Presented at the Scientific Writing Workshop held byPresented at the Scientific Writing Workshop held bythe English Teaching Study Program of Christianthe English Teaching Study Program of ChristianUniversity of Indonesia on April 11, 2012.University of Indonesia on April 11, 2012.

Christian University of IndonesiaChristian University of Indonesia

What is an article?A nonfictional written composition on a subjectmean to be published in newspapers, magazines orjournal, or to be presented in a conference.

Characteristics of an article

• Nonfictional• Discusses a well-defined topic• Objective (shows all sides to an issue)• Sources are identified, up-to-date and

reliable

• To communicate themethods & results ofscientific investigations

• Have an orderly, logical &standardized framework

• Use precise, well-formedand simple sentence

• To communicatefeelings, experiences,and ideas

• Written in free andpersonal format

• Use ‘flowerish’ andpersonal expressions

SCIENTIFIC ARTICLE FICTIONAL WRITING

Why We Should Write Scientific Articles

ELTResearch

ELTResearch

ELTResearchELT ResearchELT Research

ELT Research

•• Scientific Articles Structure = tScientific Articles Structure = the widelyapproved format of organizing the contents of ascientific article.

• A scientific manuscript must be written in theapproved format to ascertain that the researchquestions, theoretical basis, methods, results,analysis, and implication of the work could beeasily comprehended by readers.

Generic Structure ofScientific Articles

Varieties ofScientific Articles Structure

AIMReDCaRAIMReDCaR• Abstract• Introduction• Method• Results• Discussion• Conclusion• References

AIMRaD• Abstract• Introduction• Method• Results• Discussions

AIRDaM• Abstract• Introduction• Results• Discussions• Methods

AIM(RaD)CAbstractIntroductionMethodResult 1Discussion 1Result 2Discussion 2……Conclusions

AIMRAD Format

(a) The whole structure is governed by the Results box;everything in the article must relate to and be connectedwith the data and analysis presented in the Results section.

(b)(1) The Introduction begins with a broad focus but attractsthe lively interest of the international readers of your targetjournal.

(3) The Introduction ends with a focus exactly parallel to thatof the Results; often this is a statement of the aim orpurpose of the work presented in the paper, or its principalfindings or activity.

(2) Between these two points, background information andprevious work are woven together to logically connect therelevant problem with the approach taken in the work to bepresented to address the problem.

(c) The Methods section, or its equivalent, establishescredibility for the Results by showing how they wereobtained.

(d) The Discussion begins with the same breadth of focus asthe Results – but it ends at the same breadth as the startingpoint of the Introduction. By the end, the paper showconclusions and suggestions

AIRDaM Format(a) The Methods section, often

renamed Procedure orExperimental, is presented afterthe Discussion, sometimes in asmaller type face than the restof the paper.

(b) This change means that moredetails may need to be given inthe Results section to explainhow the results were obtained

AIM(RaD)aC Format(a) The Results and Discussion are

presented together in a singlecombined section; each resultis presented, followedimmediately by the relevantdiscussion.

(b) This change means that aseparate section is needed atthe end to bring the differentpieces of discussion together;it is often headed Conclusions.

Generic Structure ofScientific Articles

• Summarizes the major aspects of a paper.• limited by most journals to 150 to 250 words or

even less• a minipaper covering

(1) Objective;(2) Materials and Methods;(3) Results;(4) Conclusions.

• Ended with a list of three to five key words orshort phrases for indexing

• presents background information a reader needs to understand the rest of the paper• written like a continuous essay, but in some others it is broken down into different

components (subheadings)• 300 to 500 words in length, but may be more, depending on the journal and the topic• General format:

(1) Problem and its background in a broad scope (1paragraph);(2) Specific problem to be studied, reasons of importance to study, and how it applied to

the larger field of research (in 2 or 3 paragraphs);(3) Clear statement of hypothesis (for experimental study) and objectives of the paper;(4) a brief summary of previous relevant studies by other researchers in the field to bring

the reader up to date on the topic written in some paragraphs;(5) explanation of concepts or definitions of operational terms used (1 paragraph).

In some journals, the previous relevant studies summary (subsection 4 above) is put in aspecific section separated from the introduction, and is called called Literary Review.

• describes the research procedures and highly necessary forreaders who want to repeat the study

• includes:(1) Subjects used (humans, animals, plants) and their pre-

experiment handling and care(2) Sample preparation techniques;(3) Origins of samples and materials;(4) Description of the field site, including physical and

biological features, and exact location (include a map, ifapplicable);

(5) Procedures for collecting data;(6) Statistical analysis techniques used(7) Information on computer programs used or written(8) Descriptions of equipment set-up and function.

• General statements presenting the key results(data) of the research without interpretingtheir meaning.

• The presented data are not the ‘raw’ ones, buthave been transformed into text, illustrations,charts, and tables.

• Includes the statements of statistical analyses

• Takes and interprets the findings reported in the Resultssection by evaluating their significance, and examiningthe implications.

• Template:Paragraph 1: What did this study show? Address theaims stated in the IntroductionParagraph 2: Strengths and weaknesses of methodsParagraphs 3 to n–1: Discuss how the results supportthe current literature or refute current knowledgeFinal paragraph: Future directions (“So what?” and“where next?” Impact on current thinking or practice)

Presents:(1) a succinct summary of implicationsof the findings;(2) general implications of the study;(3) suggestions for further research.

• Used (1) to give credit to the cited ideas andworks of other scientists; and (2) to providethe readers with access to these sources.

• Some journals uses the AmericanPsychological Association (APA) style; others,(Modern Language Association (MLA) style;and some others created their own style.

• List cited sources only; this is not a“Bibliography”!

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undergraduates. Retrieved on October 21, 2010 from: www.jyi.orgKatz, M. J. (2009). From research to manuscript: A guide to scientific writing. Cleveland:

Springer.Language Learning & Technology. (2010). LLT research guidelines for quantitative and

qualitative research. Retrieved on April 24, 2010 from:http://llt.msu.edu/resguide.html

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