HOW TO WRITE A SCIENTIFIC

ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Adopted By

Prof. Dr. MOSTAFA ELSHEEKH

 GOAL
How to write a scientific paper or
thesis and to avoid the common
errors that many researchers do
in writing papers and publication

Objectives
By the end of this part the participants should
able to know
1- Different kinds of Articles
2- Contents of original Article
3- Skills of writing different parts of Article
4- Common errors in writing Article
5- Publication of Article in good Journal

Types of Articles
Original article.
Review article.
Case report.
Letter to the editor.
Editorial Comment.
Short communication

Original Article
Three Essential Requirements
Basic Triad

Subject

Original Article
Three Essential Requirements
I- Subject

There should be an addition to the already

existing literature.

Read the relevant literature carefully.

Make sure that you are not repeating what

had been done successfully before.

Original Article
Three Essential Requirements
I- Subject

It is better to spend 2 weeks

reading in the library than 2
years working in the lab.

Contents of The Original Article

Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Material & Methods
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Legends to Figures
Figures

Title Page
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials &
Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to
Figures

Title
Authors
Institutions

Running title
Key words
Corresponding author

Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials &
Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to
Figures

Title Page
The Title
Informative, specific, comprehensive,
and accurate stating exactly what you
mean.

Convey the maximum information with

the minimum of words.
Express the main issue of the study.

Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials &
Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to
Figures

Title Page
The Authors
Who should be an Author?
An author must have contributed
something worthwhile:
Creative thinking.

Performing diagnostic or therapeutic

techniques very essential in the study.
Collecting data.

Writing.

Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials &
Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to
Figures

Title Page
The Authors
Who should be the first Author?
For multiple authors with various contributions:
Who has done the most work.
For
multiple
authors
with
equal
contribution:
Give the advantage to the junior.
The junior the first, the senior the last.
For 2 authors:
First publication: give the advantage to
the junior.
Second
publication: re-address the
balance.

Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials &
Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to
Figures

Title Page
The Authors
Who should be the first Author?
Papers from Thesis
A thesis is essentially a personal
project.
The name of the candidate should be
the first.
The most senior person is the last.

J Appl Phycol-Lipid fatty acids .pdf

Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials &
Method

Title Page
Institutions
To be written in the title page only.

Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to
Figures

Do not write institutions inside the

article.
Do not write information inside the
article that can identify the names of
the authors.

Title page

Title Page

Abstract

Second title page

Introduction
Materials &
Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion

Should include only the title.

No authors names, no institutions.

References
Tables
Figures
Legends to
Figures

This page will be used in the

review process.

ABSTRACT

Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials &
Method
Results

The first part that appears.

The last part to be written.

Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to
Figures

Introduction

Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials &
Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to
Figures

Definition:

It introduces the subject but does not

develop it.
Objectives:

1- To hold the readers attention.

2- To give sufficient
stimulate the appetite.

information

to

3-To rationalize conducting this study.

4- It sets the tone and quality of the entire
paper.

Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials &
Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to
Figures

Introduction
Fundamental Parts
1. Short review of the main subject of the
study.
2. Problems, limitations and shortcomings of
the existing literature.

3. Aim of the study.

Introduction
Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials &
Method
Results
Discussion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to
Figures

Fundamental Parts
1- Short Review
Should touch the core of the subject.
Should be concise and interesting, not
boring.
Long historical reviews are dull.
Should be provided by some updated
references.
It varies in length from one sentence to
several paragraphs.

Introduction
Title page
Abstract
Introduction

Fundamental Parts
2- Limitations of existing literature

Materials &
Method
Results

Convince

the

reader

of

the

Discussion
Conclusion

importance of your study.

References
Tables
Figures
Legends to
Figures

Give reasons for investigating this

particular subject.

Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials &
Method
Results
Discussion

Introduction
Fundamental Parts
3- Aim of the study
The study should
important question.

answer

an

Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to
Figures

The rationale of the study must be

strong and very clear.
There should be an addition to the
existing literature.

Evaluation of the Introduction

Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials &
Method

The reviewer asks the following questions :

1- Are the objectives clear ?

Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables

2- Is the importance of the study adequately

emphasized ?
3- Is the subject of the study new ?

Figures
Legends to
Figures

4- Is previous work on the subject adequately cited ?

Title page

Materials and Methods

Abstract
Introduction

Fundamental Parts

Materials &
Method
Results

1- Full description of the materials/subjects.

Discussion
Conclusion

2- Full description of the methods.

Conclusion
References

3- Full description of the type of study.

Tables
Figures
Legends to
Figures

4- Statistical methods.

Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials &
Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to
Figures

Materials and Methods

General Advice
Only new methods are described in details.

Previously published methods:

- Common: Enumeration + reference.
- Uncommon: Short summary + reference.
Do not lose your objective. All methods used

should be devoted to satisfying the objectives.

Title page
Abstract
Introduction

Materials and Methods

General Advice

Materials &
Method
Results
Discussion

Ethical permission must be

Conclusion
References
Tables

acknowledged in the methods

Figures
Legends to
Figures

section.

Title page
Abstract

Evaluation of the
Materials and Methods

Introduction
Materials &
Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to
Figures

The reviewer asks the following questions :

1- Is the study
adequately ?

population

detailed

2- Are the methods described well enough

to reproduce the experiment ?
3- Is the study design clear ?

4- Are statistical methods included ?

Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials &
Method

Results
Fundamental Parts

Results
Discussion

1- Presentation of the results.

Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to
Figures

2- Interpretation of the results.

Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials &
Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to
Figures

Results
Fundamental Parts
1- Presentation of the results
Results of all methods used must be
provided in a respective systematic
manner.
Present the results as text, tables or
graphs, but do not repeat the same data
in more than one.

Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials &
Method

Results
Fundamental Parts

2- Interpretation of data

Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to
Figures

Correlate your data with each

others to obtain an objective
proof of your hypothesis.
In science the object is a precise
measurement

Results

Title page
Abstract

Fundamental Parts

Introduction
Materials &
Method

2- Interpretation of data

Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to
Figures

In

biological

sciences,

all

measurements are inexact. The only

way to describe this variability is to
use statistics intelligently.

Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials &
Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to
Figures

Results
Fundamental Parts
2- Interpretation of data
Statistical significance is
clinical/practical importance.

different

from

Small differences between large groups can

be
statistically
significant
but
clinically/practically not important.
Large differences between small groups can
be clinically/practically important but not
statistically significant.

Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials &
Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to
Figures

Results
General Advice
Do not write any result for a method not
mentioned in the section of materials and
methods.
Results must be written in a very clear
non- equivocal non-confusing manner.

Avoid redundancy (each information must

be mentioned only once).

Results

Title page
Abstract

General Advice

Introduction
Materials &
Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References

Only relevant results (related to the

aim

of

the

study)

should

be

mentioned.

Tables
Figures
Legends to
Figures

Do not distract the attention of the

reader by irrelevant results.

Title page

Evaluation of the Results

Abstract
Introduction
Materials &
Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to
Figures

The reviewer asks the following

questions:
1- Can the reader assess the results based
on the data provided ?
2- Is the information straightforward and
not confusing ?
3- Are there adequate controls ?
4- Are statistical methods appropriate ?

Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials &
Method
Results

DISCUSSION
Fundamental Parts
1. Introduction.

Discussion
Conclusion

2. Discussion of the results.

References
Tables
Figures
Legends to
Figures

3. New additions provided by your study.

4. Limitations of your study.

DISCUSSION

Title page
Abstract

Fundamental Parts

Introduction
Materials &
Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to
Figures

1- Introduction to the discussion.

It is preferable to start discussion by
a small paragraph emphasizing the
importance of the subject of the
study.

Title page

DISCUSSION

Abstract
Introduction
Materials &
Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to
Figures

Fundamental Parts
2- Discussion of the results
Each result obtained must be
adequately discussed in comparison
with similar previous studies.
If results of your study is different
from previous ones, an explanation
must be given.

DISCUSSION

Title page
Abstract

Fundamental Parts

Introduction
Materials &
Method

3- New additions

Results
Discussion

separate

paragraph

must

be

Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to
Figures

written describing the advantages

and the new additions provided by

your study.

DISCUSSION

Title page
Abstract
Introduction

Fundamental Parts

Materials &
Method

4- Limitations

Results
Discussion

Another

paragraph

must

Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to
Figures

contain the disadvantages,

limitations and how these could
be avoided in future studies.

Title page

Evaluation of the Discussion

Abstract
Introduction
Materials &
Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to
Figures

The reviewer asks the following questions :

1- Do the authors comment adequately on all their

results ?
2- Have the authors explained why and how their
study differs from others already published ?
3- Do the authors discuss the potential problems
and limitations with their study ?
4- Are the authors conclusions supported by the
results ?

Title page

CONCLUSION

Abstract
Introduction
Materials &
Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion

Could be written as a separate

section or as the last paragraph of
the discussion.

References
Tables
Figures
Legends to
Figures

It should stress on the most

relevant findings of the study.

Title page

CONCLUSION

Abstract
Introduction
Materials &
Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to
Figures

It is the take-home message of the

study.
It is a digest of the whole study.

It is not a repetition of the abstract.

It justifies and explains
conclusion of the study.

the

Title page
Abstract

REFERENCES
1- Alphabetical Style

Introduction
Materials &
Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to
Figures

In the text:
- Authors name, year (Ghoneim, 2000).

In the reference section:

- Should be arranged alphabetically
without numbers.

Title page
Abstract

REFERENCES
2- Vancouver Style

Introduction
Materials &
Method

References are arranged in the

Results
Discussion

reference

section according

to

Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to
Figures

their first appearance in the text

and expressed in the text as
numbers.

Title page
Abstract

REFERENCES
General Advice

Introduction
Materials &
Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables

Each journal has its own style of

references (house-style) explained in
instructions to authors. Read the
instructions AND examine a recent copy
of the Journal.

Figures
Legends to
Figures

All references should be written in the

same style with the same arrangement.

TABLES

Title page
Abstract
Introduction
Materials &
Method
Results

Objectives
1- Pick-up the content
reading the text.

without

Discussion
Conclusion
References

2- Reveal the results at a glance.

Tables
Figures
Legends to
Figures

3-

Supply the maximum of

information with the minimum
of words.

TABLES
Title page
Abstract

Table or figure?

Introduction

What is more important to the

Materials &
Method

reader?

Results
Discussion

General trend Figure.

Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to
Figures

Exact values Table.

TABLES

Title page
Abstract

General Advices

Introduction
Materials &
Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion

Tables

should

provide

additional

information not present in the text to

avoid redundancy.

References
Tables

Tables should be carefully designed to

Figures

avoid repetition of the headings and to be

Legends to
Figures

simple, clear, not confusing and easy to

follow.

TABLES

Title page
Abstract

General Advices

Introduction
Materials &
Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion

If

abbreviations

are

used,

they should be explained at

References
Tables

the bottom of the table, even

Figures
Legends to
Figures

if they were mentioned in the

text.

Title page

TABLES

Abstract
Introduction
Materials &
Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References

General Advice
Tables are usually written after the
references, each table in a
separate page, having its own
number and title.

Tables
Figures
Legends to
Figures

Be sure that the correct number of

the table appears in the correct
place in the text.

Title page

Illustrations and Figures

Abstract
Introduction
Materials &
Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables

Objectives
Not to beautify the paper but to
convey information:

- introduce.
- explain.

Figures
Legends to
Figures

- summarize.

Title page

Illustrations And Figures

Abstract
Introduction
Materials &
Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to
Figures

How to achieve a good illustration?

1- Simplicity is the keynote of all arts.
2- Avoid sophistication and secondary
details.

3- No repetition, no contradiction.
3- Consider good
photocopy.

reproduction

on

Title page

Illustrations And Figures

Abstract

General Advice

Introduction
Materials &
Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to
Figures

Each figure should be identified by:

-

Its number.

Its title.

Be sure that the correct number of

the figure appears in the correct
place in the text.

Title page

Legends to Figures

Abstract

General Advice

Introduction
Materials &
Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion

Legends should be complementary to

the text, not repetitive.

References
Tables
Figures
Legends to
Figures

Do not distract the reader too long

away from the text by writing too long
legend.

Title page

ABSTRACT

Abstract
Introduction
Materials &
Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to
Figures

The first to appear.

The last to be written.

Must contain 4 paragraphs carrying
the following titles:
1-Objective: aim of the study.
2-Materials and methods: the most
important data.
3-Results: the most important data.
4-Conclusions.

Word count: 200-300.

Title page

ABSTRACT

Abstract

Conclusions

Introduction
Materials &
Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Tables
Figures
Legends to
Figures

All conclusions should be supported by

the results of the study.
A common mistake is to write a
conclusion based on previous studies
and not supported by your own results.
Your conclusions should perfectly satisfy

the objectives of the study.

Difference between conclusion,

summary and abstract
Conclusion:

Very
few
sentences
expressing the message of the
study.

Summary :

It is an extended conclusion. It
justifies and explains the
conclusion.
It contains the most important
ideas. It is structured as
objectives, methods, results
and conclusion.

Abstract

Verb Tenses
Introduction

Present

Methods

Past

Results

Past

Discussion

Present

Conclusion

Present

Who will Write?

When there are multiple authors, one
only must write the paper.
Too

many

writers

produce

patchwork of different styles.

Who will Write?

Authorship, like so many acquired
skills, must start early in life.
Junior should write.
Senior should revise.

Sequence of Writing
First version
Write the paper in the following sequence:
1- Materials and methods.

2- Results (provisional tables, illustrations

and figures).
3- Discussion.

4- Introduction
Write the maximum information you have.

Sequence of Writing
Fourth version

1-

Finalize the references.

2-

Write the abstract and summary.

3-

Choose a final title.

Sequence of Writing
Final version
1- Revise and test the style.
- Every statement must be tested
(expressive, simple, concise).
- Be sure of the meaning of every
word.

2- Revise
syntax.

spelling,

grammar

and

Sequence of Writing
Final version
3- Ask co-authors to check.
4- Ask a consultant with reviewer
experience to read it independently.

Common Reasons For Rejection

1- The article is not relevant to the journal.
2- The paper is not styled for the journal.
3- Poorly designed trial.
4- Badly written manuscript.
5- The conclusions are unjustified.
6- Reviewer/editor bias.

HARVEST
The original article is like a human body:

The brain: Aim of the study.

The heart: Study design.
The body: Materials and Methods.
The arms and legs: Results.
The dress: References, Tables and Figures.
The I.D. (photograph): Abstract.
The soul: Conclusion.
(Prof. I. Kabbash)