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 "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 Plan your argument Write one sentence for each of the following: Introduction The problem What the literature says My approach to this problem My response/solution/observations The result/outcome

Ten tips for writing your thesis Plan your thesis Use your argument as a basis for a chapter outline Start a binder or box file for each chapter Be prepared to change your mind

Writing your thesis outline Aim for a respectable number of chapters Five chapters is probably too little 8 or more would be very ambitious 6/7 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

Ten tips for writing your thesis 5. You don’t have to start at the beginning You could start with the Methodology Leave the Abstract until last

Ten tips for writing your thesis 6. Consider how you present your material Logical order Clarity Develop your argument

Ten tips for writing your thesis 7. Maintain pace by working on different tasks Draft Edit Research

Ten tips for writing your thesis Form a work group with other PhD students Exchange ideas Conduct peer reviews Provide feedback and support

Ten tips for writing your thesis Develop a writing routine Start writing from the beginning Write on a daily basis Write 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

Ten tips for writing your thesis 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