CONCLUSIONS
Some readers will read this first. Opposite to Introductions, Conclusions typically feature an inverted funnel shape – it starts narrowly about your key findings and interpretation of the results and broadens to highlight the larger relevance and impact of your work. How did your research make us smarter, or made our lives more convenient, pain-free and happy? Who benefits from your hard work?
Be honest about your data, emphasize the importance of the results but not exaggerate.
There is no need to pepper your manuscript with claims of ‘firsts’. Your manuscript does not need to reach cosmic conclusions, but it should shine a spotlight on one small area of truth. Focus on conveying your key contributions and their relevance, taking time to spell them out in ways that any scientifically literate person can understand.
Burden of proof lies with Authors
Choose your words carefully.
ABSTRACT
Write this only after you have written the manuscript because Abstracts must capture the essence of the paper in around 150-160 words. After the title, Abstracts help readers decide whether to read the rest of your paper.
Abstract is a mini-version of the paper that takes an hourglass shape (broad-narrow-broad). It starts with a basic introduction and detailed background before narrowing in on the general problem of your study. Then, summarize the key results and state explicitly how they add to our knowledge. The Abstract should end by offering a broad perspective on the likely impact of the work.
Value and respect your content.
Present it in the best possible light.
TITLE
Everyone browsing the literature will read this. Most people will decide whether to look at your paper based entirely on their impression of your title. Good titles convey the topic and emphasize what is most important. It is concise but clear and complete. A good rule of thumb is to keep it to ~15 words. Make every word count.
In writing, you must always decide what is more or most important. If you include everything, nothing will be important. And this applies to titles as well.
There is only one first impression.
Capture it.
Once you begin writing, maintain a consistent schedule to keep the momentum going. Write first, edit later. Trying to produce a perfect first draft can be paralyzing and unproductive. Adjust your mindset: accept that you will go through several cycles of rewriting and editing. There are no short cuts to exceptional writing.
