How to Write a Script (Step-by-Step Guide)

Luke Leighfield

So you want to write a film script (or, as some people call it, a screenplay – they're two words that mean basically the same thing). We're here to help with this simple step-by-step script writing guide.

Or better yet, use our AI script writing generator -- it's designed to take your idea and flesh out a film script with voiceovers and camera directions for your storyboard. Bring your vision to life.

Lay the groundwork

1. know what a script is.

If this is your first time creating movie magic, you might be wondering what a script actually is. Well, it can be an original story, straight from your brain. Or it can be based on a true story, or something that someone else wrote – like a novel, theatre production, or newspaper article.

A movie script details all the parts – audio, visual, behaviour, dialogue – that you need to tell a visual story, in a movie or on TV. It's usually a team effort, going through oodles of revisions and rewrites, not to mention being nipped ‘n' tucked by directors,  actors , and those in production jobs. But it'll generally start with the hard work and brainpower of one person – in this case, you.

Because films and TV shows are audiovisual mediums, budding scriptwriters need to include all the audio (heard) and visual (seen) parts of a story. Your job is to translate pictures and sounds into words. Importantly, you need to show the audience what's happening, not tell them. If you nail that, you'll be well on your way to taking your feature film to Hollywood.

2. Read some scripts

The first step to stellar screenwriting is to read some great scripts – as many as you can stomach. It’s an especially good idea to read some in the genre that your script is going to be in, so you can get the lay of the land. If you’re writing a comedy, try searching for ‘50 best comedy scripts’ and starting from there. Lots of scripts are available for free online.

3. Read some scriptwriting books

It's also helpful to read books that go into the craft of writing a script. There are tonnes out there, but we've listed a few corkers below to get you started.

4. Watch some great films

A quick way to get in the  scriptwriting  zone is to rewatch your favourite films and figure out why you like them so much. Make notes about why you love certain scenes and bits of dialogue. Examine why you're drawn to certain characters. If you're stuck for ideas of films to watch, check out some ‘best movies of all time' lists and work through those instead.

Flesh out the story

5. write a logline (a.k.a. brief summary).

You're likely to be pretty jazzed about writing your script after watching all those cinematic classics. But before you dive into writing the script, we've got a little more work to do.

First up, you need to write a ‘ logline '. It's got nothing to do with trees. Instead, it's a tiny summary of your story – usually one sentence – that describes your protagonist (hero) and their goal, as well as your antagonist (villain) and their conflict. Your logline should set out the basic idea of your story and its general theme. It's a chance to tell people what the story's about, what style it's in, and the feeling it creates for the viewer.

6. Write a treatment (a.k.a. longer summary)

Once your logline's in the bag, it's time to write your treatment . It's a slightly beefier summary that includes your script's title, the logline, a list of your main characters, and a mini synopsis. A treatment is a useful thing to show to producers – they might read it to decide whether they want to invest time in reading your entire script. Most importantly, your treatment needs to include your name and contact details.

Your synopsis should give a good picture of your story, including the important ‘beats' (events) and plot twists. It should also introduce your characters and the general vibe of the story. Anyone who reads it (hopefully a hotshot  producer ) should learn enough that they start to feel a connection with your characters, and want to see what happens to them.

This stage of the writing process is a chance to look at your entire story and get a feel for how it reads when it's written down. You'll probably see some parts that work, and some parts that need a little tweaking before you start writing the finer details of each scene.

7. Develop your characters

What's the central question of your story? What's it all about? Character development means taking your characters on a transformational journey so that they can answer this question. You might find it helpful to complete a character profile worksheet when you're starting to flesh out your characters (you can find these for free online). Whoever your characters are, the most important thing is that your audience wants to get to know them, and can empathise with them. Even the villain!

8. Write your plot

By this point, you should have a pretty clear idea of what your story's about. The next step is breaking the story down into all the small pieces and inciting incidents that make up the plot – which some people call a 'beat sheet'. There are lots of different ways to do this. Some people use flashcards. Some use a notebook. Others might use a digital tool, like Trello , Google Docs , Notion , etc.

It doesn't really matter which tool you use. The most important thing is to divide the plot into scenes, then bulk out each scene with extra details – things like story beats (events that happen) and information about specific characters or plot points.

While it's tempting to dive right into writing the script, it's a good idea to spend a good portion of time sketching out the plot first. The more detail you can add here, the less time you'll waste later. While you're writing, remember that story is driven by tension – building it, then releasing it. This tension means your hero has to change in order to triumph against conflict.

Write the Script

9. know the basics.

Before you start cooking up the first draft of your script, it's good to know how to do the basics. Put simply, your script should be a printed document that's:

Font fans might balk at using Courier over their beloved Futura or Comic Sans. However, it's a non-negotiable when you write a script. The film industry's love of Courier isn't purely stylistic – it's functional, too. One script page in 12-point Courier is roughly one minute of screen time.

That's why the page count for an average screenplay should be between 90 and 120 pages, although it's worth noting that this differs a bit by genre. Comedies are usually shorter (90 pages / 1.5 hours), while dramas can be a little longer (120 pages / 2 hours). A short film will be shorter still. Obviously.

10. Write the first page

Using script formatting programmes means you no longer need to know the industry standard when it comes to margins and indents. That said, it’s good to know how to set up your script in the right way.

11. Format your script

script-screenplay-example.jpg

Here’s a big ol’ list of items that you’ll need in your script, and how to indent them properly. Your script-writing software will handle this for you, but learning’s fun, right?

Scene heading

script-screenplay-scene-heading-example

The scene heading is where you include a one-line description of the location and time of day of a scene. This is also called a ‘slugline’. It should always be in caps.

Example: ‘EXT. BAKERY - NIGHT’ tells you that the action happens outside the bakery during the nighttime.

script-screenplay-subheader-example

When you don’t need a new scene heading, but you need to make a distinction in the action, you can throw in a subheader. Go easy on them, though – Hollywood buffs frown on a script that’s packed with subheaders. One reason you might use them is to make a number of quick cuts between two locations. Here, you would write ‘INTERCUT’ and the scene locations.

script-screenplay-action-example

This is the narrative description of what’s happening in the scene, and it’s always written in the present tense. You can also call this direction, visual exposition, blackstuff, description, or scene direction. Remember to only include things that your audience can see or hear.

script-screenplay-character-example

When you introduce a character, you should capitalise their name in the action. For example: ‘The car speeds up and out steps GEORGIA, a muscular woman in her mid-fifties with nerves of steel.’

You should always write each character’s name in caps, and put it about their dialogue. You can include minor characters without names, like ‘BUTCHER’ or ‘LAWYER.’

script-screenplay-dialogue-example

Your dialogue is the lines that each character speaks. Use dialogue formatting whenever your audience can hear a character speaking, including off-screen speech or voiceovers.

Parenthetical

script-screenplay-parenthentical-example

A long word with a simple meaning, a parenthetical is where you give a character direction that relates to their attitude or action – how they do something, or what they do. However, parentheticals have their roots in old school playwriting, and you should only use them when you absolutely need to.

Why? Because if you need a parenthetical to explain what’s going on, your script might just need a rewrite. Also, it’s the director’s job to tell an actor how to give a line – and they might not appreciate your abundance of parentheticals.

script-screenplay-extension-example

This is a shortened technical note that you put after a character’s name to show how their voice will be heard onscreen. For example: if your character is speaking as a voiceover, it would appear as ‘DAVID (V.O.)’.

script-screenplay-transition-example

Transitions are film editing instructions that usually only appear in a shooting script. Things like:

If you’re writing a spec script, you should steer clear of using a transition unless there’s no other way to describe what’s happening in the story. For example, you might use ‘DISSOLVE TO:’ to show that a large portion of time has passed.

script-screenplay-shot-example

A shot tells the reader that the focal point in a scene has changed. Again, it’s not something you should use very often as a spec screenwriter. It’s the director’s job! Some examples:

12. Spec scripts vs. shooting scripts

A ‘spec script' is another way of saying ‘speculative screenplay.' It's a script that you're writing in hopes of selling it to someone. The film world is a wildly competitive marketplace, which is why you need to stick to the scriptwriting rules that we talk about in this post. You don't want to annoy Spielberg and co.

Once someone buys your script, it's now a ‘shooting script' or a ‘production script.' This version of your script is written specifically to produce a film. Because of that, it'll include lots more technical instructions: editing notes, shots, cuts, and more. These instructions help the production assistants and director to work out which scenes to shoot in which order, making the best use of resources like the stage, cast, and location.

Don't include any elements from a shooting script in your spec script, like  camera angles  or editing  transitions . It's tempting to do this – naturally, you have opinions about how the story should look – but it's a strict no-no. If you want to have your way with that stuff, then try the independent filmmaker route. If you want to sell your script, stick to the rules.

13. Choose your weapon

While writing a big-screen smash is hard work, it's a heck of a lot easier nowadays thanks to a smorgasbord of affordable  screenwriting software . These programmes handle the script format (margins, spacing, etc.) so that you can get down to telling a great story. Here are a few programmes to check out:

There are also a tonne of outlining and development programmes. These make it easier to collect your thoughts and storytelling ideas together before you put pen to paper. Take a peek at these:

14. Make a plan

When you're approaching a chunky project, it's always good to set a deadline so you've got a clear goal to reach. You probably want to allow 8-12 weeks to write a script – this is the amount of time that the industry would usually give a writer to work on a script. Be sure to put the deadline somewhere you'll see it: on your calendar, or your phone, or tattooed on your hand.

For your first draft, concentrate on getting words on the page. Don't be too critical – just write whatever comes into your head, and follow your outline. If you can crank out 1-2 pages per day, you'll have your first draft within two or three months. Easy!

Some people find it helpful to write at the same time each day. Some people write first thing. Some people write late at night. Some people have no routine whatsoever. Find a routine (or lack thereof) that works for you, and stick to it. You got this.

15. Read it out loud

One surefire way to see if your dialogue sounds natural is to read it out loud. While you're writing dialogue, speak it through at the same time. If it doesn't flow, or it feels a little stilted, you'll need to make some tweaks. Highlight the phrases that need work then come back to them later when you're editing.

16. Take a break

When your draft's finished, you might think it's the greatest thing ever written – or you might think it's pure dross. The reality is probably somewhere in the middle. When you're deep inside a creative project, it's hard to see the forest for the trees.

That's why it's important to take a decent break between writing and editing. Look at something else for a few weeks. Read a book. Watch TV. Then, when you come back to edit your script, you'll be able to see it with fresh eyes.

17. Make notes

After you've taken a good break, read your whole script and take notes on the bits that don't make sense or sound a little weird. Are there sections where the story's confusing? Are the characters doing things that don't push the story along? Find those bits and make liberal use of a red pen. Like we mentioned before, this is a good time to read the script out loud – adding accents and performing lines in a way that's true to your vision for the story.

18. Share with a friend

As you work towards a final version of your script, you might want to share it with some people to get their feedback. Friends and family members are a good first port of call, or other writers if you know any. Ask them to give feedback on any parts you're concerned about, and see if there's anything that didn't make sense to them.

Boords App Screenshot

The Shortcut to Effective Storyboards.

Boords is an easy-to-use storyboarding tool to plan creative projects.

Wrap things up

19. write final draft.

After you've made notes and gathered feedback, it's time to climb back into the weeds and work towards your final draft. Keep making edits until you're happy. If you need to make changes to the story or characters, do those first as they might help fix larger problems in the script.

Create each new draft in a new document so you can transfer parts you like from old scripts into the new one. Drill into the details, but don't get so bogged down in small things that you can't finish a draft. And, before you start sharing it with the world, be sure to do a serious spelling and grammar check using a tool like Grammarly .

20. Presentation and binding

There are rules for everything when writing a script. Even how you bind the thing. Buckle up!

This is a list of stuff you’ll need to prepare your script before sending it out and taking over the world:

And this is how to bind your script:

Related links

More from the blog..., how to write a logline.

Before you start work on your Hollywood-busting screenplay, you'll need a logline. It's a one-sentence summary of your movie that entices someone to read the entire script.

How to Write a TV Commercial Script

Writing commercial scripts for TV ads is entirely different from screenwriting a screenplay. Learn the format and download a handy template.

How to Tell a Story

It takes a lot of work to tell a great story. Just ask all the struggling filmmakers and authors, hustling away at their craft in an attempt to get a break.

Industrial Scripts®

Scriptwriting 101: The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Script

So, scriptwriting it is…

Delving in for the first time can be a little bruising, from the prescriptive formatting to the all important question: how do I tell this story?

scriptwriting misery

From idea to planning to page to full-length script, there are mountains to climb at every stage…

The Scriptwriting Idea:

At first glance, this may seem like the easiest part of scriptwriting. The beautiful seed motivating you to start writing in the first place. However, before pen hits paper or finger hits key, there are important considerations to make.

scriptwriting 101 - pen to paper

First, can you pitch it?

Not necessarily in a room, at a person, but more generally: how concisely can you get your idea across?

This is important for two key reasons:

  • The clearer the idea, the better it will translate to the page.

If explaining your idea on paper or to a friend takes you down multiple conceptual cul-de-sacs and has you constantly backtracking to clarify key details, the likelihood is the idea isn’t ‘ready’ yet.

  • Down the line, that pitch, that logline (a pithy sentence capturing the story) or treatment (a few pages outlining story, character and tone), might be the difference between getting your script read and getting nothing.

This is why so much stock is placed in ‘high-concept’ ideas (i.e. stories in which the draw is the premise, rather than character, execution, theme , tone and so on.) It’s the difference between STAR WARS and PATERSON).

Essentially, it’s far easier to break down a high-concept idea than it is a character piece .

This isn’t to say that your rumination on the complexities of life as an out-of-work furniture salesman needs shelving, just that it becomes all the more important to nail down the specifics of the idea ahead of time.

Know Your Story:

There’s that ubiquitous quote that’s often attributed to Mark Twain:

Write what you know.

But it’s often taken a little  too  literally, confining writers to their own experiences and potentially hampering imagination. It’s perhaps better to look at it the other way around: know your story .

You can be as sure as anything about that core premise. About the top-level bureaucrat who discovers an underhand government scheme to launder money through state-run daycares.

However, if you’re hazy on:

  • The way she speaks
  • Where she’s come from
  • Her backstory before the film starts
  • Why she does what she does
  • Whether people like her
  • Whether she’s lonely
  • What her innermost turmoil is
  • How the world works
  • What type of government it is
  • Why they chose daycares
  • What the side effects of this madcap scheme might be…

…even if these things are never directly stated… that blank sheet of paper might as well be a brick wall.

Know your story . Know your world inside and out, even the extraneous details you think no-one will care about, and writing it becomes ten times easier.

Tailoring the Scriptwriting Idea:

So you know your world; you know your characters; you know your story. This is where we hit the broader considerations:

  • Who’s this story for?
  • What’s it trying to say?
  • What’s the best way of telling it?

Who’s it for?

It’s easy to dismiss the first of these as sliding on that cold, intellectually-inhibiting ‘marketing hat’, but there’s more to it than that.

It’s about tone and execution.

Take a simple premise: A law enforcement recruit faces internal prejudice as she takes on the first make-or-break case of her career.

That sentence applies just as well to ZOOTOPIA as it does SICARIO.

scriptwriting sicario

It’s an exaggerated example, but the point is that the same base story can be told a million different ways for a million different people , and if you don’t decide which you’re going for, your script is doomed to meander aimlessly.

Plus, actually putting that marketing hat on for a moment, it’s essential to know your audience.

Is your film about once-successful businessmen struggling to come to terms with middle-age and the rise of younger, more determined competition likely to appeal to teenagers? Perhaps not, so that extended gross-out comedy scene in the romantic subplot that could alienate an older viewer is probably worth leaving out.

Again, an exaggeration, but it illustrates the point: deciding who we’re aiming at affects the course of the story itself.

As Robert McKee puts it:

“You must shape your story in a way that both expresses your vision and satisfies the audience’s desires.”

…which you can’t do if you don’t know that audience in the first place.

And, speaking of vision…

What’s It Trying To Say?

Perhaps your story about a single mother struggling to look after her ill daughter seeks to examine the cold, unflinching reality of that situation.

Perhaps it aims to introduce some complex themes in a more colourful, accessible, humorous way.

Maybe it takes on a political slant, casting her struggle within the structure of a particular place or period to highlight some societal injustice.

Maybe it’s more broadly funny, playing on an emotionally bleak situation to foster some pitch-black comedy.

In Conversation With... Brad Bird | TIFF 2018

Choosing Your Angle:

We can’t really do all the above in one script, and trying to do so gives us a nebulous mess.

This illustrates the importance of choosing an ‘angle’ from which to tell the story. The same scene can play wildly different depending on which you choose.

Continuing with the single mother example above, the angle from which we tell the story determines whether a scene in which she, say, attends a job interview:

  • focuses on her struggling through it, exhausted by her parental duties.
  • casts the interviewer as a comedically pompous idiot, who thinks they’re one-upping her with difficult questions that actually make next to no sense.
  • has her turned down despite her clear skill because of her family situation and the time it takes up.
  • has her come up with some underhand plan to con her way into the job.

The core ‘event’ of the scene itself may be identical – she goes up for a job, she doesn’t get it – but the way in which we approach it is hugely formed by the overall intention of the story.

What’s the Best Way of Telling It?

This is a little more concrete. This is where we get to the importance of structure in scriptwriting.

18-Minute Analysis By Christopher Nolan On Story & Construction Of Memento

On a broad scale, this involves adhering to the oft-touted three act structure, in which, simply put, we have:

  • A first act setting the scene, establishing the protagonist and main character and concluding with an ‘inciting incident’, a major event that kicks the story into gear.
  • A second act in which our protagonist faces challenges in pursuit of their central goal. They may come close, only to fail and hit their ‘lowest point’.
  • A third act in which the story reaches its climax as the protagonist faces their final challenge and brings about a resolution to the events of the narrative.

But it has narrower implications too. Slapping a three or five-act structure onto your story isn’t enough – the moment to moment structure  has  to serve the overall narrative and its characters.

So, MEMENTO is structured backwards to induct the audience into Leonard’s unique perspective, a perspective in which he can never remember what just happened to him.

But structuring, say, STAR WARS backwards would be an ill-advised gimmick, because it doesn’t serve the story or the characters in it.

Opening STAR WARS with the image of a star destroyer bearing down on a rebel ship before we get into Luke’s story, however, is a good structural move, serving the overall story by ensuring we have our overarching conflict (and some solid world-building) in place before we chuck the protagonist into it.

The structure has to serve the story, not the other way around.

Writing your Scriptwriting Idea:

These decisions made, it’s time to put ink on paper. It’s important to remember to:

As Alfred Hitchcock puts it:

“A lot of writers think they’re filling the page with words, but they’re filling the screen with images.”

It may seem obvious, but it’s the key thing to remember in scriptwriting: you’re writing prospectively. The stack of pages you have when you’re done is not the finished product.

Gone Girl — Don't Underestimate the Screenwriter

This has some pretty big implications for the act of scriptwriting itself, perhaps the most obvious being that whatever is on the page actually needs to translate audio-visually.

There’s always a temptation to let scriptwriting slide into a more novelistic style, whereby characters’ thoughts and backstories are mentioned offhand in description.

And, to be fair, there isn’t a blanket ban on that.

Screenwriters like Shane Black and Paul Schrader like to use little omniscient details to enhance the readers experience of the script. A script is, after all, always read before it’s seen.

But there’s a fine line to walk here. Telling us in description that your protagonist has a dark past and doesn’t suffer fools gladly isn’t enough.

In fact it’s dead text if that past doesn’t come back to haunt them and there aren’t actual fools to not suffer.

The next trap is to respond by placing that information in dialogue, and this is where we come to the most ubiquitous of screenwriting mantras:

Show, don’t tell.

In scriptwriting, we can’t rely on characters’ stated thoughts and feelings. Telling us someone is angry is pretty much useless. Having them passive-aggressively lash out at a loved one or trash an RV, on the other hand – that gets the message across.

Be Concise:

The screenplays that work best tend to be those that are able to convey a lot with a little, those able to separate the essential from the extraneous.

But when we have such great, long scenes like the openings of THE SOCIAL NETWORK or INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS , it’s easy to fall into the trap of assuming that drawing things out can heighten their effect.

The Social Network - Designing Dialogue | The Cinema Cartography

That’s confusing concision with brevity.

Those scenes may be long, but every detail has purpose. Each line moves the scene forward.

A good rule of thumb when it comes to writing a scene is to come in late and get out early.

There’s a reason THE SOCIAL NETWORK opens mid-conversation rather than with Mark and Erica sitting down for their drink.

There’s a reason we conclude the opening of INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS with Landa bidding farewell to Shoshanna, rather than seeing the aftermath of the gunfire in the farmhouse and hearing his next orders to his men.

These details would do nothing for the story. As William Goldman puts it:

“I never enter scenes until the last possible moment… and as soon as it’s done I get the hell out of there.”

Be Vigilant:

If there’s anything more daunting than looking at a blank page, it’s looking at a hundred, so it can help to set up a routine to keep you’re scriptwriting going.

For some it’s easiest to set aside a certain amount of time each day, an hour in which to focus purely on scriptwriting.

For those with a little more time to spare, it can prove more effective to set yourself a more specific target, be it completing a scene each day or even churning out a certain number of pages every week.

The specific approach doesn’t matter. What’s important is ensuring it becomes a consistent habit.

Get Feedback and Rewrite… A Lot

As Terry Pratchett said:

“The first draft is just you telling yourself the story.”

And likelihood is, it won’t be great, but that’s OK. That’s where everyone else comes in.

Show the script to friends, family, other writers, or even get a professional opinion.

A script consultant can help polish your draft and highlight strengths and weaknesses with suggestions on how to correct them. Or tell you if an idea is worth pursuing or giving up.

  • What did you think of this article? Share it , Like it , give it a rating, and let us know you though in the comments box further down…
  • Struggling with a script or book? Story analysis is what we do, all day, every day… Check out our range of script coverage services for writers & filmmakers.

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  • Biochem Res Int
  • v.2022; 2022

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Essential Guide to Manuscript Writing for Academic Dummies: An Editor's Perspective

Syed sameer aga.

1 Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Quality Assurance Unit, College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah 21423, Saudi Arabia

2 Molecular Diseases & Diagnostics Division, Infinity Biochemistry Pvt. Ltd, Sajad Abad, Chattabal, Srinagar, Kashmir 190010, India

Saniya Nissar

Associated data.

No data were used in this review.

Writing an effective manuscript is one of the pivotal steps in the successful closure of the research project, and getting it published in a peer-reviewed and indexed journal adds to the academic profile of a researcher. Writing and publishing a scientific paper is a tough task that researchers and academicians must endure in staying relevant in the field. Success in translating the benchworks into the scientific content, which is effectively communicated within the scientific field, is used in evaluating the researcher in the current academic world. Writing is a highly time-consuming and skill-oriented process that requires familiarity with the numerous publishing steps, formatting rules, and ethical guidelines currently in vogue in the publishing industry. In this review, we have attempted to include the essential information that novice authors in their early careers need to possess, to be able to write a decent first scientific manuscript ready for submission in the journal of choice. This review is unique in providing essential guidance in a simple point-wise manner in conjunction with easy-to-understand illustrations to familiarize novice researchers with the anatomy of a basic scientific manuscript.

1. Background

Communication is the pivotal key to the growth of scientific literature. Successfully written scientific communication in the form of any type of paper is needed by researchers and academicians alike for various reasons such as receiving degrees, getting a promotion, becoming experts in the field, and having editorships [ 1 , 2 ].

Here, in this review, we present the organization and anatomy of a scientific manuscript enlisting the essential features that authors should keep in their mind while writing a manuscript.

2. Types of Manuscripts

Numerous types of manuscripts do exist, which can be written by the authors for a possible publication ( Figure 1 ). Primarily, the choice is dependent upon the sort of communication authors want to make. The simplest among the scientific manuscripts is the “Letter to an Editor,” while “Systematic Review” is complex in its content and context [ 3 ].

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Types of manuscripts based on complexity of content and context.

3. Anatomy of the Manuscript

Writing and publishing an effective and well-communicative scientific manuscript is arguably one of the most daunting yet important tasks of any successful research project. It is only through publishing the data that an author gets the recognition of the work, gets established as an expert, and becomes citable in the scientific field [ 4 ]. Among the numerous types of scientific manuscripts which an author can write ( Figure 1 ), original research remains central to most publications [ 4 – 10 ].

A good scientific paper essentially covers the important criteria, which define its worth such as structure, logical flow of information, content, context, and conclusion [ 5 ]. Among various guidelines that are available for the authors to follow, IMRAD scheme is the most important in determining the correct flow of content and structure of an original research paper [ 4 , 11 – 13 ]. IMRAD stands for introduction, methods, results, and discussion ( Figure 2 ). Besides these, other parts of the manuscript are equally essential such as title, abstract, keywords, and conclusion ( Figure 3 ).

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Generalized anatomy of manuscript based on IMRAD format.

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Three important contents of the title page—title, abstract, and keywords.

IMRAD scheme was introduced in the early 1900 by publishers to standardize the single format of the scientific manuscript and since then is the universal format used by most the publishing houses [ 6 , 14 – 17 ]. In the next sections, the contents and criteria of each of them are explained in detail. A list of the most common mistakes, which the author makes in these sections, is also provided in the tabulated form [ 18 ] ( Table 1 ).

Common mistakes authors make in their manuscripts.

  • The title is the most important element of the paper, the first thing readers encounter while searching for a suitable paper [ 1 ]. It reflects the manuscript's main contribution and hence should be simple, appealing, and easy to remember [ 7 ].
  • A good title should not be more than 15 words or 100 characters. Sometimes journals ask for a short running title, which should essentially be no more than 50% of the full title. Running titles need to be simple, catchy, and easy to remember [ 19 , 20 ].
  • Keeping the titles extremely long can be cumbersome and is suggestive of the authors' lack of grasp of the true nature of the research done.
  • It usually should be based on the keywords, which feature within the main rationale and/or objectives of the paper. The authors should construct an effective title from keywords existing in all sections of the main text of the manuscript [ 19 ].
  • Having effective keywords within the title helps in the easy discovery of the paper in the search engines, databases, and indexing services, which ultimately is also reflected by the higher citations they attract [ 1 ].
  • It is always better for the title to reflect the study's design or outcome [ 21 ]; thus, it is better for the authors to think of a number of different titles proactively and to choose the one, which reflects the manuscript in all domains, after careful deliberation. The paper's title should be among the last things to be decided before the submission of the paper for publication [ 20 ].
  • Use of abbreviations, jargons, and redundancies such as “a study in,” “case report of,” “Investigations of,” and passive voice should be avoided in the title.

5. Abstract

  • The abstract should essentially be written to answer the three main questions—“What is new in this study?” “What does it add to the current literature?” and “What are the future perspectives?”
  • A well-written abstract is a pivotal part of every manuscript. For most readers, an abstract is the only part of the paper that is widely read, so it should be aimed to convey the entire message of the paper effectively [ 1 ].

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Two major types of abstract—structured and unstructured. Structured abstracts are piecemealed into five different things, each consisting of one or two sentences, while unstructured abstracts consist of single paragraph written about the same things.

  • An effective abstract is a rationalized summary of the whole study and essentially should contain well-balanced information about six things: background, aim, methods, results, discussion, and conclusion [ 6 , 19 ].

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Three C concept followed while writing the manuscript.

  • An abstract should be written at the end, after finishing the writing of an entire manuscript to be able to stand-alone from the main text. It should reflect your study completely without any reference to the main paper [ 19 ].
  • The authors need to limit/write their statements in each section to two or three sentences. However, it is better to focus on results and conclusions, as they are the main parts that interest the readers and should include key results and conclusions made thereof.
  • Inclusion of excessive background information, citations, abbreviations, use of acronyms, lack of rationale/aim of the study, lack of meaningful data, and overstated conclusions make an abstract ineffective.

6. Keywords

  • Keywords are the important words, which feature repeatedly in the study or else cover the main theme/idea/subject of the manuscript. They are used by indexing databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Embase in categorizing and cross-indexing the published article.
  • It is always wise to enlist those words which help the paper to be easily searchable in the databases.
  • Keywords can be of two types: (a) general ones that are provided by the journal or indexing services called as medical subject headings (MeSH) as available in NCBI ( https://www.ncbi.nlm.gov/mesh/ ) and (b) custom ones made by authors themselves based on the subject matter of the study [ 6 , 20 ].
  • Upon submission, journals do usually ask for the provision of five to ten keywords either to categorize the paper into the subject areas or to assign it to the subspecialty for its quick processing.

7. Introduction

  • (i) The whole idea of writing this section is to cover two important questions—“What are the gaps present in the current literature?” and “Why is the current study important?”
  • (ii) Introduction provides an opportunity for the authors to highlight their area of study and provide rationale and justification as to why they are doing it [ 20 , 22 , 23 ].
  • (iii) An effective introduction usually constitutes about 10–15% of the paper's word count [ 22 ].
  • The first paragraph of the introduction should always cover “What is known about the area of study?” or “What present/current literature is telling about the problem?” All relevant and current literature/studies, i.e., original studies, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews, should be covered in this paragraph.
  • The second paragraph should cover “What is unknown or not done about this issue/study area?” The authors need to indicate the aspects of what has not been answered about the broader area of the study until now.
  • The third paragraph should identify the gaps in the current literature and answer “What gaps in the literature would be filled by their current study?” This part essentially identifies the shortcoming of the existing studies.
  • The fourth paragraph should be dedicated to effectively writing “What authors are going to do to fill the gaps?” and “Why do they want to do it?” This paragraph contains two sections—one explains the rationale of the study and introduces the hypothesis of the study in form of questions “What did authors do? and Why they did do so?” and the second enlists specific objectives that the authors are going to explore in this study to answer “Why this study is going to be important?” or “What is the purpose of this study?”.

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Funnel-down scheme followed while writing the introduction section of manuscript, moving from broader to specific information.

  • (v) Introduction is regarded as the start of the storyline of manuscript, and hence, the three Cs' scheme ( Figure 5 ) becomes more relevant while writing it: the context in terms of what has been published on the current idea/problem around the world, content as to what you are going to do about the problem in hand (rationale), and conclusion as to how it is going to be done (specific objective of the study) [ 1 , 23 ].
  • (vi) Introduction is the first section of the main manuscript, which talks about the story; therefore, while writing it authors should always try to think that “would this introduction be able to convince my readers?” [ 25 ]. To emphasize on the importance of the study in filling the knowledge gap is pivotal in driving the message through [ 23 ].
  • (vii) Introduction should never be written like a review, any details, contexts, and comparisons should be dealt within the discussion part [ 16 ].
  • (viii) While choosing the papers, it is wise to include the essential and recent studies only. Studies more than 10 years old should be avoided, as editors are inclined towards the recent and relevant ones only [ 20 , 22 ].
  • (ix) In the last paragraph, enlisting the objectives has a good impact on readers. A clear distinction between the primary and secondary objectives of the study should be made while closing the introduction [ 22 ].
  • (i) It is regarded as the skeleton of the manuscript as it contains information about the research done. An effective methods section should provide information about two essential aspects of the research—(a) precise description of how experiments were done and (b) rationale for choosing the specific experiments.
  • Study Settings: describing the area or setting where the study was conducted. This description should cover the details relevant to the study topic.

Different guidelines available for perusal of the authors for writing an effective manuscript.

  • Sample Size and Sampling Technique: mentioning what number of samples is needed and how they would be collected.
  • Ethical Approvals: clearly identifying the study approval body or board and proper collection of informed consent from participants.
  • Recruitment Methods: using at least three criteria for the inclusion or exclusion of the study subjects to reach an agreed sample size.
  • Experimental and Intervention Details: exhaustively describing each and every detail of all the experiments and intervention carried out in the study for the readers to reproduce independently.
  • Statistical Analysis: mentioning all statistical analysis carried out with the data which include all descriptive and inferential statistics and providing the analysis in meaningful statistical values such as mean, median, percent, standard deviation (SD), probability value (p), odds ratio (OR), and confidence interval (CI).

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Methods and the seven areas which it should exhaustively describe.

  • (iii) Methods should be elaborative enough that the readers are able to replicate the study on their own. If, however, the protocols are frequently used ones and are already available in the literature, the authors can cite them without providing any exhaustive details [ 26 ].
  • (iv) Methods should be able to answer the three questions for which audience reads the paper—(1) What was done? (2) Where it was done? and (3) How it was done? [ 11 ].
  • (v) Remember, methods section is all about “HOW” the data were collected contrary to “WHAT” data were collected, which should be written in the results section. Therefore, care should be taken in providing the description of the tools and techniques used for this purpose.
  • (vi) Writing of the methods section should essentially follow the guidelines as per the study design right from the ideation of the project. There are numerous guidelines available, which author's must make use of, to streamline the writing of the methods section in particular (see Table xx for details).
  • (vii) Provision of the information of the equipment, chemicals, reagents, and physical conditions is also vital for the readers for replication of the study. If any software is used for data analysis, it is imperative to mention it. All manufacturer's names, their city, and country should also be provided [ 6 , 11 ].
  • The purpose of the results section of the manuscript is to present the finding of the study in clear, concise, and objective manner to the readers [ 7 , 27 , 28 ].
  • Results section makes the heart of the manuscript, as all sections revolve around it. The reported findings should be in concordance with the objectives of the study and be able to answer the questions raised in the introduction [ 6 , 20 , 27 ].
  • Results should be written in past tense without any interpretation [ 6 , 27 ].

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Interdependence between methods and results of the manuscript.

  • It is always better to take refuge in tables and figures to drive the exhaustive data through. Repetition of the data already carried in tables, figures, etc., should be avoided [ 4 , 6 , 20 ].
  • Proper positioning and citations of the tables and figures within the main text are also critical for the flow of information and quality of the manuscript [ 6 , 11 ].
  • Results section should carry clear descriptive and inferential statistics in tables and/or figures, for ease of reference to readers.
  • Provision of the demographic data of the study participants takes priority in the results section; therefore, it should be made as its first paragraph. The subsequent paragraphs should introduce the inferential analysis of the data based on the rationale and objectives of the study. The last paragraphs mention what new results the study is going to offer [ 6 , 11 , 20 ].
  • authors should not attempt to report all analysis of the data. Discussing, interpreting, or contextualizing the results should be avoided [ 20 ].

10. Discussion

  • (i) The main purpose of writing a discussion is to fill the gap that was identified in the introduction of the manuscript and provide true interpretations of the results [ 6 , 11 , 20 ].

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Pyramid scheme followed while writing the discussion section of manuscript, moving from the key results of the study to the specific conclusions.

  • (iii) Discussion section toggles between two things—content and context. The authors need to exhaustively describe their interpretation of the analyzed data (content) and then compare it with the available relevant literature (context) [ 1 , 29 ]. Finally, it should justify everything in conclusion as to what all this means for the field of study.
  • (iv) The comparison can either be concordant or discordant, but it needs to highlight the uniqueness and importance of the study in the field. Care should be taken not to cover up any deviant results, which do not gel with the current literature [ 30 ].
  • (v) In discussion it is safe to use words such as “may,” “might,” “show,” “demonstrate,” “suggest,” and “report” while impressing upon your study's data and analyzed results.
  • (vi) Putting results in context helps in identifying the strengths and weakness of the study and enables readers to get answers to two important questions—one “what are the implications of the study?” Second “how the study advance the field further?” [ 1 , 30 ].
  • The first paragraph of the discussion is reserved for highlighting the key results of the study as briefly as possible [ 4 , 6 ]. However, care should be taken not to have any redundancy with the results section. The authors should utilize this part to emphasize the originality and significance of their results in the field [ 1 , 4 , 11 , 20 ].
  • The second paragraph should deal with the importance of your study in relationship with other studies available in the literature [ 4 ].
  • Subsequent paragraphs should focus on the context, by describing the findings in comparison with other similar studies in the field and how the gap in the knowledge has been filled [ 1 , 4 ].
  • In the penultimate paragraph, authors need to highlight the strengths and limitations of the study [ 4 , 6 , 30 ].
  • Final paragraph of the discussion is usually reserved for drawing the generalized conclusions for the readers to get a single take-home message.
  • (viii) A well-balanced discussion is the one that effectively addresses the contribution made by this study towards the advancement of knowledge in general and the field of research in particular [ 7 ]. It essentially should carry enough information that the audience knows how to apply the new interpretation presented within that field.

11. Conclusion

  • It usually makes the last part of the manuscript, if not already covered within the discussion part [ 6 , 20 ].
  • Being the last part of the main text, it has a long-lasting impact on the reader and hence should be very clear in presenting the chief findings of the paper as per the rationale and objectives of the study [ 4 , 20 ].

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Crux of the conclusion section.

12. References or Bibliography

  • Every article needs a suitable and relevant citation of the available literature to carry the contextual message of their results to the readers [ 31 ].
  • Inclusion of proper references in the required format, as asked by the target journal, is necessary.

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A Google Scholar screenshot of different styles of formatting of references.

  • Depending upon the journal and publishing house, usually, 30–50 citations are allowed in an original study, and they need to be relevant and recent.

13. Organization of the Manuscript Package

Ideally, all manuscripts, no matter where they have to be submitted, should follow an approved organization, which is universally used by all publication houses. “Ready to submit” manuscript package should include the following elements:

  • (i) Cover letter, addressed to the chief editor of the target journal.
  • (ii) Authorship file, containing the list of authors, their affiliations, emails, and ORCIDs.
  • (iii) Title page, containing three things—title, abstract, and keywords.
  • Main text structured upon IMRAD scheme.
  • References as per required format.
  • Legends to all tables and figures.
  • Miscellaneous things such as author contributions, acknowledgments, conflicts of interest, funding body, and ethical approvals.
  • (v) Tables as a separate file in excel format.
  • (vi) Figures or illustrations, each as a separate file in JPEG or TIFF format [ 32 ].
  • (vii) Reviewers file, containing names of the suggested peer reviewers working or publishing in the same field.
  • (viii) Supplementary files, which can be raw data files, ethical clearance from Institutional Review Board (IRBs), appendixes, etc.

14. Overview of an Editorial Process

Each scientific journal has a specific publication policies and procedures, which govern the numerous steps of the publication process. In general, all publication houses process the submission of manuscripts via multiple steps tightly controlled by the editors and reviewers [ 33 ]. Figure 12 provides general overview of the six-step editorial process of the scientific journal.

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An overview of the journal's editorial process.

15. Summary

The basic criteria for writing any scientific communication are to know how to communicate the information effectively. In this review, we have provided the critical information of do's and don'ts for the naive authors to follow in making their manuscript enough impeccable and error-free that on submission manuscript is not desk rejected at all. but this goes with mentioning that like any other skill, and the writing is also honed by practicing and is always reflective of the knowledge the writer possesses. Additionally, an effective manuscript is always based on the study design and the statistical analysis done. The authors should always bear in mind that editors apart from looking into the novelty of the study also look at how much pain authors have taken in writing, following guidelines, and formatting the manuscript. Therefore, the organization of the manuscript as per provided guidelines such as IMRAD, CONSORT, and PRISMA should be followed in letter and spirit. Care should be taken to avoid the mistakes, already enlisted, which can be the cause of desk rejection. As a general rule, before submission of the manuscript to the journal, sanitation check involving at least two reviews by colleagues should be carried out to ensure all general formatting guidelines are followed.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank all academicians and researchers who have actively participated in the “Writing Manuscript Workshops” at the College of Medicine, KSAU-HS, Jeddah, which prompted them to write this review.

Data Availability

Conflicts of interest.

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Authors' Contributions

Both authors have critically reviewed and approved the final draft and are responsible for the content and similarity index of the manuscript. SSA conceptualized the study, designed the study, surveyed the existing literature, and wrote the manuscript. SN edited, revised, and proofread the final manuscript.

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  • Research paper

How to Write a Research Paper | A Beginner's Guide

A research paper is a piece of academic writing that provides analysis, interpretation, and argument based on in-depth independent research.

Research papers are similar to academic essays , but they are usually longer and more detailed assignments, designed to assess not only your writing skills but also your skills in scholarly research. Writing a research paper requires you to demonstrate a strong knowledge of your topic, engage with a variety of sources, and make an original contribution to the debate.

This step-by-step guide takes you through the entire writing process, from understanding your assignment to proofreading your final draft.

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Table of contents

Understand the assignment, choose a research paper topic, conduct preliminary research, develop a thesis statement, create a research paper outline, write a first draft of the research paper, write the introduction, write a compelling body of text, write the conclusion, the second draft, the revision process, research paper checklist, free lecture slides.

Completing a research paper successfully means accomplishing the specific tasks set out for you. Before you start, make sure you thoroughly understanding the assignment task sheet:

  • Read it carefully, looking for anything confusing you might need to clarify with your professor.
  • Identify the assignment goal, deadline, length specifications, formatting, and submission method.
  • Make a bulleted list of the key points, then go back and cross completed items off as you’re writing.

Carefully consider your timeframe and word limit: be realistic, and plan enough time to research, write, and edit.

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There are many ways to generate an idea for a research paper, from brainstorming with pen and paper to talking it through with a fellow student or professor.

You can try free writing, which involves taking a broad topic and writing continuously for two or three minutes to identify absolutely anything relevant that could be interesting.

You can also gain inspiration from other research. The discussion or recommendations sections of research papers often include ideas for other specific topics that require further examination.

Once you have a broad subject area, narrow it down to choose a topic that interests you, m eets the criteria of your assignment, and i s possible to research. Aim for ideas that are both original and specific:

  • A paper following the chronology of World War II would not be original or specific enough.
  • A paper on the experience of Danish citizens living close to the German border during World War II would be specific and could be original enough.

Note any discussions that seem important to the topic, and try to find an issue that you can focus your paper around. Use a variety of sources , including journals, books, and reliable websites, to ensure you do not miss anything glaring.

Do not only verify the ideas you have in mind, but look for sources that contradict your point of view.

  • Is there anything people seem to overlook in the sources you research?
  • Are there any heated debates you can address?
  • Do you have a unique take on your topic?
  • Have there been some recent developments that build on the extant research?

In this stage, you might find it helpful to formulate some research questions to help guide you. To write research questions, try to finish the following sentence: “I want to know how/what/why…”

A thesis statement is a statement of your central argument — it establishes the purpose and position of your paper. If you started with a research question, the thesis statement should answer it. It should also show what evidence and reasoning you’ll use to support that answer.

The thesis statement should be concise, contentious, and coherent. That means it should briefly summarize your argument in a sentence or two, make a claim that requires further evidence or analysis, and make a coherent point that relates to every part of the paper.

You will probably revise and refine the thesis statement as you do more research, but it can serve as a guide throughout the writing process. Every paragraph should aim to support and develop this central claim.

A research paper outline is essentially a list of the key topics, arguments, and evidence you want to include, divided into sections with headings so that you know roughly what the paper will look like before you start writing.

A structure outline can help make the writing process much more efficient, so it’s worth dedicating some time to create one.

Your first draft won’t be perfect — you can polish later on. Your priorities at this stage are as follows:

  • Maintaining forward momentum — write now, perfect later.
  • Paying attention to clear organization and logical ordering of paragraphs and sentences, which will help when you come to the second draft.
  • Expressing your ideas as clearly as possible, so you know what you were trying to say when you come back to the text.

You do not need to start by writing the introduction. Begin where it feels most natural for you — some prefer to finish the most difficult sections first, while others choose to start with the easiest part. If you created an outline, use it as a map while you work.

Do not delete large sections of text. If you begin to dislike something you have written or find it doesn’t quite fit, move it to a different document, but don’t lose it completely — you never know if it might come in useful later.

Paragraph structure

Paragraphs are the basic building blocks of research papers. Each one should focus on a single claim or idea that helps to establish the overall argument or purpose of the paper.

Example paragraph

George Orwell’s 1946 essay “Politics and the English Language” has had an enduring impact on thought about the relationship between politics and language. This impact is particularly obvious in light of the various critical review articles that have recently referenced the essay. For example, consider Mark Falcoff’s 2009 article in The National Review Online, “The Perversion of Language; or, Orwell Revisited,” in which he analyzes several common words (“activist,” “civil-rights leader,” “diversity,” and more). Falcoff’s close analysis of the ambiguity built into political language intentionally mirrors Orwell’s own point-by-point analysis of the political language of his day. Even 63 years after its publication, Orwell’s essay is emulated by contemporary thinkers.

Citing sources

It’s also important to keep track of citations at this stage to avoid accidental plagiarism . Each time you use a source, make sure to take note of where the information came from.

You can use our free citation generators to automatically create citations and save your reference list as you go.

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The research paper introduction should address three questions: What, why, and how? After finishing the introduction, the reader should know what the paper is about, why it is worth reading, and how you’ll build your arguments.

What? Be specific about the topic of the paper, introduce the background, and define key terms or concepts.

Why? This is the most important, but also the most difficult, part of the introduction. Try to provide brief answers to the following questions: What new material or insight are you offering? What important issues does your essay help define or answer?

How? To let the reader know what to expect from the rest of the paper, the introduction should include a “map” of what will be discussed, briefly presenting the key elements of the paper in chronological order.

The major struggle faced by most writers is how to organize the information presented in the paper, which is one reason an outline is so useful. However, remember that the outline is only a guide and, when writing, you can be flexible with the order in which the information and arguments are presented.

One way to stay on track is to use your thesis statement and topic sentences . Check:

  • topic sentences against the thesis statement;
  • topic sentences against each other, for similarities and logical ordering;
  • and each sentence against the topic sentence of that paragraph.

Be aware of paragraphs that seem to cover the same things. If two paragraphs discuss something similar, they must approach that topic in different ways. Aim to create smooth transitions between sentences, paragraphs, and sections.

The research paper conclusion is designed to help your reader out of the paper’s argument, giving them a sense of finality.

Trace the course of the paper, emphasizing how it all comes together to prove your thesis statement. Give the paper a sense of finality by making sure the reader understands how you’ve settled the issues raised in the introduction.

You might also discuss the more general consequences of the argument, outline what the paper offers to future students of the topic, and suggest any questions the paper’s argument raises but cannot or does not try to answer.

You should not :

  • Offer new arguments or essential information
  • Take up any more space than necessary
  • Begin with stock phrases that signal you are ending the paper (e.g. “In conclusion”)

There are four main considerations when it comes to the second draft.

  • Check how your vision of the paper lines up with the first draft and, more importantly, that your paper still answers the assignment.
  • Identify any assumptions that might require (more substantial) justification, keeping your reader’s perspective foremost in mind. Remove these points if you cannot substantiate them further.
  • Be open to rearranging your ideas. Check whether any sections feel out of place and whether your ideas could be better organized.
  • If you find that old ideas do not fit as well as you anticipated, you should cut them out or condense them. You might also find that new and well-suited ideas occurred to you during the writing of the first draft — now is the time to make them part of the paper.

The goal during the revision and proofreading process is to ensure you have completed all the necessary tasks and that the paper is as well-articulated as possible. You can speed up the proofreading process by using the AI proofreader .

Global concerns

  • Confirm that your paper completes every task specified in your assignment sheet.
  • Check for logical organization and flow of paragraphs.
  • Check paragraphs against the introduction and thesis statement.

Fine-grained details

Check the content of each paragraph, making sure that:

  • each sentence helps support the topic sentence.
  • no unnecessary or irrelevant information is present.
  • all technical terms your audience might not know are identified.

Next, think about sentence structure , grammatical errors, and formatting . Check that you have correctly used transition words and phrases to show the connections between your ideas. Look for typos, cut unnecessary words, and check for consistency in aspects such as heading formatting and spellings .

Finally, you need to make sure your paper is correctly formatted according to the rules of the citation style you are using. For example, you might need to include an MLA heading  or create an APA title page .

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Checklist: Research paper

I have followed all instructions in the assignment sheet.

My introduction presents my topic in an engaging way and provides necessary background information.

My introduction presents a clear, focused research problem and/or thesis statement .

My paper is logically organized using paragraphs and (if relevant) section headings .

Each paragraph is clearly focused on one central idea, expressed in a clear topic sentence .

Each paragraph is relevant to my research problem or thesis statement.

I have used appropriate transitions  to clarify the connections between sections, paragraphs, and sentences.

My conclusion provides a concise answer to the research question or emphasizes how the thesis has been supported.

My conclusion shows how my research has contributed to knowledge or understanding of my topic.

My conclusion does not present any new points or information essential to my argument.

I have provided an in-text citation every time I refer to ideas or information from a source.

I have included a reference list at the end of my paper, consistently formatted according to a specific citation style .

I have thoroughly revised my paper and addressed any feedback from my professor or supervisor.

I have followed all formatting guidelines (page numbers, headers, spacing, etc.).

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Is Career Training in Film Right for You?

NFI

How To Write A Script: 23 Steps to Write a Successful Script

If you want to learn how to write a spec script , you need to develop a deep understanding of the structure, format, and art of screenwriting before you begin.

1. Find inspiration:

Art is all about imitation, so use these tips to help you get inspired.

  • Read great screenplays .
  • Listen to music.
  • List and watch 20 movies you wish you’d written.
  • Write an outline of someone else’s movie.
  • Look at sample scripts: Sample 1 , Sample 2 , and Sample 3 (film overview).

2. Read about screenwriting:

Learn as much as you can about the art of screenwriting from professionals. Consider reading these highly valuable screenwriting guides to help you hone your writing skills.

  • Save the Cat! by Blake Snyder
  • Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting by Syd Field
  • The Coffee Break Screenwriter by Pilar Alessandra
  • The TV Writer’s Workbook by Ellen Sandler
  • Selling Your Story in 60 Seconds by Michael Hauge
  • Writing the TV Drama Series by Pamela Douglas
  • The Screenwriter’s Bible: A Complete Guide to Writing, Formatting, and Selling Your Script by David Trottier
  • From Script to Screen by Linda Seger
  • Hollywood Standard: The Complete and Authoritative Guide to Script Format and Style by Christopher Riley
  • Writing Great Screenplays for Film and Tv by Dona Cooper

3. Make it extraordinary:

Find ways to make your work stand out from other screenplays by:

  • Using unique elements and making unusual choices in your story
  • Using your family, friends, missteps, and achievements as inspiration for characters
  • Staying updated on current events and using them to inform the themes and messages of your work.
  • Reading about any topics, ideas, or locations to better educate yourself before you start writing.
  • Note effective elements.
  • Track technical notes, like action and subheadings.
  • Identify areas that don’t work.
  • Review your analysis for takeaways.

4. Identify a conflict or theme central to your story:

Consider events happening in the world around you or unifying concepts you’d like to explore as inspiration.

5. Select a film genre for your story:

You can also combine film genres to make something unique.

6. Pick a setting for your film:

Use your theme and genre to help guide your setting choices.

7. Create a dynamic protagonist:

The protagonist should have a central goal they want to achieve throughout the screenplay.

8. Build an oppositional antagonist:

This could be a person, idea, or event that keeps your protagonist from easily achieving their goal.

9. Write a logline that summarizes your idea:

This one- or two-sentence summary should clearly capture the main ideas in your script.

10. Create a story world:

Establishing the world in which your story exists is vital for writing an authentic and believable screenplay. Key elements include:

  • Brainstorming : Gather potential ideas to use in your script.
  • Concept: This should be a clear central tenet that you can summarize in your logline .
  • Story: While you won’t have every scene yet, you should know the basic high and low points of the screenplay.
  • Characters: Know a bit about your main characters.

11. Make your concept or story more interesting:

If you’re having trouble breaking out of traditional script ideas, use these strategies to help you add interest to your screenplay:

  • Think about your favorite type of movie.
  • Brainstorm unique ideas for your plot.
  • Read screenplay outlines and treatments.
  • Seek feedback on your outline.

12. Outline your script:

When you create your screenplay outline , include specific details related to:

  • Plotting : Identify the major plot points in the story.
  • Scenes: Note specific scenes or potential scene ideas.
  • Character development : Iterate how your protagonist will get from point A to point B.
  • Conclusion: Know how the story will end.

13. Establish interesting characters:

While things like hard work, luck, and dedication all play a part in writing a great script, pushing your imagination is the most important factor. Ask yourself these questions to help bring your characters to life:

  • Will these characters leave an impression?
  • Am I excited as I write about these characters?
  • Are these characters predictable?
  • Are their flaws to blame for the bad things that happen to them?

14. Think outside of traditional character traits like “loyal” and “handsome.”

Look for unusual descriptors like:

15. Format your script:

Before you begin fleshing out your script idea, you should have a working knowledge of screenplay elements. The most common elements and transitions found in a screenplay include:

  • Scene Heading: Also known as a slugline, this one-line description of the time of day and location of a scene is always in all caps.
  • Subheader: This element helps identify minor distinctions within a scene, like a cut between two locations.
  • Action: These lines describe the scene events in present tense.
  • Character: Names should be listed in all caps the first time they’re introduced in action and when listed above dialogue.
  • Dialogue: This is a character’s lines of speech.
  • Parenthetical: These additional directions are how a character says a line.
  • Extension: These are technical notes, like specifying that a line is spoken off-camera.
  • Transition: Transitions are directions for film editors .
  • Shot: This is used to indicate the point of view of the scene has shifted.
  • Montage : A montage is a series of shots showing the passage of time.
  • Chyrons : Chyrons indicate the time and place of a scene, usually in text over the video.
  • Lyrics: If your script includes lyrics, you can add them interspersed with dialogue or note the general feeling of the song with the actual song included separately.
  • Fade In: Fade in is listed at the very beginning of the script.
  • Cut To: You should use “cut to” to indicate a change in location.
  • End of Act: Use this at the end of each act, typically for a TV script.
  • Fade Out: Fade out indicates the end of the script.

16. Create your first draft:

Write your script’s first draft by setting specific goals and deadlines, writing a predetermined number of pages per day, ensuring your dialogue sounds natural, and keeping your script around 90 to 120 pages.

  • The first page of the script: The first page of your script should start with the words “FADE IN.” Your actual script begins there, usually with a scene description, character notes, and any other exposition before beginning character dialogue.
  • Script diary : To delve deeper into the writing process, keep a daily diary of your feelings, ideas, and revelations about your script before you tackle your pages.

17. Revise your script:

After you’ve written your first draft, take a break from it for a week or two to reset your mind. To write is to rewrite, so it’s vital that after your brief break from your screenplay, you come back to it.

18. Share your script with others:

Seek feedback from people you trust to help you refine your script. Ask them for notes on the concept, plot, setting, characters, and dialogue to help you refine all elements of the screenplay. Use professional consultants, like from Script Reader Pro , to get even more valuable feedback.

19. Rewrite:

Rewriting is a vital component of revision. Make changes and updates to clarify your story based on notes from trusted friends, colleagues, or mentors as well as your own thoughts.

Look for and fix any grammatical or spelling errors as you see them during the revision process. Ensure your screenplay’s format is appropriate and matches the specifications of scripts.

21. Prepare your script for presentation:

Once your script is complete, prepare and bind it for presentation:

  • Print the title page and script on three-hole punched paper.
  • Place the title page and script in the script cover.
  • Add brass fasteners in the top and bottom holes.
  • Slip washers on the back of the fasteners.
  • Hammer the fasteners flat with a script binding mallet.

22. Use screenplay formatting software:

Using screenplay formatting software can save you an enormous amount of time when planning and writing.

  • Dramatica Pro
  • Save the Cat!
  • Storyboard Quick
  • Final Draft Movie
  • Magic Screenwriter
  • StudioBinder

23. Surround yourself with creatives:

Find a community that supports your dreams, like a film school . Documentary screenwriting follows its own process since much of the script is created after filming occurs, which changes the order and manner in which you create the screenplay. For more information on writing a script for a documentary, check out this video.

With dedication, perseverance, and education, you can become an outstanding screenwriter . You can learn more about scriptwriting and how you can improve your skills by applying to the Nashville Film Institute here .

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2ND AC – Everything You Need to Know

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Scriptwriting

Script Writing

Behind every movie that you have seen and every theater play that you have attended, there is a pad of paper that refers to the detailed outline of the story being portrayed. This group of sheets is what we call “script.” Though watching your favorite comedy show entertains you, most of them have scriptwriting that is no joke. In this article, we are going to discuss the basic principles and nature of writing a script. Read through and be the scriptwriter of the next phenomenal movie.

A script (also known as a  screenplay ) creates a outline of the whole story to be acted out by actors for a film, a stage play, a television program example , etc. Aside from the dialogue, also narrates the actions, expressions, and movements of the characters (i.e. actors). If you haven’t seen a script before, this is now your chance. Here are some examples to let you have a glimpse of what they look like.

What is Scriptwriting? Scriptwriting, also known as screenwriting, is the process of writing the text or dialogue for a screenplay, which is a blueprint for a film, television show, play, or other visual storytelling medium. It is a specialized form of writing that focuses on creating a narrative structure, dialogue, and descriptions that guide actors, directors, and other crew members in bringing a story to life on screen or stage.

Scriptwriters, often called screenwriters, play a crucial role in the storytelling process for visual media. They are responsible for crafting the plot, developing characters, writing dialogue, and describing the settings and actions within a screenplay. A well-written script serves as the foundation for the entire production and helps translate the writer’s creative vision into a format that can be easily understood and executed by the cast and crew.

In screenwriting, there are specific formatting guidelines and industry standards that writers must follow to ensure clarity and consistency. Screenplays are typically divided into scenes, with each scene described in detail to convey the visual and auditory elements required for the production. Proper formatting and organization are essential for a script to be professional and practical for production.

Scriptwriting is a collaborative process, and screenwriters often work closely with directors, producers, and other creative professionals to refine and develop their scripts. The goal of scriptwriting is to create a compelling and engaging story that can be brought to life on screen, stage, or in other visual media.

Script Writing Format

1. title page.

Title of the script : Centered and in capital letters. Written by : Beneath the title, also centered. Writer’s contact information : At the bottom left corner (optional).

2. Scene Heading (Slugline)

INT. or EXT. indicating whether the scene is interior or exterior. Location : A brief description of the setting. Time of Day : Usually DAY or NIGHT.

3. Action (Description)

Describes the setting, characters, and what is happening in the scene. Written in the present tense and only includes what can be seen or heard.

4. Character Name

When a character is introduced for the first time, their name should be in all caps. Above their dialogue, centered on the page.

5. Dialogue

Underneath the character’s name, the dialogue is centered and enclosed in quotation marks. Keep dialogue lines concise for readability.

6. Parenthetical

Directions for actors (how they should say their lines) are placed in parentheses, just below the character’s name and before the dialogue. Use sparingly.

7. Transitions

Terms like CUT TO:, FADE IN:, FADE OUT., etc., are used to indicate changes between scenes. Typically aligned to the right of the page.

8. Extensions

Used next to character names to indicate off-screen (O.S.) or voice-over (V.O.) dialogue.

Formatting Specifications:

Font : 12-pt, Courier font is standard. Margins : Left margin 1.5 inches, right margin 1 inch (approx.), top and bottom margins 1 inch. Spacing : Dialogue is typically single-spaced, while action and scene descriptions are double-spaced.
Many screenwriters use specialized software like Final Draft, Celtx, or WriterDuet, which automatically formats the script according to industry standards.

Example of Script Writing

Certainly! One of the best examples of scriptwriting is the opening scene from the classic film “Casablanca.” This scene is not only iconic but also showcases excellent scriptwriting in capturing the mood, character dynamics, and setting. Here’s a brief description of the scene:

Title : “Casablanca” – Opening Scene   Scene : INT. RICK’S CAFÉ AMÉRICAIN – NIGHT   The setting is Rick’s Café Américain, a bustling nightclub in the city of Casablanca during World War II. The atmosphere is smoky and filled with an eclectic mix of people, including refugees, expatriates, and shady characters. The hum of conversation and music creates a lively backdrop.   Characters : RICK BLAINE, the enigmatic and sophisticated owner of the café, impeccably dressed. CARL, the affable and observant bartender. VICTOR LASZLO, a heroic resistance leader, and his companion ILSA LUND, an elegant woman with an air of mystery.   Action : The camera pans across the café, highlighting the diverse patrons and their interactions. A jazz band plays in the background. Rick stands behind the bar, calmly observing the crowd, a half-smoked cigarette in his hand. Suddenly, Victor and Ilsa enter the café, drawing everyone’s attention. Victor is stoic, while Ilsa is both beautiful and anxious. Rick watches them closely, his demeanor unchanging. The band strikes up “La Marseillaise,” and the patrons join in, singing the French national anthem in a show of unity and resistance against the German occupiers. Rick’s eyes remain fixed on Victor and Ilsa, revealing a depth of emotion beneath his cool exterior.

Scriptwriting Examples & Samples

1. script writing format examples.

script writing examples

2. Script Writing Examples for Students

script writing examples for students

3. Radio Scriptwriting Examples

radio script writing2

blog.musicradiocreative.com

4. Short Scriptwriting Examples

short script2

australianplays.org

5. Cartoon Script Writing Examples

cartoon script

wikihow.com

6. Movie Script Writing Examples

movie script3

creative-writing-now.com

7. Documentary Script Writing Example

documentary writing5

8. Social Script Writing Example

social script writing3

education.com

9. Story Script Writing Example

story script writing example

10. Screenplay Script Writing Example

screenplay script writing example

wichita.edu

11. English Script Writing Example

english script writing example

okbjgm.weebly.com

12. Commercial Script Writing Example

commercial script writing example

davidreiss.com

13. Broadcast Script Writing Example

broadcast writing1

14. Sample Candidate Script Writing

sample script writing example

15. Beginner Program Script Writing Example

programme script writing

egyankosh.ac.in

16. Research Script Writing Example

research script writing example

eprints.usq.edu.au

17. Script Writing Format Example

script writing format

markycullen.com

18. Script Writing in PDF

basic script writing in pdf

radford.edu

19. Professional Scriptwriting Example

professional scriptwriting example

20. Creative Scriptwriting Example

creative scriptwriting example

21. Scriptwriting Workshop Example

scriptwriting workshop example

22. Screenplay Writing Format Example

screenplay writing format example

downloads.bbc.co.uk

23. Short Films Scriptwriting Guide

short films scriptwriting guide

filmg.co.uk

Importance of Script Writing

A script is a key tool used to ensure the success of the portrayal of a specific story. It also serves as a plan of the scenes to be portrayed by the actors, and script writing creates such a plan. Scriptwriting also showcases the talent of different scriptwriters in the field of mass media. Following a script minimizes the time intended to direct the actors on how to portray a certain character. Having the scenes planned beforehand lets the actors and directors focus more on the portrayal of the story, saving time and resources in the process.

Thus, script writing is considered as a fundamental process for the completion of a particular film or play.

How to Start Writing a Script

Let’s assume that you already have some marvelous scenes in your mind and you want to write them on papers. For sure, you would like to make a script that is as superb as the scenes itself, right? In writing your own screenplay, the beginning should be as competitive as your ending since it gives the judgment whether the audience stays or not. To give you a great start with your script composition, read this section before writing one.

1. Know what scripts are.

Just like any composition, the first thing you need to consider is to make sure that you really know what you are writing. In other words, it is indeed necessary to have an in-depth understanding of what scripts are and the technicalities behind it. You must also be aware that screenplays are not the work of a single man. In fact, there will be several people who would keep hold of your composition and edit or revise it accordingly. With this, writing will be not just easier but also clearer.

2. Get some inspiration.

3. sketch out your concept..

If you already have ideas and scenarios in your mind, drawing a sketch of all the details of your idea is the next thing you need to do. In any clean sheet of paper or board, make a comprehensible map pertaining to the necessary elements of your story such as the plot details, the personality traits of your characters and their relationship towards each other. Consider what techniques would you use in your screenplay, too. Moreover, take notes of the critical points of your story.

4. Create a story outline.

After crafting a sketch of your story, it is now time to turn it into an outline. In doing this, start with the basic run of your narrative and keep an eye on your story’s conflicts. Remember, conflicts are the lifeblood of stories. Also, start with details that are small but plays a big role in the story. Furthermore, in making the outline, consider the estimated length of your work. If you can make your story much concise, do it since long screenplays have less probability of being successful. In a standard script format, a page indicates a minute of screen time. Usually, dramas are 2-hours long while comedies are briefer which are about one and a half hours.

5. Divide your story into three acts.

In a script, acts are defined as a set of scenes that creates an essential piece of the story. It is depicted by elements such as rising action, resolution, and climax. Usually, a story is comprised of five acts; however, several modern stories utilized the pillars of a screenplay, the Three Acts namely, the introduction, middle, and conclusion. Though each act can stand independently, it should also be considered that it should create the complete arc of the story when joined together.

After doing these five initial steps, you may now proceed to more technical procedures such as adding of sequence, dialogues, more specific scenes, etc.

How to Write a Good Screenplay

A good  script describes  the story in full detail, engages both the actors and directors and captivates the audience. Though it may be challenging at first, practicing to read more samples and educational articles pertaining to screenplay writing is extremely helpful. Allow yourself to compose the script of the next blockbuster movie by following these steps:

1. Learn the basics.

First of all, a scriptwriter can’t make a screenplay with creativity alone. Since the script is the manual of the film and is what the whole production follows, the writer should at least know the basic standards, terms, and technicalities in composing a script. In scriptwriting, knowledge is the gateway for the experience.

 2. Read other movie scripts.

Scriptwriting has no standard contents but even just a reader, you can already identify which scripts could make it to the big screen. By scanning through the different scripts from various movies, you will be aware of what makes a script good or not. Furthermore, this will also give you a general idea on how the dialogue is developed, how the characters are portrayed, and how the story transitions from one scene to another.

3. Compose a draft.

Create a draft on the sequence of events and how the story progresses from the beginning. Write all the necessary plot details and create an outline of your story. In this step, it is alright for you to commit some erasures and alterations since it is still a draft. However, do your best to construct the initial picture of your entire movie concept already.

4. Split your story outline.

Divide the outline of your story into three acts. Act one is where you introduce the characters and their backstory. Act two is where the characters develop. Act three is where the characters experience the plot twists and conflicts, and where such conflicts are resolved.

5. Write the scenes and dialogues

There are two of the most important elements of the script. Scenes are the events of your story. Dialogues give your characters their voice. In this part, you can make an initial writing process of scenes by including all the interesting and relevant ideas you have. Nevertheless, in making your final script, see to it that all scenes are making important sense in the whole movie. If not then remove them.

6. Peer review

Though you can review or proofread your own work, it would still be a better choice to consult a friend that is knowledgeable in these matters. A friend may give you a few ideas on how to improve your story, peer review would be a more preferable option because basically, most of us cannot distinguish our own mistake. Moreover, be open to constructive criticisms, nobody is perfect, remember?

7. Polish your script

After a great discussion with your friend, you might spot any errors including the minimal ones. This is where you correct them. Also, you omit the unnecessary scenes that only confuse your audience and add a few details to your story as necessary. Revise your story as needed before producing the final screenplay.

In writing your screenplay, always remind yourself of the running time of your script. On average, a bankable movie runs from one hour and thirty minutes while short films take less than forty minutes in their screen time, including the credits.

Where to Read Scripts

Considering the rapid advancement of modern technology, the internet has been the extensive library of the scripts from different movies, plays, short films, etc. Nonetheless, the internet is a big place to search in; thus, it could still be a challenge for you to look for great references. Aside from this website, here is a list of sites from New York Film Academy for downloading and reading scripts from various media.

  • IMSDB – Internet Movie Screenplay Database
  • Go Into the Story
  • Drew’s Script-o-Rama
  • Simply Scripts
  • Awesome Film
  • Screenplays For You
  • The Daily Script
  • The Screenplay Database
  • The Script Lab
  • Movie Scripts and Screenplays

What are the six basic steps in writing a script?

1. concept and idea generation.

Start by brainstorming ideas and concepts for your script. What story do you want to tell, and what message or theme do you want to convey? Consider the genre, tone, and style of your script. It’s essential to have a clear vision of your story before moving forward.

2. Outline and Structure

Develop an outline that outlines the major plot points and structure of your script. Determine the acts, sequences, and scenes that will make up your story. Create a clear beginning, middle, and end to guide the narrative flow.

3. Character Development

Create well-rounded and relatable characters. Define their backgrounds, motivations, strengths, weaknesses, and arcs. Characters are at the heart of any script, and their actions and interactions drive the story.

4. Writing the Script

Start writing the script itself, following the appropriate industry formatting standards. Screenplays typically use specific formatting rules, including elements like scene headings, character names, dialogue, and action descriptions. Ensure your script is clear and easy to read.

5. Revisions and Polishing

Scriptwriting is often an iterative process. Review and revise your script multiple times. Pay attention to dialogue, pacing, character consistency, and plot logic. Seek feedback from others, including peers and experienced scriptwriters, to make improvements.

How do you write a script for beginners?

1. start with an idea:.

Begin by brainstorming ideas for your script. Think about the story you want to tell, the themes you want to explore, and the characters you want to create. Your idea can come from personal experiences, books, news stories, or simply your imagination.

2. Study the Craft:

Familiarize yourself with the basics of scriptwriting. Read scripts of movies or TV shows in your chosen genre to get a sense of formatting, structure, and style. There are also many books, online courses, and resources available to learn more about scriptwriting.

3. Choose Your Format:

Determine the format for your script. The most common formats are screenplays for movies and TV, stage plays for theater, and teleplays for television. Each has specific formatting guidelines, so make sure to choose the appropriate one for your project.

4. Create an Outline:

Develop an outline that sketches out the main plot points, characters, and the overall structure of your script. Consider the three-act structure often used in storytelling, and identify key turning points in your plot.

5. Develop Your Characters:

Create well-rounded and relatable characters. Define their backgrounds, motivations, and character arcs. Understand their strengths, weaknesses, and how they evolve throughout the story.

6. Write the Script:

Start writing your script, following the industry-standard formatting for your chosen medium. Common script elements include scene headings, character names, dialogue, and action descriptions. Be concise and clear in your writing.

7. Focus on Dialogue:

Pay special attention to writing natural and engaging dialogue. It should reveal character traits, move the plot forward, and reflect the characters’ unique voices. Read the dialogue out loud to ensure it sounds realistic.

Types of Script Writing

  • Screenwriting for Film : This involves writing scripts for movies. Screenplays include detailed descriptions of scenes, character dialogues, and directions for actors and cameras. The narrative can range from short films to feature-length movies.
  • Television Writing : Scripts for TV shows can vary greatly depending on the format, including serialized dramas, sitcoms, reality shows, and news programs. Writers often work in teams to produce episodes for a series, following specific guidelines to maintain consistency.
  • Playwriting for Theatre : Writing for the stage, playwriting involves crafting scripts for live performances. Plays require dialogue and stage directions to guide actors and directors, emphasizing strong character development and plot to engage the audience in a real-time setting.
  • Radio Scriptwriting : Radio scripts are written for audio broadcasts, focusing on dialogue, sound effects, and music to tell a story or convey information without visual elements. This form includes radio dramas, talk shows, and commercials.
  • Video Game Writing : This involves creating the narrative for video games, including character dialogue, story arcs, and world-building elements. Video game writing is interactive, requiring multiple scenarios and outcomes based on player choices.
  • Documentary Scriptwriting : Writing for documentaries involves crafting a narrative that combines factual information with storytelling. Scripts may include voice-over narration, interviews, and visual descriptions to guide the documentary’s flow and structure.
  • Commercial and Advertising Scriptwriting : This type involves creating scripts for commercials and advertisements, focusing on persuasive language and compelling narratives to promote products or services within a very short timeframe.
  • Web Series Writing : Scripts for web series are created specifically for online platforms, catering to a diverse and often niche audience. Web series can vary in genre and format, allowing for creative freedom and experimentation.
  • Animation Writing : Writing for animation involves scripts for animated films or series, requiring imaginative storytelling that complements visual art and animation techniques. It includes character dialogues, actions, and sometimes musical sequences.

What is difference between script and screenplay?

General faq’s, what makes a good script.

A good script is compelling, with well-defined characters, engaging dialogue, a strong structure, and a clear theme, offering a meaningful story that resonates with its audience.

How do you write a script with no dialogue?

To write a script with no dialogue, focus on visual storytelling. Develop a clear concept, outline, and rely on actions, expressions, and imagery to convey the narrative effectively.

How long does it take to write a script?

The time to write a script varies widely, depending on the type, complexity, and writer’s experience. A feature film script may take several months, while a short script might be completed in a few weeks. It’s influenced by factors like research, planning, revisions, and individual writing speed.

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A prescription is an order that is written by you, the physician (or future physician), to tell the pharmacist what medication you want your patient to take. In this post, I’m going to break down all the different parts of a prescription, how to write each section, and what to look out for. Watch the video above if that’s a more appealing format to you!

Breaking Down the Prescription Format

As I hinted above, here is the basic format of a prescription: First, we have the patient’s name and another patient identifier, usually the date of birth. Then we have the medication and strength, the amount to be taken, the route by which it is to be taken, and the frequency. For “as needed” medications, there is a symptom included for when it is to be taken.

The prescriber also writes how much should be given at the pharmacy and how many refills the patient can come back for. The prescription is completed with a signature and any other physician identifiers like NPI number or DEA number. Then the prescription is taken to the pharmacist who interprets what is written and prepares the medication for the patient. Now let’s look at each part of this individually.

Patient Identifiers

According to the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations ( JCAHO ) national patient safety goals, at least two patient identifiers should be used in various clinical situations. While prescription writing is not specifically listed as one of these clinical situations, medication administration is. I think prescription writing should be in this category as well.

Two patient identifiers should be included in a prescription to avoid medication errors. Click To Tweet

The two most common patient identifiers are their full name and date of birth. Patient identifiers are the first things to write on a prescription. This way you don’t write a signed prescription without a patient name on it that accidentally falls out of your white coat and onto the floor in the cafeteria.

Drug/Medication

This is an easy one. This is the medication you want to prescribe. It generally does not matter if you write the generic or the brand name here unless you specifically want to prescribe the brand name.

If you do want to prescribe the brand name only, you specifically need to indicate, “no generics.” There are several reasons you might want to do this, but we won’t get into that here. On the prescription pad, there is a small box which can be checked to indicate “brand name only” or “no generics.”

If you only want to prescribe the brand name of a drug, you need to indicate 'no generics' on the prescription. Click To Tweet

After you write the medication name, you need to tell the pharmacist the desired strength. Many, if not most, medications come in multiple strengths. You need to write which one you want.

Often times, the exact strength you want is not available, so the pharmacist will substitute an appropriate alternative for you. For example, if you write prednisone (a corticosteroid) 50 mg, and the pharmacy only carries 10 mg tablets, the pharmacist will dispense the 10 mg tabs and adjust the amount the patient should take by a multiple of 5.

Using my previous example for prednisone, the original prescription was for 50 mg tabs. So you would have written, “prednisone 50 mg, one tab….” (I’ll leave out the rest until we get there). The “one tab” is the amount of the specific medication and strength to take.

Again using my previous example, due to the 50 mg tabs not being available, the instructions would be rewritten by the pharmacist as “prednisone 10 mg, five tabs….” You can see that “one tab” is now “five.” Pharmacists make these changes all the time, often without any input from the physician.

Up until this point, we have been using plain English for the prescriptions. The route is the first opportunity we have to start using English or Latin abbreviations. Note: It is often suggested that to help reduce the number of medication errors, prescription writing should be 100% English, with no Latin abbreviations. I will show you both and let you decide.

There are several routes by which a medication can be taken. Some common ones are by Mouth (PO), per rectum (PR), sublingually (SL), intramuscularly (IM), intravenously (IV), and subcutaneously (SQ).

It is often suggested that to help reduce the number of medication errors, prescription writing should be 100% English, with no Latin abbreviations. Click To Tweet

As you can see, the abbreviations are either from Latin roots like PO (“per os”) or just common combination of letters from the English word. Unfortunately, when you are in a hurry and scribbling these prescriptions, many of these abbreviations can look similar. For example, intranasal is often abbreviated “IN,” which, if you write sloppily, can be mistaken for “IM” or “IV.”

Common route abbreviations for prescription writing:

  • PO (by mouth)
  • PR (per rectum)
  • IM (intramuscular)
  • IV (intravenous)
  • ID (intradermal)
  • IN (intranasal)
  • TP (topical)
  • SL (sublingual)
  • BUCC (buccal)
  • IP (intraperitoneal)

The frequency is simply how often you want the patient to take the medication. This can be anywhere from once a day, once a night, twice a day, or even once every other week. Many frequencies start with the letter “q.” This Q is from the Latin word quaque, which means once.

So in the past, if you wanted a medication to be taken once daily, you would write QD, for “once daily” (“d” is from “die,” the Latin word for day). However, to help reduce medication errors, QD and QOD (every other day) are on the JCAHO “do not use” list. So you need to write out “daily” or “every other day.”

Common frequencies abbreviations for prescription writing:

  • daily (no abbreviation)
  • every other day (no abbreviation)
  • BID/b.i.d. (twice a day)
  • TID/t.id. (three times a day)
  • QID/q.i.d. (four times a day)
  • QHS (every bedtime)
  • Q4h (every 4 hours)
  • Q4-6h (every 4 to 6 hours)
  • QWK (every week)

To reduce medication errors, QD and QOD are on the JCAHO 'do not use' list for prescription writing. So you need to write out 'daily' or 'every other day.' Click To Tweet

The “Why” Portion

Many prescriptions that you write will be for “as needed” medications. This is known as “PRN,” from the Latin pro re nata, meaning “as circumstances may require.” For example, you may write for ibuprofen every 4 hours “as needed.”

What physicians and medical students commonly miss with PRN medications is the “reason. ” Why would it be needed? You need to add this to the prescription. You should write “PRN headache” or “PRN pain,” so the patient knows when to take it.

The “how much” instruction tells the pharmacist how many pills should be dispensed, or how many bottles, or how many inhalers. Typically, you write the number after “Disp #.”

I highly recommend that you spell out the number after the # sign, even though this is not required. For example, I would write “Disp #30 (thirty).” This prevents someone from tampering with the prescription and adding an extra 0 after 30, turning 30 into 300.

The last instruction on the prescription informs the pharmacist how many times the patient can use the same exact prescription, i.e. how many refills they can get.

For example, let’s take refills for oral contraceptives for women. A physician may prescribe 1 pack of an oral contraceptive with 11 refills, which would last the patient a full year. This is convenient for both the patient and physician for any medications that will be used long term.

Prescription Writing Examples

Prescription Writing 101 - Example

This example is a common medication prescribed when people are leaving the hospital. It is one 100 mg tablet, taken at bedtime. The prescription is for 30 pills and no refills.

Prescription Writing 101 - Example 2

Zofran is a very popular anti-nausea medication used after surgery. You’ll notice this script is missing the “amount.” IV medications are a little different in that the amount and strength are kind of mixed together. This is not always the case, though. You also see that this is an “as needed” or “PRN” medication. When the patient complains of nausea, the nurse can give this medication because it has been prescribed.

Prescription Writing 101 - Example 3

This example shows a common way to write prescriptions for liquids, especially for children. Here I’ve used the word “liquid” as a placeholder for the name of a liquid medication. Liquids come in specific strengths per amount of liquid. Here, the strength is 10 mg per 5 mL. We only want to give 5 mg, though, so the “amount” that we prescribe is only 2.5 mL per dose. It’s given by mouth every 4 hours. We are dispensing “1 (one) bottle”. You could also just write “1 (one)” as the pharmacist would know what you mean.

To finish up, here is a list of the JCAHO “Do Not Use” List :

  • U or u (unit) – use “unit”
  • IU (International unit) – use “International Unit”
  • Q.D./QD/q.d./qd – use “daily”
  • Q.O.D./QOD/q.o.d./qod – use “every other day”
  • Trailing zeros (#.0 mg) – use # mg
  • Lack of leading zero (.#) – use 0.# mg
  • MS – use “morphine sulfate” or “magnesium sulfate”
  • MS0 4 and MgSO 4 – use “morphine sulfate” or “magnesium sulfate”

Links and Other Resources

  • Check out my Specialty Stories podcast for interviews with doctors practicing in a wide variety of specialties and locations.
  • Related episode: Resident Duty Hours and the Ripple Effect .
  • Related episode: Dr. Pho of KevinMD Talks About Healthcare Today .
  • Check out my Board Rounds podcast for help preparing for the USMLE Step 1 and COMLEX Level 1 exams.

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writing a paper script

How to Write a Screenplay Featured

  • Scriptwriting

How to Write a Movie Script: Screenplay Format and Examples

U nderstanding how to write a movie script, also known as a screenplay, can seem daunting at first, but once you understand script format and structure you can then focus on your creativity.

We’ll take you through the process of writing a screenplay so that you can begin building that great movie idea into a professional script. 

Watch: Anatomy of a Screenplay — Ultimate Guide

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What Is A Screenplay

What exactly defines a screenplay.

A movie script , also known as a screenplay is a document that ranges anywhere from 70-180 pages. Most movie scripts come in around 110 pages, but there are a number of factors that play into the length.

Before we go too deep into page count, let’s talk about the things you really need to know so that you can get started on your script ASAP.

How To Format a Screenplay

What is standard screenplay format.

Screenplay format is relatively simple, but it’s one of those things that can seem a bit daunting until you’ve actually learned how to do it.

The basics of script formatting are as follows:

  • 12-point Courier font size
  • 1.5 inch margin on the left of the page
  • 1 inch margin on the right of the page
  •  1 inch on the of the top and bottom of the page
  • Each page should have approximately 55 lines
  • The dialogue block starts 2.5 inches from the left side of the page
  • Character names must have uppercase letters and be positioned starting 3.7 inches from the left side of the page
  • Page numbers are positioned in the top right corner with a 0.5 inch margin from the top of the page. The first page shall not be numbered, and each number is followed by a period.

StudioBinder screenwriting software does all the required formating, so you can focus on the creative. Below is a formatted script example:

How to Format a Screenplay - StudioBinder Scriptwriting Software

Script formatting breakdown in StudioBinder

Many scripts begin with a transition , which may include FADE IN: or BLACK SCREEN . Some place this in the top left, others in the top right of the page where many transitions live. Other scripts will begin with scene headings, or even subheadings of imagery they want to front load.

SCENE HEADING

The scene heading is there to help break up physical spaces and give the reader and production team an idea of the story’s geography.

You will either choose INT. for interior spaces or EXT. for exterior spaces. Then a description of the setting , and then the time of day . 

Here’s a screenplay example:

how to write a movie script - afraid of the dark - studiobinder screenwriting feature - scene heading

Script format example in StudioBinder Screenplay Writing Software: Scene Heading

There are rare cases where the scene begins inside and goes outside, or vice versa, and in these situations you may write INT/EXT. or EXT/INT . 

Some scripts take place all around the world, so often screenwriters will use multiple hyphens to give the scene headings even more detail:

how to write a movie script - afraid of the dark - studiobinder screenwriting feature - character intro - double hyphen scene heading

Screenplay format example in StudioBinder Screenwriting App: Scene Heading Details

This helps the screenwriter avoid having to point out the geographical location in the action lines, saving space to write more about the actual story and keep readers engaged in the story… not the formatting.

how to write a movie script - afraid of the dark - studiobinder screenwriting feature - subheading

Script formatting example in StudioBinder Sciptwriting Software: Scene Subheading

It is assumed that readers will understand the change in space while retaining the idea that the time of day is the same - even continuous.

The reason many writers do this is to avoid the notion that we’ve entered an entirely new scene, though you could always include CONTINUOUS in place of DAY or NIGHT by creating an entirely new scene heading.

It’s a matter of personal style and rhythm vs. production considerations. 

TRANSITIONS

In the bottom right of the page you will place transitions, but in modern screenwriting these seem to be used less and less. The transitions that seems to have really stood the test of time are CUT TO: and FADE OUT.

how to write a movie script - afraid of the dark - studiobinder screenwriting feature - transition

Screenplay formatting example in StudioBinder Sciptwriting Software: Scene Transition

You may also include something like DISSOLVE TO: , but these are used less and less, probably for the same reason you avoid camera shots.

CHARACTER INTRODUCTIONS

When you introduce a character in a screenplay, you want to use all-capital letters for the name of the character, then a reference to their age, and finally some information about their traits and personality.

how to write a movie script - afraid of the dark - studiobinder screenwriting feature - character intro - double hyphen scene heading (1)

Script format example in StudioBinder Scriptwriting Software: Character Introduction

Again, screenwriters have found other ways to do this, but this is the most common and production friendly way to introduce a character. 

We have a post on how to introduce characters in a screenplay that goes into the creative considerations of introducing characters, so I highly recommend you check it out after this post to learn more.

Action lines are where you describe the visual and audible actions that take place on screen. You want to write in third person in present tense.

Here’s a script example:

how to write a movie script - afraid of the dark - studiobinder screenwriting feature - action

Script format example in StudioBinder Screenwriting Solution: Action Lines

Often, you can make your script a better read by eliminating redundant pronouns and conjunctions. Big sounds and important objects can be written out in ALL CAPS to emphasize their effect on the story. 

Your lines of dialogue will be set underneath the character to which they are assigned. Dialogue is pretty straightforward from a formatting standpoint, but it is the most difficult part of screenwriting.

how to write a movie script - afraid of the dark - studiobinder screenwriting feature - dialogue

Script format example in StudioBinder Free Screenwriting App: Dialogue Lines

If you want to learn more, check out our post on 22 Screenwriting Tips for Writing Better Dialogue where I go over a bunch of ways to audit your screenplay for good… and bad dialogue. 

These occur when a character says something off-screen (O.S.) , or if dialogue is voice-over (V.O.) . You will see extensions when a character ends a block of dialogue, performs an action, and speaks more.

how to write a movie script - afraid of the dark - studiobinder screenwriting feature - extension

Screenplay format example in StudioBinder Web-Based Scriptwriting Software: Extensions

This takes the form of continued (CONT’D). Professional script writing software will help you with this, but it will not be able to predict when you want something said off screen or in voice-over.

PARENTHETICAL

You can use a parenthetical inside your dialogue to show small actions, or even a change in mood without having to jump out to an action line.

how to write a movie script - afraid of the dark - studiobinder screenwriting feature - parenthetical (1)

Script format example in StudioBinder Free Script Writing Software: Parenthetical

Parentheticals are really good for directing actors, and adding sarcasm and nuance to performances on the page, but you may want to be cautious about adding them too much. Actors are professionals, and if Al Pacino finds parentheticals in a script, he may get his feelings hurt.

CAMERA SHOTS

The best professional screenwriters know how to suggest shots without actually writing in shots, but if you really insist on describing a particular shot in your screenplay you can format it like a subheading.

Here’s a script example

how to write a movie script - afraid of the dark - studiobinder screenwriting feature - camera shot

Script format example in StudioBinder Online Screenwriting Software: Camera Shot

This lets us know that the shot is supposed to be set so that we see things from Filbert’s perspective. Writing out shots is often frowned upon, but if you’re directing the film, maybe do it sparingly.

How To Write A Movie Script

Use proper script font & margins.

The screenplay font used to write movie scripts is Courier 12pt. 

Courier is used as the standard screenplay font because it creates a page to screen ratio of 1:1. Where one page of a script translates to one minute of screen time, so this is one area that really shouldn’t be modified.  

Page margins for a professional movie script are 1” for the top, bottom, and right side margins. The left margin is 1.5” for punch hole space.

StudioBinder provides a completely FREE and unlimited screenwriting software, so you don’t have to be worried about script fonts and margins.

StudioBinder's FREE Screenwriting Software

Because StudioBinder is cloud-based, you will be able to access your securely saved screenplay from any computer in the world. Our software helps you properly format, create versions, and automatically syncs to a number integrated production planning features.

Technology is there to make our lives easier, though I applaud you for having an interest in learning about professional screenplay font.

If there ever comes a time where screenwriting software is completely eliminated due to some sort of cataclysmic event, I think we’ll all have bigger concerns than understanding how to write a movie screenplay.

Now… let’s talk screenplay page count.

what is screenplay format

Consider your page count.

How long should your movie script be?

It’s a difficult question because comedy scripts generally come in somewhere around 90 pages (1 hour + 30 mins) while action and drama scripts come in around 110 (1 hour + 50 mins). 

It’s harmful to worry about this too much because what you really need is a script that is lean, mean, and compelling at every turn.

If you think your script is a bit thin, you may need to add a bit more, but every page you add means more money needed to produce the film.

If you write a great 80 page script, you may just have a screenplay that will both excite production teams, but also viewers with small bladders.

What Is A Script

Plan out script beats & story structure.

Story structure is a much more difficult topic to nail down when compared to formatting, so buckle up. Many screenwriter, directors, and viewers find that classic story structure leads to formulaic moviemaking.

It totally does… and that’s why many movies are xeroxes of xeroxes.

So why is this still the best way to have your screenplay produced as well as a really helpful tool for writing your screenplays?

Production companies, studios, producers, and executives have poured years, and maybe even decades into learning the business of feature films, and the vast majority have used classic story structure.

Do screenwriters and directors all follow it perfectly? — No.

Do screenwriters and directors all understand structure? — Yes.

You have the Save The Cat Beat Sheet , Three Act Structure , The Hero's Journey , The Story Circle — all of these are ways to make that great idea you have become a coherent story that emulates the human experience.

We all have highs, and we all have lows.

The true benefit of story structure is that it gives you a plan to build so that when you sit down to write you don’t just stare at the blank page.

It’s just a navigation map for your big roadtrip… one that producers and studios will want you to have so they can bank on your screenplay.

One of the non-negotiable support documents you want to create is a screenplay outline. This is where you can create your own roadmap, with all of the considerations you personally care about for your script.

Script outlines often present the scene page count, overall story beats, and the relationship each scene has with the other scenes in your script. If you’re trying to overcome writer’s block, a script outline will keep you focused and help you write your story.

How To Write A Screenplay

How long does it take to write a screenplay.

Many are curious how long it should take a screenwriter to write a movie script, and while it will always depend on a personal schedule you will be best served by setting up a rigid, professional writing schedule.

When professional screenwriters are given time to write a screenplay, they’re provided a time range between 1-3 months (30-90 days). 

In the past, I’ve set my personal writing pace at 6-7 pages in an 8 hour day of writing, which roughly translates to about 15 days of writing. 

If you’re truly focused on your script, planning out the structure, theme, characters, setting, and plot may take you a couple of weeks.

The short answer is that it should take around a month .

Some screenplays I wrote took 6 months… others took 2 weeks.

The time shrinks with each screenplay because you become more and more familiar with the overall process like any other craft or job.

Your inspiration and creative energy will only grow when you work on your projects and scripts, and it will only shrink when you don’t.

Movie Script Writing

Make a screenplay title page.

The next step is to create your title page for your screenplay. This is a somewhat interesting, albeit brief topic of discussion. Part of this comes from the fact that screenwriter used to add personal info on the page.

This is still totally fine, but there are much better ways to make sure potentially interested parties have a way to contact you about your story that doesn’t require you to include your home address.

You shouldn’t be scared to put yourself and your work out there, but you should use technology to give yourself a smoother process like adding an email address designated to your writing so that personal emails don’t get mixed up with important screenwriting emails.

Sample Script

Other important screenwriting notes.

There are some nuanced screenwriting practices that may seem correct, but can actually confuse or hinder the physical production.

One example is your time of day in your scene heading. 

Professional screenplay software will give you about a half dozen options including MORNING and SUNSET . This is an ironic moment where screenwriters actually hurt productions with proper formatting. 

These should generally be avoided unless the time of day is absolutely integral to the story because your script will import into production planning software and create stripboards that instruct the production to schedule the actual shoot times during a very small window of time.

Most morning and sunset scenes are filmed whenever and however a director and production team can figure out because planning your entire day of filming around 1-2 hours of available light is a great way to lose a lot of time, money, morale, and built up trust.

Even if you have a character who wakes up late for work, you really won’t need to use MORNING because that scene will most likely be filmed during the day, or may even be filmed on a soundstage with artificial lighting. What about the rules with action lines?

Screenwriters like Quentin Tarantino will sometimes include character motivations or aspects of the film that will not be shown on screen. Generally, this practice is frowned upon in screenwriting.

But he’s Tarantino… right?

The reason you don’t want to go too crazy with this is because it becomes a slippery slope where novice writers default to adding information the viewer can’t see or hear to the screenplay to give padding and context.

The truth is that writers should focus on building things we all get to see on screen, and not focus on motivation that isn’t apparent on screen. That’s also generally what character breakdowns are for, which you can include with your screenplay to producers, directors, and the actors.

Tell me if this sounds familiar...

You generally understand script formatting, but after reading a number of popular movie scripts you’ve actually become more confused.

When you read movie scripts and screenplays you quickly learn that many screenwriters play fast and loose even with script writing format, however, they all get pretty close and predominantly use their somewhat liberal interpretation of script writing format to help readers visualize the scenes in a way that keeps a good pace, flow, and rhythm. 

“Why am I trying to learn and follow rules that may hinder my ability to tell a compelling story through the written word when the most successful writers and directors don’t seem to give two hoots?”

Really, two hoots? What is this… the 1950’s?

Point is, you’re right. Often the professional scripts we get to read are either early drafts or straight up spec scripts, which means they’ve written the scripts without an attached plan for production.

Now, if you want to learn how to write a script that will be used for actual production, also known as a shooting script, you might as well write your screenplays in a way that is totally production friendly.

How to Become a Screenwriter

Now you understand how to write a movie script, make sure to take a look at How to Become a Paid Screenwriter . Our post is full of helpful lessons you can apply to your own professional screenwriting career.

Up Next: How to Become A Screenwriter →

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How to Write a Prescription

Last Updated: September 10, 2023 Fact Checked

Basic Information

Inscription, subscription, patient use directions.

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 107,501 times. Learn more...

Prescription errors can be costly and dangerous, so when writing a prescription, you need to include all of the necessary information and explain everything as clearly as possible. Make sure that you write the required identifying information, inscription, subscription, and patient use instructions.

Things You Should Know

  • Include the patient's full name and date of birth, your full name and contact information, the date of the prescription, and your signature.
  • Write the name of the medication and the strength you're prescribing.
  • Include the amount of medication that should be filled and the number of refills allowed.
  • Add use directions for the medication, including the route, dosage amount, frequency, and when to discontinue use.

Step 1 Include at least two patient identifiers.

  • Full name and date of birth are the two most common identifiers. For prescriptions fulfilled outside of a hospital, the patient's phone number and/or current home address will usually be included, as well.
  • One identifier isn't enough, even if you use the patient's full name. If two patients share the same name, it would be impossible to know which one the prescription refers to without any other identifier.

Step 2 Provide your information.

  • Note that your United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) number must also be included somewhere on the prescription.
  • In most cases, this information will already be printed on the prescription form. If it isn't, however, you will need to write it manually.

Step 3 Note the date of the prescription.

  • Schedule I drugs have a high potential for abuse and have no legally accepted medical use within the United States.
  • Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse but do have some legally accepted medical use.
  • Schedule III drugs have some potential for abuse and can be used for some medical purposes.
  • Schedule IV drugs have a relatively low potential for abuse and are legally permitted for some medical purposes.
  • Schedule V drugs have an even lower potential for abuse and are legally permitted for certain medical purposes.

Step 4 Sign the prescription.

  • It is strongly recommended that you write out the rest of the prescription and sign your name last. Doing so prevents unfinished or blank prescriptions from falling into the wrong hands. [3] X Research source

Step 1 Display the

  • On most prescription forms, the "Rx" is already printed.
  • Write the inscription information immediately after this symbol. The inscription includes all of the information about the specific drug you want to prescribe.

Step 2 Write the medication.

  • Use the name brand of the drug only when you specifically wish to prescribe the name brand. Keep in mind that doing so may make the prescription more expensive for the patient.
  • If you want to prescribe the name brand, you should also include a note on the prescription reading "No Generics." On most prescription forms, there will be a "Brand Name Only" or "No Generics" box you have the option of checking for this purpose.

Step 3 Mention the strength.

  • The strength amount should be indicated in milligrams for tablets and suppositories and milliliters for fluids.
  • Write words instead of abbreviations to avoid possible misunderstandings.

Step 1 Include the prescription amount.

  • This information should usually be preceded by an appropriate heading, such as "dispense," "disp," "#," or "how much."
  • Include the specific bottle size or number of tablets/capsules. Spell the numbers out to avoid possible miscommunication.

Step 2 Note the number of permitted refills.

  • Only allow additional refills when the patient will need the exact same prescription multiple times.
  • For example, you might wish to prescribe a year's worth of oral contraceptives, yet each fulfillment of the prescription might only provide a month's worth. On the prescription form, write "Refills 11" to indicate that eleven refills are permitted after the first fulfillment. After the final refill runs out, the patient will need a new prescription before any additional medication can be obtained.
  • If you do not wish to permit any refills, write "Refills 0" or "Refills none" to indicate as much. Doing so reduces the risk of possible tampering.

Step 1 Specify the route.

  • By mouth (PO)
  • Per rectum (PR)
  • Intramuscular (IM)
  • Intravenous (IV)
  • Intradermal (ID)
  • Intranasal (IN)
  • Topical (TP)
  • Sublingual (SL)
  • Buccal (BUCC)
  • Intraperitoneal (IP)

Step 2 State the dosage amount.

  • For instance, you might write something like "one 30 milligram tablet" or "30 milliliters.

Step 3 Indicate the frequency.

  • In fact, a medication that must be used "daily" or "every other day" must be written out in full. Abbreviations for these frequencies are prohibited.
  • Twice a day (BID)
  • Three times a day (TID)
  • Four times a day (QID)
  • Every bedtime (QHS)
  • Every four hours (Q4H)
  • Every four to six hours (Q4-6H)
  • Every week (QWK)

Step 4 Write when to discontinue use.

  • Specify this diagnosis with the abbreviation "PRN." For example, the statement for a pain medication might read "PRN pain."

Step 6 Mention any other special instructions.

  • "Take with food"
  • "Avoid alcohol"
  • "Keep refrigerated"
  • "Do not freeze"
  • "For external use only"
  • "Shake before instillation"

Expert Q&A

  • To reduce the risk of tampering or miscommunication, write prescriptions in ink or indelible pencil. They may also be typewritten. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Make sure that all prescriptions are written clearly and legibly to avoid errors in dosage. Some errors can be deadly, so it is crucial that you do what you can to prevent them. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Only write a prescription if you are authorized to do so. In most cases, this means that you must be registered with the DEA or specially exempted from registration. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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Use a Stethoscope

  • ↑ https://www.healio.com/optometry/therapeutics/news/print/primary-care-optometry-news/%7B5e90a3bb-292f-404a-9e61-71553ee6edd9%7D/how-to-write-prescriptions-clearly-and-concisely
  • ↑ https://www.ncmedboard.org/resources-information/professional-resources/laws-rules-position-statements/position-statements/writing_of_prescriptions
  • ↑ https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/894904
  • ↑ https://www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm/issues/2002/0700/p27.html
  • ↑ https://www.uhs.nhs.uk/media/suhtideal/doctors/saferprescribingworkbook/section1-prescriptionwriting.pdf
  • ↑ https://www.d.umn.edu/medweb/Modules/Prescription/Answer1.html

About This Article

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

Read More...

To write a prescription, start by making sure that your full name, contact information, and US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) number is on the prescription. Next, use at least 2 patient identifiers to clarify the patient’s identity, such as their name and birthday. Then, write “RX,” the name of the drug, its strength, the amount, and the number of permitted refills. After that, list how you want the patient to take the medication, including how many to take and how often. Finally, include any special instructions, then sign and date the prescription. For more tips, like how to specify whether the patient should take brand name or generic medication, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Critical Writing Program: Decision Making - Spring 2024: Researching the White Paper

  • Getting started
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  • Substantive News Sources
  • What to Do When You Are Stuck
  • Understanding a citation
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  • Chicago Manual of Style: Citing Images
  • Researching the Op-Ed
  • Researching Prospective Employers
  • Resume Resources
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Research the White Paper

Researching the White Paper:

The process of researching and composing a white paper shares some similarities with the kind of research and writing one does for a high school or college research paper. What’s important for writers of white papers to grasp, however, is how much this genre differs from a research paper.  First, the author of a white paper already recognizes that there is a problem to be solved, a decision to be made, and the job of the author is to provide readers with substantive information to help them make some kind of decision--which may include a decision to do more research because major gaps remain. 

Thus, a white paper author would not “brainstorm” a topic. Instead, the white paper author would get busy figuring out how the problem is defined by those who are experiencing it as a problem. Typically that research begins in popular culture--social media, surveys, interviews, newspapers. Once the author has a handle on how the problem is being defined and experienced, its history and its impact, what people in the trenches believe might be the best or worst ways of addressing it, the author then will turn to academic scholarship as well as “grey” literature (more about that later).  Unlike a school research paper, the author does not set out to argue for or against a particular position, and then devote the majority of effort to finding sources to support the selected position.  Instead, the author sets out in good faith to do as much fact-finding as possible, and thus research is likely to present multiple, conflicting, and overlapping perspectives. When people research out of a genuine desire to understand and solve a problem, they listen to every source that may offer helpful information. They will thus have to do much more analysis, synthesis, and sorting of that information, which will often not fall neatly into a “pro” or “con” camp:  Solution A may, for example, solve one part of the problem but exacerbate another part of the problem. Solution C may sound like what everyone wants, but what if it’s built on a set of data that have been criticized by another reliable source?  And so it goes. 

For example, if you are trying to write a white paper on the opioid crisis, you may focus on the value of  providing free, sterilized needles--which do indeed reduce disease, and also provide an opportunity for the health care provider distributing them to offer addiction treatment to the user. However, the free needles are sometimes discarded on the ground, posing a danger to others; or they may be shared; or they may encourage more drug usage. All of those things can be true at once; a reader will want to know about all of these considerations in order to make an informed decision. That is the challenging job of the white paper author.     
 The research you do for your white paper will require that you identify a specific problem, seek popular culture sources to help define the problem, its history, its significance and impact for people affected by it.  You will then delve into academic and grey literature to learn about the way scholars and others with professional expertise answer these same questions. In this way, you will create creating a layered, complex portrait that provides readers with a substantive exploration useful for deliberating and decision-making. You will also likely need to find or create images, including tables, figures, illustrations or photographs, and you will document all of your sources. 

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COMMENTS

  1. PDF Organizing Your Research Paper Script

    Instructions: This grid offers you a simple way to begin to connect and categorize the sources you have found so far. 1. Write your research question in the space provided at the top of your grid. 2. In the first column, list the papers/sources that are most relevant to your research. question. 3.

  2. How to Write a Script (Step-by-Step Guide)

    How to Write a Script (Step-by-Step Guide) Luke Leighfield, Content Writer Updated 21 January 2024 So you want to write a film script (or, as some people call it, a screenplay - they're two words that mean basically the same thing). We're here to help with this simple step-by-step script writing guide. 1) Lay the groundwork 2) Flesh out the story

  3. PDF Strategies for Essay Writing

    provide when you are writing a paper. Here are some useful guidelines: o If you're writing a research paper, do not assume that your reader has read all the sources that you are writing about. You'll need to offer context about what those sources say so that your reader can understand why you have brought them into the conversation.

  4. How to Write a Script (with Pictures)

    Writing a script is a great way to stretch your creativity by making a short film, movie, or TV show. Each script starts with a good premise and plot that takes your characters on a life-changing adventure. With a lot of hard work and correct formatting, you can write your own script in just a few months! Script-Writing Help Script Writing Basics

  5. Scriptwriting Essentials

    Scriptwriting Essentials 1. Developing Your Idea 2. Know What You Want to Write 3.

  6. Scriptwriting 101: The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Script

    The Scriptwriting Idea: At first glance, this may seem like the easiest part of scriptwriting. The beautiful seed motivating you to start writing in the first place. However, before pen hits paper or finger hits key, there are important considerations to make. First, can you pitch it?

  7. The Writing Process

    Step 1: Prewriting Step 2: Planning and outlining Step 3: Writing a first draft Step 4: Redrafting and revising Step 5: Editing and proofreading Other interesting articles Frequently asked questions about the writing process Step 1: Prewriting

  8. A Guide to Script Writing

    Posted on: April 5, 2022 Have you ever wondered what it takes to get your stories from idea to stage or screen? It all starts with putting your pen to paper — or fingers to the keyboard — to write a script. Script writing is at the heart of all audiences' favorite stories.

  9. Essential Guide to Manuscript Writing for Academic Dummies: An Editor's

    Abstract. Writing an effective manuscript is one of the pivotal steps in the successful closure of the research project, and getting it published in a peer-reviewed and indexed journal adds to the academic profile of a researcher. Writing and publishing a scientific paper is a tough task that researchers and academicians must endure in staying ...

  10. How to Write a Research Paper

    Choose a research paper topic. Conduct preliminary research. Develop a thesis statement. Create a research paper outline. Write a first draft of the research paper. Write the introduction. Write a compelling body of text. Write the conclusion. The second draft.

  11. How To Write A Script: 23 Steps to Write a Successful Script

    Select a film genre for your story: You can also combine film genres to make something unique. 6. Pick a setting for your film: Use your theme and genre to help guide your setting choices. 7. Create a dynamic protagonist: The protagonist should have a central goal they want to achieve throughout the screenplay. 8.

  12. How to Write a Manuscript? Step-by-Step Guide to Research Manuscript

    In this step‐by‐step guide, we answer the question - ­­ how to write a manuscript for publication - by presenting some practical tips for the same. As a first step, it is important that you spend time to identify and evaluate the journal you plan to submit your manuscript to. Data shows that 21% of manuscripts are desk rejected by ...

  13. What is Script Writing

    Script writing is the process of writing stories for a variety of mediums including film, TV, video games, and commercials. The process of writing a novel, a poem, or essay, is entirely different than script writing. In order to express yourself effectively for the screen, particular formatting methods are required.

  14. Scriptwriting

    Scriptwriting, also known as screenwriting, is the process of writing the text or dialogue for a screenplay, which is a blueprint for a film, television show, play, or other visual storytelling medium.

  15. Tips for Screenwriters: How to Write a Script in 6 Basic Steps

    1. Write your logline. A logline is a one-sentence summary or description of a movie. Loglines distill the essential elements of your screenplay—the main character, setup, central conflict, plot points, antagonist—into a concise teaser. The goal is to write an enticing synopsis to hook the reader into reading the entire script. 2.

  16. Learn How To Write A Script in 8 Simple Steps

    Writing a script is a creative process that includes a combination of story structure, character arcs, narration and dialogue. These eight steps describe how to properly write a script: 1. Create your story concept. The first step is to create your story concept. This is essentially the big idea from which you will brainstorm and develop all ...

  17. How to Write a Script: A Beginner's Guide

    Step 4: Fill in the Blanks. Transfer your outline into your script software, and start filling in the missing pieces. That means indicating the location and time of day for each scene (like EXT. RESTAURANT, DAY, for example) and of course, the dialogue. This can feel like an overwhelming part, but since you did such a great job with your ...

  18. How to Start a Script

    Copyediting Discovery is the idea generation stage — the stage where you get ideas and begin to develop them. Drafting is the initial writing stage — generating rough editions of your story just to get everything down on the page. Revising is the process of transforming rough drafts into more polished drafts.

  19. How To Write A Script: 15 Tips for Writing A Script

    15 Tips for Writing a Script From the scriptwriting idea to the correct formatting, these top tips elaborate extensively on everything that you need to know when writing a perfect script from start to finish. Simply put, these tips are a whole kit in a single post that educates and saves you time and money. How cool is that? 1.

  20. Blank Slate

    Here are the most important things when writing blank slates. First: Bookmark this page (+ d). Each time you need to write something down, click the bookmark and just start typing! Style your slates with markdown. Here's an exampleand the result when viewed. To save, press "+ s" at any time or click "save" in the bottom right.

  21. Prescription Writing 101 (with Example Prescriptions)

    As I hinted above, here is the basic format of a prescription: First, we have the patient's name and another patient identifier, usually the date of birth. Then we have the medication and strength, the amount to be taken, the route by which it is to be taken, and the frequency.

  22. How to Write a Movie Script Like Professional Screenwriters

    The basics of script formatting are as follows: 12-point Courier font size 1.5 inch margin on the left of the page 1 inch margin on the right of the page 1 inch on the of the top and bottom of the page Each page should have approximately 55 lines The dialogue block starts 2.5 inches from the left side of the page

  23. How to Write a Script (Step-by-Step Guide)

    Thus you want at indite a film script (or, as of people called it, a written - they're two words that mean basically to same thing). We're here to help equipped this easily step-by-step screenwriting leadership. Learn how to write adenine screenplay the just way with this script writings sample furthermore screenwriting tips!

  24. How to Write a Prescription: 15 Steps (with Pictures)

    1 Include at least two patient identifiers. Patient identifiers are pieces of information used to clarify the identity of the patient. In all settings, you must include at least two of these identifiers. Full name and date of birth are the two most common identifiers.

  25. Researching the White Paper

    For example, if you are trying to write a white paper on the opioid crisis, you may focus on the value of providing free, sterilized needles--which do indeed reduce disease, and also provide an opportunity for the health care provider distributing them to offer addiction treatment to the user. However, the free needles are sometimes discarded ...

  26. TOEFL TestReady

    No other English language test provider has a prep offering like this — designed for you, with you. TOEFL ® TestReady ™ combines the best TOEFL iBT prep offerings with exclusive features and deeper insights to enhance your English communication skills. All feedback, recommendations, personalized insights and tips are developed by the same teams that write and produce the TOEFL iBT test.