User:Selmanlf/sandbox

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Organization - One of the steps that makes a Wikipedia article worth being "featured" is an organized article. A article does not need to be complex in order to be useful; however, the best articles often include detailed subtopics for every topic it introduces. This type of recognition can only be met by an article that is thoroughly fact checked for accuracy. Each article only contains relevant information and can be quite lengthy, but aims to be concise. A featured article is defined as "the best articles Wikipedia has to offer". A good example of a featured article is the article on the Yellowhammer bird. This article lays out the description of the bird, it's habitat, behavior, and its historical use in culture in a thoughtful and logical manner.

Lead Sections - A featured article's lead section acts like the opening paragraph of an essay. It is meant to introduce the reader to the topic in a generalized fashion and stimulate their curiosity. This summary of what article has to offer is very informative in it of itself. The lead sections on both the Goblin Shark and the Yellowhammer are effective in providing the reader with an abridged version of the animals characteristics, habitat, and their influence on human population. Both lead sections are excellent examples of a featured articles introduction that hooks the reader into wanting to learn more information on these fascinating animals.

Length of Article - There is no set article length in order for Wikipedia to classify an article as featured. The Yellowhammer article contained 2500 words while the Goblin Shark contained 2000. A featured article is characterized by the quality, not the quantity. The largest featured article on Wikipedia is on Barack Obama at over 300,000 words. The articles on Goblin Shark and the Yellowhammer were able to convey all the information needed in less than 3,000.

Use of Citations - In order to be deemed a featured article on Wikipedia, the accuracy of the information presented much be indisputable. The information in both articles is backed up by numerous citations from well respected sources. Though it is necessary that these articles are "third party", meaning they are not biased to either side and pertain to the facts rather then excess human comprehension. The more sources, the more likely the article is credible. Wikipedia has a reputation of being an unreliable source, though a large amount of sources adds a more powerful sense of legitimacy. The article on the Yellowhammer contains 41 sources while the Goblinshark's contains 32.

Use of Media - The use of pictures and info boxes adds a significant amount of character and depth to every article. Some articles that lack these examples of creativity and utility may not provide enough interest for the viewer, causing them to look somewhere else for the information they are looking to find. The animals I have researched have info boxes that list the scientific classification, binomial nomenclature, conservation status, and areas in the world where they are found. The Yellowhammer's info box also includes a piece of music from England which was influenced by the bird. These other methods of providing information are not only unique, but add a immense sense of credibility through the eyes of the beholder.