Academic Journal Formats

An academic paper or journal article may be formatted in the following ways:

Scientific/IMRaD:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Title
Authors
Abstract (IMRAD in four-five sentences)
Key Words
Introduction (Problem and hypothesis)
(Literature searchmay be integrated into the introduction or methods sections in
some papers)
7. Methods (and Materials; may include a rationale for selecting the methods)
8. Results
9. And
10.
Discussion (Was the hypothesis proven? What are the implications or significance
of these results? What were possible problems or limitations? What needs to be
researched next?)
11.(Acknowledgements)
12.References
13.(Appendix)
The article may include many sub-studies that contribute to the larger study. These sub-studies
may all have the IMRaD format.
Humanities
I.

II.

III.

IV.

Introduction:
a. Common ground/connect with the reader
b. Problem
i. Lack of understanding (We havent understood Y)
ii. Misunderstanding (We thought Y, but we were wrong)
iii. Conflict of theories (J and P disagree; how can we resolve these issues?
iv. Unanswered question (A, B, C, and D have tried to solve Q, but failed)
v. Practical problem (A isnt working/is a problem. What is the solution?)
c. Thesisa better understanding or solution
d. Plan
Logical argument (More flexible than IMRaD model, but should include the following
elements)
a. Background
b. Evidence
c. Logic that shows how evidence supports claim (The logic and evidence must be
together)
d. Response to counter-arguments
Conclusion
a. Summarize argument
b. Restate thesis
c. Tie back to significance or original context
Works Cited

Not a journal format, but a classic organization for writing and speeches:
Classical Model of a Speech
Greek: taxis Latin: disposition

English: arrangement

1. Exordium/Introduction
a. Introduce the topic
b. Interest the audience
2. Narratio/Statement of fact
a. Organized, vivid, believable
b. Important for judicial and ceremonial speeches; not so much for deliberative
3. Divisio/Outline of the speech
4. Confirmatio/Arguments
a. Organize arguments in the most persuasive way (Weak to Strong; less contestable
to more contested)
5. Refutatio/Refutation of opposing arguments
6. Peroratio/Conclusion
a. Elicit a positive pathos
b. Review and highlight arguments; review refutation
c. Restate main point
Reference for Classical Model: Corbett, Edward and Robert Connors. Classical Rhetoric for the
Modern Student. New York: Oxford University Press, 1999. Print.