Tachyony: Imported page

2021-12-10T01:09:27Z

Imported page

New page

{{short description|Description of a 'perfect article' when editing Wikipedia}}
{{Redirect|WP:PERFECT|talk page archiving|Help:Archiving a talk page|the Wikipedia editing policy|WP:PERFECTION}}
{{Guidance essay|WP:PERFECT}}
<big>'''A perfect Wikipedia article...'''</big>
{{wikipedia article creation}}
*'''Is on a [[WP:Note|notable]] topic.'''
**'''Fills a gap''' not provided by existing or related articles.
*'''Has an appropriate structure.'''
**'''Has a great title''' so it can be linked to and found easily, and follows existing [[Wikipedia:Naming_conventions|naming conventions]].
**'''Starts with a clear description''' of the subject; the [[Wikipedia:Lead section|lead]] introduces and explains the subject and its significance clearly and accurately, without going into excessive detail.
*'''Is well-written.'''
**'''Is clear'''; it is written to avoid ambiguity and misunderstanding, using a logical structure and plain, clear prose. It is free of redundant language.
**'''Is understandable'''; it is clearly expressed for both experts and non-experts in appropriate detail, and thoroughly explores and explains the subject.
**'''Is precise and explicit'''; it is free of vague generalities and half-truths that may arise from an imperfect grasp of the subject.
**'''Involves original writing but not''' [[WP:OR|original research]]; a Wikipedia article generally is the written work of its users. It will not violate another's copyright or [[plagiarize]] another's work, but its summary of information must still be completely reliably sourced. In addition, all quotes are marked with quotation marks and cited.
**'''Is engaging'''; the language is descriptive and has an interesting, encyclopedic tone.
**'''Follows standard writing conventions''' of modern language, including correct grammar, consistent verb tense, punctuation, and spelling.
[[File:Copa El País.png|thumb|right|180px|This is what "the perfect article" deserves!]]
*'''Includes informative, relevant media content''' — including maps, portraits, artwork, photographs, audio tracks (recorded voice, speeches...), video tracks (films, animations...) and audiovisual media — that add to a reader's interest or understanding of the text, but not so much as to detract from it. Each medium should have an [[Wikipedia:Captions|explanatory caption]] and [[Wikipedia:Alternative text for images|ALT text]].
*'''Is of an appropriate length'''; it is [[Wikipedia:Article size|long enough]] to provide sufficient information, depth, and analysis on its subject, without including unnecessary detail or information that would be more suitable in "sub-articles," related articles, or [[Wikipedia:Wikimedia sister projects|Wikimedia sister projects]]. It is not a [[WP:Stub|stub]].
**'''Is nearly self-contained'''; it includes essential information and terminology, and is comprehensible by itself, without requiring significant reading of other articles.
**'''Acknowledges and explores all aspects of the subject'''; it covers every encyclopedic angle of the subject.
**'''Is encyclopedic'''; it doesn't contain non-encyclopedic information.
*'''Is completely neutral and unbiased'''; it has a [[Wikipedia:Neutral point of view|neutral point of view]], presenting competing views on controversies logically and fairly, and pointing out all sides without favoring particular viewpoints. The most factual and accepted views are emphasized, and minority views are given a lower priority. Sufficient information and references are provided so that readers can learn more about particular views.
**{{anchor|stability}}'''Is stable'''; A stable article is one which any side in a controversy can look at and say, "Yes, this article describes my side accurately and does not give an unfair advantage to the other side."
*'''Makes use of [[WP:VERIFY|verifiable sources]].'''
**'''Is well-documented'''; all facts and opinions are [[Wikipedia:Citing sources|cited]] from reputable sources, preferably sources that are accessible and up-to-date.
**'''Reflects expert knowledge'''; it is grounded in fact and on sound scholarly and logical principles.
*'''Follows proper navigational procedures.'''
**'''Is not an [[WP:ORPHAN|orphan]] or a [[WP:Dead end|dead-end]].'''
***'''Branches out'''; it contains [[Wikipedia:Manual of Style (links)|wikilinks]] and sources to other articles, and external information that add meaning to the subject.
***'''Branches in'''; editors have found and edited other significant wiki pages which make mention of the topic, and linked them to the article.
**'''Is [[Wikipedia:Categorization|categorized]]''' for better searching and easier grouping.
**'''Has [[Help:interlanguage links|interlanguage links]]''' if possible.
**'''Observes proper [[Wikipedia:Red link|red link]] standards;''' it does not have an excessive number of red links, or any red links that could not conceivably be turned into articles or redirects.
*'''Has several high quality images''' which are relevant to the article.
*'''May not be attainable'''; editing may bring an article closer to perfection, but ultimately, [[perfection]] means different things to different editors. For more information, see our [[Wikipedia:Editing policy|editing policy]].

==See also==
*[[Wikipedia:Contributing to Wikipedia]]
*[[Wikipedia:Featured articles]]
*[[Wikipedia:Make technical articles understandable]]
*[[WP:Editing policy#Wikipedia_is_a_work_in_progress:_perfection_is_not_required|Wikipedia:Perfection is not required]]

{{Writing guides}}

[[Category:Wikipedia essays]]
[[Category:Wikipedia editor help]]

Wikipedia:The perfect article - Revision history

Tachyony: Imported page