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#REDIRECT [[Encyclopedia]] |
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{{dablink|For Wikipedia guidelines, see [[Wikipedia:What is an article]].}} |
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In an [[Encyclopedia]] an '''Encyclopedia article''' is a unit of writing on a particular [[topic]]. Each encyclopedia [[article (publishing)|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 [[Definition|define]] the topic and cover all the informative and interesting points on the topic. |
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==Structure== |
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The exact structure of an encyclopedia article will vary from encyclopedia to encyclopedia, but there are many common themes. |
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Articles are given an ''article name'' which heads up the article and after this there will very typically be an [[Introduction (essay)|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 [[reference]]s section and frequently a [[bibliography]] section. |
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==Style== |
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The style of the article is very typically formal, with an impersonal, objective style, sometimes called [[encyclopedic]].<ref name="guidelines">[http://www.routledge-ny.com/enc/USLatinRelations/guidelines.html ENCYCLOPEDIA OF U.S.-LATIN AMERICAN RELATIONS submission guidelines]</ref> |
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==Content== |
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Unlike a dictionary, in which each entry gives multiple definitions for a single ''[[word]]'' an encyclopedia article is on a single ''[[subject]]''. |
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The article is usually well referenced and is itself [[non-fiction]], but may be on a fictional subject from a [[literary work]]. |
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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.<ref name="guidelines"/> |
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Articles usually have a references section which backs up the claims and material presented in the article. |
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Encyclopedia articles often have pronunciation guides and diagrams. |
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[[Online]] and computer-based encyclopedia articles may have movies, audio clips and other types of media. |
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==Uses== |
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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. |
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It is, however, rarely considered a good idea to refer to Encyclopedia articles themselves in academic scenarios as reference sources. |
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==References== |
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<references/> |
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==See also== |
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*[[Article (publishing)]] |
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*[[Essay]] - Encyclopedia articles are not essays |
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*[[argument]] - Encyclopedia articles do not advance an argument they describe a topic |
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[[Category:Encyclopedias]] |
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Revision as of 19:08, 20 December 2008
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