1. Writing your paper

2. Welcome
Session overview
Length – 1 hour
Presentations and activities
Ground Rules
Raise hand for urgent questions
Use chat for general questions and activities
Arriving late/leaving early

3. Learning outcomes
At the end of this workshop, you will:
be able to approach the process of literature review;
be able to produce a draft of your paper;
appreciate the purpose of, and be able to write, an
abstract.

4. Last session, we looked at...
Different types of papers
The basic structure of a paper
Some tips for getting started
Any questions?

5. The literature review
A critical summary and synthesis of key relevant
research that informs your paper
Shows that you know your field and provides a
context for your work
Highlights points for discussion later
Use reputable sources
It is fine to disagree, but provide evidence
Start broad then focus

6. Activity: getting up to speed
In the chat window, share any ideas you have for
quickly getting up to speed in an area in order to
write a literature review section.

7. Possible ways...
Read a meta-review
Talk to a librarian
Talk to colleagues in the field
Read the latest book
Recent conference proceedings
Review for key references
Systematic review

8. Writing the first draft... (1)
Have a specific time-limited target (e.g. a conference
or journal).
Write an outline (and stick to it).
Write first, review later.
Write in a way that suits you:
Add approximate word counts to sections.
Reward yourself.
Have a routine (and stick to it).
Work with others (writing or peer review).

9. Writing the first draft... (2)
Remember, you don’t have to write in order the paper
will be read.
Use figures and tables (when appropriate).
Regularly check your line of argument.
Ensure you revisit your literature/questions.
Have a break after you’ve written the first draft!

10. What does an abstract say?
What is the purpose of this paper?
What is the context of this paper?
What did you do?
What are your key findings?
Why is this important?

11. Some tips on writing the abstract
Stick to the word limit
Stick to conventions (e.g. structure, citations)
Summary, not teaser
The first line is very important
Be clear and to the point
Read other abstracts – which ones make you want to
read the paper