How to Write Your First 500 Words Academic Article (Part 2)

Writing an academic article may initially appear challenging, but with each step, you're inching closer to mastering this craft!

Getting Started - How to begin?

Now that you've completed the first part of the article and have your topic ready, let's dive into the exciting world of writing.

It's as straightforward as just taking that first leap.

I encourage you to start writing while using this article as your guide, step by step.

The Three article Structure

Your article will unfold in three main domains:

1. The Introduction
2. The Body
3. The Conclusion

But before we delve into each one, let's discuss a vital point – the prewriting process.

Prewriting stage: Charting Your Topic

During this crucial stage, you'll chart the course for your article.

Define its primary objective, clarify why it's being written, and distinguish between what you know and what remains uncharted territory. This stage closely ties into the first part of this article, so ensure your ideas are at your fingertips. If you missed part 1, you can catch up here.

Now, let's ignite your introduction! You may have heard of the funnel shape technique, but here are a few extra tricks to guide your writing process.

A Grand Start to Your Introduction

When you compose your introduction, envision your reader as an explorer in a new land, completely unfamiliar with your topic.

Begin with a broad introduction, then gradually lead them down a captivating path, line by line. Your introduction should not exceed 25% of your total article length.        

For instance, if your article explores the role of medication in treating a disease, start by discussing the disease itself. Dive into its prevalence and effects on the body's organs. Explain how it influences the body, whether through receptor modulation or functional disruption.

• Describe the medications employed to combat this disorder, including your specific medication and how it benefits patients.

The final sentence of your introduction serves as the thesis statement, offering a tantalizing glimpse of what awaits in the upcoming paragraphs.

Now, let's discover the body of your article.

The Body - Your Main Ideas

Think of the body as a narrative divided into three or four short chapters, each dedicated to one idea. These could be the effects of the drug on receptors, the struggles against its side effects, the unforeseen twists in the form of complications, and future research prospects.

Ensure your ideas flow logically, and your discussions are clear and concise. It's worth noting that every paragraph should start with a topic sentence, revealing the main point of that paragraph.        

Crafting Your Conclusion

The conclusion acts as the end of a story. It should elegantly wrap up your article.

• Keep it concise, avoiding the introduction of new information. Instead, revisit the highlights of your article so far.
• Remind your readers of the key takeaways, including hints about future research possibilities.

Don't Forget the References!

P.S. It's essential to acknowledge your sources and references at the end of your article. We'll explore referencing styles and the art of citation in depth in future articles.

For now, you're well-prepared to embark on your journey in your first article!

Stay tuned for future articles!