#32 Simple writing frameworks

Read time: 3 min.

When I first started writing academic papers, I struggled.

Until I found and used these 5 frameworks.

If you also struggle to write your academic paper writing, this is for you.

I want to list here common and simple frameworks that can help you with your writing.

Let’s start with my favorite one:

1- IMRAD: Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion

• Introduction: State the problem, highlight its importance

• Methods: Detail data collection and analysis

• Results: Present findings with data and visuals

• Discussion: Interpret results, discuss their significance

It’s commonly used in academic journals.

That’s the structure I have used in all my papers.
And also in my presentations (conference papers, posters etc.)

2- PEEL: Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link

• Point: State the main idea

• Evidence: Provide supporting data

• Explanation: Link evidence to the main idea

• Link: Connect to the overall argument, transition to the next point

This structure is quite useful when you want to write your sections within your manuscripts.

Very effective for creating well-structured paragraphs.

3- Cause and Effect

• Introduction: Set the context and topic

• Causes: Outline contributing factors

• Effects: Describe the outcomes and implications

• Conclusion: Summarize and provide final insights

If you are dealing with causes and effects, use this framework to explore causal relationships between factors, outcomes, and implications.

4- Compare and Contrast

• Introduction: Present the subjects and context

• Comparison: Identify similarities and patterns

• Contrast: Examine differences and their significance

• Conclusion: Offer a final evaluation

This is the ideal framework to encourage critical analysis.

5- Problem-Solution

• Problem: Define the issue, and explain why it matters

• Solution: Propose a solution, and discuss pros and cons

This Problem-solution framework is widely used in essays and grant proposals to tackle real-world problems.

That's all for this week.

If you think I've missed anything or have additional suggestions, please let us know in the comments.

As always, if you need clarification or assistance with your research projects, feel free to reach out to me, and I will respond.

See you next Sunday!

Jamal

My favorite things this week

1. I planned several public webinars in English and French for the last quarter of 2024. Stay tuned!

2.  Interesting discussions with a research center in Africa focusing on virology/tropical diseases.