Sharing your research data can significantly boost your career while benefiting the scholarly community and society. However, before you share your findings, it’s important to consider key ethical guidelines.

When you begin planning how to write and structure a journal article, it’s essential to follow established rules and recommendations. Below is some of the best advice to help you identify the key components of a journal article and structure them into a compelling research paper.

Planning for Your Article

When preparing to write your article, ensure it communicates a clear central message. This core focus might be a novel methodological approach from your PhD research, a new theoretical perspective, a creative twist on existing theory, or a unique set of findings.

According to 2018 NARST Award winner Marissa Rollnick, you should first determine this central focus before outlining your paper. Keep the following in mind as you create your outline:

• • Isolate a Manageable Scope: Ensure your topic is narrow enough to be thoroughly explored within the constraints of the article.

• • Develop a Coherent Narrative: Craft a clear and logical argument or story that ties all your points together.

• • Make the Argument Self-Contained: Your paper should stand on its own, providing all necessary context for readers.

• • Target the Journal’s Readership: Tailor your writing style and content to meet the expectations and interests of the journal’s audience.

• • Adapt Your Writing Style: Adjust the writing conventions from your thesis to fit the more concise and focused format of a journal article.

This approach will help you construct a well-organized and compelling research paper that effectively communicates your central message.

Get Familiar with Your Target Journal

Before you begin writing, it’s wise to select the journal where you plan to submit your paper. By choosing your target journal early, you can tailor your writing to meet its specific requirements and cater to its readership, thereby improving your chances of acceptance.

When choosing a journal, consider factors such as:

• • Audience and Purpose: Who will be reading your paper, and what is the purpose behind your article?

• • Article Type: Determine whether your submission will be a report, a position paper, a critique, or a review.

• • Value Addition: Reflect on what makes your argument or research unique and how your paper can contribute to the field.

If you need further assistance in narrowing down your choices, refer to our guide on how to choose a journal.

Once you’ve selected your target journal, take the time to review a selection of its published articles—especially those that relate to your own research. This will give you valuable insights into the style, structure, and content that the editors prefer, guiding your writing efforts.

Additionally, you can use the tools provided by Think. Check. Submit. initiative to evaluate the trustworthiness of the journal you’re considering.

Keep Your Message Focused

When crafting your article, start by identifying your target audience. Consider whether you are addressing a general readership or experts in your field; your chosen journal will often provide guidance on this.

Once you understand who will be reading your work, concentrate on delivering a clear, singular message that holds their attention. A common issue in academic writing is a lack of focus, which can hinder effective communication.

Remember, the most impactful journal articles typically revolve around one main point. They articulate this point compellingly, support it with solid evidence, and situate it clearly within the broader context of the field.

How to Format and Structure a Journal Article

The way you format and structure your journal article is just as crucial as the content itself—it guides the reader through your work clearly and effectively.

Formatting Guidelines:
Each journal typically has its own specific formatting requirements, which you can find in the “Instructions for Authors.” Be sure to review these guidelines before you start writing.

Templates and Format-Free Submissions:
To save time, consider downloading a template from our library that aligns with many journal standards. Many journals also now offer format-free submissions, allowing you to submit your paper without initially conforming to every specific formatting detail.

This approach helps you focus on the content while ensuring that the structure meets the journal’s standards.

General Structure for an Academic Journal Article

Title
Your title is the reader’s first glimpse of your research. It should be concise, accurate, and informative, incorporating your most relevant keywords while avoiding abbreviations and formulas.

Keywords
Keywords are essential for ensuring your article is discoverable. Choose terms that encapsulate the core topics of your work, as they help potential readers find your article through search engines.

Abstract
The abstract is a brief, carefully crafted summary—usually around 300 words—that encapsulates your research. It should outline:

• • What your research is about

• • The methods you used

• • Your main findings and conclusions

Acknowledgements
Although often a small section, acknowledgements are important. Here, you recognize those who contributed to your work—intellectually, financially, or otherwise—but do not meet the criteria for authorship. This not only enhances your credibility but also assists readers in understanding the context of your research.

Introduction
The introduction sets the stage for your article. It should introduce your topic, outline your stance or research question, and place your argument within the broader academic field.

Main Body
This section forms the heart of your article, where you present your main arguments and supporting evidence. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea and be clearly linked to the next, creating a coherent narrative.

Conclusion
In your conclusion, interpret your findings by summarizing the key points from the main body in order of importance. Avoid introducing new ideas—this section should reinforce your overall argument and its implications.

References and Citations
Ensure your references are well-balanced, current, and directly relevant to your research question. Typically, it’s best to cite studies from the past ten years. Follow the specific citation style guidelines of your target journal for consistency.

This structure not only organizes your content effectively but also helps guide your readers through your research in a logical and accessible manner.

Clarity is Key

Ensure your writing is accessible by using straightforward, clear language. When your text is easy to read, it becomes much easier to understand.

Aim for a global audience—write in a way that anyone, regardless of their field or whether English is their first language, can follow your research.

Write with confidence to instill certainty in your readers. Clearly describe your methodology and approach, even if they seem obvious to you, as they may not be to your audience. Also, remember to define any acronyms the first time they appear.

Engage your audience by always keeping them in mind. Consider whether they are experts who can easily understand technical jargon or a general audience that might require simpler explanations of your ideas. Tailor your language accordingly to ensure your message is clear and engaging for all readers.

Ensure that you situate your article within the context of existing research. While you don’t need to review every piece of relevant literature, you should show how your work builds on key studies to avoid accidental plagiarism.

When referencing previous work, make sure you understand its significance to your research so you can clearly explain its relevance to your readers. Using recent sources demonstrates that you’re keeping up with current developments, but including older references is acceptable if you clarify why they are still important.

Ultimately, your literature review should reflect the current state of the field. There’s no strict rule regarding how old your references should be—it depends on your subject area. If you’re uncertain, consulting with colleagues can help guide your decision.