does not provide any recommendations for future actions. On the other hand, a report gives an independent conclusion, but it may contain the opinion of the experts or previous researchers and recommendations are included, about how the research can be improved and extended.

In a nutshell, Essays are descriptive, subjective and evaluative, whereas, a report is descriptive, objective and analytical. Essays are mainly used in an academic context, whereas reports are preferred in the field of research.

The report is used to present the researched information in a written format, to the audience. Conversely, essays are used to identify what the writer knows about the topic and how well the writer understand the question.

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Anna H. Smith says

November 26, 2020 at 3:22 pm

Thank you for explaining this so eloquently. Excellent post, I will keep this handy and refer to it often from now on, the information is so clear and so insightful, thanks for giving a clear difference. It’s a very educative article.!

Presley Dube says

November 20, 2021 at 3:43 pm

very useful to me thank you.

Leonard says

August 8, 2022 at 2:52 pm

Thanks for sharing such nice information about this topic.

Ignatius Phiri says

March 20, 2023 at 10:39 pm

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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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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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 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.

Reports and essays: key differences

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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.

Download our report and essay differences revision sheet

Download this page as a PDF for your report and essay revision notes.

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Key features of academic reports

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Basic essay structure

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Essay vs. Report: What's the Difference?

Key Differences

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the differences between report and essay

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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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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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Advantages of Essays:

Advantages of reports:, quality content:, thorough research:, structured writing:, editing and proofreading:, customization:.

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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Meaning of Essay and Report

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, â€œCan you write my essay for me or report? Now, let's further check out the advantages of writing these tasks.

Advantages of Essay and Report in Academics

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.

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.

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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Difference Between Essay and Report

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.

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:

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

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

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

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.

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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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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Last Updated Aug 21, 2023
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FAQs: Academic Skills

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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Last Updated Apr 30, 2024
Answered By Library Torrens

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Essay vs report – the differences between them

Understanding the difference between an essay and a report is crucial for students and professionals alike, as each serves a specific purpose and requires a different approach and style. Below is a very easy-to-understand explanation that will help you understand these two commonly misunderstood forms of writing.

What is an Essay?

You can find this sentence all over the internet explaining that “an essay is a piece of writing that presents the author’s argument, perspective, or interpretation.” Well, it is. It’s often considered a reflection of the writer’s thoughts and analytical abilities. Essays are commonly used in educational settings, and they provide students with an opportunity to explore ideas, analyze concepts, and express their thoughts on a given topic. They are typically written in a more formal, polished, and discursive style, which means they often discuss the topics broadly without necessarily providing data or conclusions.

What is a Report?

A report, on the other hand, is a structured document like a table or a graph that presents information as clearly and succinctly as possible. It’s often used in the business, science, and technical fields to convey the results of an experiment, an investigation, or any other information that requires a systematic and factual presentation. Reports are generally straightforward, partitioned into sections with headings and subheadings, and include tables, graphs, or figures to support the information presented.

Key Differences Between an Essay and a Report

Purpose and Content :
Essay : The major purpose of an essay is to discuss, explore, and sometimes to persuade. The content of an essay is mainly argumentative and reflective.
Report : A report aims to inform and sometimes to make recommendations. It is based on factual information, research findings, or specific data.
Structure :
Essay : An essay usually follows a less rigid structure, though it often includes an introduction, body, and conclusion. The ideas are connected more fluidly, and the text flows in a narrative style.
Report : Reports are highly structured, with sections and subsections that could include an abstract, methodology, results, and conclusion. The layout is designed to make information easy to find and understand.
Style and Language :
Essay : Essays are subjective and written in a more elaborate language, with comprehensive paragraphs and a focus on language and expression.
Report : Reports use simple and direct language. Sentences are often shorter, bullet points are common, and the use of jargon is acceptable if it’s industry-specific.
Analysis and Discussion :
Essay : Essays often involve a lot of analysis and discussions, with the writer’s point of view taking center stage.
Report : While some reports include analysis and discussion sections, they focus more on presenting information than offering the writer’s interpretation.
Essay : The audience for essays is usually academic, like teachers or scholars, who are looking for insight into the writer’s critical thinking and analytical abilities.
Report : Reports are written for a more varied audience, from corporate executives to scientists, depending on the context. The readers expect conclusions and, possibly, recommendations.

Which One Should You Use?

Deciding whether to write an essay or a report depends mainly on the assignment’s requirements and the purpose of the document. If you need to present your argument or viewpoint on a subject, an essay is the way to go. However, if you need to provide a structured and factual presentation of information, then a report is more appropriate.

Understanding these differences ensures that you meet the expectations for your specific writing task. Both essays and reports are essential to academic and professional communication, and mastering both forms is a valuable skill.

The key takeaway is that an essay is argumentative and reflects the writer’s ideas, while a report is informative and reflects the data or research findings. However, if you find it challenging to write your essay or report or any writing assignment and need help to write it last minute, then MyEassyNow is here with its last-minute expert writing services so that you can effectively communicate your knowledge and ideas to your intended audience.

What to Know: Biden’s Border Executive Order

The move shows that Biden is feeling political pressure from border issues as Republicans make immigration one of their top issues ahead of the 2024 presidential election.

Biden Signs Border Executive Order

President Joe Biden speaks about an executive order in the East Room at the White House in Washington, Tuesday, June 4, 2024. Biden unveiled plans to enact immediate significant restrictions on migrants seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border as the White House tries to neutralize immigration as a political liability ahead of the November elections. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Manuel Balce Ceneta | AP

President Joe Biden speaks about an executive order in the East Room at the White House on June 4, 2024.

Key Takeaways

The executive order will bar migrants crossing illegally from seeking asylum when there is high volume at the southern border.
The White House said the steps will ‘make it easier for immigration officers to quickly remove individuals who do not have a legal basis to remain in the United States.’
It almost certainly will be challenged in the courts.

President Joe Biden on Tuesday signed an executive order that will turn away migrants seeking asylum who illegally cross the southern border during times of high volume.

The restrictions take effect when the seven-day average of daily border crossing exceeds 2,500. As the current average is higher than that, the steps kick in on Wednesday.

“These actions will be in effect when high levels of encounters at the Southern Border exceed our ability to deliver timely consequences, as is the case today,” the White House said in a fact sheet .

The White House said the steps will “make it easier for immigration officers to quickly remove individuals who do not have a legal basis to remain in the United States.”

It comes as attempts from Congress to address the border have stalled. Biden acknowledged the executive order is not a long-term fix for the southern border.

"Frankly, I would have preferred to address this issue through bipartisan legislation because that’s the only way to actually get the kind of system we have now that’s broken, fixed,” Biden said during remarks at the White House on Tuesday.

Biden’s efforts are likely an attempt to appeal to independent voters, as immigration remains a top concern for Americans, according to a recent Gallup poll .

What’s in the Executive Order?

Those expelled under the executive order will be barred from reentry to the U.S. for at least five years. They could also face criminal prosecution, according to the Associated Press.

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There are humanitarian exceptions to the executive order, including for unaccompanied children and victims of trafficking.

The order will be discontinued after a seven-day average of less than 1,500 encounters.

“These actions are not permanent,” the White House stated. “They will be discontinued when the number of migrants who cross the border between ports of entry is low enough for America’s system to safely and effectively manage border operations.”

Will the Order Be Challenged in the Courts?

The action is almost sure to be challenged in the courts.

The American Civil Liberties Union announced on Tuesday that it expects to sue the Biden administration over the new executive order.

“The Biden administration just announced an executive order that will severely restrict people’s legal right to seek asylum, putting tens of thousands of lives at risk,” the organization posted on social media. “This action takes the same approach as the Trump administration’s asylum ban. We will be challenging this order in court.”

Senior administration officials said on a call with reporters that they are prepared to defend the action in court.

Democrats, GOP Raise Concerns

Some progressive Democrats criticized the executive order.

“By reviving Trump’s asylum ban, President Biden has undermined American values and abandoned our nation’s obligations to provide people fleeing persecution, violence, and authoritarianism with an opportunity to seek refuge in the U.S.,” Sen. Alex Padilla, a Democrat from California, posted on social media.

Republicans were also quick to criticize the executive order, with former President Donald Trump’s campaign suggesting it could increase child sex trafficking.

“Joe Biden’s Executive Order is for amnesty, not border security,” former President Donald Trump’s campaign national press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Tuesday in a statement. “This new order will facilitate the release of more illegals as quickly as possible with a smartphone app. The order also exempts minors from any enforcement, giving a green light to child traffickers and sex traffickers. … The border invasion and migrant crime will not stop until ‘Crooked Joe Biden’ is deported from the White House.”

Advocates Wary of Biden’s Border Order

Elliott Davis Jr. June 3, 2024

US President Joe Biden speaks with US Customs and Border Protection officers as he visits the US-Mexico border in El Paso, Texas, on January 8, 2023. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP) (Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images)

Other Republicans said the executive order is a Band-Aid for a larger issue.

“This is like turning a garden hose on a five-alarm fire. And the American people are not fools. They know that this play is too little, too late,” Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said.

Biden vs. Trump on Border

Critics of Biden’s executive order have drawn comparisons to the former Trump administration’s stance on the border.

The executive order uses the same authority the Trump administration used under the Immigration and Nationality Act when it implemented a so-called “travel ban” of citizens of several Muslim-majority nations, among others, in 2017.

But the Biden administration was quick to defend against comparisons to Trump.

“There are several differences between the actions that we are taking today and Trump-era policies,” a senior administration official said. “The Trump administration attacked almost every facet of the immigration system and did so in a shameful and inhumane way.”

Biden also tried to distinguish himself from the former president in thinly veiled comments.

“I will never demonize immigrants. I will never refer to immigrants as ‘poisoning the blood of our country,’ and further, I’ll never separate children from their families at the border,” Biden said. “I will not ban people from this country because of their religious beliefs.”

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COVID-19 vs. flu: Similarities and differences

COVID-19 (coronavirus) and the flu have many similarities and differences. Find out what to know and how to protect yourself from these diseases.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, you may have heard that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is similar to the flu (influenza). COVID-19 and the flu are both contagious respiratory diseases. They are both caused by viruses. They have some common symptoms. But COVID-19 and flu infections can affect people differently. Also, since the flu has been around much longer, health care providers know more about how to treat it, while they continue to learn more about COVID-19 .

How are COVID-19 and the flu similar?

How covid-19 and flu spread.

The viruses that cause COVID-19 and the flu spread in similar ways. They both can spread between people who are in close contact. They can spread farther when people are in a poorly ventilated indoor space. The viruses spread through respiratory droplets or aerosols released through talking, sneezing or coughing. These droplets can land in the mouth or nose of someone nearby or be inhaled. These viruses also can spread if a person touches a surface with one of the viruses on it and then touches the mouth, nose or eyes.

COVID-19 and flu symptoms

COVID-19 and the flu have many symptoms in common, including:

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Muscle aches
Nausea or vomiting, but this is more common in children than in adults

The signs and symptoms of both diseases can range from no symptoms to mild or severe symptoms. Because COVID-19 and the flu have similar symptoms, it can be hard to diagnose which condition you have based on your symptoms alone. Testing may be done to see if you have COVID-19 or the flu. You also can have both diseases at the same time.

COVID-19 and flu complications

Both COVID-19 and the flu can lead to serious complications, such as:

Acute respiratory distress syndrome
Organ failure
Heart attacks
Heart or brain inflammation

Many people with the flu or mild symptoms of COVID-19 can recover at home with rest and fluids. But some people become seriously ill from the flu or COVID-19 and need to stay in the hospital. These infections also may be deadly.

What's the difference between COVID-19 and the flu?

COVID-19 and the flu have several differences, including different causes, complications and treatments. COVID-19 and the flu also spread differently, have different severity levels and a few different symptoms, and can be prevented by different vaccines.

COVID-19 and flu causes

COVID-19 and the flu are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2, while flu is caused by influenza A and B viruses.

Symptoms of COVID-19 and the flu appear at different times and have some differences. COVID-19 symptoms generally appear 2 to 14 days after exposure. Flu symptoms usually appear about 1 to 4 days after exposure.

COVID-19 and flu spread and severity

COVID-19 appears to be contagious for a longer time and to spread more quickly than the flu. With COVID-19 , you may be more likely to experience loss of taste or smell.

Severe illness is more frequent with COVID-19 than with the flu. Compared with historical flu cases, COVID-19 may cause more hospital stays and death for people age 18 and older, even those who have no other health challenges.

So far, more than 95 million people have had COVID-19 in the U.S. as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). More than 1 million people have died of COVID-19 in the U.S.

By comparison, during the 2021-2022 flu season in the U.S., between 8 and 13 million people had the flu and between 5,000 and 14,000 people died of the flu.

COVID-19 can cause different complications from the flu, such as blood clots, post-COVID conditions and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. Flu infection leads to secondary bacterial infection more often than COVID-19 infection does.

COVID-19 and flu treatments

Another difference is that the flu can be treated with a few different antiviral drugs. Two antiviral drugs, called remdesivir and Paxlovid, are currently approved to treat COVID-19 . Researchers are evaluating many drugs and treatments for COVID-19 . Some drugs may help reduce the severity of COVID-19 .

COVID-19 and flu prevention

You can get an annual flu vaccine to help reduce your risk of the flu. The flu vaccine also can reduce the severity of the flu and the risk of serious complications.

Each year's flu vaccine provides protection from the three or four influenza viruses that are expected to be the most common during that year's flu season. The vaccine can be given as a shot, also called an injection, or as a nasal spray.

The flu vaccine doesn't prevent you from getting COVID-19 . Also, research shows that getting the flu vaccine does not make you more likely to get other respiratory infections. Getting the flu vaccine may lower your risk of COVID-19 infection.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given emergency use authorization or approval to COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S. A vaccine can prevent you from getting the COVID-19 virus or prevent you from becoming seriously ill if you get the COVID-19 virus.

You are considered up to date with your vaccines if you have gotten all recommended COVID-19 vaccines when you become eligible.

How might COVID-19 affect this year's flu season?

Flu season in North America is highest in December, January and February. It's possible that the viruses that cause COVID-19 and the flu may spread in your community at the same time during the flu season. If this happens, people could become ill with one or both diseases at the same time.

Testing can determine which virus you may have and help guide health care providers to the appropriate treatment. People who become seriously ill from either virus may need to stay in the hospital, which could cause the hospitals to become full. Getting vaccinated for COVID-19 and the flu can help reduce the spread of the viruses that cause these diseases.

How can I avoid getting COVID-19 and the flu?

Get the COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine. You can get both at the same visit if they are due at the same time. You also can take the same steps to reduce your risk of infection from the viruses that cause COVID-19 , the flu and other respiratory infections by following several standard precautions. The CDC recommends following these precautions:

Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick or has symptoms.
Keep distance between yourself and others when you're in indoor public spaces.
Avoid crowds and indoor places that have poor airflow.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Wear a face mask in indoor public spaces if you're in an area with a high number of people with COVID-19 in the hospital. The CDC recommends wearing the most protective mask possible that you'll wear regularly, fits well and is comfortable.
Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, electronics and counters, daily.

If you become sick with the flu, you can help prevent the spread of the flu by staying home and away from others. Continue to stay home until your fever has been gone for at least 24 hours.

There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form.

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Similarities and differences between flu and COVID-19. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/flu-vs-covid19.htm. Accessed Sept. 27, 2022.
COVID-19 vaccines are effective. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/effectiveness/index.html. Accessed Sept. 27, 2022.
Key facts about influenza. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/keyfacts.htm. Accessed Sept. 27, 2022.
COVID data tracker. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home. Accessed Sept. 27, 2022.
2021-2022 U.S. flu season: Preliminary in-season burden estimates. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/burden/preliminary-in-season-estimates.htm. Accessed Sept. 27, 2022.
Emergency use authorization. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/mcm-legal-regulatory-and-policy-framework/emergency-use-authorization. Accessed Sept. 27, 2022.
Vaccines and related biological products advisory committee meeting. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/media/144245/download. Accessed Sept. 27, 2022.
Stay up to date with your vaccines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html. Accessed Sept. 27, 2022.
Wang R, et al. The association between influenza vaccination and COVID-19 and its outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Vaccines. 2021; doi:10.3390/vaccines9050529.
COVID-19 community levels. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/science/community-levels.html. Accessed Feb. 28, 2022.
Frequently asked influenza (flu) questions: 2022-2023 season. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/faq-flu-season-2022-2023.htm. Accessed Sept. 27, 2022.
Preventive steps. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/prevention.htm. Accessed Sept. 27, 2022.
Skowronski DM, et al. Influenza vaccine does not increase the risk of coronavirus or other noninfluenza respiratory viruses: Retrospective analysis from Canada, 2010-2011 to 2016-2017. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2020; doi:10.1093/cid/ciaa626.
Which COVID-19 vaccines are FDA-approved or authorized for emergency use? U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/covid-19-frequently-asked-questions. Accessed Sept. 27, 2022.
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How to Remove Page Breaks in Word for Your Essay? [For Students]

I once had a really frustrating moment as a student when I stumbled upon a section break while writing an essay. The break appeared because I was using a template provided by my teachers, and figuring out how to remove page breaks in Word for students turned into an hour-long hunt. It was a waste of precious time that I could have used to focus on my essay. If you're experiencing something similar, I’ve got you covered. Here's a simple guide to help you remove a section break from your page without losing your sanity.

What Is the Difference Between Page Break and Section Break?

Page breaks and section breaks are both useful tools in Microsoft Word for controlling the layout of your document, but they serve distinct purposes:

Page Break:

A page break in Microsoft Word serves to insert a new page at the insertion point, ensuring that the content following it begins on a fresh page. This is particularly useful when you want to start a new section, chapter, or topic on a new page, or when you need to ensure that certain content, such as a table or image, is displayed entirely on one page without being split across multiple pages.

However, there are situations where it becomes necessary to remove page breaks. For example, unintentional page breaks can disrupt the flow of content, causing formatting issues. Therefore, learning how to delete or remove a page break can be really handy for students, considering the amount of projects, theses, and assignments they have to work on.

Starting a new chapter or section on a new page.

Ensuring that a figure or table appears at the bottom of a page without being split across pages.

Managing the flow of text and visuals to enhance readability.

Impact on Formatting:

Affects only the placement of text and does not alter formatting settings such as margins, headers, or footers.

Section Break:

A section break indeed divides a document into sections, allowing for the application of various formatting settings to each section. These settings can include margins, headers, footers, columns, and more. With section breaks, you can customize the layout and appearance of different parts of your document to suit your specific needs.

Creating a report with varied page layouts for different sections (e.g., a title page with wider margins, followed by body text with standard margins).

Formatting references with different numbering styles compared to the main body of text.

Changing the page orientation (from portrait to landscape) for specific sections.

Allows for independent formatting of each section created with the section break.

Word is a great tool, but to make sure you can follow along on your mobile, Windows, or Mac, I'll use WPS Office for the demo. It's a free office software that's compatible with all Word document versions and can even convert your papers to PDF without losing format.

How to Remove Page Breaks in Word for your Written Essay?

One common habit of mine was to insert page breaks intermittently. This allowed flexibility for later additions, such as tables or extra content. However, it often led to the necessity of removing these breaks just before the final submission. Thus, learning how to remove page breaks in Word proves invaluable, preventing last-minute panic when submitting or printing your work. Let's explore a few methods to easily delete page breaks in Word.

Method 1: Remove Page Breaks With Delete

The first method is by far the easiest. Simply locate the page break and use the "Delete" key on your keyboard to remove it from your document.

Step 1: Open the Word document in WPS Writer containing the unnecessary page breaks.

Step 2: Navigate to the Home tab and click on the "Show/Hide Editing Marks " icon in the home ribbon.

Step 3: Select the "Show/Hide Paragraph Marks" option to reveal paragraph marks in your document.

Step 4: Scroll down and locate the page breaks in your document. With the help of paragraph marks, page breaks are easily distinguishable.

Step 5: Once you locate the page break, double-click to select it, and then press the "Delete" or "Backspace" key on your keyboard to remove the page break.

Method 2: Remove Page Break With Find and Replace

The second method is also very useful for students to remove page breaks in Word. In this method, students don't have to manually search for page breaks; instead, they can use the Replace tool to find and replace page breaks automatically. So, if your document contains numerous page breaks, this method of how to delete page breaks in Word is a must.

Step 1: Let's open the Word document in WPS Writer.

Step 2: Now, navigate to the Home tab and click on the "Find and Replace" button in the home ribbon.

Step 3: Select "Replace" to access the Replace tool in WPS Writer. Alternatively, students can also use the shortcut key "Ctrl + H" to access the Replace tool directly.

Step 4: In the Replace dialog, click on "More" to access additional Replace features in WPS Writer.

Step 5: Next, click on the "Special" button to open a dropdown menu with all the special Replace features.

Step 6: In this Special dropdown, we will select "Manual Page Breaks" since we need to remove page breaks from our document.

Step 7: Notice how the "Find what" field is automatically populated with "^m" .

Step 8: Leave the "Replace with" field empty, then click on the "Replace All" button.

Step 9: WPS Writer will notify the number of replacements made throughout the document.

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How to Remove Section Breaks in Word for your Essay Written?

Section breaks are typically added to customize formatting for each section, such as margins, paragraph spacing, and so on. However, if you wish to remove a section break in Word , follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Word document in WPS Writer from which you want to remove the section break.

Step 2: To easily locate the section break in the document, navigate to the Home tab and click on the "Show/Hide Editing Marks" button.

Step 3: Next, select the "Show/Hide Paragraph Marks" option to activate paragraph marks in your document. Now, simply locate the section breaks in your document.

Step 4: Once the section break is located in your document, double-click to select it, and then press the "Delete" or "Backspace" key to remove the section break from your document.

Bonus Tips: How to Convert Word to PDF without losing Format

WPS Office enables you to convert your documents to PDF without losing formatting. This is crucial for students who need to submit papers in a specific format, as it ensures that all your hard work won't get messed up when shared or printed. With WPS Office , you can seamlessly convert to PDF, knowing that your layout, fonts, and graphics will stay intact.

Here is how students can easily convert their papers to PDF using WPS Writer:

Step 1: Open your paper document in WPS Writer, then click on the Menu button at the top left.

Step 2: Next, click on the "Export to PDF" option in the menu.

Step 3: In the Export to PDF dialog, select "Common PDF" in the "Export Type" field, then click "Export to PDF" to convert your Word document to PDF .

Use AI Tools to Perfect Your Paper

Unfortunately, we weren’t blessed with AI during our time, so everything had to be done manually. This often meant spending hours combing through our essays, only to find that we'd missed some errors. As a result, our grades could suffer because of those overlooked mistakes. But with the advent of AI, students today have it a lot easier. WPS AI in WPS Office offers a range of tools to help you perfect your work. It automatically checks for spelling and grammar errors, ensuring that your essays are polished and error-free. This not only saves you time but also boosts your confidence when submitting assignments.

WPS AI also offers more than just proofreading. It can help you generate outlines, providing a structured way to organize your thoughts. It can even suggest new ideas or topics to include in your papers, making brainstorming sessions less stressful. This kind of AI assistance transforms the essay-writing process into a more enjoyable and efficient task, allowing you to focus on what matters most: creating compelling content. With WPS AI, you can approach your studies with greater ease and efficiency.

To make sure your thesis or assignment doesn't have any mistakes, let's use WPS Writer's AI Spell Check.

Step 1: Open your document and turn on the "AI Spell Check" option at the bottom of the screen.

Step 2: If there's a word or phrase highlighted with a colored line, click on it.

Step 3: The WPS AI Spell check pane will pop up on the right side showing suggestions.

Step 4: Look through the suggestions and choose the one that fits best.

Apart from WPS AI Spell check, WPS Writer's AI feature is a fantastic ally when tackling a project. It can help us craft a comprehensive outline, providing valuable support throughout the process. Let's take a closer look at its capabilities.

Step 1: To access WPS AI Writer, first open WPS Office and click on "New" in the left pane.

Step 2: Next, click on "Docs" to create a new document.

Step 3: Now, click on "WPS AI" at the top right corner of the screen.

Step 4: The WPS AI pane will open on the right.

Step 5: Now that we have WPS AI with us, my practice is to engage with WPS AI to provide project details initially, and then ask WPS AI to create an outline accordingly.

Step 6: Once the outline has been generated, review it and request any desired changes. Finally, click on "Insert" to paste the outline onto the document and format it according to your preferences.

FAQs about Remove Page Breaks in Word

1. why can't i remove a page break in word.

There are two types of page breaks in Word: manual and automatic. You can freely add or remove manually inserted page breaks. However, automatically inserted page breaks by Word help maintain your document's layout integrity. Therefore, you cannot delete automatic page breaks, as they play a crucial role in maintaining the software's formatting.

2. Is there a quick way to delete page breaks in Word?

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to remove a page break:

Step 1: Go to the "Home" tab.

Step 2: Click on "Show/Hide" in the toolbar. This action will reveal non-printing elements such as paragraph markers and page breaks.

Step 3: Locate the page break you want to remove.

Step 4: Double-click on the page break to select it.

Step 5: Press the "Delete" key on your keyboard to remove the page break from your document.

3. How can I ensure that my document maintains a polished appearance when printed or converted to PDF?

To ensure your document prints or converts to PDF smoothly, carefully review it after removing any page breaks for layout issues. Additionally, consider utilizing software such as WPS Office for efficient PDF conversion while preserving formatting integrity.

Ease Your Academic Stress With WPS Office

Page breaks are annoying, especially when they pop up unexpectedly in your essays. Often, teachers use templates with these breaks for organizing content, but there's no reason to have them in your work. If you want to learn how to remove page breaks in Word For students and tidy up your essay, WPS Office offers a more convenient solution. You can easily manage your document's layout and eliminate those unwanted breaks. As a student, using WPS Office can help you keep your assignments clean and well-organized. Download WPS Office now to make your work easier and stress-free.

1. How to remove all page breaks from word document
2. How to Remove Section Breaks in Word? [For Students]
3. How to Do Hanging Indent in Word for Your Essay? [For Students]
4. How to Remove Page Breaks in Word[2024]
5. How to Use Track Changes in Word for Your Essay? [For Students]
6. How to Double Space in Word for Your Essay: A Guide for Students

15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.

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Proposed Gaza cease-fire puts Netanyahu at a crossroads that could shape his legacy

The cease-fire proposal announced by U.S. President Joe Biden has placed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a crossroads, with either path likely to shape the legacy of Israel’s longest-serving and deeply divisive leader.

FILE - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at a ceremony for the ‘Remembrance Day for the Fallen of Israel’s Wars and Victims of Terrorism’ at Yad LeBanim in Jerusalem, Israel, Sunday, May 12, 2024. The cease-fire proposal announced by President Joe Biden has placed Prime Minister Netanyahu at a crossroads, with either path likely to shape the legacy of Israel’s longest-serving and deeply divisive leader. (Debbie Hill/Pool Photo via AP, File)

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FILE - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, front, attends a wreath-laying ceremony marking Holocaust Remembrance Day in the Hall of Remembrance at Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre, in Jerusalem, Israel, on May 6, 2024. The cease-fire proposal announced by President Joe Biden has placed Prime Minister Netanyahu at a crossroads, with either path likely to shape the legacy of Israel’s longest-serving and deeply divisive leader. (Amir Cohen/Pool Photo via AP, File)

FILE - People protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and call for the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip by the Hamas militant group, in Tel Aviv, Israel, on May 18, 2024. The cease-fire proposal announced by President Joe Biden has placed Prime Minister Netanyahu at a crossroads, with either path likely to shape the legacy of Israel’s longest-serving and deeply divisive leader. (AP Photo/Leo Correa, File)

File - Benny Gantz, a former military chief and the top political rival of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, leaves a meeting at the Capitol in Washington, on March 4, 2024. Gantz joined the government in a show of unity. Netanyahu, Gantz and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant formed a three-man War Cabinet to direct the offensive. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — The cease-fire proposal announced by President Joe Biden has placed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a crossroads, with either path likely to shape the legacy of Israel’s longest-serving and deeply divisive leader.

The proposal offers the possibility of ending Israel’s war against Hamas, returning scores of hostages held by the Islamic militant group, quieting the northern border with Lebanon and potentially advancing a historic agreement to normalize ties with Saudi Arabia.

But it would also likely shatter Netanyahu’s governing coalition, potentially sending him into the opposition and making him more vulnerable to a conviction in his corruption trial . The full withdrawal of Israeli forces called for in the agreement could allow Hamas to claim victory and reconstitute itself.

Netanyahu’s rejection of the deal, on the other hand, could deepen Israel’s international isolation , worsen ties with an American administration eager to wind down the war and expose him to accusations of having abandoned the hostages to save his own skin.

It’s a conundrum, and that may explain the strange choreography of Biden’s Friday night address: An American president, announcing what he says is an Israeli proposal, during the Jewish sabbath, when Israel’s political class goes largely silent.

FILE - Spain's Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares Bueno addresses a media conference prior to talks on the Middle East in Brussels, on May 27, 2024. Spain says it will ask a United Nations court for permission to join South Africa’s case accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza. Spain is the first European country to take the step after South Africa filed its case with the International Court of Justice late last year. It alleged that Israel was breaching the genocide convention in its military assault that has laid waste to large swaths of Gaza. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert, File)

Netanyahu acknowledged the proposal, which has been shared with Hamas through mediators, but then appeared to contradict Biden’s remarks. He said Israel remains committed to dismantling Hamas’ military and governing capabilities and that any talk of a permanent cease-fire before then was a “nonstarter.”

On Monday, he said the destruction of Hamas is “part of the proposal” and was quoted as telling a closed parliamentary hearing that Israel reserves the right to return to war if its objectives are not met.

But it has never been clear what the destruction of Hamas entails or whether it’s even possible . Biden said Israel had degraded Hamas to the point where it could no longer carry out an Oct. 7-style attack, and that that by continuing the war, Israel risked getting bogged down in Gaza.

But Netanyahu appears to be seeking a much bigger victory.

‘NETANYAHU’S ENDGAME IS TO SURVIVE’

Netanyahu’s critics fear he will reject any cease-fire to appease his ultranationalist governing partners, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. They want to continue the war, fully reoccupy Gaza and rebuild Jewish settlements there.

They have already vowed to leave the government if the proposal announced by Biden comes to pass. Netanyahu’s political opponents have offered a safety net if he reaches a deal to release hostages but they are unlikely to help him stay in office long-term.

“Everything that Ben-Gvir and Smotrich demand or threaten to do, you see Netanyahu is very attentive to that,” said Tal Schneider, an Israeli political commentator. “Netanyahu’s endgame is to survive.”

Netanyahu’s current government, formed in late 2022 after five consecutive elections, is the most nationalist and religious in Israel’s history. Months before the war, it pushed policies that entrenched Israel’s occupation of the West Bank , deepened the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community’s reliance on state subsidies and set in motion an overhaul of the judicial system that tore the country apart .

The coalition initially had a slim majority of 64 seats in Israel’s 120-seat parliament -– enough to govern but with a fragility that would keep Netanyahu’s fate tied to the whims of any of the smaller parties that form the government.

A VETERAN OF ‘DIFFICULT’ POLITICS

Shortly after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack ignited the war in Gaza , Benny Gantz, a former military chief and a top political rival of Netanyahu, joined the government in a show of unity. Netanyahu, Gantz and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant formed a three-man War Cabinet to direct the offensive.

Mazal Mualem, a Netanyahu biographer, said that effort largely succeeded in sidelining the ultranationalists and allowing Netanyahu to govern in a more pragmatic mold that has defined his 17 years in office going back to the 1990s.

She pointed to Israel’s limited response to an aerial attack by Iran in April, which Ben-Gvir criticized as “weak,” and to a cease-fire and hostage release deal reached with Hamas in November that Smotrich had initially opposed but later voted for.

“Over the years, Bibi has taught himself to do what he wants to do in difficult political environments,” she said, referring to Netanyahu by his popular nickname.

But Gantz has threatened to quit the government unless Netanyahu lays out a postwar plan by June 8, which would leave him far more reliant on Smotrich and Ben-Gvir.

Netanyahu’s decision to press ahead with Israel’s massive military campaign in Gaza as scores of hostages languish in captivity has opened him up to fierce criticism from many Israelis, including families of the captives. Thousands have joined weekly mass protests .

“The government of Israel has given up on the hostages,” Yehi Yehud, who has an adult child being held hostage in Gaza, told Israeli Army Radio. “Bibi, you don’t have the permission or the moral validity to sacrifice them on the altar of your political survival.”

OPPORTUNITIES AND RISKS

Netanyahu’s hard-line stance has also weighed heavily on Israel’s relations with its closest ally, the United States, which has provided crucial military support but expressed exasperation with civilian casualties and the lack of any realistic Israeli postwar plans.

Internationally, it has exposed Israel to charges of genocide , which it denies, and a potential international arrest warrant against Netanyahu himself .

In his address on Friday, Biden appeared to be offering Netanyahu a way out: Claim victory by saying a battered Hamas can no longer mount an Oct. 7-style attack, bring all the hostages home and then work with the U.S. and Arab nations to build a new regional security architecture.

But the fear of losing power could prevail.

Netanyahu has spent years nurturing an image that only he can lead Israel through its myriad diplomatic and security challenges. That legacy suffered a major blow on Oct. 7, with many Israelis directly blaming him for the most devastating security failure in the country’s history. Public opinion polls indicate that Netanyahu is trailing behind Gantz and would struggle to form a government if elections were held today.

For all their threats, his far-right allies are in a similar predicament. They would likely join him in the opposition if early elections are held, losing the power he has granted them over the Israeli police and settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank.

If Netanyahu can hold his coalition together until the next scheduled elections in 2026, he might be able to rehabilitate his image. His poll numbers have already started to climb from the depths they hit after Oct. 7 as he has presented himself as withstanding international pressure to end the war.

Aviv Bushinsky, a former Netanyahu adviser, said Netanyahu’s wartime decision-making has less to do with immediate political survival and more with securing a legacy that would not be entirely overshadowed by Oct. 7. That requires some kind of victory over Hamas.

“From a historical perspective, Netanyahu’s only option is to go all the way,” he said. Ben-Gvir and Smotrich “are helping him reach that destination, to keep his head above water.”

Follow AP’s war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war

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Published: 05 June 2024

The time between Palaeolithic hearths

Ángela Herrejón-Lagunilla ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-6574-5001 1 , 2 ,
Juan José Villalaín 1 ,
Francisco Javier Pavón-Carrasco 2 , 3 ,
Mario Serrano Sánchez-Bravo ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-0245-6899 2 , 3 ,
Santiago Sossa-Ríos ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-0379-0779 4 ,
Alejandro Mayor 5 ,
Bertila Galván ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-6077-2008 6 ,
Cristo M. Hernández ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-0777-5963 6 , 7 na1 ,
Carolina Mallol 6 , 7 , 8 na1 &
Ángel Carrancho ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-7119-6424 9 na1

Nature ( 2024 ) Cite this article

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Archaeology
Interdisciplinary studies
Palaeomagnetism

Resolving the timescale of human activity in the Palaeolithic Age is one of the most challenging problems in prehistoric archaeology. The duration and frequency of hunter-gatherer camps reflect key aspects of social life and human–environment interactions. However, the time dimension of Palaeolithic contexts is generally inaccurately reconstructed because of the limitations of dating techniques 1 , the impact of disturbing agents on sedimentary deposits 2 and the palimpsest effect 3 , 4 . Here we report high-resolution time differences between six Middle Palaeolithic hearths from El Salt Unit x (Spain) obtained through archaeomagnetic and archaeostratigraphic analyses. The set of hearths covers at least around 200–240 years with 99% probability, having decade- and century-long intervals between the different hearths. Our results provide a quantitative estimate of the time framework for the human occupation events included in the studied sequence. This is a step forward in Palaeolithic archaeology, a discipline in which human behaviour is usually approached from a temporal scale typical of geological processes, whereas significant change may happen at the smaller scales of human generations. Here we reach a timescale close to a human lifespan.

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Radiocarbon dating from Yuzhniy Oleniy Ostrov cemetery reveals complex human responses to socio-ecological stress during the 8.2 ka cooling event

Environmental evolution, faunal and human occupation since 2 Ma in the Anagni basin, central Italy

A 14C chronology for the Middle to Upper Palaeolithic transition at Bacho Kiro Cave, Bulgaria

Data availability.

Archaeomagnetic dataset is available at MagIC database ( https://doi.org/10.7288/V4/MAGIC/20054 ). Archaeostratigraphic data are included in the main figures, Extended Data figures and Supplementary Note 2 .

Code availability

The program designed for the temporal calculations is available at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10931465 (ref. 50 ) and at http://pc213fis.fis.ucm.es/program.html .

Trumbore, S. E. in Quaternary Geochronology: Methods and Applications (eds Stratton Noller, J. et al.) 41–60 (AGU, 2000).

Karkanas, P. & Goldberg, P. Reconstructing Archaeological Sites: Understanding the Geoarchaeological Matrix (Wiley, 2018).

Bailey, G. Time perspectives, palimpsests and the archaeology of time. J. Anthropol. Archaeol. 26 , 198–223 (2007).

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Mallol, C. & Hernández, C. M. Advances in palimpsest dissection. Quat. Int. 417 , 1–2 (2016).

Binford, L. R. Willow smoke and dogs’ tails: hunter-gatherer settlement systems and archaeological site formation. Am. Antiq. 45 , 4–20 (1980).

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Acknowledgements

We thank J. A. Espinosa for his help during the first sampling season in 2014 and everyone who participated in the excavation seasons. Thanks also to A. Dinckal for his advice. A.H.-L. thanks the Junta de Castilla y León and the European Regional Development Fund (postdoctoral contract project BU037P23), the Spanish Ministry of University and European Union-NextGenerationEU (Margarita Salas grants 2022–2024) and Junta de Castilla y León and European Social Fund, (predoctoral contracts’ programme—ORDEN EDU/310/2015, de 10 de abril; 2015–2019) for financial support. S.S.-R. is grateful for the support of a Generalitat Valenciana predoctoral contract (ACIF/2021/407 2021–2025). A.M. is thankful for a Universitat d’Alacant predoctoral contract (UAFPU2018-049 2019–2022). M.S.S.-B. acknowledges with thanks the support of contract CT36/22-16-UCM-INV (European Union-Next Generation EU). The support of the projects HAR2015-68321-P and CGL2016-77560-C2 (Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness and European Regional Development Fund), BU235P18 (Junta de Castilla y León and European Regional Development Fund), BU037P23 (Junta de Castilla y León and the European Regional Development Fund), PID2019-107113RB-I00, PID2019-105796GB-I00, PID2019-108753GB-C21 and PID2020-113316GB-I00 (Agencia Estatal de Investigación, Spain; AEI /10.13039/501100011033), PALEOCHAR–648871 (ERC Consolidator Grant) and Neandertal Fire Technology Project (The Leakey Foundation, Neandertal Fire Technology Project) is also appreciated. We also thank Museu Arqueòlogic Municipal Camil Visedo Moltó, Ajuntament d’Alcoi, Direcció General de Patrimoni de la Generalitat Valenciana.

Author information

These authors contributed equally: Cristo M. Hernández, Carolina Mallol, Ángel Carrancho

Authors and Affiliations

Departamento de Física, Escuela Politécnica Superior, Universidad de Burgos, Burgos, Spain

Ángela Herrejón-Lagunilla & Juan José Villalaín

Departamento de Física de la Tierra y Astrofísica, Facultad de Ciencias Físicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain

Ángela Herrejón-Lagunilla, Francisco Javier Pavón-Carrasco & Mario Serrano Sánchez-Bravo

Departamento de Dinámica Terrestre y Observación de la Tierra, Instituto de Geociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain

Francisco Javier Pavón-Carrasco & Mario Serrano Sánchez-Bravo

Àrea de Prehistòria; Departament de Prehistòria, Arqueologia i Història Antiga, Facultat de Geografia i Història, Universitat de València, València, Spain

Santiago Sossa-Ríos

Àrea de Prehistòria, Departament de Prehistòria, Arqueologia, Història Antiga, Filologia Llatina i Filologia Grega, Facultat de Filosofia i Lletres, Universitat d’Alacant, Sant Vicent del Raspeig, Spain

Alejandro Mayor

Área de Prehistoria, Unidad de Docencia e Investigación de Prehistoria, Arqueología e Historia Antigua, Departamento de Geografía e Historia, Facultad de Humanidades, Universidad de La Laguna;, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain

Bertila Galván, Cristo M. Hernández & Carolina Mallol

Archaeological Micromorphology and Biomarkers Laboratory, Instituto Universitario de Bio-Orgánica Antonio González, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain

Cristo M. Hernández & Carolina Mallol

Department of Anthropology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA

Carolina Mallol

Área de Prehistoria, Departamento de Historia, Geografía y Comunicación, Universidad de Burgos, Burgos, Spain

Ángel Carrancho

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Contributions

A.H.-L., A.C., J.J.V., C.M. and C.M.H. performed the conceptualization. A.H.-L., A.C. and J.J.V. performed the archaeomagnetic sampling, archaeomagnetic analyses and their interpretation. F.J.P.-C. and M.S.S.-B. developed and carried out the statistical procedures for the temporal estimations based on archaeomagnetic data. A.M., S.S.-R. and C.M.H. developed the archaeostratigraphic analyses. C.M., C.M.H. and B.G. directed the excavation at El Salt. A.H.-L., A.M., S.S.-R., A.C., J.J.V., C.M., C.M.H., F.J.P.-C. and M.S.S.-B. wrote and reviewed the paper with contributions of all authors.

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Correspondence to Ángela Herrejón-Lagunilla .

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Extended data figures and tables

Extended data fig. 1 images from el salt site and surrounding area..

( a ) General view of El Salt, with the travertine wall on the right. ( b ) View of the surrounding area of El Salt (yellow star indicates the location of the archaeological site). ( c ) Plan drawing of El Salt site. The materials studied here are from the Lower Excavation Area.

Extended Data Fig. 2 Section of Hearth H55.

The typical stratigraphy of this type of structure is observed: white layer at the top, black layer at the base.

Extended Data Fig. 3 Representative image of an excavation surface within Unit x at the Inner Part of El Salt.

The complexity of sedimentary facies, hearths and abundant archaeological materials (marked with color pins) is visible.

Extended Data Fig. 4 General archaeostratigraphic sequence of Unit xb based on excavation and field observations.

It shows the stratigraphic relationships among combustion structures and material beds (hearths selected for this study in bold).

Extended Data Fig. 5 Archaeostratigraphic matrix.

It shows the relationships among the material beds associated with the hearths included in this study.

Extended Data Fig. 6 Thermomagnetic curves of representative samples of white (a-c) and black layers (d-f) from the studied hearths.

Paramagnetic correction was applied in all cases. Red and blue lines indicate the heating and cooling cycles, respectively. This experiment was performed on 11 different representative samples.

Extended Data Fig. 7 Equal area projections of the studied hearths showing the mean archaeomagnetic directions related to the last combustion event and their respective circle of confidence at 95% probability ( p = 0.05) or α 95 (pink symbols) and the ChRM direction calculated from each specimen (black symbols represent downward inclination).

From left to right, starting with the top row: H34 (16 specimens from 2 oriented blocks), H57 (5 specimens from 1 oriented block), H55 (21 specimens from 4 oriented blocks), H48 (7 specimens from 1 oriented block), H59 (8 specimens from 1 oriented block), H50 (9 specimens from 1 oriented block). Calculations are based on Fisher’s statistics 41 . Statistical details are shown in Table 1 . Thermal demagnetization of Natural Remanent Magnetization (NRM) is performed only once on each specimen due to the irreversible character of the experiment (it causes the progressive destruction of the original NRM). For this reason, a minimum of 8 specimens per hearth were demagnetized to obtain directional data. Specimens shown here correspond to those accepted after filtering (Supplementary Methods 1 ).

Extended Data Fig. 8 Orthogonal NRM demagnetization diagrams of some representative specimens and their respective normalized intensity decay plots: a) D1AX1, b) E1BX2, c) C2CX1, d) E4C3X.

Solid/open symbols in orthogonal diagrams correspond to the vector endpoints’ projections onto the horizontal/vertical plane. These specimens mainly contain thermally altered substrate, although (d) may include traces of ash. NRM values are normalized by the estimation of specimens’ mass excluding plaster content. Steps below 200 °C were disregarded to avoid any viscous influence.

Extended Data Fig. 9 Directional data from the H50 ash layer.

(a) Representative example of orthogonal NRM demagnetization diagram of a specimen from block C1 (white layer from H50) and its respective normalized intensity decay plot. Symbols as in Extended Data Fig. 7 . (b) Equal area projection of the mean direction of ChRM (related to the burning event), along with their respective α 95 (circle of confidence at 95% probability; p = 0.05) , calculated with specimens from block C1 (yellow; 9 specimens from 1 oriented block; k = 133.2; α 95 = 4.5°) vs . direction calculated with H50 specimens selected for the final direction (blue; 9 specimens from 1 oriented block; k = 105.9; α 95 = 5.0°). Directions for individual specimens are also shown (lighter colored symbols). C1 specimens are affected by flattening (see Supplementary Methods 1 ). Solid symbols represent downward inclination. NRM values are normalized by the estimation of specimens’ mass excluding plaster content. (WL = White Layer). Calculations of mean directions are based on Fisher’s statistics 41 . Thermal demagnetization of Natural Remanent Magnetization (NRM) is performed only once on each specimen due to the irreversible character of the experiment (it causes the progressive destruction of the original NRM). For this reason, a minimum of 8 specimens per hearth was demagnetized to obtain directional data. Specimens shown here correspond to those accepted after filtering (Supplementary Methods 1 ).

Supplementary information

Supplementary information.

This Supplementary Information file contains Supplementary Notes 1–3, Supplementary Methods 1–3, and additional references.

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Herrejón-Lagunilla, Á., Villalaín, J.J., Pavón-Carrasco, F.J. et al. The time between Palaeolithic hearths. Nature (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07467-0

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Modi's alliance to win big in India election, exit polls project
A summary of five major exit polls projected the NDA could win between 353 and 401 seats, a number that is likely to boost financial markets when they reopen on Monday.

Difference Between Essay and Report

Content: Essay Vs Report

Definition of Report

Characteristics of an Ideal Report

Key Differences Between Essay and Report

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10 Difference between Essay and Report (With Table)

Difference between Essay and Report with Table

What Is Report?

Main Difference between Essay and Report

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What is the Difference Between Essays and Reports?

Difference Between Essays and Reports – Purpose

Purpose of an Essay

Difference Between Essays and Reports – Content

Difference Between Essays and Reports – Formatting

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Difference Between Essays and Reports in a Table

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The purpose of an essay

The purpose of a report

The common structure of an essay

The common structure of a report

The main differences between a report and an essay

Similarities between report writing and essay writing

Differences between reports and essays

Reports and essays: key differences

Know what to expect

Differences between reports and essays

The structure of reports

1. Table of contents

2. Abstract or Executive summary

3. Introduction

4. Literature review

5. Methods or Methodology

6. Results or Findings

7. Discussion, or Analysis, or Interpretation

8. Conclusion

9. Recommendations

10. Appendices

Structure of essays

Bibliography or Reference list

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Key features of academic reports

Basic essay structure

Writing clear sentences

Essay vs. Report: What's the Difference?

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Difference Between Essay and Report

What is Essay?

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Difference Between Essay and Report

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