Writing a thesis? Important Do’s and Don’ts

Writing a thesis is a crucial requirement for your postgraduate studies, even though it may seem like a tedious and time-consuming task. Many students feel anxious about this task and this mindset can lead to mistakes during the writing process. As a result, students often seek proper guidance to ensure they successfully complete their thesis.

Also read, what is the difference between thesis and dissertation?

This blog suggests a few do’s and don’ts that a student could follow while writing a thesis.

 Do’s

·         Get head start

It is usually best to plan ahead when it comes to a significant task like writing a thesis. Waiting until the last minute to work on your thesis can lead to errors and mistakes, so it’s best to avoid rushing through the writing process. Some students would even start their postgraduate research before completing their university application in to gain a jump start.

·         Organize

Writing a thesis is all about arranging and presenting your evidence rationally. It’s crucial to present your papers in a logical sequence, so that your readers can easily follow your ideas and comprehend your arguments. You will also save a ton of time by organizing your thesis’ planning and writing.

·         Citations

In research, citation is an important factor to consider as it acknowledges and attributes the original sources, as well as enables readers to follow the ideas that led to your research. The bibliography section of your thesis includes a list of all the sources you have referenced, including quotes, paraphrased sentences, summaries, and statistical data. Without citations and appropriate references, your paper could be accused of plagiarism.

 Don’ts

·         Procrastinate

Delaying tasks is a major obstacle for students. Plan ahead and set concrete daily goals to prevent that from happening. Your research will only be successful if you can manage your time effectively. If you need to take a break and detach yourself from your work, it’s okay to step away for a while, but avoid putting it off until the last minute.

·         Fabrication of data

In case your thesis contains incomplete or uncertain information or experiment results, you must obtain reliable and factual data to substitute it. If necessary, extend your deadline or study period, but don’t falsify any of your data. Your examiners are professionals in the field and would spot deception right away.

·         Focus

During the course of your research, you may experience an overwhelming amount of information, and may encounter new ideas that divert your attention from your primary research. It’s important not to lose your focus and stray from your topic. However, don’t dismiss these ideas entirely, as you can explore them later, after completing your initial thesis.

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