How to Make Your Academic Writing Solid

Think about every sentence of a paragraph

When I write different sections of an article or edit an already-written piece, I  take care of each sentence of the paragraph. I ask the following questions:

Is the sentence relevant to the topic sentence of the paragraph? In other words, can I remove the sentence without hampering the message I want to convey?

Should I merge the sentence with another one to improve the  message? For example, if I am talking about the different benefits of something, I can bring those in a single sentence containing a list of those benefits rather than using  multiple sentences, if a more detailed discussion of each benefit is unnecessary. 

Is it the appropriate place for the sentence? Should I transfer the sentence to another paragraph due to relevance to the paragraph?  

Should I add a linking word or make some other modification to make the sentence more meaningful i.e. able to enhance the overall meaning of the paragraph? 

Think about every paragraph

A paragraph is a collection of sentences that, as a whole, make a main argument or talks about a main topic. In doing so a paragraph should have a topic sentence (containing the main topic or argument) accompanied by a number of supporting sentences (representing the supporting arguments or details). The discussion of a paragraph should fit the section you are working in.

Should I talk more about the research study under the section i.e. by adding another paragraph? In this case, I follow guidelines on the standard structure of different types of scientific research papers. However, I try to create a logical connection between paragraphs. 

Think about the sections

You have to think about the necessity of each section. When you are adding another section or sub-section that is not specifically required/mentioned by the journal/publisher, you must think twice about the justification for its inclusion. If you need to highlight a specific issue related to your paper that may strengthen your article, you may add a subsection under another section or you may add a new section if the discussion is that much important.

Your discussion under a section must add value to your writing by justifying your research, theoretical lens adopted, context, sample, research design or by highlighting the novelty and implications of your findings.

Why We Refer to Previous Studies

Amateur writers think that we must refer to the findings of papers on similar or identical topics. That is not true. We do not cite other papers just because it is a tradition. Rather there should be logical reasons behind reference to other papers. We need to include other people's findings and arguments for a number of reasons. 

To describe what work has already been done.  

To prove that something is yet to be done by previous researchers i.e. to support the gap identified 

To support our own findings, arguments, theories

To put it simply, you must think about each word, sentence, paragraph, and section to make them better in a way that they add value/strengthen your paper. If you think any element of your writing does not assist you in conveying your message/making your arguments, you may need to delete it.