The LEAP research paper writing approach
Read the book “Write an Impactful Research Paper” by Martins Zaumanis to master academic writing, even if you don't have the writing gene
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gene
Get going by simply
AY OUT THE FACTS The breadth of information in a research
describing what you see paper oscillates between broad and narrow.
This allows the reader to first understand the
context, then dive into the details of the
study, before returning to see the impact.
This structure is designed to help the
PREPARE CHARTS AND GRAPHICS reader, not the writer!
✔Try multiple types of visuals but only use the ones that best convey the message
When writing, it is easier to lay out the facts in
✔Follow the eight chart design progressions: https://peerrecognized.com/chartprogressions
the narrow sections, step back to describe
DESCRIBE THE RESULTS them and step back again to explain the
✔Use declarative tone since you are simply describing observations broader picture. LEAP writing does this.
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XPLAIN THE RESULTS Explain what do the results mean by using logic and backing of previous scientific research
WRITE CONCLUSIONS
✔Summarize the key findings, starting with the most important one
✔Make conclusions standalone (short summary, avoid abbreviations)
DEFINE THE MESSAGE ✔Add an optional take-home message and suggest future research
✔Write the core message in a single sentence or two bullet points
POLISH OBJECTIVE
DISCUSS THE RESULTS ✔The objective should ask the question that is answered by the message
✔Explain the meaning of the results. Was the hypothesis confirmed? ✔(The research objective should be clear long before writing a paper)
✔Write bullet points that support the core message
✔List logical arguments for each bullet point, group them into sections DESCRIBE METHODS
✔Instead of repeating the study timeline, use a sequence that best tells the story ✔Include enough detail to allow reproducing the research
✔Convert arguments to full paragraphs; be confident but do not overhype ✔Provide references if the methods are known
✔Refer to both supportive and contradicting papers for maximum credibility ✔A methodology flow chart often adds clarity
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DVERTIZE THE RESEARCH Optimize for search terms and capture the interest of potential readers right from the start
COMPOSE TITLE
✔Capture the curiosity of potential readers using a descriptive title
WRITE INTRODUCTION
✔Include broad terms that are often searched
✔Explain how others tried and how you plan to
✔Add details that uniquely identify the researched subject
solve the research problem
✔Avoid jargon and abbreviations
✔Start with the broad and narrow down to details
✔Use keywords as title extension (instead of duplicating the words)
PREPARE ABSTRACT
A single paragraph with this structure: OPTIONAL: HIGHLIGHTS AND GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
(1) Why did we research this (2) Methodology (starts with «Here we...») ✔In the highlights show the core findings instead of what you did
(3) What we found (4) Conclusions ✔In the graphical abstract show the take-home message or methodology
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REPARE FOR SUBMISSION Select a journal to maximize exposure and hail the almighty reviewers
SUGGEST REVIEWERS
✔Who are experts in your field (and you have cited them)?
✔Who is starting a project on the topic of your paper?
✔Who do you want to impress?
SELECT THE JOURNAL ✔Suggesting superstar professors will increase the review time
✔Use these six parameters to select a journal
✔Tools for journal selection: https://peerrecognized.com/journals ANSWER THE REVIEWERS
✔Agree with most comments, but if you don’t, thoroughly explain why
✔Follow the “Authors guide” formatting requirements
✔Highlight changes in the manuscript
TAKE A BREAK AND EDIT ✔Do not take the comments personally and cool down before answering
✔Forget about the paper before returning to edit
✔Perform a thorough language check
WHAT IF YOU ARE STUCK?
✔Read the entire paper out loud and correct what sounds weird ✔Educate yourself by reading about prior research
✔Make notes with observations from your research
WRITE A COMPELLING COVER LETTER (template: https://peerrecognized.com/cover-letter)
✔Ask for help from your colleagues. Forming questions often helps
✔Explain how the findings relate to journal scope
✔Prepare various data charts and describe what you see
✔What impact they will have
✔Go for a long walk, leaving the phone at the office
✔Why this interests the journal audience
✔Focus on small tasks like understanding a particular result
✔Add legal statements as required in the author’s guide
This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International License. You may use and share it without changes and by providing attribution. Peer Recognized
Cite: Zaumanis M., Write an impactful research paper: A scientific writing technique that will shape your academic career , 2021, KDP, ISBN 979-8680546949 www.peerrecognized.com
