How to Write an Academic Paper

Step by Step

A practical guide to help with the routine established by redacao-academica-guia.

Writing an academic paper requires planning and method. The process involves defining a theme and research problem, conducting a literature review, drafting the standard structure (Introduction, Methodology, Results, Discussion, and Conclusion), formatting according to current standards (like ABNT), and making constant revisions.

To master the structure and writing techniques of each section, check out the detailed steps below.

The Step-by-Step Process

Planning: Delimit the theme, define the problem to be investigated, establish the objectives (general and specific), and the justification for the research.
Literature Review: Read papers, books, and theses on the subject. Organize the data with notes and summaries to build your theoretical framework.
Methodology: Describe in detail how the study was conducted (type of research, data collection, and analysis).
Results and Discussion: Present your findings objectively and analyze them in light of the theory and proposed objectives.
Introduction: Write the introduction last, contextualizing the theme and clearly presenting the objective.
Abstract: Draft a concise paragraph that brings together the theme, objective, methodology, results, and conclusion.

Basic Structure of the Paper

Pre-textual elements: Title, Authors, Abstract, and Keywords.
Textual elements (IMRaD Format):
- Introduction: Presents the problem, justification, and objectives.
- Methodology: How the research was conducted.
- Results and Discussion: Presentation of data and critical analysis.
- Conclusion (or Final Considerations): Answers to the research problem and suggestions for future studies.
Post-textual elements: Bibliographic references and annexes/appendices (if any).

Tips for Scientific Writing

Language: Use formal, clear, objective, and impersonal language.
Ethics: Correctly cite all consulted sources to avoid plagiarism and give credibility to the text.
Formatting: Strictly follow ABNT guidelines or the model required by the journal/scientific event where you intend to publish.

[!TIP] For detailed visual tips on how to organize each step of writing a paper from scratch, check out this recommended video lesson (in Portuguese):

Como Escrever um Artigo Científico do Zero: Passo a Passo Completo (Canal sejaphd)

References and Institutional Manuals

To better understand how to structure the research, you can consult the following official guidance materials:

Periodicals Portal: CAPES
Ready-made models in ABNT standards: Blog Mettzer