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May 31, 2021 · A recent study which synthesised systematic studies of journal acceptance rates found that somewhere between 35 and 40 per cent of submitted papers are published, meaning that the majority are rejected – although it also noted that there is significant variation between disciplines ( Bjork 2019 ).
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Apr 30, 2020 · In this article, we explain the basic structure of a scientific paper and describe the information that should be included in each section. We also identify common pitfalls for each section and recommend strategies to avoid them. Further, we give advice about target journal selection and authorship.
- Clara Busse, Ella August, Ella August
- 2021
How do you write and structure a journal article? Read some of the best advice given by journal editors on how to write your paper well.
- Academic papers are like hourglasses.
- Writing the introduction
- The ‘so what’: Why is this important?
- Thesis statement
- Writing the body
- Topic sentence
- Evidence
- Analysis
- Transition
- Writing the conclusion
The paper opens at its widest point; the introduction makes broad connections to the reader's interests, hoping they will be persuaded to follow along, then gradually narrows to a tight, focused, thesis statement. The argument stays relatively narrow and focused on the thesis throughout the body, or the middle paragraphs. Like an hourglass, the con...
As we've discussed, all introductions begin broadly. The audience, format, and purpose of your paper influence how broad it should be. You can expect more background knowledge from readers of a technical journal than you can from readers of a popular magazine.
After you've hooked your readers, keep them by presenting your thesis clearly and persuasively. Set the context of your paper, situating your topic in the context of other research in the field. Why are you making this argument in the first place? What is the problem? Why is this work important? If a reader asks you "So what?", you'll want to be ab...
The thesis is generally the narrowest part and last sentence of the introduction, and conveys your position, the essence of your argument or idea. See our handout on Writing a Thesis Statement for more.
The body is the bulk of the paper, where the ‘convincing’ takes place. Each paragraph focuses on one piece of your argument, building on what you've already written and flowing logically to the next step. Ultimately, the body should fully persuade your reader that your thesis (which you have already provided) is substantiated by evidence and sound ...
The topic sentence is usually the first in the paragraph. As the name implies, it tells the reader your main point, and should connect to the thesis stated in your introduction. Subsequent sentences in the paragraph should relate back to this topic.
Ideas, facts, or information from external sources that support your claims – either data you collect yourself, or the research and writing of others.
You should never present evidence without some form of analysis, or explaining the meaning of what you have shown us. Even if the quote, idea, or statistic seems to speak for itself, you must offer the reader your interpretation of how it supports your topic sentence. Although they are separate concepts, it can be hard to separate analysis from ...
At the start of each paragraph, consider how it relates to the previous one. Also consider how the last sentence sets up your next point. A short transition phrase like "In contrast," or "Similarly," can guide the reader from one idea to the next. Too many transition words make writing clunky and hard to read, but they are handy for shifting betwee...
The conclusion is the last section of your paper. It should briefly review the argument you've built, but it's not a summary – it's your final pitch to the audience for your main idea. A conclusion should: Remind the reader what you have just told them, clarifying the key ideas to ensure there is no misunderstanding. Return to the hook used in ...
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- Original Research: This is the most common type of journal manuscript used to publish full reports of data from research. It may be called an Original Article, Research Article, Research, or just Article, depending on the journal.
- Short reports or Letters: These papers communicate brief reports of data from original research that editors believe will be interesting to many researchers, and that will likely stimulate further research in the field.
- Review Articles: Review Articles provide a comprehensive summary of research on a certain topic, and a perspective on the state of the field and where it is heading.
- Case Studies: These articles report specific instances of interesting phenomena. A goal of Case Studies is to make other researchers aware of the possibility that a specific phenomenon might occur.
To determine fit, one should examine the journal description, usually found on the journal website. Additionally, it is helpful to browse the journal to see whether it has published articles on the same topic and with similar methods to the manuscript you are submitting.
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Sep 12, 2023 · Introduction. Provides background and context. Shows the “family tree” of knowledge about the paper topic. Poses research question. Justifies significance of study. Results. What the study found (the “rabbit in the magic hat”) Usually includes statistics. Often incorporates tables and figures. Answers the research question. Tables and Figures.