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Small but mighty: little things that can improve your thesis writing (a thread)
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1. Before you start writing, sometimes it helps to map your thoughts. You can create a skeleton/outline of each section/chapter. Under these you can put short bullet points that summarise each aspect that you would like to talk about.
2. Keep your sentences short. If you see a sentence now taking up four/five lines, its probably time for you to add a full stop somewhere.
3. Don't be afraid to use commas.
These can be used when you list different things in one sentence or after words such as "however", "of which", "Hence", "whereby", etc. For me, I sometimes read the sentence to my self and check where I will be making pauses as I speak = commas
These can be used when you list different things in one sentence or after words such as "however", "of which", "Hence", "whereby", etc. For me, I sometimes read the sentence to my self and check where I will be making pauses as I speak = commas
4. Consistency, consistency.
You have to be consistent. If you use a certain phrase to describe something, then use it consistently throughout the thesis. For example, if you use "invasive plants" then use it throughout. Don't change & start saying "invasive species".
You have to be consistent. If you use a certain phrase to describe something, then use it consistently throughout the thesis. For example, if you use "invasive plants" then use it throughout. Don't change & start saying "invasive species".
5. Take it one sentence a time.
Yes, a thesis is written one sentence at a time. Write a sentence. Look at it. Read it to yourself. Edit it. Read it again. Edit it some more. Read it. Smile and then move on to the next.
Yes, a thesis is written one sentence at a time. Write a sentence. Look at it. Read it to yourself. Edit it. Read it again. Edit it some more. Read it. Smile and then move on to the next.
6. It's all about flow.
Yes, a thesis is written one sentence at a time but they have to flow. To do this, think of yourself as someone telling a story. Make sure your story takes the reader along one sentence a time. Each sentence has to lead to the next.
Yes, a thesis is written one sentence at a time but they have to flow. To do this, think of yourself as someone telling a story. Make sure your story takes the reader along one sentence a time. Each sentence has to lead to the next.
7. In-text citations
It's always better to put in-text references at the end of the sentence. Try and reduce the "according to XXXX (2020)". Use the most current literature as much as you can. Reference each sentence/each different point. Don't put too many references 1 sentence
It's always better to put in-text references at the end of the sentence. Try and reduce the "according to XXXX (2020)". Use the most current literature as much as you can. Reference each sentence/each different point. Don't put too many references 1 sentence
8. Paragraphs
Try and keep your paragraphs reasonably short. Don't have a paragraph that is three quarters of a page. Try and organise your thoughts around paragraphs & make sure that while your sentences link, your paragraphs link too. Each paragraph should have a theme.
Try and keep your paragraphs reasonably short. Don't have a paragraph that is three quarters of a page. Try and organise your thoughts around paragraphs & make sure that while your sentences link, your paragraphs link too. Each paragraph should have a theme.
9. For some of us English is our second or third language. So, don't be afraid to Google how to use words correctly. For example, where do you use "which" and "that". Do you use "among" or "amongst", "who" or "whom".
10. Check the rules
Always check the formatting guidelines that apply to your department or university so that you can already start following them from day one. Don't wait till the last few months before you submit.
Always check the formatting guidelines that apply to your department or university so that you can already start following them from day one. Don't wait till the last few months before you submit.
11. Formatting the contents table is stressful and takes up so much time. So, maybe don't wait till the last days to do it. Work on it as you write.
12. Write in a clear and simple way that makes sense to everyone. Don't try and be too fancy by using "big" words that need a dictionary. Your readers might get lost. Remember you want to make your work accessible to everyone.
13. Put some effort into making nice graphs/figures (if applicable)
People respond well to nice visuals. So, take your time and make nice figures. This is especially important for the defence. Also, important for when you submit your work for publication.
People respond well to nice visuals. So, take your time and make nice figures. This is especially important for the defence. Also, important for when you submit your work for publication.
14. Reference list
Work on it as you write. Use reference managers if you like. Don't leave the reference list for the last days. It takes a lot of work. Especially, if you are old school like me and enjoy writing the references manually (I truly enjoy it)
Work on it as you write. Use reference managers if you like. Don't leave the reference list for the last days. It takes a lot of work. Especially, if you are old school like me and enjoy writing the references manually (I truly enjoy it)
15. Aim to publish every single part of your thesis. Ultimately, theses stay in libraries and are sometimes inaccessible. So, try and publish everything. It doesn't all have to go to top journals.
[End]
All the best with your thesis!
All the best with your thesis!
This thread was motivated by the work done by @thee_academic https://twitter.com/thee_academic/status/1262953675623981059?s=19
As such, I would like to acknowledge her.
As such, I would like to acknowledge her.
