scientific-writing

name scientific-writing description Academic manuscript writing with IMRAD structure, citation formatting, and reporting guidelines. Use when drafting or revising research papers. metadata {"category":"writing","trigger-keywords":"paper,manuscript,writing,IMRAD,citation,abstract,introduction,methods,results,discussion","applicable-stages":"16,17,19","priority":"2","version":"1.0","author":"researchclaw","references":"adapted from K-Dense-AI/claude-scientific-skills"} Scientific Writing Best Practice IMRAD Structure Abstract : State objective, methods, key results, and conclusion in 150-300 words Introduction : Move from broad context to specific gap to your contribution (funnel structure) Methods : Sufficient detail for replication; use past tense, passive voice Results : Present findings without interpretation; pair text with figures/tables Discussion : Interpret results, compare with literature, acknowledge limitations, state implications Paragraph-Level Guidance Each paragraph should convey ONE main idea Open with a topic sentence; close with a transition to the next paragraph Write in full flowing prose — never submit bullet points as final manuscript text Use active voice for clarity: "We measured..." not "Measurements were taken..." Vary sentence length; aim for average 15-25 words per sentence Citation Best Practices Cite primary sources over reviews when making specific claims Use citation styles consistently (APA, Vancouver, IEEE) per target journal Every factual claim needs a citation unless it is common knowledge in the field Avoid citation strings of 5+ references — select the most relevant 2-3 Self-citations should be limited to genuinely relevant prior work Common Writing Pitfalls Avoid hedge-stacking: "It might possibly suggest..." — choose one hedge Do not start sentences with "It is well known that" — cite or remove Distinguish "significant" (statistical) from "substantial" (practical) Ensure figures/tables are referenced in text BEFORE they appear Keep abbreviations to a minimum; define each on first use Reporting Guidelines Randomized trials: follow CONSORT checklist Observational studies: follow STROBE checklist Systematic reviews: follow PRISMA checklist Diagnostic accuracy: follow STARD checklist Always check target journal's author guidelines for specific requirements Revision Checklist Verify all figures/tables are cited in text and numbered sequentially Confirm reference list matches in-text citations exactly Check that abstract accurately reflects the final manuscript content Ensure methods section enables independent replication Read aloud to catch awkward phrasing and run-on sentences