Guidlines

Guidance on Sections

Keywords. Keywords provide a rapid classification of the paper. They should be synonyms and closely related words relevant to the paper's topic, text, and classification.

Body of paper. The body presents the evidence, arguments, and information the author wants the reader to understand. Useful questions to guide it: Does the body give enough information to explain the main point clearly? Is there extra material that does not need to be included? Is the paper organized with clear headings and subheadings that help the reader follow the main points? Does the subject flow in a clear and logical order, without missing steps or confusing jumps? Are graphs, charts, photographs, or drawings used where helpful, and are they clear? Do the facts and evidence support the final conclusion?

Discussion. The discussion interprets the significance of the results, compares them with relevant previous studies, addresses possible objections or alternative explanations, identifies limitations, and explains how the findings contribute to the broader research question. It should not merely repeat the results but explain their meaning and importance.

Conclusion. The conclusion states the final results, emphasizes the most important points, and points the reader toward relevance for other areas. Always compare the results with the original theory, especially where the results do not match expectations, then note possible applications or areas for further investigation. The conclusion should be clear and concise.

Nomenclature (optional). Use a nomenclature table or glossary if the paper makes extensive use of symbols or terminology, so that lengthy explanations do not break the train of thought in the main text. Anything vital to understanding the paper should remain in the body.

Appendices (optional). Appendices hold material that is helpful but not necessary for understanding the main paper, such as long explanations, detailed methods, large tables, or complex calculations. Label each as “Appendix A,” “Appendix B,” and so on, followed by a short title. A single appendix is simply titled “Appendix.”

Figures (with captions). Figures include photographs, drawings, graphs, maps, charts, and diagrams. Number them in the order they appear (Figure 1, Figure 2, and so on) and give each a short title and, if needed, a brief caption. Refer to figures by number in the text, for example “please see Figure 2,” and in parentheses the short form “fig. 2” may be used. If a live Google Document already contains the images, they must still be numbered in order and given a clear title or caption.

Plates (with captions). A plate is usually a full-page illustration or image. Follow the same rules as for figures, numbering each in order (Plate 1, Plate 2, and so on) with a short title or caption. Always write out the word “plate” in full in the text, even in parentheses, for example “please see plate 1.”