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In an Encyclopedia an Encyclopedia article is a unit of writing on a particular topic. Each encyclopedia article has an article name, and this is usually used as at least one way to locate the article within the encyclopedia. Encyclopedia articles are intended to define the topic and cover all the informative and interesting points on the topic.
Structure
The exact structure of an encyclopedia article will vary from encyclopedia to encyclopedia, but there are many common themes.
Articles are given an article name which heads up the article and after this there will very typically be an introduction section that defines the subject that the article covers, while differentiating it from any other, similar topics. There will usually be one or more main sections the describes the subject in more detail and this will be followed by a references section and frequently a bibliography section.
Style
The style of the article is very typically formal, with an impersonal, objective style, sometimes called encyclopedic.
Content
Unlike a dictionary, in which each entry gives multiple definitions for a single word an encyclopedia article is on a single subject.
The article is usually well referenced and is itself non-fiction, but may be on a fictional subject from a literary work.
The general aim of an article is cover everything there is to know on a subject, albeit perhaps in summary form. Where there is a debate on some points, the article tries to cover the debate, rather than participate.
Articles usually have a references section which backs up the claims and material presented in the article.
Encyclopedia articles often have pronunciation guides and diagrams.
Online and computer-based encyclopedia articles may have movies, audio clips and other types of media.
Uses
Encyclopedia articles are read by people trying to gain a basic understanding of some topic, and sometimes as an initial jumping off point into further research.
It is, however, rarely considered a good idea to refer to Encyclopedia articles themselves in academic scenarios as reference sources.
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