Both Good and Original Some practical tips for writing your PhD.

Both Good and Original

Some practical tips for writing your PhD

"Your manuscript is both good and original. But the part that is good is

not original, and the part that is original is not good." (Attributed to

Samuel Johnson.)

The Problem with the PhD

“The average PhD thesis is nothing but a transference of bones from one graveyard to another.”

J. Frank Dobie

What’s in a thesis?

It should:• be substantial and ground-breaking• define a hypothesis• provide arguments to substantiate or refute

that hypothesis• make a difference• have 2 -3 key research ideas• be something you can be proud of

The Writing-Up Stage

Problems • Things take longer than you expect• Shaping and refining the thesis or argument is

difficult• Sorting out chapters, sections and sub-sections is

time-consuming• Integrating and responding to comments

requires further thinking and re-writing• Editing and proofreading require time and

energy

Ten tips for writing your thesis

1. Plan your argumentWrite one sentence for each of the following:IntroductionThe problemWhat the literature saysMy approach to this problemMy response/solution/observationsThe result/outcome


2. Plan your thesis

Use your argument as a basis for a chapter outlineStart a binder or box file for each chapterBe prepared to change your mind

Writing your thesis outline

Aim for a respectable number of chaptersFive chapters is probably too little8 or more would be very ambitious6/7 chapters is the average

Writing your thesis outline – fill in the standard chapters first

Thesis Outline 1. Introduction 2. Literature Review 3. Methodology 4. 5. 6. 7. Conclusions

Make up titles for the ‘meat’ chapters

1. Introduction 2. Literature Review 3. Methodology 4. (That stuff you did in your first year) 5. (Stuff you’re supposed to be doing now) 6. (Make stuff up) 7. Conclusions

PhD Comics

Ten top tips for writing your thesis

3. Make the most of your reading

Write a summary of the ideas Write your own response to these ideas Keep a citation record

Ten tips for writing your theses

4. Write summaries of the various sections and chapters

Submit these to colleagues and other PhD students in your area


5. You don’t have to start at the beginning

You could start with the Methodology

Leave the Abstract until last


6. Consider how you present your material

Logical orderClarityDevelop your argument


7. Maintain pace by working on different tasks

DraftEditResearch


8. Form a work group with other PhD students

Exchange ideasConduct peer reviewsProvide feedback and support


9. Develop a writing routine

Start writing from the beginningWrite on a daily basisWrite in the same place

On the value of writing ...

“I write to keep me from going mad from the contradictions I find among mankind – and to work some of these contradictions out for myself.”

Michel de Montaigne


10. Set realistic and manageable goals

200 words a day 1,400 words a week 5,600 words a month 50,000 words in 9 months!

Questions to ask yourself

Why will your work change the world?What would you do differently if you had the

chance?How will you know when you’ve finished?How do you measure success?

Words of wisdom

“A man may write at any time, if he will set himself doggedly to it.”

Samuel Johnson

Both Good and Original Some practical tips for writing your PhD.

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