What is the Difference Between Article and Essay?

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The main difference between an article and an essay lies in their purpose, structure, and content. Here are some key differences between the two:

  1. Purpose: Articles are written to provide information about a particular topic, while essays are written to express personal opinions or persuade the reader to take a certain course of action.
  2. Structure: Articles can be short or fairly long, varying from a few hundred to a few thousand words, and can be published in various formats, such as magazines, newspapers, or websites. Essays, on the other hand, are typically longer and more in-depth, often written in response to a specific question or assertion.
  3. Content: Articles are objective and based on facts, evidence, and data. They are intended to inform or make the readers aware of something and cater to a specific niche of the audience. Essays are subjective and often present the author's personal view, knowledge, and research on a specific topic.
  4. Tone: Articles are usually written in a more informal tone, while essays are written in a more formal and analytical tone.
  5. Organization: Articles may contain headings, subheadings, and bullet points, making them more attractive and readable. Essays typically do not have headings, sections, or bullet points, but they are coherent and organized forms of writing.

In summary, articles and essays are two different forms of written communication that serve different purposes. Articles are used to provide information about a particular topic, while essays are used to express personal opinions or persuade the reader to take a certain course of action. Understanding the differences between the two can help you determine the appropriate format for your written work.

Comparative Table: Article vs Essay

Here is a table highlighting the differences between an article and an essay:

Feature Article Essay
Definition An article is a written piece of information, usually appearing in newspapers, magazines, encyclopedias, and websites. An essay is a piece of literary work, wherein a particular issue or topic is analyzed and discussed.
Purpose To provide information about a particular topic and keep the reader informed. To express personal opinions, persuade the reader to take a certain course, or respond to a specific question.
Tone Informative, objective, and often written with a definite objective. Persuasive, subjective, and may reflect the author's personal view, knowledge, and research.
Content Articles contain information based on research, data, and analysis, and can vary in length. Essays are written in a clear and coherent way, discussing ideas, experiences, and concepts, and can vary in length.
Structure Articles may contain headings, sections, or bullet points, making them more attractive and readable. Essays do not have headings, sections, or bullet points but are coherent and organized forms of writing.
Publication Articles are typically published in newspapers, magazines, journals, or websites. Essays can be published in various formats, such as books or academic journals.

In summary, articles and essays are two different forms of written communication that serve different purposes. Articles are used to provide information about a particular topic, while essays are used to express personal opinions or persuade the reader to take a certain course.