How to Write a Technical Paper: A Guide to Structured and Impactful Writing for High School Students

Part 1: Foundations

8 min readApr 14, 2024

As a junior at Tesla STEM High School, where I serve as Vice President of the Writing Club and Head of Technical Writing, I understand the challenges students face in mastering the skills required for successful paper publication. When it came time to compile and submit my first scientific article to a journal, I realized that comprehensive resources on this topic were scarce. Recognizing the need for such guidance, especially in a school like mine where many students aspire to contribute to research and publications, I was motivated to create this guide.

Technical papers serve as a critical medium for sharing research findings, innovations, and technical knowledge not only within the academic and professional community but also in promoting broader societal advancements. However, crafting a paper that is both informative and engaging can be a daunting task. This guide aims to decode the process, offering a structured approach to writing technical papers that make an impact.

Through this Medium article series, I aim to share valuable insights and structured strategies to help fellow students. This is the first installment in a three-part series designed to equip you with the skills to write clear, effective technical papers. We’ll explore effective ways to communicate complex ideas, which is critically important in the ever-evolving landscape of technology and research.

Throughout this series, we will delve into various aspects of the writing process:

Part 1: Foundations — In this installment, we are starting with the basics: understanding your audience, selecting a topic, conducting research, and deciding where to publish.

Part 2: Structure — The next installment will focus on how to structure your paper effectively, discussing components such as the introduction, methodology, results, and discussion.

Part 3: Style and Final Touches — The final part will cover refining your writing style, revising your draft, and ensuring that your paper meets the standards required for publication.

Now that we’ve set the stage, let’s dive into the specifics of this series. Each part is designed to build on the previous, forming a comprehensive guide from the ground up.

As you embark on this journey, remember that the process of writing a technical paper is as much about communication as it is about research. Let’s discuss how to strategically manage your research and publication process, which is crucial for achieving success both academically and professionally.

STEP 1: Choosing a Topic

Selecting the right topic is the first critical step. The research topic should not only pique your interest but also have relevance in the current scientific or technological landscape. Novelty is key; your paper should contribute new insights or approaches to the field. Define the scope of your paper carefully to ensure that your topic is manageable and that you can cover it in sufficient depth within the constraints of your paper.

After selecting a topic that intrigues and challenges you, the next step is to tailor this topic to your intended audience. Understanding who will read your paper is essential for determining the level of complexity and the depth of information you should include.

STEP 2: Understanding Your Audience

One of the most important steps in writing a technical paper is to identify your audience. Are they experts in the field, industry professionals, fellow researchers, or students? Understanding your readers’ background and expectations will guide the tone, depth, and complexity of your writing. For instance:

Industry Professionals: May prefer a focus on practical applications and implications of the research, with less emphasis on methodological detail unless it directly influences operational outcomes.

Researchers: Typically look for detailed methodological information, theoretical contributions, and discussions about the significance of results within the existing body of knowledge.

Students: Often benefit from more explanatory sections that help them understand complex concepts and methodologies, which might include more background information and definitions.

Tailoring your content to meet your audience’s needs ensures that your message is received and understood as intended. This careful consideration not only enhances readability but also engagement with your work, making your research accessible to all levels of expertise within your field. Once we know who our audience is and what they expect, we can choose a topic that addresses their specific interests and needs, ensuring our research is both impactful and relevant.

With a clear understanding of your audience’s needs and expectations, you can now begin to structure your research process. Strategic planning and effective time management are critical to navigating the demands of a rigorous research project.

STEP 3: Strategic Planning and Time Management

Effective research requires more than just hard work; it demands careful planning and strategic foresight. Set clear milestones from the outset, such as when to complete research phases and drafts, to ensure steady progress and allow for adjustments as needed.

Setting Milestones: Research projects, especially those intended for publication or presentation at competitive forums like science fairs, require careful planning over an extended period. These are not endeavors that can be rushed in a few weeks. Instead, plan to dedicate 6–9 months to your project. During this time, set clear milestones. For instance, determine when you’ll complete the initial research phase, when the first draft should be finished, and when revisions should occur. These milestones will help you keep track of progress and make adjustments as necessary.

Preparation for Multiple Venues: Preparing your research for both a science fair and a journal can involve slight modifications to tailor your presentation to each audience. For example, science fairs often require physical posters or interactive presentations, whereas journals focus on detailed written explanations and robust data representation. Understanding these differences and preparing your research accordingly will enhance your effectiveness in each venue. As a rule of thumb, I recommend a multi-prong approach: simultaneously target both a science fair and a journal for your research submissions.

Opportunities for Iteration: Allow room for feedback and improvement. Particularly with extended projects, your initial findings might evolve, leading to further questions or even changes in your research direction. Build in time to reflect on and refine your work based on initial results or feedback from mentors and peers.

By following this structured approach, you ensure that your research is thorough and well-presented, boosting your chances of making a significant impact through both publications and presentations. Remember, the key to successful scientific inquiry and communication is not just hard work but also strategic planning and adaptability.

STEP 4: Conducting Thorough Research

Behind every great technical paper is thorough research. The depth and rigor of your research will significantly influence the quality and persuasiveness of your final paper. Begin by consulting a wide range of sources, including academic journals, conference proceedings, and books. Digital libraries and databases are invaluable resources. Use credible sources, engage with experts if possible. Finding subject matter experts in the area and building a mentor-mentee relationship is very important when carrying out your research. For interdisciplinary fields, aim for multiple mentors to cover different disciplines to avoid blind spots in your research. Organize your findings and notes meticulously; this will save you time and effort in the writing stages.

STEP 5: Choosing Where to Publish

Choosing the right journal is essential for the success of your paper. Research journals and conferences that welcome submissions from high school students are excellent platforms for sharing your work. Look for opportunities specifically aimed at young researchers, and don’t overlook local science fairs and symposiums as valuable venues for showcasing your research.

When selecting a journal, consider several factors to ensure the best fit for your paper:

Acceptance Rate: This can indicate the competitiveness of the journal. A lower acceptance rate generally signifies a more prestigious journal but also a tougher selection process.
Time to Publication: Some journals publish faster than others. If you have time constraints in publishing your findings, then prioritize journals with shorter publication cycles.
Publication Process: Understand the review process, which can vary significantly between journals. Some might require more rigorous peer reviews, which can affect both the timeline and the outcome of your submission.
Novelty and Relevance: Almost all journals seek novel content that contributes new knowledge or insights to the field. Ensure that your paper aligns with the journal’s scope and mission.
Exclusivity of Submission: It is critical to note that you cannot submit the same paper to multiple journals at the same time, nor can you publish the same research in different journals. This is considered unethical and can lead to rejection from both venues. Therefore, it’s important to carefully select the journals you submit to. Consider starting with journals that have lower acceptance rates, and if your paper is not accepted there, gradually work your way through to less competitive ones.
Mentorship and Authorship: Most journals, especially those focused on research from students, require the inclusion of a mentor’s name in the submission. Mentors typically oversee the research project and can vouch for the integrity and rigor of the study. Including a mentor can lend credibility to your paper and is often a requirement for publication.

By following these structured steps — from selecting a topic to choosing the right publication venue — you will lay a strong foundation for a successful research paper. Each element builds on the previous, creating a cohesive and compelling narrative that will engage your intended audience and stand up to the rigorous demands of academic scrutiny.

For a comprehensive guide on the list of the most known scientific journals that publish high school research to identify the right journal to submit your research, refer to resources like Lumiere Education article “15 Journals to Publish Your Research in High School” and AdmissionSights article “20 Journals to Publish Your Research in High School”

If you are interested in the science fairs you can refer to Polygence post “Top 10 Science Fairs and Science Competitions for High School Students in 2024” and Lumiere Education article “Top 10 Science Fairs to Take Part in as a High School Student” that detail about the timelines and requirements for the leading Science Fairs.

As we wrap up this foundational part of our series, remember that the journey of writing a technical paper is a transformative one that can significantly enhance your understanding and expertise in your chosen field. In this foundational segment, the groundwork is set for advancing your paper. The next installment will explore how to effectively structure your research findings. Don’t miss out — follow this link to access Part 2 of the series, which will guide you through organizing your paper into a coherent and impactful narrative: Part 2: Structure.

Explore Part 2 and Part 3 of the series:

Part 2: Structure