what's the difference between essay, article, and compositon?

The difference between an essay, article, and composition can be understood by examining their definitions, purposes, and structural elements.

Firstly, an essay is a formal and comprehensive piece of literature where a specific topic is thoroughly discussed. It often reflects the writer's perspective, knowledge, and analysis of the subject matter. Essays are traditionally subjective and can be found in various forms, such as persuasive, descriptive, narrative, and expository. They are structured with an introduction, body, and conclusion, aiming to inform or persuade the reader14789。

On the other hand, an article is a shorter work of nonfiction that is typically published in magazines, newspapers, or on websites. Articles are meant to inform the reader about something, such as news, survey results, academic analysis, or debates. They can be written with a specific objective and target a large audience, focusing on spreading information rather than personal analysis or reflection126。

Lastly, a composition is a broader term that refers to any written piece, encompassing not only essays but also poems, stories, and other forms of creative or academic writing. The term is more general and does not specify the content or purpose of the writing as narrowly as "essay" or "article" do7。

In summary, while all three terms refer to written works, essays are more personal and analytical, articles are informative and target a wide audience, and compositions are a catch-all term for various types of written pieces.