How to Write a Thesis

Open Up Study Skills

by Rowena Murray

This work evolved from 15 years' experience of teaching thesis writing. The contents have been tried and tested with postgraduates and academics. Early chapters explore the ambiguities and subtleties of thesis writing in detail. Later chapters are more compact, listing steps in the writing process. All chapters provide examples to illustrate techniques and activities to progress writing. When you write a thesis be ready to develop new modes of writing. The harsh reality is that: if you like to work to goals, you are likely to have to submit to floundering around, reconstructing your well laid plans; Whilst if you are the kind of person who hates to be driven by goals, or does not see the point of them, you will have to submit to deadlines and milestones that may seem like millstones. This book should help you cope with the challenges inherent in writing your PhD.

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

321 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