SIMPLE PAPERS

Structure is one key to clarity despite complexity.


Papers can contain a lot of information, and therefore can be quite complex. Because papers contain so much information, using a strong structure is particularly important at the level of an overall paper. 


Many practices can contribute to strong structures, including creating strong outlines, using hierarchies, and tree structures. Two additional recommendations for structuring papers to contribute to simplicity are (1) Using subheadings; and (2) The principle of "reverse engineering."