Thesis Writing Guide

GSA Thesis Writing Guide

GSA's Thesis Writing Guide currently out of print and we're in the process of upgrading it to a new-improved model!

The guide has been very useful to students in past years, but needs to be updated to include new information and tips as well as changes to support servies.

The table of contents includes:

Before you start

  • What is a thesis?
  • Why write a thesis?
  • Finding your supervisor

Finding your information    

  • Reading
  • Taking notes
  • Evaluating what you find
  • Judging and evaluating books and articles
  • Organising your data
  • Internet and computers
  • Useful web sites
<.PSupervision 
  • Meeting with your supervisor
  • Feedback from your supervisor
  • Supervision problems
How to start writing

  • Anticipating the writing
  • Scheduling

How to write effectively

  • Some principles of good composition
  • How writing helps you
  • Further tips on good writing
  • Precision
  • Clarity
  • Economy of style
  • Style & voice
  • Science writing

Common problems

  • Defining the topic
  • Lack of consultation with your supervisor
  • Trying to answer the riddle of the universe
  • Time
  • Some possible approaches to time management
  • Managing your stress
  • Writer's block
  • Ways to avoid writer's block
  • How to deal with writer's block
  • What to do if you're simply stuck
Writing the first draft

  • Content & structure of your thesis
  • Corrections

Referencing

  • Harvard
  • Cambridge
  • American Psychological Association (APA) Guide
Plagiarism

  • What is plagiarism?
  • How to avoid plagiarism

Redrafting and finishing up

  • Producing the manuscript
    

To provide feedback (positive or negative) about GSA's Thesis Writing Guide please email publications (at) gsa.unimelb.edu.au