Subdivide the research paper into sections. Sections are in the order of Abstract, Introduction, Methods and Materials, Results, Discussions, Acknowledgements, Literature Cited, and Appendices.
Format each section heading with the text centered, capitalized and double spaced from text above or below the heading.
Summarize the Abstract in one paragraph, explaining all major elements of the research. Start by answering the question researched, what methods were used, the major findings found and the concluding interpretation of the results of the research.
Begin the introduction by stating the subject of the research. Be specific using words from the title of the paper to obtain focus quickly. Establish a context for the reader by detailing what was known about the research subject before the problem or question was further studied. Cite any works or research that substantiates the context.
State the hypothesis, purpose, and merit of the research along with the approach taken when conducting the research. Do not include actual techniques used. Techniques used are detailed in the Materials and Methods section.
Organize the Materials and Methods section by incorporating the logical flow of the research. Structure the flow starting with what was studied, the study site if any, and the sampling design. Continue the flow by detailing how many samples were collected and the protocol for data collection. Conclude the flow by qualitatively specifying the data analyzed.
Present the outcomes of the research in the Results section. Be objective using a logical sequence of text, tables, and illustrative figures. Highlight the findings to the question researched without interpreting or drawing conclusions. Let the facts stand alone so the results remain unbiased.
Interpret your results in the Discussion section. The object of the Discussion section is to demonstrate to the reader what has been learned in light of what was understood prior to conducting the research. Answer fundamental questions around whether the research provided answers to the original question. Exemplify any new understanding discovered during the research without introducing new results into the discussion.
Acknowledge any research help, outside ideas, draft reviews, funding, or other assistance in the Acknowledgements section. Keep the acknowledgements brief and never florid.
Present additional information that may help the reader to further understand or clarify points in the Appendices section. For example, exemplify any formulas used, software programs used for modeling data, or any extra illustrations and figures that make it easier for the reader to understand the research. This section is entirely optional.