Describe vs. Report

Attribute	Describe	Report
Definition	Provide details or explanations about something	Present information or findings in a structured format
Purpose	To give a clear picture or account of something	To convey information or data to others
Format	Can be narrative, descriptive, or analytical	Usually follows a specific structure or template
Scope	Can be broad or specific depending on the context	Usually focused on a particular topic or subject
Language	May involve subjective language or personal interpretation	Generally uses objective and factual language

Definition

Describe and report are two common types of writing that are often used in various fields. Describing involves providing detailed information about a person, place, event, or thing. It aims to paint a vivid picture in the reader's mind by using sensory details and descriptive language. Reporting, on the other hand, involves presenting factual information in a clear and concise manner. It typically includes who, what, when, where, why, and how details to inform the reader about a specific event or situation.

Purpose

The purpose of describing is to create a sensory experience for the reader and evoke emotions or feelings. It allows the reader to visualize and imagine the subject being described. Descriptive writing is often used in literature, poetry, and creative writing to engage the reader's senses and emotions. Reporting, on the other hand, aims to inform and educate the reader about a specific event or situation. It provides factual information without bias or personal opinions to help the reader understand what happened.

Language

Descriptive writing often uses vivid and colorful language to create a sensory experience for the reader. It includes adjectives, adverbs, and figurative language to paint a picture in the reader's mind. Descriptive writing may also use similes, metaphors, and personification to enhance the description. Reporting, on the other hand, uses clear and concise language to present factual information. It avoids flowery language and focuses on providing accurate details in a straightforward manner.

Structure

Descriptive writing does not follow a strict structure and allows for creative freedom in how the information is presented. It may use chronological order, spatial order, or other organizational patterns to describe the subject. Descriptive writing often includes a lot of detail and sensory imagery to engage the reader's senses. Reporting, on the other hand, follows a more structured format with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. It presents information in a logical and organized manner to help the reader understand the key points.

Examples

Here are some examples to illustrate the difference between describing and reporting:

• Describing: The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the tranquil lake. The water shimmered like a thousand diamonds, reflecting the colors of the sky.
• Reporting: The sun set at 7:30 pm, creating a golden glow over the lake. The water reflected the colors of the sky as the sun disappeared below the horizon.

Conclusion

In conclusion, describing and reporting are two distinct types of writing that serve different purposes. Descriptive writing aims to create a sensory experience for the reader by using vivid language and imagery. It allows the reader to visualize and imagine the subject being described. Reporting, on the other hand, presents factual information in a clear and concise manner to inform the reader about a specific event or situation. Both types of writing have their own unique attributes and can be effective in different contexts.