Jon Ginsburg

How to Write a Good Journal Article

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Writing a journal article takes preparation and dedication. There several factors to keep in mind as you construct your first journal article in the hope and anticipation of getting published.

How to Write a Good Journal Article

Once you have begun your graduate school path, you will likely find that there is an “extra” expectation during your time as a student – publish a journal article. This naturally strikes fear in most students. This expectation cannot be prepared for by studying a text. Nor can pulling an all-nighter do it. Writing a journal article takes preparation and dedication. There several factors to keep in mind as you construct your first journal article in the hope and anticipation of getting published.

One important factor is the style of writing needed to succeed at writing a journal article in order to get it published. This is not an exercise in flowery prose or cleverly turned phrases like you would use in a creative writing course. This type of writing demands that you are accurate and clear. In order to achieve this, leave all the extra verbiage at home. Ask your academic advisor for a sample of the standard format for journal articles in your field of study. This will demonstrate organizational styles and structure into which you can insert your topic categories and subcategories. Those reading the submission will expect this, so use it!

Part of clarity in writing should focus on the reader’s perception of your thesis. Is it a resounding presence throughout your journal article? Or, is it lost in circuitous routes among other points and subpoints, themes and sub-themes? Your thesis should be the one idea the reader takes away from your journal article after they read the last sentence. If they cannot tell you this, then you have not succeeded. Remember it is your responsibility to construct and write words, sentences, paragraphs, sections and an entire piece with coherence. It is not the “duty” of the reader to decipher, interpret, or otherwise make sense of your journal article.

While your journal article will contain technical and specialized information, it is important to make it accessible to a wide audience. In order to accomplish this, write as if you were teaching an introductory class on your subject matter. With this frame of mind, you are more likely to communicate clearly and effectively. This approach is best used in the introduction and discussion sections of the journal article. Leave the technical speak to its respective sections, which are the methods and results sections. As you compose your journal articles, let clarity be your goal. This will assist with your writing process, and increase the chances of publication in your intended professional journal.

Article Tags: Good Journal, Journal Article

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