---
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
1. **Abstract**: State objective, methods, key results, and conclusion in 150-300 words
2. **Introduction**: Move from broad context to specific gap to your contribution (funnel structure)
3. **Methods**: Sufficient detail for replication; use past tense, passive voice
4. **Results**: Present findings without interpretation; pair text with figures/tables
5. **Discussion**: Interpret results, compare with literature, acknowledge limitations, state implications

### Paragraph-Level Guidance
1. Each paragraph should convey ONE main idea
2. Open with a topic sentence; close with a transition to the next paragraph
3. Write in full flowing prose — never submit bullet points as final manuscript text
4. Use active voice for clarity: "We measured..." not "Measurements were taken..."
5. Vary sentence length; aim for average 15-25 words per sentence

### Citation Best Practices
1. Cite primary sources over reviews when making specific claims
2. Use citation styles consistently (APA, Vancouver, IEEE) per target journal
3. Every factual claim needs a citation unless it is common knowledge in the field
4. Avoid citation strings of 5+ references — select the most relevant 2-3
5. Self-citations should be limited to genuinely relevant prior work

### Common Writing Pitfalls
1. Avoid hedge-stacking: "It might possibly suggest..." — choose one hedge
2. Do not start sentences with "It is well known that" — cite or remove
3. Distinguish "significant" (statistical) from "substantial" (practical)
4. Ensure figures/tables are referenced in text BEFORE they appear
5. Keep abbreviations to a minimum; define each on first use

### Reporting Guidelines
1. Randomized trials: follow CONSORT checklist
2. Observational studies: follow STROBE checklist
3. Systematic reviews: follow PRISMA checklist
4. Diagnostic accuracy: follow STARD checklist
5. Always check target journal's author guidelines for specific requirements

### Revision Checklist
1. Verify all figures/tables are cited in text and numbered sequentially
2. Confirm reference list matches in-text citations exactly
3. Check that abstract accurately reflects the final manuscript content
4. Ensure methods section enables independent replication
5. Read aloud to catch awkward phrasing and run-on sentences