How to Write a Paper in a Weekend (By Prof. Pete Carr) 

Bravo, Professor Carr! Below are my notes that I think might benefit others. Key points: 1. don't procrastinate; 2. review the notes and renew the literature search; 3. determine who your audience is - most likely reviewers, so get their concerns firstly addressed; 4. create the outline and get the big picture done, i.e., complete the first draft while resisting the temptation to correct and edit as you go; the logical sequence of data/tables/figures may be the outline; while writing the first draft, take notes indicating what references might be needed and would be about, but don't stop to collect the references; 5. begin with the easier part of the task - experimental section rather then the introduction; then follows the results and discussion section; 6. then comes the really hard part - critical editing where you make sure that the English is coherent and the science is correct; 7. write the conclusion in a numbered format; 8. then comes the abstract and the acknowledgements; 9. now comes the introduction, the two most important things to address in which are the purpose and relevant background; 9. then collect the references. Some final notes: 1. always check the manuscript requirements for the journal of interests. 2. a few references on writing. Please refer to the video.

Really, the best advice I can give anyone writing a research paper is to KNOW YOUR TOPIC. Read and read and read and read and read and read about it. Read weeks before you're going to write it. Read in between meals, when you're in commute, waiting for a friend in a cafe - just read. Don't even think of the structure or the content. Just read everything you can find about it and bookmark everything. Finally, when you know the topic by heart, when you can discuss it and talk about it without even needing to look at the original articles and sources, you'll find that writing the paper would come naturally to you. You'll be able to form important discussion points just from what you read - all because you understood what you're writing about. Then you can begin going through your sources, jotting down notes, highighting key elements you want to use to support your statements. You won't have a hard time piecing them together because you're working from the top down rather than trying to put puzzle pieces together and seeing what fits to form a narrative. tldr: READ

PRELIMINARES (1:32) 1:37 Review and renew your literature 1:57 Who is your audience? 3:13 The big picture 3:19 Producing initial draft 3:44 No editing before your first draft THE “ALGORITHM” (4:08) 4:23 Just get started 4:30 Create an outline 4:54 The outline is easy to do 5:40 Do not write the introduction to the paper at this time 6:03 The easiest part of the paper 6:19 Write the results and discussion following the outline CRITICAL PART 7:00 concise and cohorent English FINAL PART OF THE “ALGORITHM” 7:15 write the conclusions 7:42 To do the introduction VERY LAST STEP OF THE “ALGORITHM” 8:15 Producing references for the paper

During my Degree studies, I developed a model of essay-preparation that was largely responsible for high 90s and 100% marks. The university actually asked me to document the approach and they shared it with other students. I call it my Christmas Tree model. On a blank DIN A3 sheet of paper I drew a cartoon-like Xmas tree, with a bucket/pot at the bottom, a trunk tapering up towards a crowning star and a number of branches projecting from each side of the trunk. I then took small post-its and 'decorated' the tree. The bucket had post-its with one-liners describing pertinent background and origins. The trunk had the thesis/question of the essay/paper (always word-for-word if possible!). The branches were populated with obligatory points from the set reading and lectures as well as discovered information from material BEYOND the set literature and sources; indicates a willingness to look beyond the spoon-fed. With the baubles of information on the tree, I would set imaginary tinsel criss-crossing the branches, connecting post-its with related information or highlighting causalities/opportunities not immediately obvious from the reading; 'synthesis' of ideas shows creativity and analytical thinking rather than straight regurgitation. Around the base of the tree, I would add 'presents' representing useful quotes, factoids and also key bibliography components; again, adding references to multiple forms and sources of media not contained in the set literature shows a desire to 'look beyond'. With the initial look of the tree established, I would then do that one last thing - place the Conclusion 'star' at the top. The conclusion would draw together all of the salient points, making certain that the actual thesis/question is reacted to properly (keep your eye on the trunk!) and maybe throw in some out-of-the-box synthesis or suggestions. The beauty of this highly visual method is that a) the post-its can be re-arranged, removed, re-worded or added to, permitting quick experiments in re-focus and content, b) the entire guts of the potential essay can be seen schematically at a glance, highlighting omissions, superfluous info and possible connections. If all of the desired bullet-points are there, it's time to translate those short texts into paragraphs within a classic essay/report format. Some might say that there are online and app-based option that do roughly the same. Go for it! I'm a lo-tech, visual-learning guy and the ability to redact postits physically connects me to the work better. Good luck everybody.

Thank you sir! I'm in my 50's back in college and it's been forever since I've written a paper. This video/review has been invaluable.

To everyone having a hard time with procrastinating, here are some tips. Start by opening a doc and giving it a title, this gives you a clear starting point that's not stressful. Take the prior knowledge you have about the subject, and use that as a jumping-off point to start research. The more comfortable you are with the subject, the more comfortable you'll be with the paper. Plan to do the assignment at a specific date and time, and when that time comes go to a non-distracting environment. Give yourself a specific cue to start assignments, like a song that you only listen to when you're working. Make a playlist and write at least one sentence every time a new song starts. Eat a chocolate chip (or other small snack) after each sentence or paragraph. Hope this helps!

this guy is the real spirit of a mentor. Great man . Real teacher still exists . HONOUR AND RESPECT .

This guy is so old school and knowledgable and yet his power point slides and video are so on point. Thank you!

Who is here watching.... and you are procrastinating by watching, not writing?

The advice is applicable for writing on many subjects not just Chemistry. Thank you.

What a wonderful person to share such important points in few minutes very clearly. Grateful!

I come back to this video again and again. A gem. Thank you!

Thanks Professor, I'm an engineer working in an S&T organization where we now have to publish more. It's been years since Uni days, and this was a great presentation to help prevent procrastination, and it's how I like to work in assembling a paper naturally.

This was so charming and relaxing to watch! Thanks for sharing your expertise, Professor Carr!

Great to hear a matured man speak coherently with a lot of substance in RU-vid which has a lot of hyper content. Thank you Professor.

Thank you, Professor Carr! Excellent advice. Please keep making such videos that are both interesting and useful!

As an instructor myself, these are some of the best and most relevant suggestions on writing a research paper that I have ever come across. Thank you!

This... is actually pretty good. I didn't think I would learn something new out of this gentleman, but this is awesome. I like the don'ts and how he emphasizes on avoiding procrastination. All those 30+ years of experience are no joke. Way to go to Prof. Pete Carr for sharing.

I really love Prof. Carr's way of organizing and delivering the information. Keep up the good work

Thank You, Professor Carr. I believe when people tend to share, they are getting perfect. You are a good example to professorship.

Thank you for sharing your wisdom gathered through years of doing research! As a graduate student myself I really enjoy and profit from your videos. They break down the most important parts of getting work done efficiently. You are a great help!

Thank you so much Professor Carr. You helped me get over all the procrastination

Thanks Professor! Good to see you again!

It is such a blessing to listen and try to follow your guidelines Professor Pete. They matters a lot and invaluable. Thank you so much and the team!

I am deeply grateful to Prof Carr and all who participated in making this set of videos available to us!!! I have discovered it while in a deep state of procrastination, keeping me from my work. So THANK YOU!!!

Thank you Prof.Carr I enjoyed your information. Will use it.

Every time I am writing a review or paper I watch this. Thank you very much!

The audio room tone, the environment, the man, the topic. I love this video!

Thank you professor for sharing your valuable words with us.

Dont procrasinate Work from an outline Data in logical order Write experimental (not intro) Results / discussion Review stage Clean up Introduction (purpose, context) Referencing

Thank you! I am an investigateor/graduate student of the behavioral sciences and i found this video very helpful. I love your style of being straight-forward, no-fluff. Thank you, again this was very helpful.

Thank you Professor Carr, you did a remarkable job describing this process. I am always impressed when someone, such as your self, has the skill to explain complex processes in simple yet precise terms. That is, without the need to shield oneself with technocratic language and discourses. Outstanding!

Very nice and helpful tips, please upload more videos

I like this video. It's a short version of useful and practical advice that is easy to understand . Thank you very much.

concise and lovely timeless gift from the professor

Awesome how you manage to make me enthusiastic to work on economic papers again with such a small video, many thanks!

I found this really helpful! It's weekend and I have started writing the first draft. :) Thank you, sir!

I am applying to graduate school soon and writing a paper right now........This really helped. Thanks Prof. Carr!

Professor Carr, thanks for a simple breakdown of the writing process. Procrastination is my nemesis, and I am glad you directly addressed this component.

Thank you for sharing your sage advice and algorithm, and also the helpful references!

it addressed most of the questions regarding preparing an academic paper

Great concise presentation profressor! Thanks for this !

To hear the recap of the points from an experienced person like you is great!

Thank you so much Professor Pete. I'm from Brasil and you are helping reseachers around the world. Cheers.

"Resist the temptation to correct and edit" such a good advice.

Great advice, especially for beginning writers. I agree wholeheartedly with the tip about not editing and correcting when writing the first draft. Trying to write a perfect sentence the first time will slow you down and possibly lead to paralysis. Get the ideas and logical flow down first, then go back and correct the grammar and punctuation.

Thank you, Prof. Carr. Your advice are gold!

Oh my, I was so happy to see this! Thank you so much! Ready to rock the weekend and finally write my first draft!

I WISH I HAD FOUND THIS A MONTH AGO. Im struggling to write my thesis right now because I didn't manage to make an outline and just started writing anything that comes to my mind (With prior research of course). As Im watching this, Im writing en email to my professor asking for an extension so I could at least, redo most parts so it wont turn into garbage. Thank you good sir. Good health to you.

I wish I had you as an adviser when I was doing my MSc, especially at first. I found all these points the slow and painful method.

Goodness, this is soooo well explained. Thank you for this Sir. Writing has always been such an anxious process for me. I really feel like you've addressed all my stumbling blocks one by one.

Adorable, thank you!! What a great person who actually supports their students!

this video is the real essence of writing a paper . thanks , Professor Carr .

Professor Pete, I am so eternally thankful for your channel, for your investment. Thank you so very much for giving your time and knowledge. You are inspiring, I should have found your channel much sooner. I had a lovely listen

This is the BEST TUTORIAL in the subject that I’ve come across! Thank you so much!

Professor Carr, glad I found this video. Thank you, you're great!

Thank you so so much!! This saved my paper, I was just starting to think about dropping it because it was getting very overwhelming to start. Right when you said "Your job now is to produce a complete draft, not a perfect draft" I changed my mind, and actually encouraged me to get started!!

Thank you so much, Professor! This helped me a lot!

Thank you for producing this video. I actually found it to be common sense and it validates my own method. I am sure there are many young students who will greatly benefit.

Wow, what an amazing video. Thanks for sharing!

Writing my first paper was so brutal that I thought my decision to go to grad school was a bad idea lol Thank you for the advice

MegaLUL thank you professor car

Beautiful and simple! Thank you professor.

Thank You very much Professor Carr ! This was exactly what I needed to hear. Respect and Love from India.

💪 FeelsStrongMan He is real, I'm not insane after all....

Thanks for useful tips ...

What a contribution, Prof. Carr! Thank you very much. Another point in your office: Only change one thing a a time!

I don't know how I can appreciate you Prof. Pete Carr. Not only your super insightful video but also your amazing advice in the email deserves my warm appreciations. I strongly recommend this video to all researchers, from entry-level ones to seniors: entry-level ppl get outta it via having a feasible way to continue floatily on the research phases & seniors can accelerate their tasks via Prof. Carr's method.

I always enjoy watching this valuable lecture. Best wishes

Thank you professor Carr! These tips are really useful! :)

Trying to be perfect is my biggest problem and I am wasting my time. Thank you Prof. STAY BLESSED!!!

Thanks very much for sharing the precious experience about writing papers

Super useful! coming from a first year grad student with little support from their professor/research team :) thanks!!

I just want to say Thank you so much sir for posting this. I used this reference in my paper for Archaeology last year and I never write good papers, but with your format I got an 80%.

clear, short and concise! thank you Prof Carr!

Thanks Prof. These remain timeless pieces of advice to any graduate student.

The first 5:30 are the same as writing outside the sciences. All of this is beneficial. Thanks.

Thanks for your ideas! I'm finally (after 45 years) trying to finish a PhD. This is super helpful.

Bardzo dziękuję za proste i zrozumiałe wyjaśnienie tematu pisania manuskryptu pracy naukowej. Tego mi było trzeba, zawiły problem wyjaśniony w prosty sposób - takie rzeczy potrafi tylko prawdziwy profesor. It was my particular purpose to write it in my mother language to make everyone knows the not only US students watch this video but european as well.

I learned a lot with this video. Thank you very much for your teaching, Dr. Carr.

Thank you Prof. Your advise has been very useful. I hope you could share about the introduction of different types of journals especially for business / higher education teaching and learning areas i.e. the nature of different types of journals - interpretive, analytical, case-study etc. Thank you.

I am half way through writing my 1st draft, and till now, I have unknowingly/luckily been following this "algorithm". Nervous days here! Thanks for this video.

Thank you so much, Professor!

Thank you 🙏🏻 Prof. Carr, i appreciate your work, it has really helped me

you sir are brilliant, thank you so much!

Great contribution, personally I only differ in one point. I like to add to the document a quick reference (using automatic reference generator) while working on it, not doing so makes the work harder afterwards. Sometimes we read many articles and books and not referencing while writing makes difficult putting everything together at the end because its really hard to remember the exact page or paper from were we got the information. So my "notes" are quick generated references I guess :P. Besides that I found the algorithm very interesting. Thanks for sharing your knowledge

This is brilliant! Thank you! I had never thought about waiting to write the Intro as the last step. Very helpful! I’m working on a paper right now and will try your algorithm out.

Absolutely helpful. Thank you so much for sharing. I truly appreciate your wisdom.

Hi Prof, I wrote it in 26 straight hours and got a high mark !

It's been very useful for my paper that i wrote.I definitely changed my mind :)

Hello, Professor Carr. First off, it's a pleasure to engage with someone of your expertise from the University of Minnesota's Department of Chemistry. Your insights into the research paper writing process are invaluable, especially for early-career scientists. You've provided a comprehensive breakdown of the process, covering everything from the preliminary steps to the importance of producing a first draft without getting bogged down in corrections. The structured approach you've laid out is incredibly practical: 1. Preliminary steps, including updating literature reviews. 2. Determining the audience and paper purpose. 3. Creating an initial draft as a creative process without immediate editing. 4. The importance of an outline. 5. Starting with the experimental section. 6. Moving to the results and discussion. 7. Undertaking the hard critical editing. 8. Writing conclusions and the introduction. 9. Incorporating references. Emphasizing the significance of adhering to journal manuscript requirements and highlighting Professor Royce Murray's paper as a unique resource was a great touch. Your approach to research paper writing is practical and, most importantly, it emphasizes clarity and a systematic approach. As with any craft, writing takes practice, and your guidelines provide a robust framework that can reduce anxiety for new researchers. Thank you for sharing your expertise. I'm sure many researchers, especially those just starting out, would find these guidelines invaluable.

Thank you so much. I have found this so helpful and encourging. so much wisdom

Great, simple explanation and motivation

"The real primary reader is the reviewer, these are the gate keepers and it is very important that you adress their concerns"

This is a great content! Thanks for sharing all these useful advices!

I actually came back to re-energize my morale, now I am starting my experimental. Thank you Prof.

This man literally is sharing his secret of studying easily and nicely.

I am here because of the title indicating that I might have the possibility to finish my paper over the weekend. ;P

Thank you, Professor , I'm really stacked by the article.

Thanks for sharing your experience. Excelent video.