The document provides guidance on scientific academic writing. It outlines that academic writing should be clear, concise, structured, and backed by evidence from referenced sources. It recommends following a 6-step process: 1) plan by understanding the question and researching the topic, 2) read sources and take notes, 3) structure papers with an introduction, body, and conclusion, 4) draft and edit the writing, 5) incorporate references properly, and 6) submit the final paper. The document emphasizes organizing, planning, and supporting arguments with evidence from cited sources.

1. Scientific Academic Writing
Quick Tips
S. Morrow, University of
Edinburgh, 2021, CC BY-NC-SA,
unless otherwise indicated

2. Overview
• What is Academic Writing?
• Plan
• Structure
• Research
• Draft and Editing
• Referencing

3. What is Academic Writing?
• Clear and Concise
• Focussed and Structured
• Written in a formal tone and style
• Demonstrates evidence of learning and is backed up by
evidence
• Considers a subject critically, in different aspects

4. Academic Writing
6. Submit
5. Referencing
4. Draft and Edit
3. Structure
2. Read & Research
1. Plan

5. Getting Started: Planning Phase
1. Understand the question. Check any guidance given
(word count, required referencing style etc.)
2. Brainstorm
– What do you already know and what will you need to
research?
– Note down initial ideas e.g. key words, phrases, definitions and
questions
– Use whatever works for you: mind maps, sticky notes, paper
3. Organise into key points e.g. colour coding, ranking or
re-organising under keywords

6. © IAD, University of Edinburgh 2019 CC BY‐NC 4.0 www.ed.ac.uk/iad/
Getting started with an assignment
Start off by
thinking about
the task.
You can try the
method below.
Explore what you
already know
and what you
will need to
research.
Draft an early
outline structure.
Write up small bits
you can revise
later.
Adapting this method
No one method suits every person and every task, so be
prepared to adapt and experiment to find what you prefer.
• Instead of using paper you can use sticky notes on a wall or
table. This means you can move them around.
• You can use concept or mind mapping as a way to explore a
task and identify what you need to do next.
• For a longer more detailed assignment brief break the task
down into chunks and use several sheets of paper
Ask questions:
Who? What?
Where? When?
Why?
Take a large sheet
of paper and write
your assignment
title in the middle.
Add definitions.
Identify key words
and phrases.
Identify follow‐
up questions.
Use
colour
Potential
examples or
case studies
you could use .
Identify
command
words or
specific
instructions.
Potential
sources,
texts and
authors to
research. What else do you need to clarify?
Source http://www.docs.hss.ed.ac.uk/iad/Student_resources/Writing/IAD_Getting_started_with_an_assignment_CC_2019.pdf

7. Read and Research
• Use a wide range of sources to answer your essay
question and demonstrate a developing knowledge of
the subject
• Sources include:
– Course reading lists
– Academic journals (PubMed is a good place to start)
• Summarise findings in your own words and make a note
of relevant sources for including in your reference list

8. Structure
Academic writing usually has an introduction, a main body
and a conclusion, with focussed paragraphs to develop
arguments.
• Introduction - say what you are going to do and give
background information and context
• Main body – present, explore and develop each point in
a logical order
• Conclusion - bring together the main points and key
messages
Have a look at scientific journals to get an idea of how
articles are generally organised

9. Structure
Source https://webstockreview.net/image/essay-clipart-writing-center/1020672.html

10. Drafting and Editing
• Draft an early outline structure
• Select appropriate evidence to support each point
• Write a first draft
• Review the first draft: is it clear, logical and relevant?
• Re-draft and revise
• Edit and proofread for grammar and typos
• Ask someone to review your draft (often instructors will
do this)
• Expect to edit, re-draft and review as you go along

11. Referencing
1. You should identify a wide range of sources to
demonstrate knowledge and back up ideas, arguments
etc.
2. You must reference your sources correctly. This helps to
avoid cheating or plagiarism.
3. Citethemright provides help on referencing and
avoiding plagiarism
4. Make sure you follow your institution’s referencing
convention.

12. Summary
Scientific academic writing is:
1. Clear and concise
2. Organised and planned
3. Structured
4. Backed up by evidence and referenced

13. Useful Resources
• https://www.ed.ac.uk/institute-academic-development/study-
hub/learning-resources/writing
• https://www.rlf.org.uk/resources-home/
• https://www.citethemrightonline.com/about