diferencia entre summary and essay

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Differences between summary, abstract, overview, and synopsis

Are there subtle differences in meaning between the nouns summary , abstract , overview , and synopsis ?

Which would be the most appropriate term for a one-page "executive summary" of a research report?

From Wiktionary:

• summary : An abstract or a condensed presentation of the substance of a body of material.
• abstract : An abridgement or summary.
• overview : A brief summary, as of a book or a presentation.
• synopsis : A brief summary of the major points of a written work, either as prose or as a table; an abridgment or condensation of a work.
• differences

• Personally I would use 'synopsis' but any of them would work. –  WS2 Commented Feb 11, 2014 at 22:30
• Don't forget "précis"! Oh, and "thumbnail sketch," too. Précis certainly has some snob appeal, no? (I mean "Mais oui?") Don –  rhetorician Commented Feb 12, 2014 at 0:38
• 1 I like Professor David Barnhill's argument for precis: "A precis is a brief summary of a larger work. The term "abstract" has the same meaning and is much more common, but I prefer the term precis because of its relation to the word "precise," and because of the way the word is pronounced: "pray-see." A precis is a precise condensation of the basic thesis and major points of a paper; it tells the reader the gist of what has been said." uwosh.edu/facstaff/barnhill/490-docs/assignments/precis –  Mark D Worthen PsyD Commented Feb 23, 2018 at 0:24
• The difference is context. Context. –  Lambie Commented Dec 31, 2019 at 18:56

5 Answers 5

Summary is the most catch-all term of this group, and the one that shows up the most in general everyday English.

Abstract is most commonly used in the scientific context. It is typically a formal requirement for publication, as the initial section of a scientific paper. Often times if you find scientific papers online, it is just the abstract that is available.

Overview is similar in literal meaning to "summary". It has a slight informality to it.

Synopsis again could be exchanged directly for "summary" in most contexts. It has a slightly more formal feel, and shows up in the literature and the arts a bit more frequently than other contexts (e.g., "I just want to read a synopsis of the novel, not the whole thing" sounds a bit better than "summary"). A synopsis is often more detailed than a regular "summary".

Executive Summary shows up most often in a business context, or sometimes also in a political context (e.g., think-tank white papers).

Any of these would probably work in a research report, but it would also depend on the audience. Scientists would probably be most comfortable with "Abstract"; MBAs with "Executive Summary"; for a more general public audience where you want to seem accessible, "Overview". If you're not sure, I can't imagine going wrong with "Summary".

Note that I'm American, so this answer applies most directly to American English.

• 2 This one-page PDF from a community college writing center complements joseph_morris's excellent summary (above). jccc.edu/student-resources/tutors-accessibility/writing-center/… –  Mark D Worthen PsyD Commented Mar 7, 2018 at 2:53
• Also, there is somewhat called abrégé , which is placed right after the heading of each chapter. Abrégé is very (not longer then 1/2 of a page, i.e. it is shorter then typical abstract) and describes the chapter instead of document . (Feel free to correct me). –  john c. j. Commented Apr 7, 2018 at 22:26
• @johnc.j. As you can see from the Wiktionary article you link, abrégé is only a word in French. If it was an English word as well, it would have a separate listing under "English". –  joseph_morris Commented Apr 10, 2018 at 22:39
• It should also be noted that an abstract or an executive summary of a publication is typically set out separately from the rest of it, and is often labelled as such; the other terms can be used for something that is embedded in a larger body of text, without being clearly demarcated (e.g. the first chapter of a book may include a summary or an overview of the book's argument). –  jsw29 Commented Dec 30, 2019 at 17:20

synopsis suggests an outline or series of key points, sometimes implying restraint in keeping factual, objective, professional, or formal ("a synopsis of North American flora" or "a synopsis of the novel")

summary implies moving from the specific to the more general or the gist or take-away of something, and it is more likely to include the subjective ("summarized the movie as a bad coming-of-age drama")

overview implies a comprehensive, coherent whole or bird's-eye view ("gave an overview of the project")

abstract and precis both denote that the subject is a text

abstract is commonly used in technical and scientific contexts ("wrote an abstract for a scholarly journal article")

• Welcome to English SE! Could you edit to include citations for these definitions? This site generally prefers well-sourced answers, and unsourced ones may be removed. –  Rand al'Thor Commented Aug 7, 2017 at 8:06
• 1 +1 for reminding me of the phrase that I sought: bird's-eye view . Thanks. –  Graham Perrin Commented Oct 14, 2017 at 6:56

A little more detail:

The most appropriate term for a one page summary of a research report would normally be "Abstract", as it gives the abstract or high-level information without the details. The body may be labeled as "Detail". (They are essentially opposites, or complements. Abstract:Detail)

If the information is expected to summarize the points upon which a decision is to be made then "Executive Summary", meaning summary of the actionable parts, would be used.

See definitions of "Abstract" and "Executive" for the reasons this is so.

Although summary and synopsis are very close in meaning due to common usage, a summary is supposed to contain conclusions (sum, total) "In summary, therefore, I say to you .." while a synopsis is an overview.

I am an American English speaker.

• Also, there is somewhat called abrégé , which is placed right after the heading of each chapter. Abrégé is very (not longer then 1/2 of a page, i.e. it is shorter then typical abstract) and describes the chapter instead of document . (Feel free to correct me). –  john c. j. Commented Apr 7, 2018 at 22:25

None of the earlier answers to this question have cited any authority for the particular distinctions that they make. In case some readers may be interested in reference-work assessments of the relevant differences, I offer discussions from several such works. I should note at the outset that none of them include coverage of overview , although I have no idea why they don't.

James Fernald, Funk & Wagnalls Standard Handbook of Synonyms, Antonyms & Prepositions , revised edition (1947), includes coverage of abstract , summary , and synopsis (along with abbreviation , analysis , compend , compendium , digest , epitome , outline , and précis ) under the category name abridgment . Here is Fernald's coverage of the three terms of special interest:

An outline or synopsis is a kind of sketch closely following the plan [of a book]. An abstract or digest is an independent statement of what the book contains. ... A summary is the most condensed statement of results or conclusions.

This treatment of abstract , summary , and synopsis is identical to the treatment that appears in Fernald's English Synonyms and Antonyms , thirty-first edition (1914). In my view, while the descriptions of abstract and synopsis may still be accurate, the description of summary treats that word far more restrictively than most people do who use it today.

S. I. Hayakawa, Choose the Right Word: A Modern Guide to Synonyms (1968) groups abstract and synopsis (as well as abridgment , digest , outline , and précis ) under the category name summary . Here are the relevant portions of Hayakawa's coverage:

These words refer to a short description of the main points of a longer work or presentation. Summary is the most general of these words, referring to any attempt to condense into as few words as possible an extended train of thought: a day-to-day summary of the proceedings in the murder trial; concluding each chapter with a summary of its main arguments. The word implies a pithy paraphrase, with no attempt to catch the style of the original. Also, the word almost exclusively refers to something that follows after and is based on the extended presentation, or even concludes it—as suggested by the common phrase in speechmaking: in summary . Abstract and précis both refer to summaries written most often by someone other than the original author; hence they are seldom part of the original presentation, though they follow it and are based on it. Like summary , they stress brevity and the schematic representation of essential points with no attempt to preserve flavor. Abstract most specifically refers to a scholarly or legal citation that gives the gist of what may be a complex argument or study: a quarterly containing abstracts of doctoral dissertations in progress; an abstract of the proposed legislation. ... Outline and synopsis relate to précis in that they both retain the point-by-point ordering of the original; they are both most often a skeletal setting down of these points, but may be drawn up either by the author or someone else before, as well as after, the writing of the original. Within these possibilities, outline covers a wider range than synopsis . ... Synopsis usually refers to a plot summary of a piece of fiction. Ordinary prose sentences are most often used, rather than the numbered and lettered list suggested by outline . It may tell in capsule form events treated in a completed work or those planned for a projected work: submitting the first chapter of his novel and a synopsis of the unwritten remainder; writing synopses of novels submitted as candidates for film treatment. The word may also refer to a paragraph that retells previous action and introduces an installment of a serialized work of fiction.

Hayakawa's assessment of how people use summary is seems generally valid for today's usage, although in my experience an "executive summary" physically precedes a full report or article rather than following it.

Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Synonyms (1968/1984) omits coverage of both overview and summary , but addresses abstract and synopsis as part of a larger group of words that also includes epitome , brief , and conspectus , under the category name abridgment :

abridgment , abstract , epitome , brief , synopsis , conspectus mean a condensation of a larger work or treatment, usually one already in circulation. ... Abstract implies condensation of a lengthy treatise or of a proposed lengthy treatment and stresses concentration of substance { abstracts of state papers} {an abstract of a lecture} ... Both abstract and epitome are used also in extended senses in reference to persons or things, the former stressing one or other (of the persons or things referred to) as a summary, the latter as a type representing a whole {a man who is the abstract of all faults that all men follow— Shak .} ... Synopsis and conspectus imply the giving of the salient points of a treatise or subject so that it may be quickly comprehended. Synopsis , however, often suggests an outline or coherent series of headings and conspectus a coherent account that gives a bird's-eye view {provide in advance a synopsis of the lectures}

As for overview , its meaning in modern English seems to be very close to that of summary , to judge from its brief entry in Merriam-Webster's Eleventh Collegiate Dictionary (2003):

overview n (1588) : a general survey : SUMMARY

Summary - Its sums up, like a conclusion, and is used at the end of the document. Many people, instead of reading the entire document that is large, refers to the summary.

Abstract - Mostly seen in journals that tells what it is all about, very briefly. Abstract is commonly seen in government orders too. Abstract comes at the start of the document.

Overview - It is a general view; not that analytical, and is often the beginning of an analysis.

Synopsis - Is a brief version of the manuscript which is sent to a publisher, on the basis of which the write-up/ manuscript is chosen.

Though all these refer to concise/abridged version of a manuscript, the purposes are different.

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What's the difference between essay and summary ?

Definition:

• (n.) An effort made, or exertion of body or mind, for the performance of anything; a trial; attempt; as, to make an essay to benefit a friend.
• (n.) A composition treating of any particular subject; -- usually shorter and less methodical than a formal, finished treatise; as, an essay on the life and writings of Homer; an essay on fossils, or on commerce.
• (n.) An assay. See Assay, n.
• (n.) To exert one's power or faculties upon; to make an effort to perform; to attempt; to endeavor; to make experiment or trial of; to try.
• (n.) To test the value and purity of (metals); to assay. See Assay.

Example Sentences:

• (1) Two days after Michael Morpurgo, author of War Horse , published a beautiful essay calling for this year's First World War commemorations to " honour those who died " and "celebrate the peace we now share", Michael Gove has delivered the government's response.
• (2) The rationale for pursuing the development and use of germ-line selection and modification techniques is examined in this essay.
• (3) This essay reviews research on interhemispheric transfer time derived from simple unimanual reaction time to hemitachistoscopically presented visual stimuli.
• (4) What is correct in a tweet might not be in an essay; no single register of English is right for every occasion.
• (5) Unsurprisingly, one of the three lonely references at the end of O'Reilly's essay is to a 2012 speech entitled " Regulation: Looking Backward, Looking Forward" by Cass Sunstein , the prominent American legal scholar who is the chief theorist of the nudging state.
• (6) The present essay gives a brief review of the findings on sex differences in the human brain.
• (7) Evidence exists in the literature to suggest that the reliability of short (c. 10 minutes) essay questions may be higher.
• (8) This pictorial essay should assist the radiologist in recognizing esophageal abnormalities on chest films and in recognizing their place in the spectrum of chest film abnormalities.
• (9) This two-part essay identified major characteristics of War Surgery and explores the essential training and education required to prepare civilian and military surgeons for the practice of war surgery.
• (10) They then wrote essays justifying their ideas for the new classroom; provided a budget, using a variety of maths skills; created an inventory of furniture, lighting and other items; producing a 3D scale model of their classroom and a 2D computer-generated picture.
• (11) In the last part of the essay he discusses the characteristics of traditional Chinese medical ethics.
• (12) Upon further consideration, we concluded the essay did not include some key facts and its overall tone was not consistent with what we seek to publish.
• (13) You can date the phrase back further, to 1998, when Peggy McIntosh used the word "privilege" in her essay White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack .
• (14) Over the past 40 years her voice has been marked, first and foremost, by a supreme intellectual confidence, a tone evident from the first line of the first essay (Notes on Camp) that made her name in 1964: "Many things in the world have not been named.
• (15) The life of Oliver Wendell Holmes was selected as the subject for a lecture in the 1974 History of Medicine series at Yale University School of Medicine because, as the Latin subtitle of the essay suggests, he represents a fortunate and uncommon, but by no means unique, synthesis of the practical and aesthetic, of science and the humanities.
• (16) Facebook Twitter Pinterest In an essay for the Hollywood Reporter, Camille Paglia writes that Swift promotes a ‘silly, regressive public image’.
• (17) In a 2010 essay, Berman wrote of visiting the Bronx again, with trepidation, fearing that the borough's notorious self-immolation would have left nothing of the world he remembered.
• (18) Batoor is a talented photojournalist who worked on the PR team at the US Embassy in Kabul before he was targeted for a bold and confronting photo essay on the exploitation of Afghanistan’s "dancing boys" in the Washington Post.
• (19) Today we are starting a new series called ‘Facing my fear’, launching with an essay from a young widow who had to return to the city where she first met her late husband .
• (20) As Geoff Dyer notes in his essay for Dewe Mathews's book, her images may "bear a conceptual resemblance to Sternfeld's, but they are taken within the already charged zone of memory that is the Western Front.
• (a.) Formed into a sum; summed up; reduced into a narrow compass, or into few words; short; brief; concise; compendious; as, a summary statement of facts.
• (a.) Hence, rapidly performed; quickly executed; as, a summary process; to take summary vengeance.
• (a.) A general or comprehensive statement; an abridged account; an abstract, abridgment, or compendium, containing the sum or substance of a fuller account.
• (1) In summary, GABAergic tone did not effect basal acid secretion in anesthetized rats.
• (2) The key warning from the Fed chair A summary of Bernanke's hearing Earlier... MPs in London quizzed the Bank of England on Libor.
• (3) The summary statistics examined are (a) the slope of the least-squares regression of the marker, (b) the average of the last r measurements, and (c) the difference between the averages of the last r and the first s measurements.
• (4) Hospital discharge summary data were used to identify and study all 2,870 Rhode Island residents hospitalized in-state with head injuries during 1979 and 1980.
• (5) This review of androgenetic alopecia (AA) in women provides a summary of hair physiology and biochemistry, a general discussion of AA, and a brief description of other types of hair loss in women.
• (6) Russia's most widely watched television station, state-controlled Channel One, followed a bulletin about his death with a summary of the crimes he is accused of committing, including the siphoning of millions of dollars from national airline Aeroflot.
• (7) In summary, these studies show: 1) that the H-35 cell IGF-II receptor is synthesized first as a 245-kDa precursor having 4-6 high-mannose oligosaccharide side chains, 2) processing of the receptor oligosaccharides by mannose removal and terminal sialylation converts the 245-kDa precursor to the 250-kDa mature product which has been previously identified as the functional receptor in the plasma membrane, 3) the apparent molecular mass of the receptor in the absence of N-glycosylation is 232-kDa, and 4) glycosylation of the IGF-II receptor is required for the acquisition of IGF-II binding activity.
• (8) It was a waspish summary in which he noted that, while Pope Francis "may have renounced his own infallibility", Margaret Thatcher never did.
• (9) In summary, the risk of uterine rupture in patients who have previously undergone cesarean section but are allowed a trial of labor is low and not associated with serious complications.
• (10) The summary adjusted relative risk for a Down syndrome livebirth for all those of North African or Asian origin, compared to those for women of European origin, was about 1.56.
• (11) Sixty-one percent of all discharge summaries omitted the diagnosis of diabetes.
• (12) In summary, we have isolated a novel inositol phospholipid in rat brain, PIP3, the parent compound for inositol tetrakisphosphate (IP4).
• (13) Results of analyses for cell surface antigens on lymphocytes and for cellular DNA content were reported to the College of American Pathologists Computer Center and the summary data were mailed to participants.
• (14) In summary, the present results indicate that both the vasodilator and systolic pressor responses to adrenaline are enhanced in endurance-trained subjects.
• (15) 9.59am GMT Summary We’ll leave you with a summary of what transpired here throughout the day: • Julia Gillard announced a contest for her position as prime minister following calls by Simon Crean, a senior minister in her government, for her to be replaced by her predecessor, Kevin Rudd • Shortly before the ballot was to take place Kevin Rudd announced he would not stand for the Labor Party leadership , re-iterating his promise to the Australian people that he would not challenge Julia Gillard • When it came time for the ballot, Gillard was the only person who stood for the leadership and she and her deputy Wayne Swan were elected unopposed .
• (16) In summary, we found that LY253963 inhibited influenza A and B virus replication in several cell types, but that it was associated with cytostatic effects at low concentrations.
• (17) The study outcome of primary interest was the radiologist's report of the adequacy of examination as indicated in the written summary of the results of the barium enema procedure.
• (18) During those conversations, Monaco underscored US support for Yemen, according to White House summaries.
• (19) Updated at 7.42pm BST 7.19pm BST Summary Here's a summary of Obama's statement and Q&A: President Obama said that to avoid 'the abyss', Iraq must form a new, inclusive government.
• (20) Depressed patients who received ECT had more temporal horn atrophy and greater subcortical abnormality summary scores than normal subjects.

Words possibly related to " essay "

dissertation

documentary

Words possibly related to " summary "

description

integration

CompareWords

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What is the difference between Abstract, conclusion and summary?

The above question is self explanatory, still I would like to break it into two parts.

Q1. What is the difference between abstract and summary/conclusion?

Q2. What is the difference between summary and conclusion ?

• publications

• 27 Sadly, a lot of today's abstracts and conclusions read as: Abstract: "In this paper, we will show X using data Y and study Z", Conclusions: "In this paper, we showed X to study Z using data Y" — i.e., more often than not, the only difference is in the tense of the passage. –  user6431 Commented Apr 11, 2013 at 22:12
• 7 See classic texts K. K. Landes. A scrutiny of the abstract. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, 50(9):1992, 1969. and J. F. Claerbout. A scrutiny of the introduction. Stanford Exploration Project, 59:287 – 291, 1988. –  mankoff Commented Apr 11, 2013 at 22:37
• 1 some links: ece.utep.edu/courses/ee3329/ee3329/abstract.html and aapg.org/bulletin/abstract_scrutiny.pdf –  JRN Commented Apr 12, 2013 at 22:28
• 9 See How to write a paper . Here's a choice excerpt: There are papers that may benefit from a conclusion section, but they are relatively few (say, less than 5% of the papers). Certainly, the inclusion of a conclusion section should not be the default. –  David Ketcheson Commented Dec 6, 2013 at 4:35
• 2 Tell them what you're going to tell them. Tell them. Tell them what you told them. –  Austin Henley Commented Mar 12, 2016 at 5:26

8 Answers 8

The abstract is written for the potentially interested reader. While writing it, keep in mind that most readers read the abstract before they read the paper (sounds obvious, but many abstracts read like the authors did not consider this). The abstract should give an impression of what the paper will be about. Do not use jargon or any abbreviations here. It should be understandable for non-specialists and even for people from fields somehow far away.

The conclusion should conclude the paper and is written for the reader who already has read the paper. In other words: most readers have read the paper when they read the conclusion. Again, this sounds obvious but, again, a lot of conclusions do not read like this. It does not make sense to write a conclusion like "we have shown this and that by using this and that method". Well, this is what the reader has just read (and what he may know since he has read the abstract). A proper conclusion should tell the reader what she can or he could do with the newly acquired knowledge. Answer the question "So what?".

A summary sums up the paper. I am not sure if a paper needs a summary.

I've written some tips for abstracts some time ago:

• Avoid jargon. Although this sounds obvious, most abstracts contain jargon in one way or the other. Of course one can not avoid the use of specific terminology and technical terms but even then there is an easy check if a technical term is appropriate: Try to find a definition on the internet (if the term has a fairly stable wikipedia page, there it is not jargon) – if you do not succeed within a few minutes you should find a different word.
• Use buzzwords. This may sound to contradict the previous point and in part it does. But note that you can use a buzzword together with its explanation. Again, the example from the previous point works: “Funk metric” may be a buzzword and the explanation using the name “Finsler” is supposed to ring a bell (as I learned, it is related to Hilbert’s 23rd problem). This helps the readers to find related work and to remember what was the field you were working in.
• General to specific. In general, it’s good advice to work from general to specific. Start with a sentence which points in the direction of the field you are working in. So your potential audience will know from the beginning in which field your work is situated.
• Answer questions. If you think that your work answers questions, why not pose the questions in the abstract? This may motivate the readers to think by themselves and draw their interest to the topic.
• Don’t be afraid of layman’s terms. Although layman’s terms usually do not give exact description and sometimes even are ridiculously oversimplified, they still help to form a mental picture.

• 2 Just to add a little on this, abstracts should be short (1/2 page in my field) and should try to explain all of the key points of the paper, including the methodology, key findings, implications, etc. The goal of the abstract is to let the reader decide if there is any value in reading the entire paper. –  earthling Commented Apr 11, 2013 at 23:09
• 4 For abstracts, I always follow the advice in Simon Peyton Jones's presentation " How to write a great research paper " (He credits Kent Beck, but I can't find the exact reference): 1. State the problem 2. Say why it's an interesting problem 3. Say what your solution achieves 4. Say what follows from your solution. It's amazing how much clearer and to the point your abstracts become. –  ThomasH Commented Apr 15, 2013 at 19:22
• 4 I downvoted because, for technical fields, using jargon in the abstract is almost always a good thing. Show me a mathematics abstract with no "jargon". But you should avoid using terms that your intended audience will not already know. –  David Ketcheson Commented Dec 6, 2013 at 4:38
• 2 'It does not make sense to write a conclusion like "we have shown this and that by using this and that method"' - I somewhat disagree here. The reader has read the details of the paper before reading the conclusion (or maybe not even that, if they follow the abstract - conclusion - rest of text method of approaching an unknown paper), but especially due to this large amount of information, it is important that the conclusion briefly summarizes the key content in a few sentences. Cf. with presentation slides, where the last slide summarizes the key points. –  O. R. Mapper Commented Dec 10, 2015 at 12:35
• 1 Yes, this. The difference between the abstract and the conclusion is in the intended audience. A caveat is that many readers will skip to the conclusion to get an idea of what they will know after reading the paper. But you still write the conclusion as if to an audience that has already read it. –  Caleb Stanford Commented Oct 19, 2017 at 14:08

A1 : In the context of a journal article, thesis etc., the abstract should provide a brief summary of each of the main parts of the article: Introduction, Methods, Results and Discussion. In the words of Houghton (1975), "An abstract can be defined as a summary of the information in a document". The Conclusions (in some cases also called a Summary ) chapter is a summary of the main ideas that come out from the discussion (e.g., Katz, 2009) and hence only a subset of the abstract. Usually, the Conclusions sum up the discussion whereas the abstract only reiterates the most important of the conclusions.

A2 : The difference between a summary and the conclusions is less clear. First, it is not clear if the summary is to be compared with the Abstract or the Conclusions. A summary may also be more appropriate as Conclusions when writing an overview where the conclusions may not be easy to identify. As stated above some journals use the word Summary instead of Conclusions . Sometimes this can also be labelled Synthesis and cap off a lengthy discussion.

References:

Houghton, B., 1975. Scientific periodicals: their historical development, characteristics and control. Hamden CT, Shoe String Press.

Katz, M.J., 2009. From research to manuscript. A guide to scientific writing. Second edition. Berlin, Springer.

• 7 I don't think it's accurate to say that the conclusion is a subset of the abstract. Some elements from the abstract make it into the conclusion, but the conclusion will likely include information not in the abstract as well, such as a detailed discussion of "why it all matters". –  Irwin Commented Apr 12, 2013 at 18:20
• @Peter Jansson Regarding the conclusions you mentioned ".... and hence only a subset of the abstract". Then you mentioned: ".... the abstract only reiterates the most important of the conclusions." How it comes? –  AlFagera Commented Jul 15, 2019 at 15:06

A conclusion section might for example include speculations about some patterns in the data, or proposals for future research. It basically is really the only place to put your opinions. A summary I expect would not include any opinions and just re-iterate the findings and weaknesses in the study.

As the other answer mentioned, the abstract should include all the main aspects of the paper in an abbreviated form - the topic, the hypotheses, the participants and study design, and the results.

Abstract: Author short story about what is in it (no matter good or bad, valuable or scrap) Conclusion: Authors statement about the findings justified by the detailed content (findings/achievement/affirmation of a doubtful fact/negation of an established belief...etc) for a reader who has a guided-travel across by the author.

abstract = what is to be done by researcher in the given paper.

summary = what is accomplished in the paper under consideration.

conclusion = what are the limitations of study, what needs to be done by upcoming researchers.

• 1 I am not sure about the equal sign you use. I have seen papers using conclusion for summary and vice versa. –  Nobody Commented Jan 4, 2016 at 14:39

Summary: Its a brief note that gives us an overview, ideas and insight about major topics in a paper.

Abstract: Its a short note that express the contents of the work.

Conclusion: Its a statement/decision reached by the researcher based on findings in the research.

One basic difference: An abstract is always at the beginning of a academic paper. A conclusion is always at the end. A summary could be anywhere, even separate from the paper itself, so it's a bit more slippery.

• The abstract is like a movie trailer.
• The summary is an arrangement of actions/events of movie in a short way.
• The conclusion is the objective of the movie in light of the evidence and arguments given in the movie.

The conclusion of one person can vary from that of another.

• 2 Now, the question becomes what is the difference between movie trailor and summary? –  Nobody Commented Dec 10, 2015 at 11:11
• 2 You could go so much further with this analogy. E.g., summary and conclusion together are like a review of a movie, with the summary being, well, the summary and the conclusion the interpretation and rating. –  Wrzlprmft ♦ Commented Dec 10, 2015 at 12:05
• The abstract might very well be completely separate. –  vonbrand Commented Jan 4, 2016 at 14:29

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Narrative Essay

How to write a summary.

Proficient students understand that  summarizing , identifying what is most important and restating the text (or other media) in your own words, is an important tool for college success.

After all, if you really know a subject, you will be able to summarize it. If you cannot summarize a subject, even if you have memorized all the facts about it, you can be absolutely sure that you have not learned it. And, if you truly learn the subject, you will still be able to summarize it months or years from now.

Proficient students may monitor their understanding of a text by summarizing as they read. They understand that if they can write a one- or two-sentence summary of each paragraph after reading it, then that is a good sign that they have correctly understood it. If they can not summarize the main idea of the paragraph, they know that comprehension has broken down and they need to use fix-up strategies to repair understanding.

Summary Writing Format

• When writing a summary, remember that it should be in the form of a paragraph.
• A summary begins with an introductory sentence that states the text’s title, author and main point of the text as you see it.
• A summary is written in your own words.
• A summary contains only the ideas of the original text. Do not insert any of your own opinions, interpretations, deductions or comments into a summary.
• Identify in order the significant sub-claims the author uses to defend the main point.
• Copy word-for-word three separate passages from the essay that you think support and/or defend the main point of the essay as you see it.
• Cite each passage by first signaling the work and the author, put “quotation marks” around the passage you chose, and put the number of the paragraph where the passages can be found immediately after the passage.
• Using source material from the essay is important. Why? Because defending claims with source material is what you will be asked to do when writing papers for your college professors.
• Write a last sentence that “wraps” up your summary; often a simple rephrasing of the main point.

Example Summary Writing Format

In the essay Santa Ana , author Joan Didion’s main point is ( state main point ). According to Didion “… passage 1 …” (para.3). Didion also writes “… passage 2 …” (para.8). Finally, she states “… passage 3 …” (para. 12) Write a last sentence that “wraps” up your summary; often a simple rephrasing of the main point.

• Provided by : Lumen Learning. Located at : http://lumenlearning.com/ . License : CC BY: Attribution
• Authored by : Paul Powell. Provided by : Central Community College. Project : Kaleidoscope Open Course Initiative. License : CC BY: Attribution
• Authored by : Elisabeth Ellington and Ronda Dorsey Neugebauer. Provided by : Chadron State College. Project : Kaleidoscope Open Course Initiative. License : CC BY: Attribution

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between an abstract and a summary.

An abstract concisely explains all the key points of an academic text such as a thesis , dissertation or journal article. It should summarize the whole text, not just introduce it.

An abstract is a type of summary , but summaries are also written elsewhere in academic writing . For example, you might summarize a source in a paper , in a literature review , or as a standalone assignment.

All can be done within seconds with our free text summarizer .

Frequently asked questions: Working with sources

Synthesizing sources means comparing and contrasting the work of other scholars to provide new insights.

It involves analyzing and interpreting the points of agreement and disagreement among sources.

You might synthesize sources in your literature review to give an overview of the field of research or throughout your paper when you want to contribute something new to existing research.

You can find sources online using databases and search engines like Google Scholar . Use Boolean operators or advanced search functions to narrow or expand your search.

For print sources, you can use your institution’s library database. This will allow you to explore the library’s catalog and to search relevant keywords.

Lateral reading is the act of evaluating the credibility of a source by comparing it with other sources. This allows you to:

• Verify evidence
• Contextualize information
• Find potential weaknesses

As you cannot possibly read every source related to your topic, it’s important to evaluate sources to assess their relevance. Use preliminary evaluation to determine whether a source is worth examining in more depth.

This involves:

• Reading abstracts , prefaces, introductions , and conclusions
• Looking at the table of contents to determine the scope of the work
• Consulting the index for key terms or the names of important scholars

You might have to write a summary of a source:

• As a stand-alone assignment to prove you understand the material
• For your own use, to keep notes on your reading
• To provide an overview of other researchers’ work in a literature review
• In a paper , to summarize or introduce a relevant study

You can assess information and arguments critically by asking certain questions about the source. You can use the CRAAP test , focusing on the currency , relevance , authority , accuracy , and purpose of a source of information.

Ask questions such as:

• Who is the author? Are they an expert?
• Why did the author publish it? What is their motivation?
• How do they make their argument? Is it backed up by evidence?

Critical thinking skills include the ability to:

• Identify credible sources
• Evaluate and respond to arguments
• Assess alternative viewpoints
• Test hypotheses against relevant criteria

Critical thinking refers to the ability to evaluate information and to be aware of biases or assumptions, including your own.

Like information literacy , it involves evaluating arguments, identifying and solving problems in an objective and systematic way, and clearly communicating your ideas.

It is important to find credible sources and use those that you can be sure are sufficiently scholarly .

• Consult your institute’s library to find out what books, journals, research databases, and other types of sources they provide access to.
• Look for books published by respected academic publishing houses and university presses, as these are typically considered trustworthy sources.
• Look for journals that use a peer review process. This means that experts in the field assess the quality and credibility of an article before it is published.

In academic writing, the sources you cite should be credible and scholarly. Some of the main types of sources used are:

• Academic journals: These are the most up-to-date sources in academia. They are published more frequently than books and provide cutting-edge research.
• Books: These are great sources to use, as they are typically written by experts and provide an extensive overview and analysis of a specific topic.

Scholarly sources are written by experts in their field and are typically subjected to peer review . They are intended for a scholarly audience, include a full bibliography, and use scholarly or technical language. For these reasons, they are typically considered credible sources .

Popular sources like magazines and news articles are typically written by journalists. These types of sources usually don’t include a bibliography and are written for a popular, rather than academic, audience. They are not always reliable and may be written from a biased or uninformed perspective, but they can still be cited in some contexts.

There are many types of sources commonly used in research. These include:

• Journal articles
• Encyclopedias

You’ll likely use a variety of these sources throughout the research process , and the kinds of sources you use will depend on your research topic and goals.

You usually shouldn’t cite tertiary sources as evidence in your research paper, but you can use them in the beginning stages of the research process to:

• Establish background information
• Identify relevant keywords and terms
• Familiarize yourself with current debates in your field

Use tertiary sources in your preliminary research to find relevant primary and secondary sources that you will engage with in more depth during the writing process .

What constitutes a tertiary source depends on your research question and how you use the source.

To determine whether a source is tertiary, ask:

• Am I examining the source itself, or am I using it for background information?
• Does the source provide original information ( primary ) or analyze information from other sources ( secondary )? Or does it consolidate information from other sources (tertiary)?

Primary sources provide direct evidence about your research topic (photographs, personal letters, etc.).

Secondary sources interpret and comment on information from primary sources (academic books, journal articles, etc.).

Tertiary sources are reference works that identify and provide background information on primary and secondary sources . They do not provide original insights or analysis.

A tertiary source may list, summarize , or index primary and secondary sources or provide general information from a variety of sources. But it does not provide original interpretations or analysis.

Some examples of tertiary sources include:

• Bibliographies
• Dictionaries

It can sometimes be hard to distinguish accurate from inaccurate sources , especially online. Published articles are not always credible and can reflect a biased viewpoint without providing evidence to support their conclusions.

Information literacy is important because it helps you to be aware of such unreliable content and to evaluate sources effectively, both in an academic context and more generally.

Information literacy refers to a broad range of skills, including the ability to find, evaluate, and use sources of information effectively.

Being information literate means that you:

• Know how to find credible sources
• Use relevant sources to inform your research
• Understand what constitutes plagiarism
• Know how to cite your sources correctly

When searching for sources in databases, think of specific keywords that are relevant to your topic , and consider variations on them or synonyms that might be relevant.

Once you have a clear idea of your research parameters and key terms, choose a database that is relevant to your research (e.g., Medline, JSTOR, Project MUSE).

Find out if the database has a “subject search” option. This can help to refine your search. Use Boolean operators to combine your keywords, exclude specific search terms, and search exact phrases to find the most relevant sources.

Proximity operators are specific words used alongside your chosen keywords that let you specify the proximity of one keyword in relation to another.

The most common proximity operators include NEAR ( N x ), WITHIN ( W x ), and SENTENCE .

Each proximity operator has a unique function. For example, N x allows you to find sources that contain the specified keywords within a set number of words ( x ) of each other.

Boolean operators are specific words and symbols that you can use to expand or narrow your search parameters when using a database or search engine.

The most common Boolean operators are AND , OR , NOT or AND NOT , quotation marks “” , parentheses () , and asterisks * .

Each Boolean operator has a unique function. For example, the Boolean operator AND will provide search results containing both/all of your keywords.

A Boolean search uses specific words and symbols known as Boolean operators (e.g., AND , OR ) alongside keywords to limit or expand search results. Boolean searches allow you to:

• Prioritize keywords
• Exclude keywords
• Search exact keywords
• Search variations of your keywords

The CRAAP test is an acronym to help you evaluate the credibility of a source you are considering using. It is an important component of information literacy .

The CRAAP test has five main components:

• Currency: Is the source up to date?
• Relevance: Is the source relevant to your research?
• Authority: Where is the source published? Who is the author? Are they considered reputable and trustworthy in their field?
• Accuracy: Is the source supported by evidence? Are the claims cited correctly?
• Purpose: What was the motive behind publishing this source?

To avoid plagiarism when summarizing an article or other source, follow these two rules:

• Write the summary entirely in your own words by paraphrasing the author’s ideas.
• Cite the source with an in-text citation and a full reference so your reader can easily find the original text.

A summary is always much shorter than the original text. The length of a summary can range from just a few sentences to several paragraphs; it depends on the length of the article you’re summarizing, and on the purpose of the summary.

A summary is a short overview of the main points of an article or other source, written entirely in your own words. Want to make your life super easy? Try our free text summarizer today!

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MultiDisciplinary

Anterior cruciate ligaments , by alexis jenkins.

Alexis Jenkins definitely is very active from the start. Sports have always been her passion; growing up, you could always catch her outside at the softball field playing with her high school, tournament team, or family. This all was until she had an almost career-ending injury occur not just once but twice. Luckily, she could continue to play two years of college softball, but she always wondered why tearing your ACL, also known as your Anterior Cruciate Ligament, was such a big deal. Now years later, she is a Senior here at Millersville studying Sports Journalism. After graduation, she plans to work her way into the ESPN world to eventually become an ESPN Broadcast Journalist.

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• Mar 16, 2021

Main Differences Between a Summary and an Abstract

Writing for an abstract may have similar steps to writing for a summary, but they have different objectives and requirements. While an abstract is a short, descriptive paragraph overviewing your entire paper from introduction to the findings or future studies, a summary includes your entire paper and its visuals, just in a shorter length and more concise than it’s original document. This article will discuss the key parts to include in an abstract and a summary.

The abstract should summarize the main points of your paper without specific detail. So it should communicate, if relevant: main question of your paper, methods, major results or findings, the importance of results or findings, and how they shape a theory or answer your question.

-Start with the main point: The beginning statement should describe the main point you are trying to communicate to the reader. Sometimes, this may be the thesis, or it may be the research topic, all depending on what kind of paper you are writing.

-Keep it concise: This is meant to briefly discuss your article, and only talk about the main points between the introduction, body, and conclusion.

-Remember the length: This abstract is meant to be a paragraph; therefore, each piece of information given in the summary should be short, key parts of the article.

-Follow the same order: Make sure your abstract follows the same order that your paper is written in.

-Keep it to the facts: Keep in mind to only use factual statements or observations and avoid using opinions, repetition, and any ‘fluff’ content.

-Create an effective ending: The last sentence should be able to effectively wrap up the findings of the article.

On the other hand, the summary is a much longer version of the abstract, containing more details, visuals, and opinions.

-Follow the same order: Again, this should follow the same order as your paper.

-Keep in mind the length: Remember the length that the publication is asking your article to be at. With publishing for MiMJ , we are asking for a 2-3 page, 1000 word limit. With this, try to be concise and only have information that is key to conveying your message in your paper.

-Facts and opinions allowed: Unlike writing for an abstract, you are not limited to what kind of information you will be giving; you can include any fact, opinion, or finding, as long as it is a key piece of information that still allows your paper to be concise.

-You can use visuals: The use of visuals is welcomed while writing your summary. However, make sure they are necessary to convey your message to the reader due to the fact that summaries need to be concise (do you think I mentioned that your summary needs to be concise enough?). Secondly, make sure each visual that is used is explained well, as summaries are for a general audience.

-Remember the format: You still have to organize your paper in the format that is required by the publication you wish to publish your article with. With publishing with MiMJ , we require your paper to be written in 7th edition APA format.

-Remember your citations: As any paper would include, citations are an important way to credit the sources you used to create your wonderful paper. In addition, make sure your citations abide by the format you are using. This also ties in having a literature cited page as well.

In conclusion, your summary should be a shorter, more concise version of your original paper that still includes all important information and effectively translates the message from your paper. Whereas the abstract should be a short paragraph that presents all key facts and information. In the future, try to refer to this post as a mental checklist after writing any abstract or summary, or even while you are writing!

Furthermore, have you previously used any of these ideas while writing your summary? Are there any other tips that have helped you while writing a summary?

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Summary, Overview, and Review

A reader asks about the differences between summary , review , and overview . Editor Kory Stamper explains.

These three words are often used interchangeably, but they have slightly different connotations.

Summary is the broadest of the three. It refers to a short restatement of the main points of an argument, paper, lecture, etc. and especially a restatement used for better understanding, easier remembering, or showing how points relate to each other. It tends to be used most in academic contexts, but is also used quite a bit in magazines and newspapers.

Overview also refers to a restatement of the main points of something but has a more general connotation than summary . It tends to be used in academic contexts more than summary and has less general use in newspapers and magazines than summary does. But it is not formal: it also appears in spoken English more often than summary does.

Review is the narrowest of the three words and has several meanings. The first (and one of the most common) meanings of review is "a report giving someone's opinion about someone or something." This is used in both informal contexts ("movie reviews ") and formal contexts ("This policy is under review ."). This sense of review is also used in the name of magazines and academic journals that are full of these sorts of opinions ("Law Review ", "The Annual Review of Biology").

The second use of review refers to a class, lecture, book, etc. that is meant to give you a very broad introduction to a subject ("a review of 19th century literature"). This use appears primarily in academic and formal contexts.

The third use of review is only found in American English and refers to studying information you have already studied before ("Do a review of Chapter 7 for the test."). This is the equivalent of the British word revision and it appears in informal and classroom contexts.

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Professors share 5 myths students believe about college, anxiety among students: what do teachers think about it, how to write a character analysis essay, dorm overbooking and transitional housing: problems colleges are trying to solve, analysis vs summary.

If you are a student, you have probably been asked to write both an analysis and a summary at least once throughout your educational journey. Those are common tasks in academic writing, but they serve distinct purposes and require different approaches. The key difference is that an analysis involves examining and interpreting the deeper meaning or implications of a subject, while a summary provides a concise overview of its main points or content. In this article, we’ll discuss the definitions, key differences, and specific steps to writing both a summary and an analysis, with a focus on how these skills can enhance your understanding and critical thinking in a writing center context.

Defining Terms: What is a Summary and What is an Analysis

A summary is a concise, neutral account of the main ideas, events, or arguments of a work, whether it’s a book, an article, or a movie. It distills the content down to its essentials, without offering any interpretation or opinion. The goal of a summary is to provide a clear, understandable overview for someone who may not be familiar with the original work.

An analysis , on the other hand, goes beyond simply recounting the content. It involves examining the elements of a work, such as its structure, themes, and characters, and interpreting their significance. Analysis requires critical thinking and the ability to draw conclusions and make connections between different parts of the work. It’s an exploration of the deeper meaning and implications of a piece.

The Key Differences Between Analysis vs Summary

While both summaries and analyses are important writing skills, they serve different purposes and require different approaches. Here are the main differences.

The primary aim of a summary is to condense information, providing a clear and concise overview of a work’s main points. It strips away the details to present the essence of the story or argument in a nutshell. On the other hand, an analysis seeks to interpret and evaluate the work. It goes beyond merely recounting the events or arguments and delves into the significance, effectiveness, and implications of the elements within the work.

In terms of content, summaries focus on the main points or events of a work without delving into the finer details. They provide a straightforward account of what happens or what is argued, without offering commentary or interpretation. Analyses, however, explore the underlying themes, structures, and meanings of a work. They examine how the elements of the work contribute to its overall impact, considering factors like symbolism, character development, and narrative techniques.

The voice used in a summary is neutral and objective. It aims to present the information in an unbiased manner, without the writer’s personal opinions or interpretations influencing the account. In contrast, analyses are more subjective, reflecting the writer’s perspective and critical thinking. An analysis allows the writer to express their views on the effectiveness of the work, the relevance of its themes, and the implications of its arguments.

Finally, the depth of exploration in these two types of writing differs significantly. Summaries are surface-level, providing a broad overview without going into depth about the work’s complexities. They are typically brief and to the point. Analyses, however, go deeper into the nuances of a work. They dissect the components of the work, examining how they interrelate and contribute to the overall meaning or effectiveness. An analysis is more detailed and comprehensive, offering a richer, more insightful exploration of the work.

Here’s a comparison table to help you memorize and visualize the key differences:

Explore the new Summarizer Tool to generate custom summaries!

Need a quick summary? Here!

How to write an analysis.

Writing an analysis requires a structured approach and careful attention to detail. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of each step in the process:

Understand the Assignment

Before you start, it’s important to understand what your analysis should focus on. Read the assignment prompt carefully and clarify any doubts with your instructor. Determine whether you need to analyze a specific element of the work, such as the theme, character development, or narrative structure. Knowing the scope of your analysis will help you stay focused and relevant.

Read or View the Work Carefully

Immerse yourself in the work you’re analyzing. Whether it’s a book, a film, or a painting, engage with it attentively and critically. Take notes as you go, highlighting any details, patterns, or moments that stand out to you. These observations will form the basis of your analysis.

Identify Key Elements

After you’ve familiarized yourself with the work, start identifying the key elements that contribute to its overall meaning. Look for recurring themes, significant symbols, pivotal characters, or impactful scenes. Consider how these elements interact and what they reveal about the work’s message or purpose.

Develop a Thesis Statement

Based on your observations, formulate a thesis statement that captures your interpretation of the work. Your thesis should be clear, arguable, and focused. It should provide a roadmap for your analysis, indicating the aspects you’ll explore and the stance you’ll take.

Gather Evidence

To support your thesis, gather evidence from the work. This might include direct quotes, specific examples, or detailed descriptions of scenes. Make sure your evidence is relevant and directly supports the points you’re making in your analysis.

Organize Your Analysis

Structure your analysis logically. Start with an introduction that presents your thesis statement and gives an overview of the work. Then, divide the body of your essay into paragraphs, each focusing on a different aspect of your thesis. Use topic sentences to introduce each paragraph’s main idea, and make each paragraph flow smoothly into the next. Conclude your analysis by summarizing your main points and reiterating your thesis, possibly with some final reflections on the work’s overall significance.

Write and Revise

Once you have a clear structure, start writing your analysis. Be concise and precise in your language, and make sure each sentence contributes to your argument. After writing your first draft, revise it for clarity, coherence, and logical flow. Check for grammatical errors and make sure your analysis adheres to academic integrity and APA style guidelines, if required. Revising and polishing your analysis will strengthen your argument and enhance the overall quality of your writing.

How to Write a Summary

Writing a summary requires a clear understanding of the original work and the ability to distill its main points into a concise format. Here’s a more detailed look at each step in the process:

• Read the Work: Begin by thoroughly reading or viewing the work you need to summarize. Pay attention to its overall structure and the way the content is organized. Try to grasp the main points and the author’s or creator’s purpose. This initial understanding is crucial for writing an effective summary.
• Identify the Main Ideas: As you read, take note of the key concepts, events, or arguments presented in the work. Look for the central ideas in each section or chapter, and try to understand how they contribute to the overall message or storyline. These main ideas will form the backbone of your summary.
• Write a Thesis Statement: Based on your understanding of the work, create a thesis statement that captures its essence. This statement should be concise and encapsulate the primary focus or argument of the work. It will serve as the guiding idea for your summary.
• Outline the Main Points: Organize the main ideas you’ve identified in the same order as they appear in the original work. Creating an outline will help you structure your summary logically and cover all the important points. This outline doesn’t have to be detailed; it should just provide a roadmap for your summary.
• Write the Summary: Using your outline as a guide, start writing your summary. Use your own words to present the main points, and avoid copying sentences directly from the original work. Keep your summary brief and to the point, focusing on the most important information. Make sure to include your thesis statement at the beginning and summarize the work’s main ideas in a logical order.
• Review and Revise: After writing your summary, review it so that it accurately reflects the main points of the original work. Check for clarity and coherence, and make sure your summary is concise and free of unnecessary details. Revise any parts that need improvement. After all, your summary should maintain academic integrity and avoiding plagiarism.

Comparing Analysis vs Summary: Examples

Let’s take Ray Bradbury’s novel “Fahrenheit 451” as an example:

Summary : “Fahrenheit 451” is a dystopian novel set in a future where books are banned and “firemen” burn any that are found. The story follows Guy Montag, a fireman who becomes disillusioned with his role in suppressing knowledge and begins to seek out and read forbidden books. His quest for understanding leads him to question the society he lives in and ultimately rebel against it.

Analysis : In “Fahrenheit 451,” Ray Bradbury explores themes of censorship, the role of technology in society, and the search for knowledge. Through the character of Montag, Bradbury critiques a society that values conformity and entertainment over critical thinking and individualism. The burning of books symbolizes the suppression of dissenting ideas, while Montag’s journey represents the transformative power of literature.

In the provided examples, the summary of “Fahrenheit 451” condenses the plot into a concise overview , focusing on the main events and characters . It presents an objective and factual account of Guy Montag’s journey from a conformist fireman to a seeker of knowledge in a dystopian society where books are banned. The summary is neutral, avoiding any interpretation or evaluation of the themes or the author’s intentions.

On the other hand, the analysis of “Fahrenheit 451” goes beyond the surface-level events to explore the underlying themes and significance of the novel. It interprets the story as a critique of censorship, the impact of technology on society, and the value of critical thinking and individualism. The analysis is subjective, reflecting the writer’s perspective and critical thinking. It presents an argument about the deeper meaning of the novel , supported by evidence from the text, such as the symbolism of fire and the character development of Montag.

Understanding the differences between summary and analysis is necessary for developing effective writing skills, especially in a writing center context. A summary provides a concise overview of a work, while an analysis offers a deeper exploration of its elements and meanings. Both are valuable tools for academic and professional writing, and mastering them can enhance your critical thinking, academic integrity, and ability to communicate complex ideas.

Can a summary include personal opinions?

No, a summary should not include personal opinions. It is meant to provide a concise and objective overview of the main points or events of a work without any interpretation or evaluation. The purpose of a summary is to give readers a clear understanding of the content without the influence of the writer’s personal views.

When should I use analysis in my writing?

You should use analysis in your writing when you need to examine and interpret a work more deeply, exploring its themes, structure, and meaning. Analysis is often used in academic writing, literary criticism, and research papers to provide a detailed examination of a text or topic. It is appropriate to use analysis when you want to present your own perspective, support your arguments with evidence, and engage in critical thinking about the subject matter.

Is analysis more important than summary in academic writing?

Both analysis and summary have their importance in academic writing, and their relevance depends on the purpose of the writing. A summary is vital for providing a clear and concise overview of a work or topic, which is essential for background information or when reviewing literature. Analysis, on the other hand, is important for developing and presenting original arguments, exploring deeper meanings, and engaging in critical evaluation. In academic writing, analysis is often considered more significant because it demonstrates the writer’s ability to think critically and contribute new insights to the field.

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• Key Differences

Know the Differences & Comparisons

Difference Between Article and Essay

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

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

Content: Article Vs Essay

Comparison chart.

Definition of Article

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

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

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

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

Components of Article

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

Definition of Essay

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

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

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

Components of the Essay

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

Key Differences Between Article and Essay

Upcoming points will discuss the difference between article and essay:

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

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

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Anna H. Smith says

November 15, 2020 at 6:21 pm

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

Sunita Singh says

December 12, 2020 at 7:11 am

Thank you! That’s quite helpful.

Saba Zia says

March 8, 2021 at 12:33 am

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

Khushi Chaudhary says

February 7, 2021 at 2:38 pm

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

Dury Frizza says

July 25, 2022 at 8:18 pm

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

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¿Cuál es la diferencia entre outline y abstract y summary ?Puedes dar oraciones como ejemplo.

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Outline is a basic structure of an essay/report/paper, etc. It is kind of like a skeleton 💀 version of an essay. You make it to help organize your ideas before writing the real essay. Summary just means a short version of a longer thing. You can summarize writing, speeches, or anything. For example, if you summarize (make a summary) from a long book, you might say, "This is what the book was about ____." Abstract is a specific type of summary. You make an abstract when you write a research essay. It is a summary of your essay, usually only 1-2 paragraphs long. People can read it to understand what your essay is about.

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@Yotaisa That is mostly true. Sometimes, you need to make an abstract BEFORE you write to explain what your paper will be about. I had some professors who asked me to do that. But mostly, the final abstract is made AFTER you write the report. I think it just depends on what you need an abstract for. Summaries can be about anything from short quotes to long novels, but definitely AFTER reading/listening.

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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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In this article, we are sharing multiple patterns of template for essays along with some useful tips to make the structure of your essay strong and clear.

Not sure about how to organize an essay? This article is designed to provide a brief yet compact view to master the skill of organization of essay.

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

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Descubre la verdad: ¿Cuál es la diferencia entre un essay y un article?

Conoce todas las diferencias

En el mundo de la redacción y la escritura académica, es común encontrarse con dos términos que a menudo se confunden: essay y article. Aunque ambos términos pueden parecer similares a simple vista, en realidad existen claras diferencias entre ellos. Cada uno tiene sus propios objetivos, estructura y enfoque. En este artículo especializado, exploraremos las diferencias clave entre un essay y un article, y cómo identificar cuál es el más adecuado para diferentes tipos de escritura. Ya sea en el contexto académico o profesional, comprender la distinción entre estos dos tipos de escritura puede ayudar a los escritores a mejorar su habilidad para comunicar sus ideas y llevar sus textos al siguiente nivel.

• Propósito y audiencia: Un essay se enfoca en presentar un argumento o punto de vista específico del autor, mientras que un artículo está diseñado principalmente para informar y educar al lector sobre un tema en particular. En general, los essays suelen estar dirigidos a un público académico o especializado, mientras que los artículos son más accesibles para una audiencia general.
• Estructura y contenido: Un essay suele tener una estructura más formal y rigurosa, con secciones como introducción, cuerpo y conclusión. Además, puede incluir citas y referencias académicas. Por otro lado, un artículo puede tener un enfoque más libre y flexible en cuanto a estructura y contenido, y puede incluir elementos como imágenes, casos de estudio y entrevistas.
• Estilo y tono: El lenguaje en un essay por lo general es más formal y técnico, con un tono objetivo y neutral. Por otro lado, los artículos pueden tener un tono más personal, informal e incluso humorístico dependiendo del enfoque y la intención del autor. El estilo también puede variar según el género literario, la temática y la audiencia a la que se dirige.

¿Cuáles son las principales características que distinguen un essay de un article?

Un essay se diferencia de un article en varias características. En primer lugar, un essay está destinado a persuadir, mientras que un article busca informar. Además, un essay es más subjetivo y utiliza un estilo de escritura más creativo, mientras que un article es más objetivo y se enfoca en los hechos. Por último, un essay suele ser más largo que un article y puede incluir opiniones y experiencias personales, mientras que un article se centra en la investigación y las estadísticas. En resumen, un essay es una forma de comunicación más emocional, mientras que un artículo es más informativo y objetivo.

Los essays y los articles difieren en cuanto a su propósito, estilo de escritura y contenido. Mientras que el essay tiene como objetivo persuadir al lector a través de un enfoque creativo y subjetivo, el article se enfoca en la presentación objetiva de los hechos y datos a través de la investigación. Además, los essays pueden incluir opiniones personales, mientras que los articles se centran en la información relevante y estadísticas.

¿En qué se enfoca un essay y en qué se enfoca un article?

Tanto un essay como un article se centran en la exposición de una idea o argumento. Sin embargo, un essay se enfoca en una perspectiva más personal del autor, explorando y analizando un tema particular desde su punto de vista. Por otro lado, un article busca informar al lector sobre un tema específico, mediante la presentación de hechos, datos y opiniones imparciales de diversos expertos en la materia. Además, un article se ajusta a una estructura más formal y objetiva, mientras que un essay permite mayor flexibilidad en su presentación.

Un essay y un article difieren en su enfoque y estructura. Mientras que un essay se basa en la perspectiva personal del autor sobre un tema, un article busca informar al lector de manera objetiva con hechos, datos y opiniones imparciales de expertos. La flexibilidad es mayor en un essay, mientras que un article se ajusta a una estructura formal y rigurosa.

¿Qué tipos de información son más adecuados para incluir en un essay y cuáles son más apropiados para un article?

A la hora de decidir si escribir un ensayo o un artículo, es importante identificar qué tipo de información se quiere transmitir. El ensayo, por lo general, se enfoca en una idea central, y se apoya en la opinión, experiencia y reflexión personal del autor. En cambio, el artículo se basa en datos, información objetiva y resultados de estudios o análisis. Por lo tanto, es fundamental tener claro el objetivo del escrito y la intención de la información que se quiere transmitir para determinar qué formato es el más adecuado.

Es esencial distinguir entre ensayo y artículo al escribir un texto, ya que cada uno tiene un propósito diferente. Mientras que el ensayo se enfoca en la opinión personal del autor, el artículo se basa en datos objetivos y resultados de estudios. Saber qué información se quiere transmitir y el objetivo del escrito es fundamental para elegir el formato adecuado.

¿Qué tipos de ejemplos son más efectivos para respaldar los argumentos en un essay y cuáles funcionan mejor en un article?

En un essay académico, es efectivo utilizar ejemplos concretos y específicos que apoyen claramente el argumento del autor. Estos ejemplos deberían demostrar claramente cómo el argumento se relaciona con la vida real y aportar pruebas tangibles para respaldarlo. En un artículo periodístico, los ejemplos pueden ser más anecdóticos y pueden tener menos relación directa con el tema central. Los ejemplos que sean más relevantes para el público objetivo y que apelen a sus intereses y preocupaciones serán los más efectivos.

In academic essays, specific and concrete examples effectively support the author’s argument, providing tangible evidence to back it up. In contrast, journalistic examples can be more anecdotal and may not be directly related to the central topic; however, they should still be relevant and appealing to the target audience.

Clarificando las diferencias claves entre ensayos y artículos

Los ensayos y los artículos son dos formas de escritura distintas con objetivos y estilos diferentes. Mientras que los ensayos son más subjetivos y ofrecen una perspectiva personal sobre un tema, los artículos son más objetivos y buscan presentar información precisa y verificable. Los ensayos pueden ser más largos y estructurados en secciones, mientras que los artículos suelen ser más cortos y concisos. Los ensayos pueden ser más literarios y creativos, mientras que los artículos tienden a ser más formales y directos. En resumen, aunque puede haber cierta superposición, la diferencia clave entre ensayos y artículos radica en su enfoque y estilo de escritura.

Tanto los ensayos como los artículos ofrecen diferentes enfoques y estilos de escritura. Los ensayos tienden a ser más subjetivos y creativos, mientras que los artículos se centran en presentar información verificable y de manera objetiva. A pesar de que comparten algunas similitudes, su diferencia principal radica en su propósito y estilo de escritura.

Una comparación detallada entre ensayos y artículos académicos

Los ensayos y artículos académicos son dos tipos de escritos utilizados en el ámbito educativo, particularmente en el universitario. Aunque comparten algunas similitudes en cuanto a su estructura y objetivo, también existen diferencias significativas entre ambos tipos de escritos. Los ensayos tienen un tono más informal y subjetivo, mientras que los artículos académicos se caracterizan por su rigurosidad y objetividad. Además, los ensayos suelen abordar una temática amplia y presentar diversas perspectivas, mientras que los artículos académicos se enfocan en un tema específico y suelen presentar un argumento claro y respaldado por fuentes confiables.

Los ensayos y los artículos académicos son dos tipos de escritos utilizados en la educación superior. Mientras que los ensayos tienen un tono subjetivo y abordan temas amplios, los artículos académicos se enfocan en un tema específico y presentan un argumento respaldado por fuentes confiables. La rigurosidad y objetividad son características clave en los artículos académicos.

Un análisis exhaustivo de las similitudes y contrastes entre ensayos y artículos

Los ensayos y los artículos son dos géneros de escritura que comparten algunas características pero que también presentan diferencias importantes. Por un lado, ambos tienen una estructura formal, consistente en una introducción, un cuerpo argumentativo y una conclusión. Además, tanto los ensayos como los artículos deben estar respaldados por fuentes y citas bibliográficas. Sin embargo, los ensayos son más reflexivos y subjetivos, mientras que los artículos tienden a ser más informativos y objetivos. Los ensayos buscan persuadir al lector de una determinada tesis, mientras que los artículos tienen como objetivo proporcionar información relevante y actualizada sobre un tema específico.

Tanto los ensayos como los artículos tienen una estructura formal y requieren de fuentes y citas bibliográficas. Sin embargo, cada uno se enfoca en objetivos diferentes. Los ensayos son más reflexivos y persiguen persuadir al lector de una tesis, mientras que los artículos buscan proporcionar información actualizada y relevante sobre un tema específico.

Comprender las distinciones esenciales entre ensayos y artículos en la escritura académica

Los ensayos y los artículos son dos tipos de textos que se utilizan comúnmente en la escritura académica, pero es importante comprender las diferencias fundamentales entre ellos. Los ensayos suelen ser breves y están dirigidos a un público más amplio, mientras que los artículos son más largos y están destinados a un público específico y experto. Los ensayos también tienden a tener una estructura menos rígida, mientras que los artículos siguen una estructura más formal y organizada. En resumen, al tiempo de elegir entre un ensayo y un artículo, es necesario tener en cuenta la audiencia que se desea alcanzar y los objetivos a alcanzar en la escritura académica.

Es vital reconocer las diferencias entre los ensayos y los artículos académicos, ya que estos difieren no solo en su longitud, sino también en su estructura y público objetivo. Los escritores especializados deben tener en cuenta la audiencia y objetivos del texto antes de decidir cuál es el formato adecuado para su contenido.

Aunque pueda parecer que los términos ensayo y artículo son similares y pueden ser utilizados como sinónimos, existen diferencias significativas entre ambos. El ensayo se caracteriza por su estilo personal y subjetivo, mientras que el artículo se enfoca en la objetividad y el análisis de hechos. Además, el ensayo es más flexible y puede abordar cualquier tema, mientras que el artículo se enfoca en temas específicos y requiere una investigación rigurosa. Es importante tener en cuenta estas diferencias al momento de escribir y elegir el formato más adecuado para transmitir el mensaje deseado. En última instancia, tanto el ensayo como el artículo son herramientas valiosas para comunicar ideas y conocimientos, pero es importante utilizarlos correctamente para maximizar su efectividad.

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The Difference between an Essay and an Article

Imagine opening your favorite entertainment magazine or your local newspaper and finding a collection of essays. How long, in that case, would the money you spend on magazines and newspapers be considered part of your entertainment budget?

Articles can be informative and not all of them are entertaining. However, it's more likely to find articles in magazines that offer entertainment for readers than an essay.

The most notable difference between an essay and an article is the tone. Essays traditionally are subjective pieces of formal writing that offers an analysis of a specific topic. In other words, an essay writer studies, researches, and forms a factually-based opinion on the topic in order to inform others about their ideas.

An article is traditionally objective instead of subjective. Writing an article doesn't always require that an opinion to be formed and expressed, and there's no requirement that an analysis be offered about the information being presented.

Scroll through a copy of Cosmopolitan, National Geographic, and today's edition of your local newspaper, and you'll get a sense of how articles can be structured in numerous different ways. Some include headings and subheadings along with accompanying photos to paint a picture for the reader to form their own thoughts and opinions about the subject of an article.

Essays, however, have more strict guidelines on structure depending on which type of essay a writer has chosen. Traditionally, readers will see an introductory paragraph that presents a thesis statement, body paragraphs with topic sentences that relate back to and flesh out the thesis, and a conclusion with the author's take on the information presented.

Entertainment Factor

While narrative essays can tell entertaining stories, it is articles that are most often included in magazines and newspapers to keep their subscribers informed and reading.

It's up to the writer of an article what message they want to convey. Sometimes that message is informative and sometimes it's humorous. For an essay writer, it's all about learning as much as possible about a topic, forming an opinion, and describing how they came to that opinion and why.

You're not likely to find essays in entertainment magazines. A person seeking in-depth information on a subject is going to seek out an essay, while a person looking for an entertaining piece of writing that allows them to draw their own conclusions will be more likely to seek out an article.

Home — Essay Samples — Education — College Life — Comparing High School and College: Similarities and Differences

Comparing High School and College: Similarities and Differences

• Categories: College Life

About this sample

Words: 591 |

Published: Feb 12, 2024

Words: 591 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Table of contents

Introduction, similarities, differences, works cited.

• Cass, David. Successfully Transitioning from High School to College Academics. New York: Uvize Inc, 2011. Print.
• Shulman, James, and William Bowen. The Game of Life: College Sports and Education Values. New York: Princeton University Press, 2002. Print.
• Ricchini, John, and Terry Arndt. Life During College: Your Guide to Success. New York: Life After Graduation, 2005. Print.
• Lawn, Duncan. The Unofficial High School Freshman's Handbook to Success. New York: Lulu.com, 2014. Print.

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