Begin the discussion with a statement of the major findings of the research. The hypothesis or goal of the paper also can be re-stated or paraphrased. Example: “In this study, designed to test the hypothesis that rhubarb eating prevents colorectal cancer, we found a similar prevalence of the disease in participants who regularly eat rhubarb and those who do not.”

DO NOT begin the discussion with a general statement of the topic, or a repeat of the introduction of the paper. Example: “Studies have found that colorectal cancer is associated with many environmental and genetic factors.” This beginning statement is weak and unfocused on the goals or findings of the current research, and it contains no new information for the reader.

After the beginning statement, details of the present research may be given. Example:
“Our randomized, prospective study was carefully designed to eliminate other possible variables that might affect the prevalence of colorectal cancer, such as differences in sex, age, smoking, alcohol consumption, and race/ethnicity. Also, the study population was large — 5000 rhubarb eaters and 5000 non-rhubarb eaters.”

Comparison of the present study to published reports then may be made. Example: Two series have suggested that rhubarb eating reduces the prevalence of colorectal cancer; however, study populations were small and the studies not controlled.

DO NOT make an extensive literature review. References cited should be closely related to the current research.

Limitations of the current study may be stated. Example: The study population is derived from a small region of western United States. Thus, the findings of the study may not be pertinent to broader populations at risk of colorectal cancer.

The discussion should conclude with a statement of the major finding(s). Example: “The results of this study do not support the hypothesis that rhubarb eating prevents colorectal cancer.” Note: This summary intentionally parallels and reinforces the message of the opening sentence.