If you are a college graduate student, then writing a thesis feels like impending doom. After all, it is one of the most complex and challenging projects you’ll ever deal with in your life. It not only requires dedication and effort, but it also takes up all your time (which you already don’t have enough). The good news is that with some tried and tested tips and tricks, you can deal with thesis writing like a pro.
Start as Early as Possible
Taking into account the complexity of the project itself, starting your writing as early as you can is a must. Make sure to set a realistic schedule and work according to it. You know the scope of work that you have to deal with so break it down into bite-size chunks and set deadlines for each. There are many time management tools like Focus Booster, ToDoist, Evernote, Forest, and thesis writing service options that will help you keep your time and progress on track. However, to prevent procrastination and stress associated with the process of writing, we recommend starting early and planning wisely.
Set/Know Your Goals
When it comes to writing a thesis, you should know that different types of goals exist, including specific, long-term, and weekly. Since a thesis is not an easy project, it is highly crucial to set goals and know your motivations. Consider taking advantage of the SMART concept, which is about setting goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-Bound. For instance, do not start working on your topic research when there are just 46 minutes left at the end of your workday.
Choose the Topic
One of the initial steps to take in thesis writing is choosing a relevant topic for your work. Make sure it is engaging and aligns with your career goals and passions. Approach your advisor or mentor to refine your research question and ensure its viability within the academic community.
Benefit from Techs
Tech progress provides tons of options for students stuck with thesis writing. Do not hesitate to use various apps and services to streamline your research process. Use reference management software like Zotero or Mendeley to organize your citations and bibliographies effortlessly. Go for language editing options like Grammarly, boost your note-taking and productivity by using Evernote, avail of cloud storage with Dropbox, and practice mind mapping with Freemind. Explore digital libraries and online databases for access to a vast array of scholarly resources.
Keep in Touch with Your Supervisor
Your supervisor is someone who guides you throughout the process of thesis writing from planning to the proofreading part. If you need to make your work more effective and consistent, ensure to set regular meetings with the paper supervisors. We strongly recommend preparing all your questions and suggestions well in advance to appear in your supervisor’s office ‘forearmed.’
Plan Each Writing Stage
When it comes to thesis writing, three main stages exist: planning, writing, and editing. If you come up with a detailed plan, you will make it easier to deal with every part of the work and avoid unnecessary stress usually caused by a lack of proper planning. As for the writing part, make sure to deal with it without overthinking it. In other words, start writing and do it quickly without thinking about the vocabulary or mistakes you make as you go. You will have time to edit the piece later.
Embrace Teamwork
If possible, consider collaborating with your classmates, tutors, and professionals in your field of study. They are the ones ready to provide you with feedback on your ideas, drafts, and methodologies. If you ensure to have some meaningful discussions and debates with those individuals, you will easily refine your arguments and strengthen your thesis.
Always Have a Solid Outline
Create a detailed outline to provide your thesis with the structure and flow. It is important to divide your piece into chapters or (sub)sections and outline the main points you intend to cover in each. In the process of writing, you will use your outline as a roadmap. The latter will guide you through the process of work and help you make each argument you use in your thesis content coherent and clear.
Cite Your Sources
When working on a thesis, you read a lot. But the reality is that it is easy to forget where you took this or that idea from. That is why you should update your references as you write.
Consider Thesis Writing Cycle
One of the best methods to cope with thesis writing is to set a manageable goal – to produce 500-600 words a day. Chances are you will be motivated to write 300-400 words the other day, maybe even less. However, it is a good idea to have a reasonable goal that you will do your best to reach daily.
Take Breaks
After spending hours browsing the web, checking out your notes, and reading books, chances are your body and mind get exhausted. To allow the data from information sources to settle in your mind, make sure to take regular breaks as you work on your thesis project. Take a walk, have a nap, or do some quick workouts to reload your mind and prepare for the next writing session.
Find a Writing Buddy
The load feels less heavy when there’s someone to share it with. Whether you prefer to start at home, hotel hall, or in a local café, having a writing partner is one of the techniques to keep yourself accountable. Ask your classmates if they happen to be in the same boat and ready to have the so-called writing sessions. If there’s no one else engaged in the thesis writing at the moment, benefit from internet communities. Perhaps someone in the other time zone is just like you, up to their neck in the thesis challenges. By having that (online) buddy, you will stay on track and even have someone to dig ideas from.