Research writing journal

Think clearly. Write responsibly.

Practical guidance for turning sources, evidence and early ideas into careful academic work.

Latest guidance

Resources for every research stage

01

Build a thematic literature review

Define the review question, group sources by concepts, compare their evidence and finish each section by explaining what the comparison means.

  • Create a source matrix before drafting.
  • Use synthesis sentences to connect studies.
  • Separate documented gaps from possible gaps.
02

When does a claim need a citation?

Cite evidence, distinctive ideas, statistics, definitions and claims that readers may reasonably want to verify. Common knowledge usually does not require a reference.

  • Cite the source you actually consulted.
  • Add page numbers for direct quotations.
  • Check imported metadata before submission.
03

Use AI without losing your scholarly voice

AI can help clarify wording and question assumptions, but it cannot take responsibility for your evidence, interpretation or citations.

  • Keep your original notes and source trail.
  • Verify every factual or bibliographic claim.
  • Follow your institution’s disclosure policy.
04

Write a method section readers can evaluate

Describe what you did, why the approach fit the question and how each decision affects the strength and limits of the conclusions.

  • Explain sampling and inclusion decisions.
  • Document collection and analysis steps.
  • State limitations without hiding them.
05

Move from notes to an academic argument

Start with the conclusion each section must support, arrange evidence around that purpose and explicitly explain the reasoning between evidence and claim.

  • Draft a one-sentence section purpose.
  • Distinguish evidence from interpretation.
  • Use counter-evidence to refine the claim.
06

Paraphrasing is more than changing words

A responsible paraphrase reconstructs an idea after understanding it, uses an independent sentence structure and still credits the original source.

  • Read, close the source and explain the idea.
  • Compare your version with the original.
  • Retain attribution even after rewriting.