This invaluable guide introduces first-time thesis writers to the process of writing up empirical research. To help students understand what content and structure are appropriate for the different parts of a thesis, John Bitchener presents a range of options, richly illustrated with analyses of and commentary on sections from a real Masters thesis in Applied Linguistics. Chapters contain answers to commonly asked questions and ample opportunity for students to develop their skills through interactive exercises.This step-by-step handbook can be used as a core text in seminars and workshops or as a reference point for independent learners.
At the meltdown stage while writing my dissertation, I read this book and finally started to calm down. This book was extremely helpful in getting from the "textbook summary" stage to the "academic discussion / argument" stage, and I was lucky because some of their examples were very close to a topic I was covering in my literature review. It includes a short format guide, a short analysis and a deep analysis discussion of an MA and a PhD dissertation. The examples and analyses of each example in terms of argumentative turns accomplished were very well done. Aside from the APA 6th edition manual, this single small book was the most instrumental of all the books I used during the writing stage to help me accomplish my goal: to write a reasonable dissertation. I resorted to it almost daily during my most intense writing periods. Kudos and thanks to John Bitchener for writing such a useful book.
Highly recommended book for writing a master thesis. Takes you through the process from A - Z, recommends moves and sub moves, and gives you a practical approach to thesis writing.
If you're a beginner, bullseye; it's 100% for you!!