Article vs. Paper

Attribute	Article	Paper
Length	Shorter	Longer
Format	Less formal	More formal
Publication	Published in magazines, newspapers, websites	Published in academic journals, conferences
Authorship	Can be written by journalists, bloggers, experts	Usually written by researchers, scholars
Citations	May not require citations	Requires citations

Introduction

Articles and papers are both common forms of written communication that are used in various fields such as academia, journalism, and business. While they may seem similar at first glance, there are key differences between the two that set them apart. In this article, we will explore the attributes of articles and papers and compare their unique characteristics.

Structure

One of the main differences between articles and papers lies in their structure. Articles are typically shorter pieces of writing that are published in magazines, newspapers, or online platforms. They are often written in a more informal style and are meant to inform, entertain, or persuade the reader. On the other hand, papers are longer, more formal documents that are usually written for academic or professional purposes. They follow a specific structure, including an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion.

Content

Another key difference between articles and papers is the content they contain. Articles are usually focused on a specific topic or theme and may include personal anecdotes, opinions, or interviews. They are often written in a more engaging and accessible manner to appeal to a wider audience. Papers, on the other hand, are more research-oriented and are based on empirical evidence and scholarly sources. They are written in a more formal and objective tone to convey information in a clear and concise manner.

Audience

The audience for articles and papers also differs. Articles are typically written for a general audience and are meant to be easily understood by readers who may not have a background in the subject matter. They are often published in popular magazines or websites to reach a wide range of readers. Papers, on the other hand, are written for a more specialized audience, such as academics, researchers, or professionals in a specific field. They are often published in academic journals or presented at conferences to share new research findings or insights.

Style

Articles and papers also vary in terms of their writing style. Articles are often written in a more conversational tone and may include humor, storytelling, or persuasive language to engage the reader. They are meant to be easy to read and digest, with shorter paragraphs and sentences. Papers, on the other hand, are written in a more formal and technical style that is focused on presenting information in a logical and structured manner. They often use specialized terminology and follow a specific citation style, such as APA or MLA.

Purpose

Finally, the purpose of articles and papers differs as well. Articles are usually written to entertain, inform, or persuade the reader on a particular topic or issue. They may be written to share personal experiences, provide advice, or spark discussion among readers. Papers, on the other hand, are written to contribute new knowledge to a specific field of study or to present research findings in a scholarly manner. They are often used to advance a particular theory, test a hypothesis, or address a research question.