Writing

# Academic Writing

## Overview
Scientific manuscript writing across all formats, fields, and journals.

## Manuscript Structure (IMRAD)

### Abstract (150-300 words)
- Background: 1-2 sentences establishing context
- Objective: 1 sentence stating the research question
- Methods: 2-3 sentences on approach (design, subjects, analyses)
- Results: 2-3 sentences on key findings (with numbers)
- Conclusion: 1-2 sentences on significance and implications

### Introduction (funnel structure)
1. Broad context (what is known)
2. Narrowing focus (what is specifically relevant)
3. Knowledge gap (what is NOT known)
4. Study rationale (why THIS study)
5. Objectives/hypothesis (what we aimed to do)

### Methods (reproducibility is key)
- Study design and setting
- Participants/samples (inclusion/exclusion criteria)
- Variables and measurements
- Statistical analysis plan (pre-specified)
- Ethics approval and consent

### Results (data-driven narrative)
- Present results in the order of objectives
- Reference every figure and table
- Report exact statistics (test, df, p, effect size, CI)
- Do NOT interpret results here

### Discussion
1. Summary of main findings (1 paragraph)
2. Comparison with existing literature
3. Possible mechanisms/explanations
4. Strengths of the study
5. Limitations (be honest and specific)
6. Future directions
7. Conclusion (clinical/scientific significance)

## Citation Formatting
Support 100+ citation styles via CSL. Common:
- APA 7th: (Author, Year) / Author (Year)
- Vancouver: [1], [2] — numbered order of appearance
- Nature: superscript 1,2
- Cell: (Author et al., Year)

## Writing Tone by Journal Tier
- **Nature/Science**: Concise, high-impact. Every sentence earns its place.
- **Cell**: Comprehensive, mechanistic depth. Detailed Methods.
- **Lancet/NEJM**: Clinical focus, patient implications. Accessible language.
- **PNAS/eLife**: Balanced depth. Cross-disciplinary appeal.
- **PLoS ONE**: Methodological rigor over novelty.

## Bilingual Support
- English: standard academic conventions
- Chinese: different paragraph logic, more contextual setup, appropriate deference patterns