Starting work on a scientific article is arguably the most challenging stage of its preparation. Many authors continually postpone writing it, which often means they fail to prepare the manuscript in time and publish it. That is why we have prepared several practical tips for you that will help you begin working on the text and structure your draft effectively.
How to start when writing a scientific article?
Many authors are familiar with the so-called "fear of the blank page" – a state in which there is no clear understanding of how to begin writing a scientific work. In such cases, it is important to recognise that all the work should be carried out gradually. You should not set unrealistic goals for yourself, such as writing an entire section in one sitting. This can subconsciously demotivate you, as the author immediately sees the enormous scope of work that needs to be completed within a limited period of time.
Below, we will look at an effective strategy that will help you start writing your article and prepare your draft.
Develop the structure of the article
Every draft begins with a clear structure. It allows you to immediately see the interconnection between all parts of the article and realistically assess the scale of the work that needs to be done. Instead of the abstract task of "writing an article", you get a specific list of sections that you can work through consistently.
Most scientific articles should follow the standard IMRaD structure – introduction, materials and methods, results, discussion. Within these sections, the author determines the number of subsections and their titles independently, depending on the logic and scope of the research. The main list should also immediately include an abstract, conclusions, and a list of references.
To help you better navigate your future manuscript, it is better not simply to list the section titles, but to briefly note in two or three points what exactly each one will cover.
Write according to a set daily quota
Another way to overcome the "fear of the blank page" is to break down the work on your draft not only by section, but also by time. To do this, it is worth setting yourself a realistic word quota that you will write every day or several times a week.
For example, a target of 300–500 words a day is entirely realistic even for a busy schedule and allows you to move gradually, without stress, towards a completed draft. With this approach, within two to three weeks of regular work, you can prepare a complete draft of a medium-length article.
Write the sections out of order
One of the most common mistakes authors make is writing the sections of an article in chronological order. In fact, it is far more effective to start with the parts that come most easily to you or for which you already have the most material ready.
Usually, the easiest section to start with is "Materials and Methods", since this information is already well known to the author from the research process itself and does not require additional reflection or the formulation of complex ideas. The "Results" section is also, as a rule, not difficult to write if the data has already been collected and analysed. In this case, all that remains for the author to do is to present the obtained figures consistently and accurately.
The "Introduction" and "Discussion", on the other hand, are more labour-intensive, as they require a broader perspective on the research. The researcher must clearly articulate the relevance of the topic, situate the work within the context of existing research, and formulate the main conclusions. It is therefore advisable to leave these sections for the final stage, once the main body of the text has already been written and the structure of the research has been fully established.
Do not edit the text while writing
Authors very often fail to move from one stage of writing to the next because they strive to make the text perfect. This approach significantly slows down the work, as attention is simultaneously split between two different tasks – formulating ideas and checking the quality of the text. Constantly switching between them takes considerably more time than completing these tasks consistently, one after the other.
At the drafting stage, the author's main task is to capture the core content and the logic of the argument, rather than to achieve a flawless text. If, while writing, you are unable to immediately find the right wording, term, or quotation, it is best to leave a note and return to it later.
Taking the above aspects into account will help you begin working on your article and overcome the "fear of the blank page". A high-quality draft is the result of consistent, gradual work. By following the tips outlined above, you will be able to turn the writing of a scientific article into a structured, manageable, and consistent process.
If you are planning to publish in a scientific journal and need expert support, get in touch with Scientific Publications. Our team will help you select a reliable journal, format your article according to its requirements, and support you at every stage of the publication process. Would you like a free consultation? Fill in the form below, and our manager will contact you shortly. Together towards new scientific achievements!
