[RESEARCH_TOPIC] = Subject of academic investigation [ACADEMIC_LEVEL] = Undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, etc. [CITATION_STYLE] = APA, MLA, Chicago, IEEE, etc. [PAPER_TYPE] = Essay, research paper, literature review, etc. [WORD_COUNT] = Required length of the document Step 1 → Research Question and Thesis Development Formulate a focused approach to [RESEARCH_TOPIC]: Clear, specific research question or problem statement Working thesis or hypothesis appropriate for [ACADEMIC_LEVEL] Scope definition and limitation parameters Significance justification within the field Theoretical framework or conceptual foundation Methodological approach considerations Primary and secondary research objectives Contribution to existing knowledge Original perspective or novel approach identification Step 2 → Academic Structure and Outline Creation Develop a comprehensive document framework for [PAPER_TYPE]: Standard sections based on academic conventions Logical flow and argument progression Appropriate balance between sections based on [WORD_COUNT] Introduction strategy with hook, context, and thesis Literature review organization (chronological, thematic, methodological) Methodology section for empirical research Results presentation structure for findings Discussion section with analysis and interpretation Conclusion that reinforces key contributions Abstract development approach Step 3 → Academic Writing Style Implementation Apply scholarly writing conventions: Formal tone appropriate for [ACADEMIC_LEVEL] Field-specific terminology and concepts Objective, evidence-based argumentation Proper integration of sources and evidence Transition sentences between sections and paragraphs Paragraph structure with topic sentences and supporting evidence Sentence variety and academic phrasing Active vs. passive voice balance First, second, or third person perspective as appropriate Discipline-specific writing conventions Step 4 → Citation and Reference Management Implement proper scholarly attribution: In-text citation formatting according to [CITATION_STYLE] Reference list or bibliography formatting Primary and secondary source distinction Quotation, paraphrasing, and summarizing techniques Citation frequency and distribution best practices Source credibility assessment framework Database and academic journal recommendation Citation management tool suggestions Common citation error prevention Plagiarism avoidance strategies Step 5 → Academic Quality Enhancement Elevate the scholarly quality with advanced elements: Counterargument anticipation and addressing Methodological limitations acknowledgment Research ethics consideration Data presentation and visualization guidance Scholarly voice and authorial presence Disciplinary contribution articulation Future research direction identification Practical implications or applications Theoretical framework alignment Academic rigor and precision checks Pro Tip: Create a "progressive draft system" for academic writing by developing three increasingly refined versions of your paper. Start with a "discovery draft" that explores ideas freely without worrying about structure or citations. Then create a "structural draft" that organizes these ideas into a logical framework with proper sections and citation placeholders. Finally, develop a "polished draft" that refines language, strengthens arguments, and completes all citations and formatting. This systematic approach dramatically improves quality while reducing the anxiety of trying to perfect everything at once.