phd thesis chapter plan

How to Plan Chapterization for Your PhD Thesis

Table of Contents:

Introduction

Chapter 1: Introduction of the Study

Chapter 2: Literature Review

Chapter 3: Research Methodology

Chapter 4: Results

Chapter 5: Discussion

Chapter 6: Conclusion

Chapter 7: References

Chapter 8: Appendices

Writing a PhD thesis starts with its chapterization. Breaking the work down into well-structured chapters can make the process more manageable and your work more compelling. In this article, we will walk you through the chapterization of a PhD thesis, providing detailed descriptions and examples for each chapter.

Every scholar get stuck on how to start PhD work, here step by step process of planning chapters for your research work will help you navigate this important academic journey.

Chapter 1: Introduction of The Study

The introduction sets the stage for your thesis, providing essential background information, stating the research problem, and outlining your objectives and structure.

Background Information: Introduce the broad area of your research and its significance.

Research Problem: Clearly articulate the problem your research addresses.

Research Objectives: Define the specific goals of your study.

Research Questions: Formulate the questions your research seeks to answer.

Significance of the Study: Explain the importance and potential impact of your research.

Thesis Structure: Briefly outline the structure of your thesis.

“In recent years, the role of artificial intelligence in healthcare has gained significant attention. This thesis explores the impact of AI-driven diagnostic tools on patient outcomes. The main objectives are to evaluate the accuracy of these tools, understand patient perceptions, and provide recommendations for integration into clinical practice. This research addresses the pressing need for reliable and efficient diagnostic methods, potentially transforming healthcare delivery.”

To provide a comprehensive overview of existing research related to your topic, identifying gaps and establishing the context for your study. You cant write Literature Review with AI Tools to make it less time consuming.

Theoretical Framework: Discuss relevant theories and models.

Previous Studies: Summarize and critique past research findings.

Research Gaps: Identify gaps in the existing literature that your research will address.

Conceptual Framework: Outline the key concepts and relationships guiding your research.

“A review of existing literature reveals that while numerous studies have examined the technical performance of AI diagnostic tools, there is a significant gap in understanding patient perceptions and acceptance. This thesis addresses this gap by investigating both the technical and human aspects of AI in healthcare, using the Technology Acceptance Model as a guiding framework.”

To describe the methods and procedures used to conduct your research, ensuring reproducibility and credibility.

Research Design: Explain whether your study is qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods.

Data Collection: Detail how data was collected (e.g., surveys, interviews, experiments).

Sampling: Describe your sample population and sampling techniques.

Data Analysis: Explain the methods used to analyze the data.

Ethical Considerations: Discuss any ethical issues and how they were addressed.

“This study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews. Data was collected from 200 patients and 50 healthcare professionals across three hospitals. The quantitative data was analyzed using statistical software, while thematic analysis was applied to the qualitative interviews to identify common themes and insights.”

To present the findings of your research in a clear and structured manner, without interpretation.

Descriptive Statistics: Provide an overview of the data.

Main Findings: Present the key results related to your research questions.

Tables and Figures: Use visual aids to illustrate your findings.

“The survey results indicate that 85% of patients found AI diagnostic tools to be accurate and reliable. However, qualitative interviews revealed concerns about the lack of human interaction. Tables 1 and 2 summarize the quantitative data, while Figures 1 and 2 illustrate patient satisfaction levels and common concerns.”

Purpose: To interpret your findings, discuss their implications, and relate them to the existing literature.

Interpretation of Findings: Explain what your results mean in the context of your research questions.

Comparison with Literature: Compare your findings with previous studies.

Implications: Discuss the theoretical, practical, and policy implications of your research.

Limitations: Acknowledge any limitations of your study and suggest areas for future research.

“The findings suggest that while AI diagnostic tools are generally well-received, the lack of human interaction is a significant barrier to widespread acceptance. These results align with existing literature on technology acceptance in healthcare, highlighting the need for a balanced approach that integrates AI tools with human touchpoints. This study’s insights have important implications for healthcare policy and the design of patient-centered AI systems.”

To summarize your research, restate its significance, and provide recommendations for future research. Conclusion should be written in effective and concise manner .

Summary of Findings: Recap the main findings of your study.

Research Contributions: Highlight the contributions your research makes to the field.

Recommendations: Provide practical recommendations based on your findings.

Future Research: Suggest areas for future research.

“This thesis demonstrates that AI diagnostic tools can significantly improve patient outcomes, provided they are integrated with sufficient human interaction. The findings contribute to the broader understanding of AI in healthcare and offer actionable recommendations for policymakers and healthcare providers. Future research should explore the integration of AI tools in different healthcare settings to validate and expand upon these findings.”

To list all the sources cited in your thesis, ensuring academic integrity and providing readers with resources for further study.

Citations: Ensure all references are cited according to the appropriate academic style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.).

Formatting: Follow the specific formatting guidelines for your chosen citation style.

“Smith, J. (2019). The Impact of AI on Healthcare. Journal of Medical Research, 45(3), 123-145.

Jones, L. (2020). Patient Perceptions of AI Diagnostics. Healthcare Technology, 37(4), 567-589.”

Purpose: To provide supplementary material that supports your research, such as questionnaires, additional data, and ethical approval letters.

Questionnaires and Surveys: Include copies of any data collection instruments.

Additional Data: Provide any additional data or detailed tables that are referenced in the thesis.

Ethical Approval Letters: Include letters of ethical approval, if applicable.

“Appendix A: Survey Questionnaire

Appendix B: Detailed Data Tables

Appendix C: Ethical Approval Letter from University Research Ethics Committee”

Planning the chapterization of your PhD thesis is crucial for presenting your research in a clear and coherent manner. By following this guide and using the provided examples, you can ensure your thesis is well-organized and compelling. Remember, each chapter has a specific purpose and contributes to the overall narrative of your research. Stay motivated, and best of luck with your writing journey!

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Know How to Structure Your PhD Thesis

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Table of Contents

In your academic career, few projects are more important than your PhD thesis. Unfortunately, many university professors and advisors assume that their students know how to structure a PhD. Books have literally been written on the subject, but there’s no need to read a book in order to know about PhD thesis paper format and structure. With that said, however, it’s important to understand that your PhD thesis format requirement may not be the same as another student’s. The bottom line is that how to structure a PhD thesis often depends on your university and department guidelines.

But, let’s take a look at a general PhD thesis format. We’ll look at the main sections, and how to connect them to each other. We’ll also examine different hints and tips for each of the sections. As you read through this toolkit, compare it to published PhD theses in your area of study to see how a real-life example looks.

Main Sections of a PhD Thesis

In almost every PhD thesis or dissertation, there are standard sections. Of course, some of these may differ, depending on your university or department requirements, as well as your topic of study, but this will give you a good idea of the basic components of a PhD thesis format.

• Abstract : The abstract is a brief summary that quickly outlines your research, touches on each of the main sections of your thesis, and clearly outlines your contribution to the field by way of your PhD thesis. Even though the abstract is very short, similar to what you’ve seen in published research articles, its impact shouldn’t be underestimated. The abstract is there to answer the most important question to the reviewer. “Why is this important?”
• Introduction : In this section, you help the reviewer understand your entire dissertation, including what your paper is about, why it’s important to the field, a brief description of your methodology, and how your research and the thesis are laid out. Think of your introduction as an expansion of your abstract.
• Literature Review : Within the literature review, you are making a case for your new research by telling the story of the work that’s already been done. You’ll cover a bit about the history of the topic at hand, and how your study fits into the present and future.
• Theory Framework : Here, you explain assumptions related to your study. Here you’re explaining to the review what theoretical concepts you might have used in your research, how it relates to existing knowledge and ideas.
• Methods : This section of a PhD thesis is typically the most detailed and descriptive, depending of course on your research design. Here you’ll discuss the specific techniques you used to get the information you were looking for, in addition to how those methods are relevant and appropriate, as well as how you specifically used each method described.
• Results : Here you present your empirical findings. This section is sometimes also called the “empiracles” chapter. This section is usually pretty straightforward and technical, and full of details. Don’t shortcut this chapter.
• Discussion : This can be a tricky chapter, because it’s where you want to show the reviewer that you know what you’re talking about. You need to speak as a PhD versus a student. The discussion chapter is similar to the empirical/results chapter, but you’re building on those results to push the new information that you learned, prior to making your conclusion.
• Conclusion : Here, you take a step back and reflect on what your original goals and intentions for the research were. You’ll outline them in context of your new findings and expertise.

Tips for your PhD Thesis Format

As you put together your PhD thesis, it’s easy to get a little overwhelmed. Here are some tips that might keep you on track.

• Don’t try to write your PhD as a first-draft. Every great masterwork has typically been edited, and edited, and…edited.
• Work with your thesis supervisor to plan the structure and format of your PhD thesis. Be prepared to rewrite each section, as you work out rough drafts. Don’t get discouraged by this process. It’s typical.
• Make your writing interesting. Academic writing has a reputation of being very dry.
• You don’t have to necessarily work on the chapters and sections outlined above in chronological order. Work on each section as things come up, and while your work on that section is relevant to what you’re doing.
• Don’t rush things. Write a first draft, and leave it for a few days, so you can come back to it with a more critical take. Look at it objectively and carefully grammatical errors, clarity, logic and flow.
• Know what style your references need to be in, and utilize tools out there to organize them in the required format.
• It’s easier to accidentally plagiarize than you think. Make sure you’re referencing appropriately, and check your document for inadvertent plagiarism throughout your writing process.

PhD Thesis Editing Plus

Want some support during your PhD writing process? Our PhD Thesis Editing Plus service includes extensive and detailed editing of your thesis to improve the flow and quality of your writing. Unlimited editing support for guaranteed results. Learn more here , and get started today!

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How to write a PhD thesis: a step-by-step guide

A draft isn’t a perfect, finished product; it is your opportunity to start getting words down on paper, writes Kelly Louise Preece

Kelly Louise Preece

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Congratulations; you’ve finished your research! Time to write your PhD thesis . This resource will take you through an eight-step plan for drafting your chapters and your thesis as a whole. 

Organise your material

Before you start, it’s important to get organised. Take a step back and look at the data you have, then reorganise your research. Which parts of it are central to your thesis and which bits need putting to one side? Label and organise everything using logical folders – make it easy for yourself! Academic and blogger Pat Thomson calls this  “Clean up to get clearer” . Thomson suggests these questions to ask yourself before you start writing:

• What data do you have? You might find it useful to write out a list of types of data (your supervisor will find this list useful too.) This list is also an audit document that can go in your thesis. Do you have any for the “cutting room floor”? Take a deep breath and put it in a separate non-thesis file. You can easily retrieve it if it turns out you need it.
• What do you have already written? What chunks of material have you written so far that could form the basis of pieces of the thesis text? They will most likely need to be revised but they are useful starting points. Do you have any holding text? That is material you already know has to be rewritten but contains information that will be the basis of a new piece of text.
• What have you read and what do you still need to read? Are there new texts that you need to consult now after your analysis? What readings can you now put to one side, knowing that they aren’t useful for this thesis – although they might be useful at another time?
• What goes with what? Can you create chunks or themes of materials that are going to form the basis of some chunks of your text, perhaps even chapters?

Once you have assessed and sorted what you have collected and generated you will be in much better shape to approach the big task of composing the dissertation. 

Decide on a key message

A key message is a summary of new information communicated in your thesis. You should have started to map this out already in the section on argument and contribution – an overarching argument with building blocks that you will flesh out in individual chapters.

You have already mapped your argument visually, now you need to begin writing it in prose. Following another of Pat Thomson’s exercises, write a “tiny text” thesis abstract. This doesn’t have to be elegant, or indeed the finished product, but it will help you articulate the argument you want your thesis to make. You create a tiny text using a five-paragraph structure:

• The first sentence addresses the broad context. This locates the study in a policy, practice or research field.
• The second sentence establishes a problem related to the broad context you have set out. It often starts with “But”, “Yet” or “However”.
• The third sentence says what specific research has been done. This often starts with “This research” or “I report…”
• The fourth sentence reports the results. Don’t try to be too tricky here, just start with something like: “This study shows,” or “Analysis of the data suggests that…”
• The fifth and final sentence addresses the “So What?” question and makes clear the claim to contribution.

Here’s an example that Thomson provides:

Secondary school arts are in trouble, as the fall in enrolments in arts subjects dramatically attests. However, there is patchy evidence about the benefits of studying arts subjects at school and this makes it hard to argue why the drop in arts enrolments matters. This thesis reports on research which attempts to provide some answers to this problem – a longitudinal study which followed two groups of senior secondary students, one group enrolled in arts subjects and the other not, for three years. The results of the study demonstrate the benefits of young people’s engagement in arts activities, both in and out of school, as well as the connections between the two. The study not only adds to what is known about the benefits of both formal and informal arts education but also provides robust evidence for policymakers and practitioners arguing for the benefits of the arts. You can  find out more about tiny texts and thesis abstracts on Thomson’s blog.

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Write a plan

You might not be a planner when it comes to writing. You might prefer to sit, type and think through ideas as you go. That’s OK. Everybody works differently. But one of the benefits of planning your writing is that your plan can help you when you get stuck. It can help with writer’s block (more on this shortly!) but also maintain clarity of intention and purpose in your writing.

You can do this by creating a  thesis skeleton or storyboard , planning the order of your chapters, thinking of potential titles (which may change at a later stage), noting down what each chapter/section will cover and considering how many words you will dedicate to each chapter (make sure the total doesn’t exceed the maximum word limit allowed).

Use your plan to help prompt your writing when you get stuck and to develop clarity in your writing.

Some starting points include:

• This chapter will argue that…
• This section illustrates that…
• This paragraph provides evidence that…

Of course, we wish it werethat easy. But you need to approach your first draft as exactly that: a draft. It isn’t a perfect, finished product; it is your opportunity to start getting words down on paper. Start with whichever chapter you feel you want to write first; you don’t necessarily have to write the introduction first. Depending on your research, you may find it easier to begin with your empirical/data chapters.

Vitae advocates for the “three draft approach” to help with this and to stop you from focusing on finding exactly the right word or transition as part of your first draft.

This resource originally appeared on Researcher Development .

Kelly Louse Preece is head of educator development at the University of Exeter.

If you would like advice and insight from academics and university staff delivered direct to your inbox each week, sign up for the Campus newsletter .

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12 Steps to plan, draft, write and finish a PhD thesis or dissertation?

Here's a concise summary of the key steps to plan, draft, write, and finish your doctoral research:

The journey to write a PhD thesis or dissertation is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning and execution. This article aims to provide a comprehensive roadmap, from the initial planning stages to the final touches, to help you navigate the complex process of completing your doctoral research.

Write a PhD thesis: A Comprehensive Guide to Planning, Drafting, and Finishing Your Dissertation

1. selecting a research title to write a phd thesis.

Choose a specific, relevant, and feasible research title aligned with your interests and the existing literature.

2. Creating a Structured Plan:

Develop a detailed plan with milestones, deadlines, and tasks to serve as a roadmap throughout the research process.

3. Literature Review:

Conduct a thorough literature review to identify gaps and controversies, providing a strong foundation for your research.

4. Formulating a Research Design:

Clearly define your research methodology, justify your choices, and seek feedback to ensure the robustness of your design.

Research Design iLvoePhD

5. Data Collection and Analysis:

Systematically collect and analyze data , keeping detailed records and being open to modifying your approach based on findings.

6. Writing the Dissertation:

Start writing early, maintain a consistent schedule, and develop each chapter cohesively with a logical flow.

7. Seeking Feedback:

Share drafts regularly with advisors and peers to receive constructive feedback, enhancing the quality of your work.

8. Revision and Editing:

Allocate time for thorough revision, checking for clarity, coherence, consistency, and proper formatting.

9. Managing Your Time Effectively:

Create a realistic timeline, break tasks into manageable chunks, and adhere to deadlines for effective time management.

10. Overcoming Challenges:

Anticipate challenges such as writer’s block, setbacks, or unexpected findings, seeking support from advisors and colleagues.

11. Celebrating Milestones:

Acknowledge and celebrate small victories along the way to maintain motivation and recognize progress.

12. Finalizing and Submitting:

Proofread your dissertation carefully, ensuring proper formatting and adherence to institution guidelines before submission.

With meticulous planning, dedication, and persistence, you can successfully navigate the challenges of write a PhD thesis or dissertation and contribute meaningfully to your field. Good luck on your academic journey!

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How To Structure A PhD With Our PhD Writing Template

Feb 9, 2019

• Introduction

Our   PhD Writing Template   is a way to visualise every element of your PhD on one page.  Once you have filled it in you will have an overview of each section of the thesis and an executive summary of the thesis as a whole. It’ll show you how to write a PhD. If you haven’t already download it for free now and then come back to this post. 

What is the PhD Writing Template?

The PhD Writing Template is a   way for you to visualise your PhD on one page.   It guides you through creating a   synopsis for each chapter   and an overall   outline of the thesis   using simple questions to structure and guide your thinking.  If you haven’t already download it for free now .

• Acknowledgements
• Literature review
• Theoretical framework
• Methodology
• Empirical chapters
• Discussion chapters

How do I write a PhD using the template?

It’s simple to use.  First, print it out.

Then, answer each of the questions in each section.

Answer on Post-it notes. One for each box. That way you can change your answers over time.

But aren’t Post-it notes too small? No! Small is good here. It means you have to be clear and concise. If you can’t fit your answers onto a Post-it note, you need to refine them.

To save space, use bullet points, but make sure you carefully think about and respond to each point.

Start with the ‘Aims and Objectives’ box, where you will list down the core headlines of the entire thesis. This is the  big-picture stuff.  You   should have this completed and refined before you move on. Without solid answers to these questions, the thesis will be disjointed and unclear.

Then, work through the boxes one by one. You may want to leave the abstract and acknowledgements to last. You may also want to work on the introduction last. That’s fine. Work in the way that suits you.

As you fill the template in, you will start to see the bigger picture. Each Post-it note will contain a synopsis for that particular element. Together, they can be combined to form an executive summary of the thesis as a whole.

Why do you need the template?

• All of the elements required in a thesis.
• Where they fit and how they relate to one another. 

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Sounds good, doesn’t it?  Be able to call yourself Doctor sooner with our five-star rated How to Write A PhD email-course. Learn everything your supervisor should have taught you about planning and completing a PhD.

Now half price. Join hundreds of other students and become a better thesis writer, or your money back. 

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Thank you so much You are doing a great job by helping PhD students like me to make it less stressful.

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Hi, I withdrew from my PhD in the final months and am now planning to return to it and remodel it somewhat. This template will be really useful for restructuring what I already have and planning what I need to work on. Thank-you!

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Writing Chapters in a PhD Thesis.

Mastering the art of writing chapters in a PhD thesis is a multifaceted endeavor that demands a comprehensive understanding of the research process, a keen sense of structure, and the ability to effectively communicate complex ideas. As you embark on this academic journey, consider the following in-depth guide to help you navigate the intricacies of crafting each chapter with finesse.

1. Preliminary Steps :  

Before delving into the writing process, ensure you have a solid grasp of your research topic. Conduct a thorough literature review to identify existing research gaps and formulate clear research questions or objectives. This foundational step will provide direction for your entire thesis.

2. Chapter Outline and Structure :

A well-structured chapter is essential for clarity and coherence. Begin with a detailed outline that breaks down each chapter into sections and subsections. For instance, a typical chapter might include:

• Introduction: Set the stage for the chapter by presenting its purpose, relevance, and an overview of its content.
• Literature Review/Theoretical Framework: Survey relevant literature, theories, and models. Analyze and synthesize existing research, identifying gaps that your study aims to address.
• Methodology: Explain your research design, data collection methods, and analysis techniques. Justify your choices and demonstrate their suitability for answering your research questions.
• Results: Present your findings using tables, graphs, and descriptive text. Avoid interpretation at this stage.
• Discussion and Analysis: Interpret the results in the context of your research questions and theoretical framework. Address implications, contradictions, and limitations.
• Conclusion: Summarize the chapter’s key points, restate the main findings, and suggest possible avenues for future research.

3. Introductions that Intrigue :  

Craft engaging introductions that pique the reader’s interest. Clearly state the chapter’s purpose and research questions, and provide a roadmap for what the reader can expect. An effective introduction guides readers through the chapter’s content.

4. Literature Review and Theoretical Framework :  

In chapters focusing on literature review or theoretical discussions, establish a strong foundation by exploring the relevant body of literature. Organize your review logically, considering chronological, thematic, or methodological approaches. Analyze, synthesize, and critically evaluate the sources, highlighting connections and discrepancies that inform your study.

5. Methodology :  

Devote ample space to explaining your research methodology. Detail your research approach, data collection methods, and analytical techniques. Discuss potential biases and limitations and explain how you mitigated them. This transparency enhances the credibility of your research.

6. Results Presentation :  

Present your findings using clear visuals and concise descriptions. Charts, graphs, and tables should be appropriately labeled and interpreted. Allow the data to speak for itself at this stage, saving your interpretations for the discussion section.

7. Discussion and Analysis :  

Interpret your findings within the context of your research questions and theoretical framework. Analyze patterns, relationships, and unexpected results. Address limitations and provide alternative explanations when necessary. Engage critically with existing literature, highlighting how your research contributes to the field’s understanding.

8. Conclusion :  

Summarize the chapter’s main points and findings. Reiterate how these findings align with your research questions. Reflect on the broader implications for your research field and suggest directions for future investigations.

9. Transitions and Flow :  

Ensure smooth transitions between sections and chapters. Use transition sentences to guide readers through your thought process. This creates a seamless flow that enhances the overall readability of your thesis.

10. Style and Clarity :  

Maintain a consistent writing style that balances academic rigor with accessibility. Avoid excessive jargon and complex sentence structures. Clearly define technical terms and concepts when introduced.

11. Revision and Peer Feedback :  

Revision is integral to refining your chapters. Take breaks between writing and revising sessions to maintain a fresh perspective. Seek feedback from peers, mentors, or advisors to gain insights into areas for improvement.

12. Citation and Referencing :  

Ensure accurate and consistent citation of sources throughout your chapters. Adhere to the citation style required by your institution or field. Proper referencing underscores the scholarly foundation of your work.

13. Holistic Thesis Cohesion :  

As you write individual chapters, remember that your thesis is a cohesive whole. Each chapter should contribute to the overarching narrative of your research. Regularly revisit your research questions and thesis objectives to ensure alignment.

Mastering the art of writing chapters in a PhD thesis is a gradual process that demands dedication, meticulous attention to detail, and a commitment to scholarly excellence. Embrace the iterative nature of the writing process, and allow your chapters to evolve as your understanding of your research deepens. Through persistence and a focus on quality, you can create a thesis that makes a meaningful contribution to your field of study.

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Structuring your thesis

Time spent thinking about and planning how you will structure your thesis is time well spent. Start to organise the material that you have already written into folders relating to each chapter. The following techniques may help you to decide upon a structure.

• Discuss the structure with a colleague, explaining it as a continuous story you're trying to write 
• Use visual techniques like mind-mapping
• Create a storyboard for your thesis. This tells the ‘story' of the thesis in a small number of panels that mix text and pictures
• Sort index cards with key ideas into a coherent structure
• Use post-it notes with key ideas on a whiteboard to make connections with lines and colours.

Analysing existing theses is a good starting point to get an idea of typical structures in your field. Theses will usually contain most or all of the following sections:

• Acknowledgements
• Contents page(s)
• Introduction
• Literature review (sometimes within the introduction)
• Materials/sources and methods (can be part of every chapter if these are different per chapter)
• Themed topic chapters
• Discussion or Findings
• Conclusions
• Your publications

Once a rough structure is sketched out, it is a good idea to assign each chapter a likely word length and, if possible, a deadline for a first draft.

Writing preferences

People have different preferences in terms of writing. Think about the approach that will work best for you. For example here are two examples of writing preferences. 

Planning writers tend to have a highly structured approach to writing and if this is your approach you may find the following tips helpful.

• Under each chapter heading define a series of sections
• Break these into sub-sections and keep breaking these down until you are almost at the paragraph level
• You can now work methodically through this set of short sections
• Check completed sections or chapters agree with your plan

Generative writers prefer to g et ideas down on paper and then organise them afterwards. If this approach suits you try the following approach.

• Choose a chapter and just start typing
• Then you need to do some work to impose a structure
• Summarise each paragraph as a bullet point
• Use this summary to gain an overview of the structure
• Re-order the writing and strengthen the structure by adding sub-headings and revising what you have written to make the argument clearer

Reviewing your structure

As your research and writing develop you will want to revise and rework your structure. Try to review do this on a regular basis and amend plans for future chapters as you become more aware of what the thesis must contain.

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