Most people enter a PhD program with well-developed writing skills, but writing a dissertation, or thesis as it is called in Australia and some part of the world, presents a unique challenge. All thesis writers need to adapt their skills to fit the specific ‘thesis style’. Ironically, those who seem to struggle the most with this conventional style are journalists.
You might expect accomplished writers like journalists to excel at this part of the PhD process. However, there is a simple and revealing reason why they find thesis writing difficult. Journalists are accustomed to writing for a general or ‘lay’ audience. Their primary role is to inform and explain a situation or idea to people who are not familiar with the topic. In contrast, a thesis is written by an expert to inform and persuade other experts.
Expert to Expert Communication in Academia
Writing for experts in academia is tough. Your reader will know some things about your topic and research methods. But remember, they won’t know as much as you do. They might be familiar with your method or use it daily, or they might know little about it. They could know a lot about your topic’s history or almost nothing at all.
Engaging and Persuasive Writing Style
When writing your dissertation, using an engaging and persuasive style is essential. Here are some simple tips to help you achieve this:
Use Clear and Simple Language
First, always use clear and simple language. Avoid complex words and jargon that might confuse readers. Instead, choose words that are easy to understand. For example, instead of saying “utilize,” just say “use.” This makes your writing more accessible.
Be Concise
Next, be concise. This means getting to the point quickly and avoiding unnecessary details. Each sentence should add value to your argument. For instance, instead of writing, “It is important to note that,” simply state the important fact.
Structure Your Writing Logically
Moreover, structure your writing logically. Start with an introduction that outlines what you will discuss. Then, organize your points in a clear order. Use headings and subheadings to break up the text, making it easier to follow.
Use Transition Words
Using transition words helps guide readers through your arguments. Words like “first,” “next,” “then,” and “finally” show the order of your points. Similarly, use “however,” “on the other hand,” and “in contrast” to show different sides of an argument.
Write in an Active Voice
Writing in an active voice makes your writing more direct and lively. Instead of saying, “The experiment was conducted by the researchers,” say, “The researchers conducted the experiment.” This keeps your writing engaging and straightforward.
Be Persuasive
To be persuasive, provide strong evidence for your points. Use facts, statistics, and examples to support your arguments. Additionally, explain why your findings matter. Show how they contribute to the field and what impact they might have.
Keep the Reader in Mind
Always keep the reader in mind. Think about what they need to know and how best to explain it. Avoid assuming they have prior knowledge of the topic. Provide enough background information to help them understand your points.
Edit and Revise
Finally, edit and revise your work. Read through your dissertation several times to catch any errors. Make sure your sentences are clear and your arguments are strong. Sometimes, reading your work aloud can help you spot awkward phrases or unclear sections.
Demonstrating Original Contribution and Implications
Showing that your dissertation adds something new to your field is very important. Here are some simple ways to do this:
Highlighting Your Original Contributions
First, clearly state what is new about your work. Explain how your research adds new information or ideas. For example, if you discovered a new way to solve a problem, describe it. If your study finds new results, make sure to point them out.
Comparing with Existing Research
Next, compare your findings with what others have already done. Show how your work is different or better. This can help readers understand the unique value of your research. For instance, you might say, “Unlike previous studies, this research shows that…”
Explaining the Importance
Explain why your contributions matter. Describe how your findings can help others in your field. For example, if your work can lead to better treatments for a disease, say so. This helps readers see the real-world impact of your research.
Discussing Implications for Theory
Talk about how your research affects existing theories. Does it support or challenge them? Explain what this means for future studies. For example, you could say, “These results suggest a need to rethink the current theory”.
Discussing Implications for Practice
Also, discuss how your work can be used in practice. If your findings can help professionals do their jobs better, explain how. For instance, if your research improves teaching methods, describe how teachers can use your ideas.
Suggesting Future Research
Finally, suggest areas for future research. Explain what still needs to be studied. This shows that you understand the broader context of your work. For example, you might say, “Future research should explore how these findings apply to”.
Incorporating Feedback
Getting and using feedback is an important part of writing your dissertation. Here’s how to do it in simple steps:
Seek Feedback Early and Often
First, ask for feedback early in the writing process. Don’t wait until you are finished. Your advisors, teachers, and peers can give you helpful advice. The more feedback you get, the better your work will be.
Be Open to Criticism
Next, be open to criticism. It can be hard to hear that your work needs improvement, but remember that feedback helps you get better. Listen carefully to what others say about your work.
Understand the Feedback
Make sure you understand the feedback. If something isn’t clear, ask questions. You need to know exactly what changes are being suggested and why. This will help you make the right improvements.
Prioritize Changes
Not all feedback will be equally important. Decide which suggestions will have the biggest impact on your work. Focus on making those changes first. For example, fixing major issues with your argument is more important than correcting small grammar mistakes.
Make Revisions
Once you know what changes to make, start revising your dissertation. This might mean rewriting sections, adding more information, or clarifying your points. Take your time to make sure these changes improve your work.
Check Your Work Again
After making revisions, review your work again. Make sure the changes you made fit well with the rest of your dissertation. Sometimes, changes can create new issues that you need to fix.
Get More Feedback
If possible, get more feedback on your revised work. This helps ensure that your changes have made your dissertation better. Sometimes, you might need to go through several rounds of feedback and revision.
Stay Positive
Finally, stay positive. Incorporating feedback is a normal part of the writing process. It helps you learn and grow as a writer and researcher. Keep in mind that even the best writers need to revise their work.
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