homework keywords

Research Paper Keyword Generator

• 🤩 Pros of Our Keyword Generator
• 🗝️ What Are Keywords?
• ️🔍 How to Choose Keywords
• 💡 4 Best Tips for Writing Keywords

🔗 References

🤩 pros of our free research paper keyword generator.

Our tool will present you with a list of keywords and phrases from any text you paste. There are several features that make it stand out from similar instruments:

🗝️ What Are Keywords in a Research Paper?

Keywords are phrases and words that reflect a research papers’ main ideas and topics . They help search engines and readers alike to quickly understand what the work is about. Such terms and phrases also allow researchers interested in your subject to promptly find your paper, share it, and cite it. Depending on the format of your work, keywords can be placed in its metadata or the abstract.

Why Are Keywords Important?

Oftentimes, students and professionals alike don’t take the time to choose the keywords for their research papers. They might be under the impression that if the work is good enough, others will find it anyway. In reality, that is not the case.

Choosing the most appropriate keywords has the following advantages:

• More precise search results . It ensures that your papers will be quickly found in search engines and academic registries. This way, researchers and other people interested in the topic have a better chance of coming across your work.
• Showing the paper’s relevance . Key words and phrases get across the main subject of the paper, summarize the main ideas , and make it easier for people to determine if they may be interested in the research.
• Quick communication with evaluators . Having keywords in your work lets your professors quickly comprehend the content and subject of your study.

🔍 How to Choose Keywords in Research Papers

This section will give you an understanding of the general rules about choosing keywords for academic works. There are several things we advise keeping in mind:

• Check the instructions . Before adding keywords, carefully read manuals provided by your professors or scientific journals. These materials should contain the volume of allowed keywords (3–5 on average, up to 10 in rare cases) and explain whether these should be picked from a pre-selected list.
• Choose specific words and phrases . When selecting your keywords, it is best not to use generic phrases. You should avoid abstract concepts or common words, since they can cause your paper to get lost in the search results. Instead, it is best to stay specific to the subject matter. For example, if you write about heart disease, use keys such as “ peripheral arterial disease ” or “acute coronary heart disease.”
• Search for optimized terms . Maximize the paper’s reach by optimizing terms. Google Scholar is a great way to discover the proper terminology for research in different fields.
• Include the methodology . Additionally, it’s essential to name the methodology used in the study. For example, regarding medicine, clinical trial types or experimental techniques are a perfect choice for papers on this subject.

Keywords Format: APA Style

APA is currently one of the most used formats for academic research papers. There are several things students should be aware of when writing works that follow its guidelines.

• Recommended fonts . In the APA style , it’s possible to use 10-point Computer Modern, 10-point Lucida Sans Unicode, 11-point Arial, 11-point Calibri, 11-point Georgia, or 12-point Times New Roman fonts.
• Placement . Students should place the keywords list on the research’s second page, one line below the abstract.
• Label . These words and phrases must be labeled as “Keywords,” intended like a regular paragraph, and put in italics.
• Text . In the APA format, keywords are on the same line and one space after the label. They are written in the lowercase, with capitalized proper nouns. Don’t use bold or italic and remember to separate them with commas. There’s no ending punctuation after the final keyword. Students can list them in any order and use double-space if the keywords run onto the second line.

💡 4 Best Tips for Writing Keywords for Your Research

Finding and incorporating the right keywords in research studies takes time and effort to perfect. We’ve decided to give several tips that will help you hone your research and article-writing skills .

• Avoid keywords that are too narrow or too broad . This is one of the trickiest things to pull off while looking for the perfect keywords. Make them excessively precise, and you will narrow your audience significantly. Make them too broad, and the article will be lost in search results.
• Steer clear of obscure search terms . If you want the work to appear in academic directories, don’t use terms people rarely seek. For example, people rarely search for Latin animal or plant species names, so keep things closer to plain English.
• Don’t mislead readers . Don’t use keys unrelated to your topic to get into the search results. Such things remove credibility from your writing and add unnecessary difficulties for people trying to find it.
• Use the appropriate format . When choosing your keywords, it is best to remember several general rules. For example, you should try avoiding abbreviations where possible. Additionally, it is best to use short phrases rather than singular words.

Our research paper generator will become a valuable tool for your academic pursuits. Also, we recommend you try our effective plagiarism checker ! If you have any questions, check out our FAQ section.

❓ Research Paper Keyword Generator – FAQ

• Consider words and phrases that expand or narrow the paper’s scope.
• Use phrases instead of single words without context.
• Avoid abbreviations.
• Check the guidelines.
• Find short phrases.
• Use general terms.
• Stay specific.
• Mention the methodology.

Updated: Nov 15th, 2024

• How to Write a Research Paper. – Lebanon Valley College
• Keyword Searching: Finding Articles on Your Topic: Select Keywords. – Walden University
• Research Foundations: Choose Keywords. – Seminole State College Library
• Guidelines for Selecting Keywords. – Kansas State University
• A Guide to Writing an Effective Abstract / Selecting Keywords for Discovery. – Cambridge University Press & Assessment

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Understanding key words in writing assignments

When you begin working on a writing assignment, it is important to understand exactly what you are being asked to do. Often the assignment description will contain some of the words below; here is an overview of what they mean and what the professor will expect.

Information words

These words ask you to show how much you know about a subject by presenting details in an organized, coherent way:

Define: Give concise, clear meanings of a term or phrase; do not give details but make sure to distinguish it from related terms.

State: Present main points in brief, clear sequence.

Illustrate : Use a figure, picture, diagram, analogy, or concrete example to explain or clarify.

Enumerate or List:  Write a list or outline that gives points concisely one by one.

Overview words

These words ask you to present an organized, coherent overview or survey of information:

Describe:  Recount, characterize, sketch graphically or relate in sequence or story form.

Summarize:  Give main points or facts in condensed form.

Trace :    In narrative form, describe process, development, or historical events from a point of origin.

Outline :   Organize a description under main points and subordinate points; omit minor details. Emphasize structure/arrangement.

Review:  Examine a subject critically, analyzing and commenting on important statements.

Synthesize: Combine separate elements or sources in an organized, coherent and concise manner.

Analysis words

These words ask you to argue a point, develop an interpretation, or make an evaluation using evidence:

Agree or Disagree: Give your opinion about a topic and support it with evidence from appropriate sources.

Analyze:  Break down topic into parts and explain how the parts relate to each other and the topic.

Apply: Use concepts or theories in order to explain a problem, issue, event or experience.

Compare and/or contrast: Analyze two or more elements in order to show similarities and/or differences between them.

Critique or Criticize: Express your judgment about the merit of theories or opinions or about the truth of facts, and your judgment with a discussion of the evidence.

Discuss: Examine by argument and debate, giving reasons pro and con.

Evaluate: Appraise worth of something in light of its truth or utility; include to a lesser degree your personal opinion.

Interpret:  Explain the meaning; make clear and explicit; usually giving your own judgment.

Justify:  Prove or give reasons for decisions or conclusions citing evidence.

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• Conjunctions
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Engaging Homework: Describing Words & Examples

When it comes to homework, we often find ourselves searching for the right words to describe it. Is it challenging? Boring? Time-consuming? Well, fear not! In this article, I’ll be sharing a list of adjectives that can help you accurately describe your homework assignments. Whether you’re a student looking to express your feelings about a particular task or a parent trying to understand your child’s workload, these adjectives will come in handy.

Table of Contents

How to Describe homework? – Different Scenarios

When it comes to describing homework, there are various adjectives you can use to express your feelings about different tasks. Whether you’re a student trying to articulate your workload or a parent seeking to understand your child’s assignments, using the right adjectives can help communicate the nature of the homework. Let’s explore how to describe homework in different scenarios:

• Challenging : Some homework assignments can be quite challenging, requiring critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These tasks tend to push students to expand their knowledge and skills.
• Engaging : Occasionally, homework can be fun and engaging, capturing the interest of students and making learning enjoyable. These types of assignments typically involve hands-on activities or creative projects.
• Repetitive : In some cases, homework can become repetitive, involving similar exercises or practice problems. Although these tasks help reinforce learning, they may become monotonous for students over time.
• Time-consuming : Certain homework assignments may be time-consuming, requiring a significant amount of effort and dedication to complete. These tasks often involve extensive research, writing, or complex calculations.
• Collaborative : Some homework assignments encourage teamwork and collaboration among students. This fosters a sense of camaraderie and allows students to learn from one another through discussions and group projects.
• Practical : Homework that relates to real-life situations helps students understand the practical applications of what they are learning. These assignments bridge the gap between theory and practice, enhancing students’ problem-solving abilities.
• Independent : Occasionally, homework requires students to work independently, enabling them to develop self-discipline and self-motivation. These tasks promote autonomy and help students become more responsible for their own learning.

Now that you have an understanding of different ways to describe homework, you can effectively communicate your thoughts and feelings about your assignments. Understanding the nature of the tasks can also assist parents in supporting their child’s learning journey. Remember, using the appropriate adjectives allows for a clearer and more accurate description of homework.

Describing Words for homework in English

When it comes to describing homework assignments, using the right adjectives can provide a more accurate and informative picture of the task at hand. As an experienced writer, I have come across various adjectives that effectively convey the nature of homework assignments. Below, I will discuss some commonly used adjectives along with examples to help teachers and parents understand and communicate about homework more effectively.

1. Challenging : Homework assignments can be challenging, requiring students to think critically and problem solve. Here are some examples of how you can use this adjective:

• “The math problems were challenging, but they helped me improve my problem-solving skills.”
• “The science experiment was challenging, but it sparked my curiosity and made me eager to learn more.”

2. Engaging : An engaging homework assignment captures students’ interest and keeps them motivated. Here are a few examples:

• “The reading assignment was engaging because the story was exciting and kept me hooked till the end.”
• “Creating a presentation allowed me to express my creativity and made the assignment more engaging.”

3. Repetitive : Some homework assignments may involve repetition or practice to reinforce learning. Consider these examples:

• “The spelling homework was repetitive, but it helped me memorize the words and improve my spelling skills.”
• “Practicing multiplication tables can be repetitive, but it strengthens my foundation in math.”

4. Time-consuming : Certain assignments require a significant amount of time and dedication. Here are some examples:

• “The research project was time-consuming, but it allowed me to delve deep into the topic and learn more.”
• “Writing an essay takes time and effort, but it helps me develop my writing skills.”

5. Collaborative : Homework assignments that promote collaboration among students can enhance teamwork and communication skills. Here are a few examples:

• “The group project was collaborative, and it taught me how to work effectively with others.”
• “Doing a science experiment with a partner was a collaborative homework assignment that made learning more enjoyable.”

6. Practical : Some homework assignments have practical applications that help students apply what they’ve learned in real-life situations. Consider these examples:

• “The cooking assignment was practical because it allowed me to use measurements and apply math skills.”
• “Creating a budget for a mock family was a practical homework assignment that helped me understand financial planning.”

Adjectives for homework

When it comes to describing homework assignments, adjectives can help us convey our thoughts and feelings more effectively. Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, or a student yourself, using the right adjectives can make a difference in how we perceive and approach our homework. In this section, I’ll provide you with positive and negative adjectives that you can use to describe homework, along with example sentences to help you understand their usage.

Positive Adjectives for Homework

Homework assignments can sometimes be seen as a burden, but there are also many positive aspects to consider. Here are some adjectives that can describe homework in a positive light:

• Challenging : Homework assignments that push us to think critically and solve complex problems can be highly engaging and rewarding. For example, “The math homework was challenging, but it helped me improve my problem-solving skills.”
• Engaging : When homework aligns with our interests and allows us to explore new concepts, it becomes a source of enjoyment. For instance, “The science project was so engaging that I couldn’t wait to start working on it.”
• Collaborative : Assignments that involve working in teams or pairs can foster teamwork and communication skills. For example, “The group homework project allowed us to collaborate and learn from each other’s perspectives.”
• Practical : Sometimes, homework can have real-life applications and relevance, making it more meaningful. For instance, “The English vocabulary homework was practical because it helped me improve my communication skills.”
• Interactive : Homework that incorporates interactive elements, such as online quizzes or educational games, can make learning more fun and interactive. For example, “The interactive history assignment made it easier for me to grasp complex historical events.”

I hope these examples demonstrate how these positive adjectives can be used to describe homework assignments that have a beneficial impact on students’ learning experience.

Synonyms and Antonyms with Example Sentences

Synonyms for homework.

When describing homework assignments, it can be helpful to have a variety of synonyms to choose from. Here are some alternative words you can use to make homework sound more interesting and engaging:

For example, instead of saying “I have to do my homework,” you could say:

• “I have an interesting assignment to complete.”
• “I have a fun task to work on.”
• “I have an engaging project that I need to finish.”

Using these synonyms can help make homework sound less daunting and more enjoyable for students.

Antonyms for homework

On the other hand, if you want to convey the idea of no homework or a break from assignments, you can use antonyms. Here are some antonyms for homework:

For instance, instead of saying “I have a lot of homework,” you could say:

• “I have plenty of free time today.”
• “I have a break from assignments this evening.”
• “I have some vacation time from schoolwork.”

Using antonyms can create a sense of relief and give students something to look forward to after a long day of learning.

Remember, using synonyms and antonyms can help make homework seem more exciting or provide a sense of relief. By incorporating these alternative words into your descriptions, you can help students view their assignments in a different light.

By exploring different adjectives for homework, we can transform the way we perceive and approach assignments. This article has provided a range of alternative words, such as assignment, task, project, activity, and exercise, to describe homework in a more engaging and enjoyable manner. Additionally, we have considered using antonyms like free time, break, vacation, playtime, and leisure to convey the idea of no homework or a break from assignments.

By incorporating these descriptive words into our conversations and mindset, we can help shift our perspective on homework. Instead of viewing it as a burden, we can see it as an opportunity for growth, learning, and personal development. This change in perception can have a positive impact on our motivation, productivity, and overall attitude towards completing assignments.

So, let’s embrace these adjectives for homework and start approaching our tasks with a renewed sense of enthusiasm and curiosity. With the right mindset and a positive outlook, we can turn even the most challenging assignments into enjoyable learning experiences.

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11 vocabulary homework ideas and how to motivate students to do it, by: vocab gal.

Homework is such a valuable formative assessment for both teachers and students, and yet students are motivated* by many different factors when it comes to their desire to actually complete the work. In this article, I'm sharing how to motivate students to do their homework and 11 vocabulary homework ideas and worksheets that work in grades 1–12. Plus, preview and grab my 7 Options for Vocabulary Homework Kit .

Keep scrolling to find vocabulary homework ideas! 

How to motivate students to do their homework.

As a teacher, I try to concentrate students’ learning on activities done in class, because asking some students to complete work at home can be daunting. Many times in my career I have been discouraged when more than half the class does not return to class with their homework assignment complete.

Yet we only have so many minutes with our students, and we need them to practice the concepts and skills they are learning until the knowledge becomes ingrained. Most students have a homeroom, study hall, or other downtime during the day in which they could complete activities, they just have to be motivated to do it.

Many studies cite “student choice” as one of the most important factors in inspiring students to learn. When students have the opportunity to select what questions to answer, what activity to complete or what role to play, they tend to feel more comfortable and confident about performing.

Additionally, research shows that when students are dedicated to a task important to them, like improving their video game scores, or optimizing their success on a playing field, they will go to great lengths to improve. While probably not as meaningful as their video game level, students will be more excited to answer questions about themselves than a generic worksheet.

By providing students with both choice and a topic that is personally meaningful, homework can be a great learning exercise as well as an important formative assessment.

Steps to Ensure Students Complete Homework

There are a few other motivating factors that can help establish homework as a meaningful part of a student’s educational experience. Here are suggested steps a school, parish, department, or teacher might take to ensure successful homework completion.

Step One First, confirm that students have a strong rapport with their teacher(s). While it is difficult to cultivate a deep relationship with each student, teachers should strive to show students that they value their students and are committed to helping them learn and grow to their fullest potential. I would encourage teachers not to assign homework for the first few weeks of school until they develop a classroom community of respect and appreciation for learning.

Step Two Second, once the classroom community has been established, teachers should specifically explain the importance of homework as a way of deeply ingraining knowledge. Teachers should also make it clear that homework is a meaningful formative assessment where both they and their students can understand what students know and where there are knowledge gaps.

Step Three Third, some students may be quite unhappy when being mandated to do specific work. Therefore, teachers should stress the choices a student gets when completing their homework and that students get to complete the work that best reflects their own sense of self.

Step Four Finally, the teacher should praise students individually, as well as praise the class when homework is turned in on time. Many students thrive on positive reinforcement and also many may feel guilt if they let their classmates or teacher down. Additionally, as many teachers know, a word of encouragement or a small sticker can make the difference to many.

How to Respond When Homework is Not Completed

When at last it comes time for homework collection, there will be students who did not complete the assignment, no matter how well it was set up. Teachers can again encourage students who did not complete the homework in time to think about what may motivate them to complete it. If a student seems to dislike direct mandates, providing support such as, “I know that you value your learning and will find a way to demonstrate your abilities,” might be more effective than, “Turn in your paper by Thursday or it’s a zero!”

For others who seem driven by the need to please or help others, teachers might encourage students by stating, “I’m disappointed that you weren’t able to complete your work on time, and I know you will submit your work in order to show us both what you know and understand,” might work better than, “Don’t you want the credit for this assignment?”

Vocabulary Homework Ideas for Students

For this post, I have a few homework assignments that model these ideas. Both in my new It's All About Me vocabulary practice page, and my tried-and true,  7 Options for Vocabulary Homework bundle, students are motivated to continue their learning because they have both choice and a focus on themselves, a topic in which they are already invested.

My new It's All About Me Vocabulary Activity tasks students with answering a series of questions about themselves using vocabulary words in context. On the first page of this download students will list their vocabulary words and write their own brief definitions. On the second page student will answer eight prompts. Each response should include at least one of the vocabulary words from their list in context . In each of their answers students must underline the context clues that would help someone unfamiliar with the word understand what it means.

With the 7 Options for Vocabulary Homework bundle, students can choose from a variety of fun and engaging activities for learning or reviewing vocabulary words. In addition to the homework selection sheet, the bundle includes worksheets for vocabulary homework ideas number five and six. The other vocabulary homework options can be completed on a plain piece of paper or in student workbooks.

Here are the vocabulary activities listed on the 7 Options for Vocabulary Homework handout:

#1 Say Your Words

Do you love the sound of your own voice? Do you tend to learn information by teaching others? Then try saying each of the vocabulary words, out loud and in context, to friends, family, strangers, etc. Use either your flashcards or your list of words, and make sure to get initials from someone who heard you say your vocabulary sentence. If you can’t get a signature, just explain when and how you said the sentences and we will invoke the HONOR SYSTEM! Create two sentences per word.

Do you love to write? Do you copy your notes to help you remember information? Then try writing two sentences for each vocabulary word. These can either be two individual sentences for each word or you can put all of your words together in a story. (If you write a story, you only have to use each word once). Have fun and get creative – amuse me and impress me, but make sure you use your vocabulary words in context!

#3 Write Your Words in Other Classes

As an alternative to the above “Write your Words,” use your vocabulary in your assignments for other classes – social studies essays, science notes, art descriptions, etc. Write down the vocabulary you used for this assignment (For example: On my science test I said “Newton was meritorious,” etc.). You can abbreviate your explanations slightly, as long as I understand you know the word’s meaning; remember to use each word twice.

#4 Become Your Words

Do you gesture when you talk? Is it hard for you to sit still? Then consider creating motions to go along with your words. Cry for lament , raise your arms in praise for approbation , etc. See me during class to “perform” your motions, or write them down, making sure that the connection between word, meaning, and gesture makes sense.

#5 Draw Your Words

Are you an artist? Do you constantly doodle? Then create cartoons or drawings that illustrate each word’s meaning. Create one drawing or cartoon per word and make them neat, using clean white paper (consider using recycled paper that has printing on the other side). Paperclip all your drawings together for the end of the week.

#6 Sing Your Words

Do you love to sing? Are you constantly creating your own raps? Try rewriting the lyrics to a song to incorporate each of your vocabulary words or write your own song, rap, etc. You can also write poetry; regardless of the form you choose, the words should be used in the correct context.

#7 Test Your Words

Do you want to play teacher and write the test as well as take it? Now you can! Create a vocabulary test using all the words in a variety of different types of questions. Make sure to create the answer key to the test as well.

Download the 7 Options for Vocabulary Homework bundle and have students keep the selection sheet in their binders. Now they have seven weeks of vocabulary homework assignments!

Additional Vocabulary Homework Ideas

Ultimately, establishing a culture of community and trust in the classroom, explaining the reasoning behind and the benefits of homework, and providing choice and meaningful topics can make a significant difference in completion rates. Even if homework is not completed on time, teachers can still work to connect with each student to provide motivation to complete the assignments.

As educators, we all strive to make learning exciting and applicable to our students. By setting up clear expectations and providing interesting options, we can make any homework, including vocabulary homework, meaningful and valuable to students.

 *I have recently completed Gretchen Rubin’s audiobook The Four Tendencies about what motivates different groups of people. Many of the ideas about motivating students come loosely from her book as well as my own observations. I highly recommend the book to anyone wanting to learn how to better motivate themselves and others.

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• Writing Tips

How to Choose the Best Keywords for Your Research Paper

6-minute read

• 29th July 2023

After writing a research paper, you will want others to find your research online. But how? Through social media? By telling your friends? You could. The only thing is that scholars and researchers typically find research through academic databases and search engines. To get your research noticed, you need to include keywords in your paper. But why do keywords matter? How can you choose the right keywords?

We’ll answer these questions in this post. You’ll learn how to choose the best keywords for a research paper . Additionally, you’ll learn:

• The importance of keywords.
• Strategies for choosing quality keywords.
• Where to include keywords in a paper.

While keywords may seem insignificant, failing to include them is a mistake when writing research papers . Quality keywords accurately represent the content of your research, allowing scholars in your field to find it in an online search quickly.

Why Are Keywords Important?

Keywords make it easy for others to find your research in search engines and academic databases. Finding relevant research papers can be arduous, so readers circumvent this by using specific phrases and terms to find research that aligns with their interests. Therefore, you need to include keywords to match those phrases and terms. Without quality keywords, your research will end up in the academic abyss.

In short, keywords:

●  Produce precise search results.

●  Save researchers time and effort as they search for material.

●  Enhance discoverability (i.e., help others find your research fast).

●  Ensure that your paper is properly categorized in databases.

As a rule, you should choose five keywords maximum for research papers.

Strategies for Choosing Robust Keywords

1. avoid long phrases and ambiguity.

For keywords in research papers, most journals request phrases that are one to four words in length, meaning no complete sentences. Try using nouns whenever possible, and avoid using conjunctions such as and . It’s also worth mentioning that you should avoid using terms that are in your paper’s title.

Use distinct keywords that are directly related to your research. Generic terms don’t reflect specific terms that potential readers use during their search.

2. Consider Your Audience

Who is your targeted audience? Educators? Engineers? Consider potential terms or phrases your audience would use to search for your research, then modify chosen keywords to match your audience’s terminology. Understanding your audience is vital for creating quality keywords.

3. Identify Core Concepts

What are the core concepts, topics, and themes of your research? These are the main ideas that the paper addresses, which can be found in the abstract section. Make a list of these items.

Let’s say your paper is about cyberbullying in high schools. Examples of core concepts/terms related to the research include:

●  Digital harassment

●  Exclusion

●  Trolling

●  Anonymity (the state of being nameless)

●  Impact on student mental health

●  Prevention and education

Core concepts, topics, and themes can be a few words or phrases. Once you’ve identified them, consider how to turn them into specific keywords.

4. Consult Similar Research

Consulting research papers on your topic is a great way to find keywords. As you research them, examine the keywords they use to describe their content. This can provide insight into commonly accepted terms and terminology within your field. We suggest researching at least three related papers.

5. Use Synonyms and Variations

Readers interested in your field will use different terminology in their online search. Therefore, you need to use synonyms and variations of your chosen keywords. Synonyms are words that have the same meaning as another word.

To illustrate this, let’s take the previous example of the paper about cyberbullying in high schools. You could use the following keywords for this research:

●  Cyberbullying awareness

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●  Online safety

●  Cyberbullying education

●  Student online behavior

What synonyms could you use for these keywords? Let’s try this:

●  Cyberbullying perception

●  Virtual security

●  Online harassment education

●  Student online conduct

You can play around with synonyms until you find ones that resonate with you. Using an online thesaurus, such as Word Hippo , can make finding synonyms a breeze.

6. Include Acronyms and Abbreviations

Does your paper contain commonly used acronyms and abbreviations , such as DNA and AI? If so, consider including them as keywords, as readers often use acronyms and abbreviations to find relevant research. This will significantly increase the chances of readers finding your work.

However, we don’t recommend using acronyms or abbreviations that are only known within your field. A general audience will likely be unfamiliar with them. We suggest spelling them out in full if you think they would be strong keywords. You should also spell the definition as a keyword if the abbreviation or acronym appears in the paper’s title.

7. Test Your Keywords for Optimal Results

Once you’ve compiled your best keywords, test them in search engines and academic databases to see if they produce the right results. Think of it as testing a tent in your backyard before going out into the woods for an overnight camping trip. If there are problems with the tent during the backyard test, you can at least retreat into your house. Likewise, if the chosen keywords don’t generate positive results in a test, you can refine them before submitting the paper.

Where Are Keywords Included in a Paper?

Some sources insist that you include keywords in the title, while others say subheadings are better. Most academic journals require paying a subscription to access full articles. However, one can easily access a paper’s abstract in academic search engines like Google Scholar.

Therefore, we recommend including keywords in the abstract section. Additionally, it provides an overall summary of your paper, making it the ideal spot for keywords.

Let’s summarize what we’ve learned:

●  Keywords help readers find your research in search engines.

●  Aim for five keywords.

●  Keywords should be one to four words in length.

●  Identify a potential audience before selecting keywords.

●  Consult similar research for samples of appropriate keywords.

●  Use word variations (synonyms).

●  Include abbreviations and acronyms.

●  Test keywords before submitting the paper.

Finally, for our visual readers, we recommend this video on choosing the best keywords for a paper.

As with any writing, we strongly recommend proofreading your research paper before submission. It needs to be checked for common errors such as typos and extra spacing. We understand the challenges of proofreading, which is why we recommend asking us to proofread and review your writing . We can check that the paper is clear and concise. Additionally, we will ensure perfect grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Consider submitting a 500-word document for free!

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How to choose the right keywords for your paper

If you think of keywords as unimportant details of your paper, I get it. Selecting my keywords used to be one of the last things I did when uploading my articles to the journal platform. But recently, I realized that they are essential elements of a scientific article.

In this post, I want to explain why neglecting keywords is a mistake. You’ll discover how your keywords compose the very fabric of your paper. You’ll also learn how to choose the right keywords and use them wisely in your article. But first things first: what are keywords in scientific research?

What are keywords in scientific articles?

When I talk about ‘keywords,’ I’m actually referring to two slightly different concepts.

First of all, keywords in scientific writing refer to the few words that accompany the submission of a scientific article, grant proposal, or conference abstract . Editors, grant agencies, and conference organizers use them to catalog your research in their databases and select reviewers with the right expertise. That’s the first meaning you might attribute to ‘keywords’. However, when I (Gaya) talk about ‘keywords,’ I mean more than that.

When I talk about keywords, I also include all the vocabulary you use throughout your article . This vocabulary includes:

• Your research topic,
• The variables you manipulate and measure,
• The techniques and methods you use,
• The theories you mention in your article,
• The characteristics of your sample,
• And any other concepts central to your research.

All these words define the research and form the basic ingredients of any scientific article. Yet few scientists take the time to think about them. And rarely do they consciously decide on the words they want to use.

What happens when you neglect your keywords?

Your target audience can’t find you.

Of course, everyone in academia is familiar with the delightful expression “publish or perish.” This moronic concept harms both science and scientists. And, while I completely understand that you want to publish in good journals, you shouldn’t write your papers just to add another line to your CV. Your aim should be to make a meaningful contribution, have an impact, and reach a wide readership. So it’s important that this readership finds you.

When researchers look for scientific literature, they enter a series of words into a search engine, such as Google, Google Scholar, or PubMed . The search engine algorithm then scans the massive number of articles in its database and produces a list of papers corresponding to these words. The top-ranked articles are those containing the greatest number of matching keywords.

So, if your article doesn’t include the right keywords or includes them but in a low proportion, the search engine won’t give it a good ranking . Your article will end up on page 7 of the search engine output, a sad place where only a few desperate Ph.D. students wander in search of overlooked literature.

Unclear keywords make for confused readers

There’s a reason search engines care so much about keywords and their distribution in articles: words are the best indicators of an article’s content. If you write about a certain topic, but the words corresponding to that topic only appear a few times in your article, there’s probably something wrong with it.

There are two main reasons why the keyword density in your article might not be optimal.

The first reason is that the keywords you’ve chosen may not accurately reflect your article’s content . This happens when you select keywords that are popular but not directly related to the main focus of your article. For instance, if you use ‘COVID-19’ as a keyword in a paper that discusses general principles of immunology and only briefly touches on COVID-19, there’s a mismatch. A similar discrepancy occurs when you opt for a broad keyword like ‘genome’ for an article that delves into something more specific, such as the ‘TP53 gene’.

The second reason for inadequate keyword density is subtler yet more common. It occurs when the vocabulary you use throughout your article is inconsistent . For example, if one of your keywords is ‘DNA recombination’ and you open your paper with that term but then call it ‘genetic recombination,’ ‘genetic crossover,’ or ‘genome shuffling,’ your readers will be confused. Although these terms may seem synonymous to you, your readers may struggle to keep up with your narration, and search engines might fail to recognize the consistency of your topic.

When we write, we tend to overlook the words we use and often start inadvertently mixing concepts. This kind of inconsistency confuses readers and dilutes the article focus. I’ve observed this problem in hundreds of articles, and in my experience, it’s a flaw that reviewers always pick up on and use as a reason to reject an article.

What makes for good keywords?

They comply with the journal guidelines.

It may sound basic, but respecting the journal keywords guidelines is a sine qua non condition for your article to be accepted. The main guideline relates to the number of keywords you are allowed to submit with your manuscript. This number is generally limited to five but can vary from journal to journal. You may also find other guidelines, such as having to choose your keywords from a pre-selected list or using only one-word keywords.

So, before you begin drafting your paper, consult the ‘Instructions for Authors’ page on the journal website. Make sure that your keyword selection meets their expectations.

Effective keywords accurately reflect the article content

If a keyword suggests that your research is about a topic when, in fact, it’s about something else, your readers will be disappointed and form a negative impression of your paper. So, stick to the words that are central to your research.

Your research topic must be one of your keywords (see The Ultimate Guide to Scientific Writing for a definition of ‘research topic’). If your methodology or a particular result is at the heart of your article, it’s also probably a good idea to include them as keywords. For example, if you used fMRI to measure brain activation, you can use ‘fMRI’ as one of your keywords. Or if you found strong activation in the amygdala, you may want to add the ‘amygdala’ to your keywords list. Choosing keywords that capture the essence of your research brings clarity to your paper and increases its visibility.

Your keywords must match your audience’s searches

When choosing your keywords, it’s essential to consider your audience. Which keywords is your target readership most likely to use in their searches?

If several synonyms can describe your research, find out which terms are most commonly used in your field. Browse the databases your readers might use and assess the popularity of those different terms.

For example, my research focuses on the ability to control oneself and resist temptation. For my keywords, I could use several terms that have similar meanings, such as self-control, self-discipline, willpower, or inhibitory control. To choose the best keyword, I would analyze PsycInfo , the most popular search engine in my field, and see how many entries are associated with each of these keywords. The more entries, the more popular the keyword, and therefore the more likely my readership is to pick it up. And in case you’re wondering, the winner is ‘self-control’ 🙂

Choose keywords that are specific enough

Interested readers should be able to find your article amidst the ocean of scientific content available online. Using keywords that are specific enough can significantly narrow down the search results, making your paper more visible.

Often, keyphrases like ‘inflammatory breast cancer’ are more effective than broad terms like ‘cancer’ . Specificity not only enhances the findability of your article but also increases the likelihood that it will be read and cited by a relevant audience.

How to use keywords to optimize the online visibility of your article?

After having carefully selected your keywords or keyphrases, write them on a Post-it, and highlight the two most important ones. Then make sure to incorporate them into the various parts of your paper, namely:

• In your title . The title is one of the first elements that readers notice and search engines analyze. Incorporating your main keyword into the title thus boosts your article’s discoverability and clearly signals your research content to potential readers.
• In your abstract . This is the first section of your article that other researchers read and search engines analyze. So, remember to include your most important keywords in it.
• Throughout the text of your paper . Your keywords should be woven into the text of your paper, from the introduction to the conclusion.
• In your figures and tables . Don’t forget your figures and tables. They are indexed in search engines and provide an additional avenue for your research to be found (e.g., via Google image).

Don’t go overboard with keywords, though. Your writing should feel natural to readers, and keyword stuffing won’t make your article more visible anyway. Search engines aim to provide the most relevant and useful content to users. A document saturated with the same words appears spammy, which may lower its ranking in search results. So, try to use your keywords naturally.

Words are the basic ingredients of any article. Neglecting them can leave your research lost in the vast digital ocean, invisible to your target audience, and disconnected from the readers it deserves to reach.

Fortunately, selecting and using the right keywords in your article isn’t complicated. Simply follow the journal’s guidelines and select words or phrases that accurately reflect your content, resonate with your audience, and are specific enough to emerge in your reader’s search.

Now, if you’re writing a paper or abstract, open it and reflect on your keywords: Are they precise? Do they align with your audience’s search habits? Do they encapsulate the core of your research?

You May Also Like

Review papers and impostor syndrome: a conversation with alankrita rani, using ‘s, of, and zero possessive: a guide for scientific writers, grant application writing: a masterclass with dr. ana pineda.

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