Difference between essay writing and journal writing (2024)

There are many forms of research work. A student has to pass through various eligibility criteria before actually achieving the diploma or degree. Though every piece of writing differs from the other in some aspects, there are many similarities too among them. The writer needs to have a proper knowledge of various formats of writing so that both the differences and similarities are well-addressed. But one thing that is of utmost importance in any kind of writing is the need to fully understand the objectives behind the writing. Unless the objectives or the purpose is not clear in mind, the writing can never be effective. Many universities under their master’s and doctorate programs require scholars to write essays, articles and journals. The grades of a student depend largely on these writing works assigned to him during the course. The most common mistake students make here is to consider all these three to be the same. Let’s find out how essay writing and journal writing differ.

The difference between an essay writing and journal writing

1. Purpose: The basic purpose of an essay is to develop a proposition. An essay is usually written in response to a question or proposition. The purpose of an article is to inform the readers of a concept; while the purpose of a journal is to record the development of an idea as it comes to the writer’s mind.
2. Topic: The topic of an essay is usually a question and is mostly event-based. The topic of an article however is niche-based; while that of a journal is classroom-based, usually a particular issue or aspect covered in class.
3. Nature: An essay and journal are generally subjective while the article is objective.
4. Writing Tone: The essays are generally written in an educational and analytical tone. Articles are written in a conversational tone to inform the readers of a concept in an interesting manner. The journals are however written in an informal tone as a discussion or process of learning mostly chronologically.
5. Analysis: An essay critically analyzes the topic. It discusses both the arguments in favour and against the topic while and the journal does not necessarily include such critical writing. They are more of a descriptive analysis.
6. Conclusion: While writing an essay it is important to conclude while reaching to a conclusion is not important in the case of a report and journal.
7. Format: The essays usually do not need any formal format and no headings and sub-headings are used. The articles however usually follow a heading and sub-headings format to make readers understand the concept easily. In the case of reports, there may or may not be the use of headings and sub-headings format.