Once you have made an outline for your article and have determined the research objectives, you can start filling in the various sections. It is useful to have both your outline and your research objectives pinned up on the wall so you cannot forget them!
Some people find it easier to start with the Methods and Results sections, while others prefer to start with the Background/Introduction section.
Some main tips:
- Follow your outline for the paper – and adjust it along the way as necessary; this will give you an overview of your content and will ensure you do not go off track with irrelevant information
- Remember your research objectives!!! These should be easily recognised in your Methods, Results, and Conclusions sections.
- Starting with your tables and figures can help you keep to your main message – and your research objectives.
- Many journals provide a manuscript template: if you use this from the start, you will not need to adjust your text later. Look for the template in the journal’s Guidelines for authors.
- Concentrate on the content rather than the grammar: Don’t worry about grammar and sentence style for the moment – these can come later when you are satisfied with the structure and content of your article.