The scientific or academic paper is nothing more than a technical document that gathers the results of a research and can be used in congresses or scientific meetings, for example. How to write an academic paper?
It has shorter information and little methodological depth .
Thus, formulas, graphs or other elements that add to the research project can be used in the document.
Another important point is that the paper has a reduced size and is simpler in view of the various scientific works. In other words, a great option for beginners.
Despite this, the researcher must pay attention to both clarity and ABNT norms , which we will talk about later.
In this way, it will give you a basis on how the critical and theoretical development of a scientific work and its structure works.
In addition, a very relevant issue is that the paper can be confused with a scientific article, generating doubts at the time of its production. So just watch the difference! How to write an academic paper?
Since size and objectivity are the biggest differences, the paper is a small scientific article, like a report on a certain topic.
Now that you understand what paper is, let’s explore how its basic structure works? Check out the next topic!
The elaboration of a paper should, like all types of scientific work, be defined according to the objective for which it will be intended and where you want to apply it after completion.
Even having a less rigid structure than the article, for example, it is still necessary to pay attention to the basic needs of the document.
This is because it also asks for an introduction, a development and a conclusion. So be aware of the following topics:
- In the pre-textual elements , put the title, author’s name, abstract and keywords;
- Soon after, start the introduction of the subject and, in the next points, the development and conclusion . In this, you will give scope for the continuation of the studies;
- Finally, the post-textual element is the one where you will place the bibliographic references used in the work, if there is any citation. How to write an academic paper?
So, to make your life even easier, I’ve gathered 4 tips that will help you get started!
It’s time to get your hands dirty and develop your work!
Shall we go to the tips?
1. Search, select and design
Think carefully when defining the theme
Choosing the topic you will address is one of the most complicated tasks, so it is important to pay attention to the collection available on the subject in the places you will search.
In this case, value documents (books, articles or magazines) that have scientific value .
Orient and Boundary
After choosing the theme, remember to delimit it and define a phrase that sums it up well. This will be a good guide for development. How to write an academic paper?
make a script
A next step and a surefire tip is to craft a roadmap . This way, you will have a good direction of ideas throughout the creation, defining the main parts and highlighting aspects that will be emphasized.
Methodology is also important.
Finally, the essential part to design a scientific work: characterize your research methodology .
2. Pay attention to ABNT standards for paper
As I mentioned earlier, the paper is not as rigorous as a monograph, for example, but that’s not why you should leave the document’s rules aside.
That’s why I’ve selected some basic information for you to make your work in the mold of most requests. Check it out:
- The page orientation must be in portrait format and A4 size;
- The top and left margins must be 3cm;
- The bottom and right margins must be 2 cm;
- In general, text spacing should be 1.5 cm, with the exception of citations;
- The text must be justified ; How to write an academic paper?
- Arial or Times New Roman are the fonts that are generally used in scientific works.
3. Prepare for the assessment
In a general context, scientific documents are evaluated according to content and form .
That is, pay attention to the following aspects:
- Clarity and objectivity;
- Demonstrate the relevance of your scientific research;
- Have a good theoretical framework;
- Adequacy in content development;
- Be authentic;
- Coherence in the writing of the text and adequacy to the cultured norm, but always valuing an accessible language;
- Use from trusted sources. How to write an academic paper?
4. Beware of plagiarism
Last but not least, it is essential that you be original in the construction of your text.
There is nowhere to run: plagiarism is not accepted in scientific documents.
Therefore, if you want to use a text by another author, it is essential that you refer to it according to ABNT standards.