English for Research Paper Writing

UNIT I: Writing Clearly and Effectively

1. Planning and Preparation

Definition: The process of organizing ideas and setting a structure before beginning the
research paper.
Purpose: To ensure clarity, direction, and focus while saving time during writing and
editing.
Writing a research paper begins with careful planning. Before you even write your first
sentence, take time to think about what you want to say and how to say it.
Ask yourself the following:
• Who is my audience? Are they experts, researchers, or students?
• What do they already know about this topic?
• What is the most important message I want to communicate?
• What kind of journal or conference will this be submitted to?
Once you answer these, start outlining your paper. This includes:
• Listing the key sections: Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion,
and Conclusion.
• Deciding what content will go into each section.
• Gathering all relevant data, sources, and notes.
• Reviewing the instructions for authors (if submitting to a journal).
Planning also helps you:
• Avoid including unnecessary details.
• Save time during revisions.
• Maintain focus on your main argument.
Well-planned papers are more organized and have better flow, which makes them
easier to read and more likely to be accepted.

2. Word Order
Definition: The arrangement of words in a sentence to maintain clarity and correct
grammar.
Purpose: To help the reader understand the sentence structure and main message
easily
In English, the normal sentence structure is:
• Subject → Verb → Object
This structure makes your writing clear and easy to follow. Always keep the subject and
verb close together.
Example:
• “The researcher (subject) conducted (verb) the experiment (object).”
Wrong:
• “The experiment, the researcher conducted.”
Don’t interrupt the subject-verb connection with long phrases. If you have extra details,
place them at the beginning or end of the sentence.
Example:
• Unclear: “The engineer, despite the limited budget and short timeline, completed
the project successfully.”
• Better: “Despite the limited budget and short timeline, the engineer completed
the project successfully.”
Maintaining clear word order helps your readers understand your message quickly and
accurately.

3. Breaking Up Long Sentences

Definition: The process of splitting complex and lengthy sentences into shorter,
simpler ones.
Purpose: To enhance readability and make complex ideas easier to understand.
Long, complicated sentences make it hard for readers to understand your ideas.
Research papers should be simple, clear, and direct.
To avoid long sentences:
• Stick to one idea per sentence.
• Break long sentences into two or three short ones.
• Avoid using too many commas, clauses, or connectors.
• Use bullet points or lists when presenting multiple items.
Example:
 • Long: “Because the test failed during the first trial and the equipment needed
maintenance, which took two days, the schedule was delayed, and the team had
to work extra hours.”
• Clear: “The test failed during the first trial. The equipment required two days of
maintenance. As a result, the schedule was delayed, and the team worked extra
hours.”
Shorter sentences make it easier for your reader to follow the logic and understand
each point.

4. Structuring Paragraphs and Sentences

Definition: The logical organization of sentences within paragraphs.
Purpose: To maintain flow and coherence in writing.
Each paragraph should have a clear focus and follow a consistent structure. A well-
structured paragraph includes:
1. Topic Sentence: The first sentence that states the main idea.
2. Supporting Sentences: Details, facts, or examples that explain or support the
main idea.
3. Concluding Sentence: A sentence that sums up the paragraph or links to the
next one.
A good paragraph:
• Has unity (sticks to one idea).
• Has coherence (flows logically).
• Uses transitions (words like “therefore,” “however,” “for example”).
Example paragraph:
"Temperature control is important in chemical reactions. Reactions often occur faster
at higher temperatures. However, if the temperature is too high, the compounds may
break down. Therefore, it is crucial to find the right temperature range."
Structure your sentences clearly:
• Start with the subject.
• Follow with the verb and object.
• Add modifiers or extra information after the main idea.
Avoid passive voice when possible. Use active voice for clarity:
• Active: “The scientist recorded the data.”
• Passive: “The data was recorded by the scientist.”
5. Being Concise and Removing Redundancy
Definition: Using fewer words without losing meaning.
Purpose: To make the writing direct and efficient.
Being concise means saying more with fewer words. Scientific writing should be direct,
not wordy.
Avoid unnecessary words, phrases, or repetition. Remove phrases that don’t add
value. This makes your writing stronger and easier to read.
Examples:
• “Due to the fact that” → “Because”
• “In the event that” → “If”
• “A total of 10 experiments were conducted” → “10 experiments were conducted”
Avoid redundant pairs:
• “Final outcome” → “Outcome”
• “Past history” → “History”
• “Close proximity” → “Proximity”
Avoid phrases like:
• “It is important to note that..."
• “It should be emphasized that...”
Instead, simply state the fact directly.
Being concise saves space and helps your paper stay focused.

6. Avoiding Ambiguity and Vagueness

Definition: Writing clearly without uncertainty.
Purpose: To make sure the message is understood as intended.
Ambiguous or vague writing can confuse your reader. Always use clear, specific
language.
Avoid words like:
• “Some,” “many,” “several,” “a large number”
• “Soon,” “quickly,” “big,” “small”
Be exact:
• Instead of “a significant increase,” write “an increase of 20%”
 • Instead of “a small sample,” write “a sample of 15 patients”
Avoid unclear references:
• “This shows...” (What is “this”?)
• “The results shown in Figure 1 indicate a 15% improvement in accuracy.”
Figure 1: Improvement in Accuracy Over Time
[ A line graph showing accuracy improving from 70% to 85% over 3 trials ]
Punctuation also matters:
• "Let’s eat, Grandpa!" vs. "Let’s eat Grandpa!"
Check every sentence to ensure it can’t be misunderstood. Clarity is key to strong
academic writing

UNIT II: Clarity, Style, and Structure

1. Clarifying Who Did What

Definition: Clearly indicating who performed each action in a research paper.
Purpose: To assign responsibility and avoid confusion .
Clarity about responsibility is essential in research writing. Readers must easily
understand who performed which task. This avoids confusion and gives proper credit
to contributors.
Why is this important?
• In group research, different tasks may be handled by different people or teams.
• Reviewers want to know who did what, especially in multi-author papers.
Use Active Voice
Active voice makes the subject and action clear:
• "The team analyzed the data using SPSS."
• "The data was analyzed using SPSS."
The passive version hides the doer. Overusing passive voice reduces clarity.
Clarify Contributors in Multi-Author Work
Instead of:
• "It was decided to repeat the experiment."
Use:
• "The chemistry team decided to repeat the experiment."
Tip:
Use specific nouns or author names:
• "Dr. Mehra synthesized the compound, and the results were reviewed by Dr.
Sinha."
This makes it easier for readers to understand the paper’s structure and credit.

2. Highlighting Your Findings

Definition: Emphasizing key results in the research paper.
Purpose: To make significant findings stand out.
Your findings are the most important part of your research. They show what you
discovered and how it contributes to the field. Make sure they are easily visible and
logically presented.
Ways to highlight findings:
• Put key findings at the start or end of a paragraph.
• Use clear topic sentences that state the result.
• Use figures, tables, or bullet points to visually emphasize data.
Examples:
• "Our results show a 30% improvement in signal strength under low
temperatures."
• "Figure 3 illustrates the trend of increasing voltage with temperature."
Repeat the findings in key sections:
• Abstract – Summarize main findings.
• Results – Present data and interpretations.
• Conclusion – Restate main discoveries.
Avoid burying important results in the middle of long paragraphs or tables.

3. Hedging and Criticizing

Definition: Using cautious language and respectfully evaluating others’ work.
Purpose: To maintain professionalism and avoid over claiming.
What is Hedging?
Hedging is using cautious or careful language when making claims. It shows respect
for other researchers and protects against overconfidence.
Use hedging to:
 • Show uncertainty or probability
• Avoid sounding arrogant or overly certain
• Keep your claims scientific and objective
Hedging Examples:
• "This result suggests a possible link..."
• "The findings might indicate a correlation..."
• "It is likely that..."
Avoid overly strong claims:
• "This proves that our method is best."
• "This indicates our method may be more effective."
Criticizing Others’ Work Respectfully
In academic writing, you may need to point out flaws in other studies. Always:
• Be respectful
• Focus on facts, not people
• Provide evidence
Example:
• "However, the previous study did not include seasonal variation, which may
influence the results."
Avoid:
• "Their method was wrong."
• "The method used may not be suitable for long-term studies."

4. Paraphrasing and Plagiarism

Definition: Rewriting others’ ideas in your own words; plagiarism is copying without
credit.
Purpose: To demonstrate understanding and maintain academic honesty.
Paraphrasing
Paraphrasing is rewriting someone else's idea in your own words. It's a useful skill to:
• Show you understand the concept
• Avoid copying
• Keep your writing style consistent
Steps to Paraphrase:
1. Read and understand the source.
2. Note the key idea.
3. Use your own words and sentence structure.
4. Include a proper citation.
Example:
• Original: "Climate change affects rainfall patterns across the globe."
• Paraphrased: "Changes in global climate are responsible for altering rain
distribution."
Avoiding Plagiarism
Plagiarism is copying text or ideas without giving credit. It is a serious offense.
How to avoid it:
• Always cite sources.
• Use quotation marks for direct quotes.
• Don’t copy large parts, even with citation.
Tools like Turnitin or Grammarly can help detect unintentional plagiarism.
Proper paraphrasing and citation help maintain academic honesty.

UNIT III: Sections of a Paper

1.Abstract
Definition: An abstract is a brief summary of a research paper, usually 150–250 words
long, that gives an overview of the study. It covers the main objectives, methods, key
results, and the conclusion in a concise form.
Purpose: The abstract helps readers determine whether the full paper is relevant to
their interests. It gives a snapshot of the work, allowing researchers, students, and
reviewers to grasp the study’s essence quickly.
Details:
• Write the abstract after completing your full paper.
• Maintain a clear and logical flow: background → purpose → methods → results →
conclusions.
• Do not include references, citations, or abbreviations.
• Use active voice and present tense for facts and results.
 • Avoid unnecessary detail—stick to the essentials.

2.Introduction
Definition: The introduction is the opening section of the paper that explains the
background, context, rationale, and objectives of the study. It presents what is known,
what is unknown, and what the current paper aims to solve or contribute.
Purpose: To engage the reader, set the stage for the research, and clearly state the
research question or hypothesis being addressed.
Details:
• Begin with general background information on the topic.
• Gradually focus on the specific problem the research addresses.
• Highlight gaps in existing literature or unanswered questions.
• End with a clear statement of the study’s objectives or hypotheses.
• Keep the language engaging but academically appropriate.

3.Literature Review
Definition: The literature review surveys previous studies and research articles related
to the topic. It analyzes and synthesizes existing knowledge, showing how the current
study fits into or builds upon earlier work.
Purpose: To show that you understand the background of your topic, to establish
credibility, and to justify your research by identifying gaps or limitations in prior studies.
Details:
• Group sources by themes, trends, or methodological approaches.
• Compare and contrast different studies and viewpoints.
• Identify limitations in the existing research.
• Discuss how your study contributes to filling these gaps.
• Always provide proper citations and references.

4.Methods
Definition: The methods section provides a detailed account of how the research was
conducted. It includes the study design, materials used, procedures followed, and the
techniques employed for data collection and analysis.
Purpose: To enable readers to evaluate the validity and reliability of the research and
to allow others to replicate the study if needed.
Details:
• Describe participants or data sources in detail (e.g., sample size, demographics).
• Explain all procedures step-by-step.
• Mention any tools, software, or instruments used.
• Detail statistical methods or experimental techniques.
• Maintain clarity and precision—this section should be replicable.
• Use past tense consistently.

5.Results
Definition: This section presents the outcomes of the study in an objective and factual
manner. It reports the findings using figures, tables, and descriptive text.
Purpose: To communicate what the research discovered, without interpretation or
bias.
Details:
• Start with the most important findings.
• Use tables and figures to simplify complex data.
• Highlight key observations and trends in the text.
• Avoid explaining or interpreting results—save that for the Discussion.
• Mention any data that did not support the hypothesis.
• Maintain a neutral and objective tone.

6.Discussion
Definition: The discussion section interprets the results and explains their
significance. It connects the findings to previous literature and theoretical concepts.
Purpose: To explain what the results mean, why they matter, and how they compare
with other studies.
Details:
• Begin by summarizing key findings.
• Compare results with those from previous studies.
 • Explain why certain results may differ or be surprising.
• Acknowledge limitations or constraints of the study.
• Suggest improvements or future research directions.
• Emphasize how the findings add to existing knowledge.

7.Conclusion
Definition: The conclusion is the final summary of the research paper. It restates the
main findings and emphasizes their broader implications.
Purpose: To leave a lasting impression on the reader by reinforcing the significance
and contribution of the study.
Details:
• Reiterate the main results and their meaning.
• Avoid introducing new data or analysis.
• Highlight how the research contributes to the field.
• Suggest practical applications if applicable.
• End with a call for future research or further investigation.

8.Final Check
Definition: The final check is the process of thoroughly reviewing the entire paper
before submission. It ensures that all components are complete, accurate, and
properly formatted.
Purpose: To catch errors, improve clarity, and increase the likelihood of acceptance.
Checklist:
Is the title concise and informative?
Does the abstract summarize the entire study clearly?
Are all major sections (Introduction, Literature Review, Methods, Results,
Discussion, Conclusion) included and logically structured?
Is the grammar, punctuation, and spelling accurate?
Are references properly cited and formatted?
Are figures and tables clearly labeled and referenced?
Is the formatting consistent with journal or assignment guidelines?
 Have you removed unnecessary repetition and checked for clarity?
Performing a thorough final check ensures that the paper presents your work in the
most professional and polished form.

UNIT IV: Key Skills for Main Parts of a Research Paper

1.Key Skills Needed When Writing a Title

Definition: A title is the first impression of your research paper, providing a concise
summary of its main topic or findings.
Purpose: To give the reader a quick and accurate idea of the research content and
attract their interest.
Key Skills:

• Clarity: Use simple and direct words. Avoid jargon or technical terms that might
confuse a general audience.
• Brevity: Keep it short, ideally within 12–15 words. A shorter title is easier to read
and remember.
• Relevance: Make sure your title includes keywords related to your field so it is
discoverable in search results.
• Specificity: Rather than using broad phrases, focus on the exact topic or
research question to avoid confusion.
• Attractiveness: A good title should spark curiosity. Use strong verbs or an
engaging phrase to capture interest.

2.Key Skills Needed When Writing an Abstract

Definition: The abstract is a short summary that highlights the key points of your
paper.
Purpose: To help readers quickly determine the relevance of the paper and encourage
them to read the full text.
Key Skills:
• Summarization: Extract the key elements of your study—research problem,
method, main findings, and implications—while omitting unnecessary details.
• Organization: Maintain a logical flow, typically starting with the background,
followed by objective, methodology, major findings, and conclusion.
• Precision: Use exact facts and figures where necessary. Avoid vague
expressions like “a lot” or “many.”
 • Impartiality: Present the findings objectively. Avoid promoting your results; just
state them clearly.
• Grammar and Syntax: Use correct grammar, punctuation, and sentence
structure. A well-written abstract reflects the quality of the overall paper.

3.Key Skills Needed When Writing an Introduction

Definition: The introduction sets the context and rationale for your research.
Purpose: To explain the background, highlight the research problem, and state the
objectives of the study.
Key Skills:
• Contextualization: Provide relevant background information to help readers
understand the topic. Mention the broader field before narrowing down.
• Problem Identification: Clearly define the problem your research is addressing.
This helps justify the importance of your study.
• Literature Awareness: Refer to key studies to show what has been done before
and where your research fits in.
• Flow: Make sure the introduction transitions smoothly from general ideas to the
specific aim of the paper.
• Purpose Statement: End the introduction by stating what your paper intends to
achieve, your research questions, or your hypothesis.

4.Key Skills Needed When Writing a Review of the Literature

Definition: The literature review evaluates existing research to build a foundation for
your study.
Purpose: To show the current state of knowledge, identify gaps, and justify the need for
your study.
Key Skills:
• Research Skills: Use academic databases to find credible and relevant sources.
Evaluate the reliability and relevance of each.
• Critical Thinking: Don’t just summarize other works—analyze and compare
them. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of past studies.
• Synthesis: Combine insights from different sources into a unified
understanding. Show how they relate to each other and to your study.
 • Citation Management: Accurately cite every source using a consistent
referencing style such as APA, MLA, or Chicago.
• Organization: Arrange the review logically—either by theme, trend, or
chronology—so readers can easily follow the progression of ideas.

UNIT V: Key Skills for Writing the Remaining Parts of a Research Paper

1.Key Skills Needed When Writing the Methods Section

Definition: The methods section outlines how the research was conducted, detailing
the materials, procedures, and techniques used.
Purpose: To allow other researchers to replicate your study or evaluate its validity.
Key Skills:
• Clarity: Use simple, direct language to describe procedures. Avoid ambiguity.
• Precision: Include exact measurements, timeframes, instruments, and
procedures.
• Chronological Organization: Present steps in the order they were carried out.
• Reproducibility: Provide enough detail so another researcher can repeat the
study.
• Objectivity: Avoid interpretation or justification of results here. Stick to factual
description.

2.Key Skills Needed When Writing the Results Section

Definition: This section presents the findings of the study without bias or
interpretation.
Purpose: To report what was discovered through the methodology.
Key Skills:
Accuracy: Present data correctly using appropriate tables, graphs, and statistics.
Clarity: Keep language straightforward and avoid unnecessary complexity.
Conciseness: Present findings without repetition. Let data visualizations do part of the
explanation.
Objectivity: Do not interpret results here; just state what was observed.
Logical Sequence: Arrange results in a manner that aligns with the research questions
or hypotheses.
3.Key Skills Needed When Writing the Discussion Section
Definition: This section interprets the results, explaining their significance and relating
them to prior research.
Purpose: To evaluate the meaning and implications of your findings.
Key Skills:
Critical Thinking: Analyze and interpret results with depth and logic.
Connection to Literature: Compare findings with existing studies to highlight
contributions.
Explanation of Implications: Discuss what the results mean for theory, practice, or
policy.
Acknowledgment of Limitations: Recognize the constraints of your study.
Forward Thinking: Suggest future research directions based on current findings.

4.Key Skills Needed When Writing the Conclusion Section

Definition: The conclusion summarizes the entire research and highlights its main
contributions.
Purpose: To give a clear, final statement about what was achieved and why it matters.
Key Skills:
Summarization: Concisely recap the objectives, key findings, and their implications.
Significance: Emphasize the importance of the results and their broader impact.
Clarity: Avoid introducing new information. Keep the message focused and clear.
Closure: Provide a satisfying end by tying back to the introduction and objectives.

5.Useful Academic Phrases for Writing

Here are some useful phrases that help in writing various parts of the paper:
Introduction:
• “The aim of this study is to...”
• “Recent studies have shown...”
• “There is a growing interest in...”
Methods:
• “This study employed a qualitative/quantitative approach...”
 • “The data were collected using...”
• “Participants were selected based on...”
Results:
• “The findings revealed that...”
• “A significant difference was observed in...”
• “Data indicated that...”
Discussion:
• “These results suggest that...”
• “This finding supports previous work by...”
• “One possible explanation is...”
Conclusion:
• “In conclusion, this study has demonstrated...”
• “The findings of this research imply that...”
• “Further research is required to...”

6.How to Ensure Your Paper Is as Good as It Can Be Before First-Time

Submission
Checklist and Strategies:
Review Structure: Ensure all essential parts—Title, Abstract, Introduction, Methods,
Results, Discussion, Conclusion, References—are clearly included and logically
arranged.
Proofread Multiple Times: Check for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and
consistency in formatting.
Check Flow and Transitions: Ensure that ideas transition smoothly from one section
to the next.
Use Feedback: Ask peers or mentors to review your paper before submission.
Follow Journal Guidelines: Adhere strictly to the formatting and referencing style
required by the target journal.
Plagiarism Check: Use plagiarism detection software to ensure originality.
Clarity and Conciseness: Avoid redundancy and ensure each sentence adds value.
Reference Accuracy: Double-check all citations and references for accuracy and
completeness.