ESM 437: Journal Article Writing

19^th May 2009

Introduction and Abstracts

· Need to get into a reader’s head when writing the paper to ensure paper is coherent

· We don’t want the reader to struggle when reading our paper

· May have to repeatedly use the same key words over and over again that signal what we are going to talk about

· Can also use signal phrases in both introduction and abstract to help reader make sense of the material to be presented:

o This paper presents… => Reader expects to hear what will be discussed in the paper that follows

o Surprisingly little attention has…. => Reader expects us to identify what is missing in research

Elements of an effective introduction

1. CARS; Creating A Research Space (here is what has already been covered and here is what I am contributing to the research space)

2. Methods

3. Findings (provide a hint of what the findings were, do not explicitly explain the findings so that you can keep the readers interested in reading the entire paper)

4. Significance (So what? Why is this significant? What are the implications?)

5. What/ How/ Why/Where

6. Problem statement (use of strong examples and of explicit words)

7. Solutions focus (should state goal of paper)

8. Background (extent depends on how much space we have and how important it is to our readers)

9. Make it compelling (sexy enough for people to feel the need to read it throughout)

10. Fishing expedition vs. archaeological excavation (how much information do you need to get your point across?)

Silvia (2007) offers a formula:

a. Background

b. Basic research

c. Description of experiments

· Use of headings and subheadings to keep work organized and easy to read (could be in the form of questions relating to what you are going to talk about)

Elements of an effective abstract

1. Overview of what paper will be talking about, including findings and conclusions

2. Written in a different way than the introduction (jumps straight to the point)

3. Need to include all compelling and useful information of the paper in the abstract (might be the only thing readers read)

4. Sets the frame straight up

5. CARS; Creating A Research Space (here is what has already been covered and here is what I am contributing to the research space)

Conclusions in academic journals

· Conclusion also needs to be compelling, innovative and sexy (will probably be read alongside abstract and/or introduction)

· Determine what is the main point you want to get across and how to support it before writing (e.g., most likely findings and their implications/applications/recommendations)

· Conclusion should also include suggestions for future research

· Might be useful sometimes to write backwards and start with the conclusion first

Note:

**Good writing follows a formula and has a consistent framework; can however be creative within the framework.

** The key characteristics of good writing are:

-Clarity

-Elegance

-Simplicity in wording (avoid jargon as much as possible)

** Star moments; a phrase or word that the reader s will remember and take with them

** Active vs. passive voice; choice depends on how much you would like to distance yourself from a claim you are making

** Use well thought out sentences; try to accomplish as much as you can in one sentence

--Christina Tsiarta