A video and a written piece would both contain the same subject and substance, but the video would have visuals and an aural explanation or description of the issue. While it would merely explain the topic matter in the text. Both videos and writings can reveal much about its author's perspective on life and their feelings toward certain subjects. Text alone is limited because without visuals it cannot convey emotion or information regarding its author's background or experience. Video essays combine visual and auditory elements to communicate ideas and information not readily conveyed by only one or the other. Writings that use formal language and concepts that are unfamiliar to readers will help them understand the topics being discussed more easily. For example, if you were writing about animals in captivity, you might include descriptions from scientists who have studied animal behavior, as well as news articles and photos of facilities where captive animals are kept. This would all be useful for explaining complex issues surrounding animal captivity to your reader. Similarly, writings that use academic terminology and study methods will help readers understand these topics better. For example, if you were writing about recent discoveries about animals' abilities to reason, you might include quotes from experts in the field, as well as research papers published in scientific journals. Video essays use images and audio to communicate ideas and information not readily conveyed by only one form of media.