Essays, and posts, and articles (oh my!)
SHAKING THE TREE #100
Here are a few thoughts on the differences between essays, articles, and posts.
An essay is a deep dive
Think of an essay as an intellectual deep-sea dive.
Here, you delve into a complex topic, meticulously analyzing evidence, constructing arguments, and presenting your own unique perspective.
Formal language and a structured approach reign supreme, making essays perfect for academic settings or in-depth explorations.
And article is more of a one-stop shop
Articles offer a broad spectrum of written content.
They can be informative, breaking down complex topics into digestible pieces.
Or, they can be investigative, uncovering truths and sparking conversation.
News articles generally prioritize timeliness and factual accuracy, while feature articles might adopt a more narrative style to tell a story or explore an issue in greater depth.
Articles are incredibly versatile, adapting their tone and style based on the context and target audience.
The post
Posts are more like the life of the party – short, quick, and designed to grab attention in a fast-paced online environment.
Here, informal language and engaging visuals rule the roost.
Posts are ideal for sharing quick updates, sparking discussions, or promoting your latest blog article (shameless plug, anyone?).
Knowing when to use what
The key to using these writing forms effectively lies in understanding the context. Are you aiming to persuade a professor with a well-researched argument? Craft an essay!
Need to inform readers about a breaking news story? An article is your best bet!
Want to share a funny anecdote with your followers? Whip up a social media post!
While these distinctions are important, remember that skilled writers often blend elements across forms.
An informative article might incorporate elements of analysis, while a well-written social media post can spark thoughtful discussions. The key is to understand the core purpose of each form and adapt your writing style accordingly.
Whenever you sit down to write, consider your audience and your goal. Are you an academic charting the intellectual depths? An informative journalist keeping the world informed? Or a social media maven sparking online conversations?
By understanding the power of essays, articles, and posts, you'll be well on your way to crafting impactful and engaging written communication in any context.
As always, thanks for reading.
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P.S. Next time on Shaking the Tree … What I’ve learned from publishing 100 Substacks.