How To Write A Thesis

Open Up Study Skills

by Rowena Murray

"This book has become a trusted resource for students from a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds. Not only does it take you through the steps and stages of thesis writing, but more importantly, it offers rich advice and support that helps build confidence, sets up effective writing habits and generates a positive orientation towards the complex task of thesis writing."
Professor Sarah Moore, Associate Vice President Academic, University of Limerick, Ireland "I've found Rowena's shrewd and insightful suggestions for writing helpful, not only for others but also for me."
Peter Elbow, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA "This book is a brilliant resource for all doctoral students to help guide them through the completion of their doctoral thesis. The book develops students' confidence and motivates them to start the writing process."
Emma Jackson,Second Year PhD Student, University of Worcester, UK Providing down-to-earth guidance to help students shape their theses, Rowena Murray offers valuable advice and practical tips and techniques. Useful summaries and checklists help students to stay on track or regain their way. Moving beyond the basics of thesis writing, the book introduces practical writing techniques such as freewriting, generative writing and binge writing. Issues such as working out the criteria for your thesis, writer's block, writing a literature review and making notes into a draft are also covered. New to this edition:

Genres: Nonfiction, Writing, Research, Education, Academia, Reference

344 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Said AlMaskery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Usefull practical guide ...

[Sean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a comprehensive introduction to writing dissertations. It covers every aspect from thnking about it, starting to write, establishing a structure, dealing with mental blocks as well as bringing things together at the last minute. The highlights are the highlighted tips throughout the book. These are really helpful. Probably the biggest takeaway for me was the priority of planning. The checklists the author provides are crucial sources of reference. It's greatest strength is also its greatest weakness; in seeking to cover the general needs of those writing a dissertation it likes the sharpness necessary for specific subjects. For example, in my case there are questions specific to theology that such a book cannot address. Having said that, the excellent material in the book makes this book a great asset to have to hand.

[Angel Serrano · Rating 4 out of 5]

La parte fundamental de escribir una tesis es escribir. La autora explica paso a paso todo lo necesario para tener éxito en esta tarea: por qué, comienzo, la estructura, los primeros pasos, sistemática, cierres, el miedo, empezar, acabar, qué pasa al final, y abundante bibliografía y consejos prácticos.

[An Te · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful, sensibly laid out and with plenty of questions and pointers to consider. Furiously take notes from this. I'll update this as I through the process and consult others and return to this one. All PhD students play up their expectations and I feel this book puts them squarely on reality's shoulders.

[Dilisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for writing tips.
My only negative comment is that it ends with talking abotu the viva and now I am freaked out and worried! It makes sense to talk about the process chronologically but would have loved a happier ending tone. but alas, that is true of academia!

[Margaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very useful book which gives advice and tips to all students writing a thesis.

[Darcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A long wordy book, with some repetition. This book could do with a good edit really to cut it down a bit. But having said that there is a lot in there, and if you get stuck or don't know where to start there are some strategies for getting words onto paper and for getting started. A useful read, if a bit long winded.

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, it will give you an idea of what is needed, sheer amount of hard work that will be spent and some interesting ideas for pushing yourself along when you get writers block. Something that I will refer back to if I ever get myself sorted and start a PhD.

[Joana · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75