The writing process
Starting the writing process
Keep a research journal: This will help you track the skills you've developed as a researcher across the scope of your degree, but it can also help you with your writing skills. In your first year, you'll probably be spending more time reading and researching rather than writing, but keeping a journal will help you write the whole way through. This might be especially useful if, in your degree, you don't start writing up until much later on in the process.
Keep track of everything you've written: Even ethics applications, conference notes and early drafts can be useful.
Integrate feedback: Your supervisions, annual reviews and experience at conferences, for instance, will be great places to get feedback. How can you integrate this feedback into your work?
Plan the structure of your dissertation/thesis: What structure is your dissertation or thesis going to take? There are many different ways you can structure your dissertation or thesis, but think about guiding the reader through your writing, and ask your supervisors for advice.
Use academic language: If you're struggling with this, book a one-to-one session with IELLI, or look at the Manchester Academic Phrase Bank for ideas.
When should you start writing? Ask yourself these questions:
- Do I have a plan?
- Are there any gaps in my plan?
- Can I provide evidence for each point I make?
- What is my timeline?
- Am I procrastinating/ avoiding writing? (If this last one is true, don't worry, we've got tips to avoid both perfectionism and procrastination to come!)
What does a good thesis look like? Read other peoples' theses and think about what they do well, how they're structured, and the language used within. You can find lots of them in St Andrews Research Repository.
Dr Sarah Gharib Saif and Esther Zitterl discuss how to work successfully with your supervisor.
Useful tip - Set up a meeting with your supervisor(s) as soon as possible when you start. You can ask any administrative questions you need and also get started on your research as early as possible.
