Journal article assignment completion can be a daunting task for students, especially when faced with structural ambiguity and formatting requirements. One of the most effective tools to streamline the writing process is the use of templates. Templates provide a blueprint that guides the flow of information, ensures consistency, and reduces the cognitive burden associated with academic writing.
This blog post explores the benefits, types, and application of templates in journal article assignment completion. From structuring arguments to organizing citations, using a template can transform the writing experience from chaotic to coherent, especially for those new to academic conventions.

What Is a Writing Template?
A writing template is a pre-formatted framework that provides guidance on how to structure an academic text. In the context of journal articles, a template outlines where the abstract, introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion sections should go. It may also suggest specific phrases or sentence starters that maintain academic tone and cohesion.
Templates are particularly useful when:
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You’re unfamiliar with academic writing style
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The article follows a specific citation or formatting guideline (APA, MLA, Chicago)
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You’re working with tight deadlines
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You want to improve your writing consistency and reduce revision time
Types of Templates for Journal Article Assignments
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General Structure Templates
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IMRaD Format (Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion)
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Argument-Based Templates (Claim, Evidence, Warrant, Counterclaim, Rebuttal)
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Problem-Solution Templates
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Discipline-Specific Templates
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Humanities: Thematic Analysis or Critical Lens structure
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Sciences: Experimental or Observational Template
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Social Sciences: Case Study or Survey-Based Structures
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Citation Style Templates
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APA 7th Edition Template
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MLA Template with in-text citation slots
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Chicago Style Article Template
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Software-Based Templates
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Microsoft Word Templates (with headers, citations, table of contents)
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LaTeX Templates for Overleaf (especially for journals or research-heavy fields)
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Google Docs templates shared by universities or academic blogs
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Benefits of Using Templates
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Saves Time and Reduces Stress
Templates eliminate the guesswork of “what goes where,” allowing students to focus more on content and analysis rather than formatting. -
Promotes Logical Flow
With a clear structure, arguments unfold more naturally, helping both the writer and reader follow the article’s progression. -
Ensures Formatting Accuracy
Templates already include heading styles, font requirements, citation placement, and spacing—all critical for grading. -
Improves Cohesion
Repeated structural patterns help maintain cohesion across sections, especially in longer articles with multiple authors. -
Boosts Confidence for Beginners
For students struggling with “blank page syndrome,” a template offers a solid starting point and psychological comfort.
How to Choose the Right Template
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Match It to Your Assignment Requirements
Always refer to the professor’s rubric or writing guide. Some courses may require a specific structure or citation style. -
Consider the Discipline
Each academic field values different types of evidence and structure. Ensure the template aligns with disciplinary expectations. -
Check Journal Guidelines
If the assignment mimics submission to a real journal, download a template directly from the journal’s website. -
Evaluate Flexibility
Templates are guides, not rules. Choose one that allows modifications for creativity and critical thinking.
Template Components for Journal Article Assignment Completion
A standard academic template typically includes:
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Title Page
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Title of the article
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Author(s), affiliation, course info, and date
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Abstract
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150–250-word summary of the article
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Focus on objectives, methods, results, and implications
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Keywords
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4–6 keywords directly below the abstract
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Introduction
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Hook
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Background of the topic
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Research problem or thesis statement
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Literature Review
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Summary of previous studies
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Gaps in the literature
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Justification for the current study
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Methodology
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Research design
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Sample and data collection methods
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Instruments and procedures
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Results
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Raw data or findings
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Tables or graphs
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Discussion
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Interpretation of results
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Relation to research question
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Limitations
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Conclusion
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Summary of key points
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Contributions to the field
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Suggestions for future research
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References
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Formatted in the required style (APA, MLA, etc.)
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Appendices (if any)
Sentence Starters to Use Within Templates
Templates may include academic sentence starters to guide tone and structure, such as:
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“This study aims to examine…”
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“According to [Author] (Year), …”
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“The findings suggest that…”
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“One limitation of this study is…”
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“Further research should explore…”
Using these strategically helps maintain an academic voice and promotes fluency in writing.
Digital Tools That Offer Templates
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Google Docs Template Gallery
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Editable academic papers with built-in citations
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Microsoft Word
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Academic Research templates with title pages and section breaks
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Overleaf
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Ideal for STEM students using LaTeX formatting
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Grammarly & ProWritingAid
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Some premium versions offer outlines and structural suggestions
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University Libraries
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Many provide downloadable templates tailored to course or department
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Best Practices When Using Templates
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Avoid Copy-Pasting Entirely
Templates are a guide. Modify sentence starters and headings to fit your voice and thesis. -
Integrate Templates Early
Don’t wait until revision to use a template. Start your writing with the framework in place. -
Use as a Peer-Review Tool
Share your template-based draft with peers. It makes feedback easier when structure is familiar. -
Customize for Feedback
After getting feedback from your instructor, adjust the template accordingly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overreliance on Template Language
Your paper shouldn’t read like a fill-in-the-blanks form. Inject originality into the prose. -
Ignoring Assignment Details
A template might conflict with specific instructions. Always cross-check with your rubric. -
Misusing Citations
Templates may contain placeholder citations. Don’t forget to replace or update them. -
Overcomplicating the Template
Keep it simple. Too many design elements or rigid rules can hinder clarity.
Conclusion: Templates as Writing Partners
Templates are not crutches—they are strategic tools. They empower students to manage complexity, maintain consistency, and meet academic standards in journal article assignment completion. By reducing the cognitive load of structure and formatting, templates allow students to focus on developing critical arguments and engaging deeply with their research topic.
Ultimately, writing is a creative, intellectual process. Templates provide the scaffolding, but the insight, clarity, and voice must come from the writer. Use templates wisely, revise them often, and let them evolve as your academic skills grow. With the right template, journal article assignment completion becomes not only achievable but also enjoyable and intellectually rewarding.