The document outlines the main sections of a research article, including the title, abstract, introduction, methodology, results, conclusions, and references. It provides the main functions and preferred writing styles for each section, such as keeping the title and abstract short and concise while using past tense for the methodology. Rules of thumb are also given for each section, such as avoiding redundancy in the title and focusing the conclusions on answering the research questions rather than recapping results.

1. Table 2. Research Article Sections (RAS), main functions, preferred style and related rules of
RAS Main functions Preferred style Rules of thumb
Title - indicates content and main - short and simple (7-10 - avoid complex grammar;
discoveries; words); - make it catchy!
- attracts the reader's attention; - purposive (aims at specific - avoid redundancy (quot;An
audience); investigation of... quot;, quot;The analysis
of... quot;, quot;Effect of... quot;, quot;Influence
of...quot;, quot;New method...);
Abstract - reflects the main 'story' of the - past (perfect) tense and - avoid introducing the topic;
RA; passive voice(!) - explain: what was done, what
- calls attention but avoids - short and concise was found and what are the main
extra explanations; sentences; conclusions;
- no citations, tables, - bring summary 'numbers';
equations, graphs etc.
Introduction - introduces the topic and - simple tense for reffering - use the state-of-the-art references;
defines the terminology; to established knowledge or - follow the logical moves;
- relates to the existing past tense for literature - define your terminology to avoid
research; review; confusion;
- indicated the focus of the
paper and research objectives;
Methodology - provides enough detail for - past tense but active - mention everything you did that
competent researchers to repeat voice(!); can make importance to the results;
the experiment; - correct and internationally - don't cover your traces (quot;some
- who, what, when, where, how recognised style and format data was ignoredquot;), establish an
and why? (units, variables, materials authors voice (quot;we decided to
etc.); ignored this dataquot;);
- if a technique is familiar, only use
its name (don't re-explain);
- use simple(st) example to explain
complex methodology;

2. Methodology - provides enough detail for - past tense but active - mention everything you did that
competent researchers to repeat voice(!); can make importance to the results;
the experiment; - correct and internationally - don't cover your traces (quot;some
- who, what, when, where, how recognised style and format data was ignoredquot;), establish an
and why? (units, variables, materials authors voice (quot;we decided to
etc.); ignored this dataquot;);
- if a technique is familiar, only use
its name (don't re-explain);
- use simple(st) example to explain
complex methodology;
Results - gives summary results in - past tense; - present summary data related to
graphics and numbers; - use tables and graphs and the RA objectives and not all
- compares different other illustrations; research results;
'treatments'; - give more emphasise on what
- gives quantified proofs should be emphasised - call
(statistical tests); attention to the most significant
findings;
- make clear separation between
yours and others work;
Conclusions - answers research - simple or present tense - do not recapitulate results but
and questions/objectives; (past tense if it is related to make statements;
Discussion - explains discrepancies and results); - make strong statements (avoid quot;It
unexpected findings; - allows scientific may be concluded... quot; style);
- states importance of speculations (if necessary); - do not hide unexpected results -
discoveries and future they can be the most important;
implications;
References - gives list of related literature - depends on journal but - always cite the most accessible
and information sources; authors/editors, year and references;
title must be included; - cite primary source rather than
review papers;