01/06/2026
*Writing International Journal*
A webinar delivered to the members of ALSA Article and Journal Department
By
Prof Chukwunonso Charles Ofodum, PHD
*Ways of writing international articles for journal*
Writing a successful international journal article requires a logical structure, clear academic language, and strict alignment with the target journal’s guidelines.
*The most effective approach involves a systematic progression from planning to the final submission.*
1. Planning and Structure Most international journals utilize the IMRAD format
(Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion),
which ensures that your scientific reasoning is clear and follows rigorous methodology.
Title: Make it concise, descriptive, and optimized for search engines so global researchers can find it.
Abstract: Write this last. Summarize the problem, methodology, major findings, and the broader implications of your research in (150) words.
Introduction: Clearly state your research question, establish the proper context, and identify the specific gap your study fills.
Methods: Provide enough detail so that another researcher can replicate your study.
Results & Discussion: Present your findings crisply using charts or tables. Analyze what your results mean and how they fit into the existing global scientific worldview.
Conclusions: Summarize the core contributions and outline limitations or directions for future studies.
*Best Practices for Writing*
Keep Language Accessible: Write in clear, concise English.
Avoid overly complex jargon, excessively long sentences, and unexplained abbreviations.
Use Active Voice: Where appropriate, prioritize the active voice over the passive voice to give your writing a more direct, confident, and readable tone.
Avoid Plagiarism: Always cite your sources thoroughly. Refrain from self-plagiarism—do not translate and resubmit an article already published in a local or non-English journal.
Develop a Writing Routine: Do not wait for large blocks of free time. Set aside short, regular daily or weekly writing sessions to build momentum.
*Targeting the Right Journal*
Check the "Guide for Authors": Always review the specific author guidelines on the journal's website. Failing to format your paper according to their strict rules is a common reason for immediate rejection.
Align with Aims and Scope: Ensure your article's topic strongly aligns with what the journal publishes. Read sample articles from the targeted journal to understand the author styles they prefer.
Beware of Predatory Journals: Use the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) to identify reputable open-access publications and avoid predatory publishers who solicit papers without proper peer review.
Refining and Submitting
Seek Peer Feedback: Before submitting, have your draft reviewed by supervisors, senior researchers, or skilled academic peers. If English is not your first language, consider professional proofreading or editing services.
Prepare a Cover Letter: Write a strong cover letter to the journal editor, briefly explaining why your paper is novel, why it appeals to their specific international audience, and how it adds value to the field.
*Law Project*
Writing Law project ( Legal Research)
A law project requires rigorous legal research, statutory interpretation, and objective analysis. Standard undergraduate or postgraduate law projects typically follow a structured, 5-chapter format designed to build an argument, analyze existing legal frameworks, and propose actionable law reforms.
*Standard Chapter Structure*
Most university law faculties require the following structure:
*Chapter 1: General Introduction*
Background to the study
Statement of the problem (identifying gaps in current laws)
Research questions and objectives
Scope and limitations
Significance of the study
Research methodology (e.g., doctrinal or empirical approaches)
Definition of Terms: define ambiguous words.
*Chapter 2: Literature Review*
Examination of existing scholarly works, textbooks, and articles relevant to your topic.
Theoretical Research and Empirical Research.
*Chapter 3: Conceptual and Legal Framework*
Definitions of key terms and a review of the primary legislation, conventions, or case law governing the subject.
*Chapter 4: Critical Analysis and Application*
Analysis of current practices, judicial decisions, or the socio-legal impact of the law.
Weigh competing arguments and identify loopholes.
*Chapter 5: Summary, Conclusion, & Recommendations:*
Synthesis of discoveries and actionable legal or legislative recommendations.
*Standard Formatting Styles*
Font Type: Times New Roman.
Font Size: 12 points for main text, 10 points for footnotes.
Line Spacing: 1.5 lines for text, single spacing for block quotes and footnotes.
Margins: 1-inch (2.54 cm) on all sides.
Citations: Footnotes are strictly mandatory.
Use the prescribed institutional citation method (e.g., NALT style or Oxford Standard for Citation of Legal Authorities (OSCOLA).
In conclusion,
The official guidelines for standard law project writing require a highly structured framework covering preliminary pages, standard chapter formatting, and strict legal citation styles.
