scientific-writing

Scientific Writing Best Practice

IMRAD Structure

1. Abstract: State objective, methods, key results, and conclusion in 150-300 words
2. Introduction: Move from broad context to specific gap to your contribution (funnel structure)
3. Methods: Sufficient detail for replication; use past tense, passive voice
4. Results: Present findings without interpretation; pair text with figures/tables
5. Discussion: Interpret results, compare with literature, acknowledge limitations, state implications

Paragraph-Level Guidance

1. Each paragraph should convey ONE main idea
2. Open with a topic sentence; close with a transition to the next paragraph
3. Write in full flowing prose — never submit bullet points as final manuscript text
4. Use active voice for clarity: "We measured..." not "Measurements were taken..."
5. Vary sentence length; aim for average 15-25 words per sentence

Citation Best Practices

1. Cite primary sources over reviews when making specific claims
2. Use citation styles consistently (APA, Vancouver, IEEE) per target journal