How to Write a Wikipedia Article? 100% Quality Tips

Wikipedia is one of the most frequently edited sites, with thousands of edits happening every day.

If you want to contribute to Wikipedia, you may think that it’s too complicated to do so. But with this guide, you learn about how to write a Wikipedia article in no time!

How to Write a Wikipedia Article?

1- Understanding Wikipedia’s Core Principles

Before you begin drafting, grasping Wikipedia’s foundational beliefs is significant. You must know the foundation principles for Wikipedia to ensure your Wikipedia page is approved. These are basic rules that guide all content and interactions on the site.

One of the most important principles is neutrality. Every article must provide an unbiased view of its subject. This means no promotional language or personal opinions. The second crucial principle is verifiability. Reliable, third-party sources should back everything you write. This ensures the information’s trustworthiness.

Remember, when you write A Wikipedia article, you’re not just adding words. You’re becoming part of a community that values accuracy, respect, and collaboration.

2- Identifying Noteworthy Topics

Now that you’ve grasped the core principles, it’s time to pick a topic. Not everything deserves a Wikipedia page. So, how do you know if your topic is “noteworthy“?

Wikipedia uses a concept called notability. Simply put, a subject is considered notable if it has been covered in-depth by multiple independent, reliable sources. Think newspapers, journals, or academic books.

A quick tip for you: if your topic has only been mentioned in passing or only appears in sources affiliated with it, it might not meet the notability criteria.

A great starting point is to ask yourself, “Would an average person want to know about this?” If yes, and you have credible sources to back it up, you’re on the right track.

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3- Preliminary Research

Before you write a single word, you need to do your homework. Research is the backbone of a credible Wikipedia article.

Start by gathering as many sources as you can. Focus on trustworthy and reliable references. Avoid sources anyone can edit, like other wikis or those with a personal or promotional angle. Like an autobiography, primary sources can be useful but use them carefully. They can sometimes be biased or lack a broader context.

As you gather your sources, make notes and highlight key facts. This will make the writing process smoother and ensure you don’t miss any important details.

4- Structuring Your Article

Proper structure is fundamental when you’re ready to write A Wikipedia article.

Begin with an introduction that gives a snapshot of the topic. This is where you’ll grab your reader’s attention and let them know what to expect.

Next, the body of your article should have clear subsections. Each section should tackle a specific aspect of your topic, with relevant details and facts supported by your research. Using subheadings can help break up the text and make it more readable.

Finally, conclude your article with a conclusion summarizing the main points. This gives readers a quick recap and a sense of closure.

Remember, as you write A Wikipedia article, it’s all about clarity and organization. Short paragraphs, easy English, and a logical flow will make your article informative and engaging. Anyhow, if you doubt your structuring skills, there are plenty of writers for hire and get your work done. It is recommended to use high-quality writers like the ones who provide SOP writing services, copywriting services, and specialized Wikipedia content writing. It is always the best idea to get your work checked by professionals.

5- Writing with a Neutral Point of View (NPOV)

Achieving neutrality can be tricky, especially when passionate about a topic. However, as you write A Wikipedia article, it’s essential to maintain an unbiased tone.

NPOV, or Neutral Point of View, means presenting facts without taking sides. Avoid using language that sounds promotional or opinionated. If a fact is contested or controversial, present all sides fairly.

One useful trick is to pretend you’re explaining the topic to a friend who’s never heard of it. You’d want to give them a balanced view without swaying their opinion.

6- Citing Your Sources

One of the most critical aspects when writing a Wikipedia article is proper citation. Every statement, fact, or information you include must be verifiable. This not only increases the reliability of your article but also protects it from being flagged or deleted.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Direct Quotes

Always use quotation marks and cite the source directly afterward.

• Facts & Data

Even if you’re not quoting but using specific data or facts from a source, cite it.

• Using Templates

Wikipedia offers citation templates. This ensures consistency and provides readers with all the necessary information about your sources.

• Another thing to note

Wikipedia favors secondary sources over primary ones. So, go for an independent, third-party source that covers the topic well when in doubt.

7- Incorporating Media

A picture is worth a thousand words. Complementing your text with relevant images or media can enhance its appeal when you write a Wikipedia article. However, tread with caution.

Any media you use should ideally be:

• Free from Copyright Restrictions

Wikipedia has strict copyright rules. opt for public domain images or those under suitable Creative Commons licenses.

• Relevant to the Topic

Ensure the media adds value and context.

• Properly Captioned & Referenced:

Just like text, any media should be appropriately credited and sourced.

9- Navigating Wikipedia’s Editor Interface

Once you have written the article and are ready to publish it on the Wikipedia platform, getting familiar with its editor interface is necessary. It might seem tough at first, but you’ll find it user-friendly with some practice.

Here are a few pointers to help you get started:

• Edit Mode

Wikipedia offers two main editing modes – the VisualEditor (WYSIWYG editor) and the classic editing window (wikitext). Choose the one you’re most comfortable with.

• Preview Before Publishing

Always use the “preview” function. This lets you see how your article will appear once live, helping you catch any formatting errors.

• Save Drafts

You don’t have to complete your article in one go. Save drafts and come back to them when you’re ready.

10- Collaborating with the Wikipedia Community

Remember, Wikipedia is a community. As you write a Wikipedia article, you join a global team of volunteers committed to spreading knowledge.

Engaging with this community can be incredibly beneficial:

• “Talk” Pages

Each article has an associated “Talk” page, a space for editors to discuss improvements, sources, and more.

• Feedback and Revisions

Don’t be disheartened if other Wikipedia’s edit your article or suggest changes. They’re often trying to enhance the article’s quality.

• Stay Respectful

There may be disagreements, but always approach discussions with an open mind and a courteous tone.

Conclusion

writing on and publishing on Wikipedia means sharing knowledge and contributing to a global repository that millions access daily. With the right approach, backed by research, collaboration, and adherence to Wikipedia’s standards, your article can stand out and be a reliable source for curious minds everywhere. So, get started and stay committed.

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