Academic Writing #01: Plan the Paper Around One Question

A strong science paper answers a clear question with evidence. Before drafting, write the question, your main finding, and the evidence supporting it. Avoid collecting unrelated results under one title.

Use IMRaD as a starting map: Introduction explains why; Methods explains how; Results reports what happened; Discussion explains what it means. Journals may combine sections or place methods later. A separate literature review is not always required.

Draft from your figures and research notes. Never create missing measurements to complete a story. Choose a target journal and check its article type and instructions.