Guidelines on Writing the Formal Paper
1) Abstract
Summarize your paper in a few sentences. (c.a. 100-200 words)
2) Introduction
i) Overview
Clearly state all the objectives of the group of studies you are writing about, explain how
they relate to each other, and delineate the scope of your paper.
ii) Background
Give a thorough introduction to the background science relevant to the general area of
these studies. Explain any relevant theory and standard techniques used in the area, along
with any acronyms and jargon typical to the field. Remember though that it is always
better avoid the use of abbreviations and acronyms as mush as possible.
ii) Relevance/Impact
In the context provided by the background science now lay out the argument that justifies
the need to research in this area. Point out the significance of these works to the field.
Comment on it potential impact on the development of the scientific area and on society
as a whole. What are we going to learn? Why is it important to learn this? How will this
new knowledge translate benefits to society such as economic impact, improvement in
quality of life, improvement to the environment etc etc...
3) Methods/Justification
Outline the experimental methods specific to the studies you are covering and explain
why they were used as opposed to alternatives.
Avoid giving too much detailed
information; just outline the general approach and why they have chosen it.
4) Results
Give a brief summary of the results in each study in logical flow. Make a careful choice
representative data you will include. Do not present too much so that the flow of the
paper is disrupted, however make sure you show results from each study of interest - not
just one!!. Make effective use of tables and diagrams. Be sure to stick to just the most
important findings of each study. Carefully select any relevant figures and table to be
referred to later in your assessment of the findings. Ensure that the figures are of
acceptable quality otherwise produce your own.
5) Discussion
Combine the findings of all the studies, make comparisons between then and draw
conclusions. Discuss how this body of work has impacted the field and assess the
significance of the results with respect to the objectives of the studies. Assess whether
the results are valid and if there any major faults in the experimental methods and design
that compromise their validity.
6) Conclusions
Briefly re-emphasize the important finding and the conclusion drawn from them in a final
statement.
Evaluation
Content 25 %
Scope 25% (Approximately 10 related primary sources are recommended)
Format 25 %
Writing 25 % (spelling, typographical accuracy, grammar, and the use of proper
scientific idiom)
Structure
1)
2)
3)
4)
4)
5)
6)
7)
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials and methods
Results
Discussion
Conclusions
References
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All manuscripts must be written using double spacing.
Figure, tables, schemes must be clearly labeled, have an accompanying detailed
caption (single spaced), and be referred to in the text.
References and notes must the numbered in order of appearance.
All equations and schemes must be numbered in order of appearance.
Refer to the American Chemical Society Style Guide, (The ACS Style Guide, 3rd ed.;
American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 2006) for information on the format of
references, figure and table captions.