A Simply Guide on Writing of International Journal Papers -- ZHAO Jian
Title
The title should reflect the content of the
paper as closely as possible. Ideally, the
title should be short, not more than 20 words.
Abstract
It is a short summary of the paper. It should
be short, not more than 300 words. It should
include the objective and main conclusion of
the study.
Introduction
It should include: (a) the background of the
study (why study), (b) literature review (what
have been studied already), covering the
latest development in the field, and (c) scope
of the paper (what is your study).
Theory
Introduce the theory and its background, the
applicability of the theory. Alternatively, it
can be placed as an appendix.
Description of Methods
Research methods should be described. For
experimental work, include sample
preparation, test set up and procedure, data
acquisition, limitation and accuracy. For
numerical work, include software used,
model creation, computation procedure,
limitation and problems.
Results
Data should be presented in summarised
form. Generally, only final results should be
presented in detail. Interpretation method
should be described, particularly when a new
method is used.
Discussion
It should include comments on the results,
correlations with other studies, applications,
limitations, etc. It is often considered as the
most important (and difficult) part of a paper.
The quality of discussion shows your
understandings of the problem, your results
and future research direction.
Conclusions
It should be a concise and clear summary of
the findings. Consider use point form.
References
All the statements and results by other
studies should be referred in the text. List all
the quoted references in a specific order at
the end.
Acknowledgement
You should acknowledge any help and
assistance, such as research grant,
scholarship, special permission, people who
helped to review, comment, etc..
Figure and Figure Captions
List all the figures titles on a separate page.
Each figure is on a separate page. Ensure
the figures are clear to read even after 50%
reduction.
Tables
Each table is on a separate page.
Building Overall Manuscript Structure
A paper is telling a story: your research work.
It must have the descriptions of the
background and the events, explanations of
the events, reasons behind, and the ending.
A good story has good lines and logic
leading the story. A good paper too, it is
more than just putting data and results
together. Always follow logic: observe,
measure, explain and verify.
Suggestions for Non-English Authors
• Write the paper first in your own language
and ensure good paper structure, logic
and style. Then “translate” into English.
• Use plain English, and short sentences.
• Ask a colleague to read your draft, and
mark out wherever he/she cannot
understand. Re-write the parts until can
be understood.
• If possible, ask a native English speaker to
review the English.