essay and information difference

• Clerc Center | PK-12 & Outreach
• KDES | PK-8th Grade School (D.C. Metro Area)
• MSSD | 9th-12th Grade School (Nationwide)
• Gallaudet University Regional Centers
• Parent Advocacy App
• K-12 ASL Content Standards
• National Resources
• Youth Programs
• Academic Bowl
• Battle Of The Books
• National Literary Competition
• Youth Debate Bowl
• Youth Esports Series
• Bison Sports Camp
• Discover College and Careers (DC²)
• Financial Wizards
• Immerse Into ASL
• Alumni Relations
• Alumni Association
• Homecoming Weekend
• Class Giving
• Get Tickets / BisonPass
• Sport Calendars
• Cross Country
• Swimming & Diving
• Track & Field
• Indoor Track & Field
• Cheerleading
• Winter Cheerleading
• Human Resources
• Plan a Visit
• Request Info

• Areas of Study
• Accessible Human-Centered Computing
• American Sign Language
• Art and Media Design
• Communication Studies
• Criminal Justice
• Data Science
• Deaf Studies
• Early Intervention Studies Graduate Programs
• Educational Neuroscience
• Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences
• Information Technology
• International Development
• Interpretation and Translation
• Linguistics
• Mathematics
• Philosophy and Religion
• Physical Education & Recreation
• Public Affairs
• Public Health
• Sexuality and Gender Studies
• Social Work
• Theatre and Dance
• World Languages and Cultures
• B.A. in American Sign Language
• B.A. in Biology
• B.A. in Communication Studies
• B.A. in Communication Studies for Online Degree Completion Program
• B.A. in Deaf Studies
• B.A. in Deaf Studies for Online Degree Completion Program
• B.A. in Education with a Specialization in Early Childhood Education
• B.A. in Education with a Specialization in Elementary Education
• B.A. in English
• B.A. in English for Online Degree Completion Program
• B.A. in Government
• B.A. in Government with a Specialization in Law
• B.A. in History
• B.A. in Interdisciplinary Spanish
• B.A. in International Studies
• B.A. in Mathematics
• B.A. in Philosophy
• B.A. in Psychology
• B.A. in Psychology for Online Degree Completion Program
• B.A. in Social Work (BSW)
• B.A. in Sociology with a concentration in Criminology
• B.A. in Theatre Arts: Production/Performance
• B.A. or B.S. in Education with a Specialization in Secondary Education: Science, English, Mathematics or Social Studies
• B.S. in Accounting
• B.S. in Accounting for Online Degree Completion Program
• B.S. in Biology
• B.S. in Business Administration
• B.S. in Business Administration for Online Degree Completion Program
• B.S. in Data Science
• B.S. in Information Technology
• B.S. in Mathematics
• B.S. in Physical Education and Recreation
• B.S. in Public Health
• B.S. in Risk Management and Insurance
• General Education
• Honors Program
• Peace Corps Prep program
• Self-Directed Major
• M.A. in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• M.A. in Counseling: School Counseling
• M.A. in Deaf Education
• M.A. in Deaf Education Studies
• M.A. in Deaf Studies: Cultural Studies
• M.A. in Deaf Studies: Language and Human Rights
• M.A. in Early Childhood Education and Deaf Education
• M.A. in Early Intervention Studies
• M.A. in Elementary Education and Deaf Education
• M.A. in International Development
• M.A. in Interpretation: Combined Interpreting Practice and Research
• M.A. in Interpretation: Interpreting Research
• M.A. in Linguistics
• M.A. in Secondary Education and Deaf Education
• M.A. in Sign Language Education
• M.S. in Accessible Human-Centered Computing
• M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology
• Master of Public Administration
• Master of Social Work (MSW)
• Au.D. in Audiology
• Ed.D. in Transformational Leadership and Administration in Deaf Education
• Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
• Ph.D. in Critical Studies in the Education of Deaf Learners
• Ph.D. in Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences
• Ph.D. in Linguistics
• Ph.D. in Translation and Interpreting Studies
• Ph.D. Program in Educational Neuroscience (PEN)
• Psy.D. in School Psychology
• Individual Courses and Training
• National Caregiver Certification Course
• CASLI Test Prep Courses
• Course Sections
• Certificates
• Certificate in Sexuality and Gender Studies
• Educating Deaf Students with Disabilities (online, post-bachelor’s)
• American Sign Language and English Bilingual Early Childhood Deaf Education
• Early Intervention Studies
• Online Degree Programs
• ODCP Minor in Communication Studies
• ODCP Minor in Deaf Studies
• ODCP Minor in Psychology
• ODCP Minor in Writing
• University Capstone Honors for Online Degree Completion Program

Quick Links

• PK-12 & Outreach
• NSO Schedule

Guide to Different Kinds of Essays

202.448-7036

An essay is a paper that discusses, describes or analyzes one topic. It can discuss a subject directly or indirectly, seriously or humorously. It can describe personal opinions, or just report information. An essay can be written from any perspective, but essays are most commonly written in the first person ( I ), or third person (subjects that can be substituted with the he, she, it, or they pronouns).

There are many different kinds of essays. The following are a some of the most common ones:

Descriptive Cause/Effect Argumentative Definition Narrative Critical Compare/Contrast Process

Descriptive:

Examples: A descriptive essay could describe . . .

The descriptive essay provides details about how something looks, feels, tastes, smells, makes one feel, or sounds. It can also describe what something is, or how something happened. These essays generally use a lot of sensory details. The essay could be a list-like description that provides point by point details. Or, it could function as a story, keeping the reader interested in the plot and theme of the event described.

Definition:

Examples: A definition essay may try and define . . .

A definition essay attempts to define a specific term. It could try to pin down the meaning of a specific word, or define an abstract concept. The analysis goes deeper than a simple dictionary definition; it should attempt to explain why the term is defined as such. It could define the term directly, giving no information other than the explanation of the term. Or, it could imply the definition of the term, telling a story that requires the reader to infer the meaning.

Compare/Contrast:

Examples:A compare/contrast essay may discuss . . .

The compare/contrast essay discusses the similarities and differences between two things, people, concepts, places, etc. The essay could be an unbiased discussion, or an attempt to convince the reader of the benefits of one thing, person, or concept. It could also be written simply to entertain the reader, or to arrive at an insight into human nature. The essay could discuss both similarities and differences, or it could just focus on one or the other. A comparison essay usually discusses the similarities between two things, while the contrast essay discusses the differences.

Cause/Effect:

Examples:A cause/effect essay may explain . . .

The cause/effect essay explains why or how some event happened, and what resulted from the event.

This essay is a study of the relationship between two or more events or experiences. The essay could discuss both causes and effects, or it could simply address one or the other. A cause essay usually discusses the reasons why something happened. An effect essay discusses what happens after a specific event or circumstance.

The example below shows a cause essay, one that would explain how and why an event happened.

If this cause essay were about a volcanic eruption, it might go something like this: “Pressure and heat built up beneath the earth’s surface; the effect of this was an enormous volcanic eruption.”

The next example shows an effect essay, one that would explain all the effects that happened after a specific event, like a volcanic eruption.

If this effect essay were about a volcanic eruption again, it might go something like this:

“The eruption caused many terrible things to happen; it destroyed homes, forests, and polluted the atmosphere.”

Examples:A narrative essay could tell of . . .

The narrative essay tells a story. It can also be called a “short story.” Generally, the narrative essay is conversational in style and tells of a personal experience. It is most commonly written in the first person (uses I ). This essay could tell of a single, life-shaping event, or simply a mundane daily experience.

Examples: A process essay may explain . . .

A process essay describes how something is done. It generally explains actions that should be performed in a series. It can explain in detail how to accomplish a specific task, or it can show how an individual came to a certain personal awareness. The essay could be in the form of step-by-step instructions, or in story form, with the instructions/explanations subtly given along the way.

Argumentative:

Examples: An argumentative essay may persuade a reader that . . .

An argumentative essay is one that attempts to persuade the reader to the writer’s point of view. The writer can either be serious or funny, but always tries to convince the reader of the validity of his or her opinion. The essay may argue openly, or it may attempt to subtly persuade the reader by using irony or sarcasm.

Examples: A critical essay may analyze . . .

A critical essay analyzes the strengths, weaknesses, and methods of someone else’s work. Generally, these essays begin with a brief overview of the main points of the text, movie, or piece of art, followed by an analysis of the work’s meaning. It should then discuss how well the author/creator accomplishes his/her goals and makes his/her points. A critical essay can be written about another essay, story, book, poem, movie, or work of art.

202-448-7036

At a Glance

• Quick Facts
• University Leadership
• History & Traditions
• Accreditation
• Consumer Information
• Our 10-Year Vision: The Gallaudet Promise
• Annual Report of Achievements (ARA)
• The Signing Ecosystem
• Not Your Average University

Our Community

• Library & Archives
• Technology Support
• Interpreting Requests
• Ombuds Support
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Profile & Web Edits

Visit Gallaudet

• Explore Our Campus
• Virtual Tour
• Maps & Directions
• Shuttle Bus Schedule
• Kellogg Conference Hotel
• Welcome Center
• National Deaf Life Museum
• Apple Guide Maps

Engage Today

• Work at Gallaudet / Clerc Center
• Social Media Channels
• University Wide Events
• Sponsorship Requests
• Data Requests
• Media Inquiries
• Gallaudet Today Magazine
• Giving at Gallaudet
• Financial Aid
• Registrar’s Office
• Residence Life & Housing
• Safety & Security
• Undergraduate Admissions
• Graduate Admissions
• University Communications
• Clerc Center

Gallaudet University, chartered in 1864, is a private university for deaf and hard of hearing students.

Copyright © 2024 Gallaudet University. All rights reserved.

• Accessibility
• Cookie Consent Notice
• Privacy Policy
• File a Report

800 Florida Avenue NE, Washington, D.C. 20002

Expository Essay vs. Argumentative Essay: Similarities and Differences

Expository and argumentative essays involve research, strong thesis statements, factual body paragraphs, and well-thought-out conclusions. And when asked to write an expository essay, the key is to thoroughly understand the topic and research to inform the readers of new information.

But while the two writing pieces are similar in the work that creates them, they differ extensively in many other aspects. Their differences are diverse, and without proper scrutiny, it is possible not to tell these essays apart.

Conversely, expository essays provide coherent information and explanations about a specific issue. On the other hand, argumentative essays aim to convince readers the writer’s point of view is correct and for them to agree with you.

The definitions provide a clear path for their distinction such that you can easily tell them apart. But overall, the main difference can be seen in their names. One exposes an issue, while the other provides for an adoption of a specific position.

Let us now look at the expository essay vs. argumentative essay analysis to help you understand them better.

What Is an Expository Essay?

An expository essay is a type of writing that explains, describes, or illustrates something. It is not a persuasive essay and does not have a specific purpose other than to explain something in detail. It’s not a research paper, although it requires some research, and the information generated gives the reader information on a particular topic.

These essays can be written about anything from the history of your town to how to bake bread. They are used in many academic disciplines, including science, business, and social sciences. Their purpose is to inform the reader about something rather than persuade them to do something.

New Service Alert !!!

We are now taking exams and courses

In addition, an expository essay provides facts and evidence rather than opinion or conjecture. It should also be objective and neutral rather than subjective in its approach. Despite these essays aiming to educate readers, they also offer an opportunity for a writer to show their subject mastery. However, as mentioned, you should not show bias in the information you portray.

Expository essays classification

Compare and contrast.

These essays entail analyzing similarities and differences between a topic or issue

This essay type involves defining a concept through facts and figures.

They describe a step-by-step guide on how to do something or a particular procedure.

Classification essays

are those describing things in a category.

Cause and effect

These essays show how and why something occurs due to a previous action.

What Is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is a kind of academic writing that requires an author to develop a position on a specific topic. This type of paper aims to convince the reader that your point of view is correct based on your provided evidence.

Ideally, you take a side and defend it by presenting evidence. The most important thing about an argumentative essay is that it is not just a story or narrative but an explanation of why you believe certain things. It is also not merely stating your opinion but proving your point with facts and evidence.

Also see: How Do You Write a Toulmin Argumentative Essay

Additionally, an argumentative essay should be clear and concise. It should also be organized logically and clearly with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. The introduction states the main idea of the essay as well as gives some background information related to the topic being discussed.

The body paragraphs explain why you believe your thesis statement to be accurate, using evidence from your research sources. Each paragraph should have its topic sentence that clearly states what you are trying to prove with each paragraph.

Similarly, the final paragraph should summarize your points and restate your thesis statement to leave your reader with a lasting impression of what you have said throughout the essay.

These essays have three main ways to write them;

• You can argue in favor of something (pro)
• You can argue against something (con)
• You can argue for two sides at once (both pro and con)

What is the Difference Between Expository and Argumentative Essays?

An expository essay is a writing piece that explains some idea or concept. It is not an opinion piece but rather a piece that presents information clearly and concisely. For example, if you were to write about the history of Western culture, your goal would be to give information about this topic without bias or prejudice.

On the other hand, an argumentative essay presents its point of view on a particular topic. It does not present facts but offers opinions on how things should be done by giving evidence supporting their position.

For instance, if asked to write about whether or not children should be allowed to play football, you would write about why it is good for them or bad for them based on your beliefs and research.

Both essays vastly differ in purpose. The primary purpose of an expository essay is to explain something, such as a concept or theory. You can also use an expository essay to describe a situation or event in detail. In either case, the purpose of an expository essay is not to persuade people to agree with you. It’s simply to inform them about something they don’t know much about.

In contrast, the purpose of an argumentative essay is to prove why you’re right. For example, if there is an article describing cats as better pets than dogs, you could write an argumentative essay about why dogs are better than cats. Your goal would be to convince your reader that dogs are better than cats as pets by using evidence from personal experience and research findings.

Thesis Statement

Thesis statements are the backbone of an essay and offer a clear direction for the rest of your paper. It also helps you to organize your thoughts and decide what points to include in the body paragraphs.

An expository essay’s thesis statement introduces the topic broadly and generally but specifically to serve as a starting point for further research. For example, an expository essay on the history of the automobile industry could begin with a broad statement like “The automobile industry has changed significantly over time.” This statement allows you to explore many aspects of car manufacturing, including technological changes, manufacturing processes, and marketing strategies.

On the other hand, an argumentative essay’s thesis statement comes in the form of stating your argument. It gives your readers a clear idea about which side of an issue you will take and how you will argue for that position. For example, if you are writing about whether or not gun control laws should be stricter, your thesis might look like this, “Gun control laws should be stricter because they help prevent crime.”

Point of View

In an expository essay, a writer explains a concept or idea in detail, providing evidence and examples to support the position taken. An argumentative essay, on the other hand, presents an opinion or position on a topic and supports it with evidence and reasoning.

With these different purposes, their viewpoints are also different. Expository essays typically use a third-person point of view (he/she) because they are factual and objective rather than personal. Argumentative essays often use the first-person point of view (I) because they are personal interpretations of events or issues rather than objective descriptions.

Further, expository essays are usually non-biased because the writer neutrally provides information without any emotional attachment aiming to inform or explain.

On the other hand, argumentative essays try to persuade the readers about their point of view by using facts and logical reasoning. Thus they are biased and subjective.

The Opening Line

The opening line of an expository essay is a general statement about your topic and presents your case. For example, if you’re writing about the history of baseball, you might write: “Baseball has been played in America since the nineteenth century.”

On the other hand, the opening line in an argumentative essay introduces your topic. For example, if you’re writing about whether or not schools should have dress codes for male students who wear athletic shorts and tank tops, your first sentence might be, “Dress codes are necessary to ensure school safety.”

An argumentative essay also uses logical, emotional, and ethical appeals. These appeal to logic, emotion, and ethics to persuade readers that your position is correct. On the other hand, an expository is devoid of such appeals.

Judgment/ Wayforward

The two essays differ in judgment emanating from their purposes. An expository essay does not give any decision because it aims to inform. But an argumentative ends by challenging or asking readers to agree with the writer’s position based on the reasons given.

In a nutshell, an expository essay summarizes the information provided by a factual source or source material. An argumentative essay, on the other hand, bases its claims on evidence and asserts the truth value of that position. It is worth noting here, though, that both essays rely on facts to prove the point the writer wants to make.

And with that, we know you can now clearly differentiate between the two essays.

Essay vs. Report

What's the difference.

Essays and reports are both forms of academic writing that serve different purposes. An essay is a piece of writing that presents an argument or a point of view on a specific topic. It is typically more subjective and allows the writer to express their thoughts and opinions. On the other hand, a report is a structured document that provides information on a particular subject. It is usually more objective and focuses on presenting facts and findings. While both essays and reports require research and analysis, essays tend to be more flexible in terms of structure and content, while reports follow a more rigid format with headings and subheadings.

Further Detail

Introduction.

When it comes to academic writing, two common forms that students often encounter are essays and reports. While both serve the purpose of conveying information, they have distinct characteristics that set them apart. In this article, we will explore the attributes of essays and reports, highlighting their differences and similarities.

One of the primary distinctions between essays and reports lies in their structure. Essays typically follow a more flexible structure, allowing for a greater degree of creativity and personal expression. They often consist of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The body paragraphs present arguments or ideas supported by evidence and analysis.

On the other hand, reports tend to have a more rigid structure. They usually include sections such as an introduction, methodology, findings, and conclusion. Reports are often written in a more objective and formal tone, focusing on presenting factual information rather than personal opinions.

Furthermore, essays often require a thesis statement, which serves as the central argument or main idea of the paper. Reports, on the other hand, may not necessarily have a thesis statement but instead focus on presenting data or findings in a clear and organized manner.

While both essays and reports aim to convey information, they have different purposes. Essays are commonly used to explore and analyze a topic, allowing the writer to present their own ideas and arguments. They often require critical thinking and the ability to construct a coherent and persuasive argument.

Reports, on the other hand, are typically used to present factual information or findings from research or investigations. They are often more objective in nature and focus on providing a comprehensive overview of a particular subject. Reports may be used to inform decision-making, document experiments, or present research findings to a wider audience.

Language and Style

The language and style used in essays and reports also differ. Essays often allow for a more personal and subjective writing style, where the writer can express their thoughts and opinions. The language used in essays can be more creative and engaging, with the use of rhetorical devices and persuasive techniques to captivate the reader.

Reports, on the other hand, require a more formal and objective writing style. The language used in reports is typically straightforward and concise, focusing on presenting information in a clear and logical manner. Reports often avoid the use of personal pronouns and instead rely on passive voice constructions to maintain an objective tone.

Research and Referencing

Both essays and reports may require research and referencing, but the extent and approach can vary. Essays often involve extensive research to support the writer's arguments or claims. They may require the use of various sources, such as books, scholarly articles, or online resources. Referencing in essays is crucial to acknowledge the sources used and provide credibility to the arguments presented.

Reports, on the other hand, may also require research, but the focus is often on presenting factual information rather than analyzing or interpreting it. Reports may rely more heavily on primary research, such as surveys or experiments, to gather data. Referencing in reports is essential to provide transparency and allow readers to access the sources of the presented information.

In conclusion, while essays and reports share the goal of conveying information, they have distinct attributes that set them apart. Essays offer more flexibility in structure and allow for personal expression, while reports follow a more rigid structure and focus on presenting factual information. The purpose, language, and style used in essays and reports also differ, with essays often being more subjective and persuasive, while reports maintain a formal and objective tone. Understanding the differences between essays and reports is crucial for students to excel in their academic writing and effectively communicate their ideas and findings.

Comparisons may contain inaccurate information about people, places, or facts. Please report any issues.

Essay vs Research Paper: What Sets Them Apart?

Table of contents

• 1.1 What Is an Essay?
• 1.2 What Is a Research Paper?
• 2.1 Purpose and Objective
• 2.2 Structure and Organization
• 2.3 Length and Depth
• 2.4 Sources and Evidence
• 2.5 Voice and Style
• 2.6 Audience and Presentation
• 3 Essay vs Research Paper: 10 Points of Difference
• 4 What Is the Difference Between Research Paper and Different Types of Papers
• 5 Let’s Sum Up

Every student needs to write some academic papers for the university. However, even young people with experience can’t determine the difference between an essay and a research paper. Although these two areas of academic writing have many similarities, the requirements are still significantly different.

• We will outline the key differences between these two types of academic writing.
• In this article, you will get a clear definition of an essay and research paper.
• You will learn more about the organization, structure, essay, and research paper requirements.

Before we dive into the detailed definitions, let’s first explore the key differences between an essay and a research paper.

Definitions and Overview

What is an essay.

An essay is a short piece of writing that presents a personal opinion on a specific topic. Essays can be formal or informal, but in an academic setting, they are usually formal. The main purpose of an essay is to inform the reader or argue a particular perspective.

Essays do not always aim to be scientific but require a clear structure. This structure typically includes an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. Following this format lets you organize your thoughts and communicate them effectively.

With their versatility, essays can cover various topics, from complex ideas to everyday subjects. What makes your essay unique is the creativity and originality of your ideas. Before you begin, it is important to  drafting an essay  carefully. This process involves brainstorming fresh ideas and planning how to present them. Although your classmates might use the same basic structure, your writing skills and unique perspective will help your essay stand out. Focus on making your ideas compelling, rather than just sticking to the format.

What Is a Research Paper?

A research paper explores a specific scientific topic in detail. It provides analysis, interpretation, and argument based on careful study. Unlike essays, research papers focus less on personal opinions and more on thorough examination of the subject. They require you to use different sources and add new insights to the academic discussion.

In a research paper, it is not enough to just present facts or share personal views. You need to study the topic in depth, understand what others have said about it, and clearly outline your approach. This type of assignment involves more than just collecting information. You must also evaluate the information to build a strong argument.

Teachers expect you to show your ability to analyze information, choose reliable sources, and have a deep understanding of the topic. Research papers require you to go beyond basic knowledge and present your findings in a clear and organized way.

A typical research paper consists of several key elements that are crucial for presenting your argument and findings clearly:

• Introduction: The paper begins with an introduction that sets the stage and includes a thesis statement.
• Body: The body follows, providing detailed analysis and evidence to support the thesis, using information from reliable sources.
• Research Paper Outline: Creating an outline helps organize these sections, ensuring a logical flow of ideas throughout the paper.
• Conclusion: This part ends with a summary of the main points and a restatement of the thesis.

Whether writing a research paper or a term paper, maintaining this clear structure is essential for demonstrating a thorough understanding of your topic.

Key Differences Between Essay and Research Paper

The central difference is the goal of these academic assignments. The essay aims to express an individual point of view and find a creative, fresh approach to an existing topic. A good research paper seeks to introduce scientific novelty by examining existing data and conducting new experiments to analyze the information obtained.

Purpose and Objective

The first and main difference between an essay and a research paper is the purpose of writing . An essay as an academic task has the goal of developing students’ creative thinking. It also teaches us a structured presentation of thoughts regarding a certain topic. The student is required to have a non-standard approach, fresh thoughts, and reasoned conclusions on the given topic.

The purpose of the research work is to study a scientific topic in detail. This academic assignment is aimed at assessing the student’s analytical abilities and competence to determine cause-and-effect relationships, filter sources, and formulate logical conclusions. Such work requires theoretical knowledge, preliminary study of existing scientific works, and the ability to formulate goals and research methods.

Moreover, a student is supposed to show the capacity to draw comprehensive conclusions based on available data and information obtained during independent research. This task may seem complicated to students, so they opt for resorting to the help of PapersOwl writing service to save time.

Structure and Organization

To start with, the basic structure of any college essay involves a text consisting of five paragraphs, divided into three main factions: introduction, body part, and conclusion. When students lack time to compose a nicely structured academic essay, they can always pay to write a research paper and have their tasks done by a professional. The introduction presents the topic, sets the main direction for further text, and also works as a bait to motivate the reader to study further work. The introduction is followed by three body paragraphs. Each of the three body paragraphs presents a separate idea.

The last paragraph of any essay is a conclusion. In this paragraph, the college or university student must resume the arguments and ideas presented in the text, summarizing them into the main message of the essay. Often, the idea that you present in your conclusions will be most memorable to the reader.

Consequently, let’s overview the structure of a research paper. Compared to the structure of an essay, the organization of a research paper is much more ornate. This type of work requires a title page and abstract that go before the main body of text. On the title page, the student describes his topic of work, as well as gives contact details. An abstract is a short description of the main ideas and research methods of your work. The research work itself consists of an introduction, background, main part, and conclusions. Also, at the very end, they often add acknowledgments and a list of references, which must be formatted following the required international format.

Length and Depth

The length and depth of analysis between these two academic assignments also differ significantly. As for the essay, it is often a short prose piece whose length does not exceed 1000 words. You are faced with the task of fitting a large array of ideas into a small amount of text. The essay format itself rarely requires rigorous and thorough research of the topic, but you should work on creativity and the presence of a message in your essay. Most academic papers fall in the 300 to 600-word range.

On the other hand, a research paper is a scientific project that includes many theoretical aspects that require analysis and clarification. Thus, the volume is significantly bigger. Basic research paper lengths range from 4,000 to 6,000 words. In this case, you will no doubt have to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the selected sources, formulate a research vector, and spend time conducting your experiments, or ask PapersOwl to do a research paper for you . A research paper is a scientific project that includes many theoretical aspects that require analysis and clarification.

Sources and Evidence

The presence of theoretical sources and references is not a mandatory requirement for an essay. You can state your own thoughts on a given topic without resorting to the help of existing sources. Present your ideas on the topic, giving arguments that seem logical to you. If you do decide to base your paper on existing works, you must be sure to indicate where the information was taken from. And yet, the teacher needs to see your own thoughts rather than a dry listing of existing ideas.

Unlike an essay, a quality research paper must include primary and secondary sources, as well as a specific citation format. Surely, you are not the first person to study this scientific topic. In order not to repeat existing thoughts, you need to conduct a search to form a reliable basis for your study. If you skip this step, you risk basing your paper on misleading scientific findings.

Voice and Style

The very specificity of the essay as an academic paper is the subjective presentation of information. A large percentage of your essay should consist of your perspective and vision of the chosen topic. For this reason, essays often use a less formal and more subjective tone. However, you can still use a large amount of colloquial vocabulary, completely disregarding the norms of formal style. Students often have trouble figuring out the right style for their university assignments. In such cases, a reasonable solution is to seek help from a specialist. When you buy custom-written essays from PapersOwl, you’ll always get a perfectly balanced academic paper.

On the other hand, a research paper is a serious scientific work. The student must maintain a formal tone while complying with all structural requirements. Also, in investigative work, there is little room for subjectivity and a personal approach since an objective style is required. At the same time, do not oversaturate your research work with formalism and standard clichés.

Audience and Presentation

The essay format can be used both in the educational process and in an independent literary style. Therefore, the audience for such a written assignment can be wide and varied. When you’re writing an essay, make sure it’s understandable in academia and for a wide audience.

Research work, on the contrary, is aimed at a range of professionals in the chosen field. Written in scientific language, the goal of this work is to attract the attention of scientists and students of certain majors. Your scientific work should be rich in theory and related terms.

Essay vs Research Paper: 10 Points of Difference

As you may have noticed, research papers and essays have many differences, both global and specific. These two types of academic assignments differ in the purpose of writing, have different structures and formats, and are aimed at testing different skills. And yet, every day, students face difficulties in understanding the basic requirements, which leads to incorrect execution of the task. To summarize the main differences, let’s look at the table below.

What Is the Difference Between Research Paper and Different Types of Papers

There are many types of papers, each focusing on different topics, serving different purposes, and requiring a specific structure. Those are different types of essays that share a common ground but differ in the way they present information and arguments.

Analytical paper. The purpose of such an essay is an in-depth analysis of the chosen topic, studying different approaches and points of view, and formulating one’s own conclusions based on the information studied and scientific evidence.

Argumentative paper. This type of essay takes as a basis an ambiguous topic; the author must take a certain position and provide a number of arguments.

Informative paper. It has an informative purpose — a presentation of information to the reader, preceded by careful analysis and selection of data.

Persuasive paper . The purpose of this paper is to present convincing arguments, using chosen writing techniques, confirming the author’s position regarding the selected scientific topic.

To get a high grade, you need to understand the requirements of academic requirements. No matter how informatively rich your work is, if it does not meet the requirements, it cannot be highly appreciated. Each type of academic assignment has its own clearly defined, unique format. It’s necessary to know the difference between a research paper vs argumentative essay so as not to get confused while completing a college assignment. So before you start writing an assignment, make sure you understand the type of academic writing required of you.

Let’s Sum Up

Research papers and essays are aimed at testing various skills of the student, following different structures, and having several requirements. An essay is a more creative writing task, which involves showing originality and expressing a personal opinion on a certain topic. At the same time, a research paper is a type of scientific writing that adheres to a strict structure and uses a formal tone. Understanding the main differences will make your writing process easier, saving you time researching the requirements. Remember that knowing the essence of the assignment is a key factor in writing a decent paper.

Readers also enjoyed

WHY WAIT? PLACE AN ORDER RIGHT NOW!

Just fill out the form, press the button, and have no worries!

We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy.