The main differences between an essay and an article

The main differences between an essay and an article

Various academic tasks are regularly posed to students. An essay and an article are two different formats for working with a scientific problem and a text. They are often given opposite goals in terms of content and semantic content. For the work to correspond to the tasks set, it is necessary to clearly understand the essence of these two types of writing and understand the difference between them. If in doubt, then seek the help of essay writing help professionals. 

Features of writing a scientific article

This type of academic writing is published in collections, newspapers, encyclopedias, or magazines. The purpose of an article is to inform the reader about a particular point of view or concept. Its structure and content will depend on the data sources. Depending on the content, a review, thematic or scientific article is distinguished. In any case, a specific topic is taken as a basis, which the author considers from various points of view.

A prerequisite is a complete immersion in the material and links to previously conducted research. Proven facts must support articles. They are the ones who can demonstrate the point of view presented and convince readers to accept the researcher’s hypotheses.

How to write an essay

This format of work implies analysis, assessment, and description of a specific problem. The purpose of the essay is to answer the question posed or a previously indicated hypothesis. A relatively short author’s text always contains an introduction and conclusion, and the central part. The work may be intended to inform, support specific arguments, or demonstrate the author’s concept. If necessary, the essay combines statistics, the author’s opinion, and confirmed facts.

The work can be written in a descriptive, explanatory, or narrative style in terms of content. The deductive essay contains a large amount of factual support and links to relevant research. 

Key differences

Authors’ essays, made in the style of an article, are intended to express the personal point of view of the author. They are not aimed at a comprehensive study of the subject. Such work is distinguished by imagery, the presence of associations and is accompanied by individual intonation. By what parameters do essays and articles differ:

  • format – articles are written in a predominantly scientific style, and essays are written in a prosaic style;
  • Personal opinion – in the essays, a unique, emotionally colored point of view can be indicated. In the article, the conclusions are necessarily supported by facts;
  • A comprehensive examination of the subject of research is more typical for an article. An essay can study one of the sides of the object;
  • A deep reasoned analysis is a prerequisite for a quality article. A good essay is an author’s work with a personal position on the issue.

The main differences between an essay and an article

Unlike an essay, the article follows the facts more, conclusions are made based on confirmed arguments, and the subject is investigated from all sides. The work requires structuring, provides an overview of the essential points of view and quotes from previous research. Often it becomes the basis of a term paper or thesis, part of a master’s or candidate’s dissertation. The teacher or supervisor determines the research format. It is he who guides the student in the writing process and fleshes out the academic objectives.


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