NL
06 May 2024
Successfully writing your thesis: Avoid these pitfalls
Writing a thesis can be quite challenging for many students. After all, it is a period when you are mainly reliant on yourself, without the guidance structures that you were accustomed to during previous years of study. Your thesis signifies the culmination of your study period, thereby increasing the pressure to complete it successfully. That is why we have compiled a list of five common pitfalls and provided you with tips and tools to overcome them.
Pitfall 1: Procrastination
Procrastination is a common issue among students, and it puts your deadlines at risk. This can result in unnecessary stress as you might have to work extra hard to meet your deadlines or even end up slacking off. While getting away with procrastination might be possible during an exam, it’s not the case when it comes to writing a thesis. Writing a thesis requires time and effort. Therefore, it is crucial to work in a structured manner, create a realistic schedule, and most importantly, stick to it.
Pitfall 2: No defined subject
Unfortunately, we hear this quite often - students getting stuck because their topic is too broad. Defining your topic is a crucial step in the thesis process, and it requires preliminary research to determine the specific problem you will solve for your client or the research gap you will bridge. Therefore, first and foremost, take the time to select a topic that genuinely interests and motivates you. This will help you stay engaged and focused during the writing process. Then, begin the process of defining your topic.
Pitfall 3: No planning
Writing a thesis has its ups and downs. You may find that at times, your writing is not successful, or that you struggle to motivate yourself to work on your thesis. It’s common to get easily distracted. We all have days when things don’t go as planned. However, by creating a realistic schedule and sticking to it, you can stay focused. Setting smaller, concrete goals also helps clarify your thesis for yourself and minimizes stress and frustration.
Pitfall 4: No overview
When writing a thesis, you gather a significant amount of information through reading various sources and conducting research. As you compose your thesis, it is crucial to only include the relevant content. However, separating primary and secondary issues can be challenging due to the abundance of information available. If you begin writing without careful consideration, you may risk getting stuck or deviating from the main point. Hence, it is essential to always keep in mind the definition of your topic and the research questions you aim to address.
Pitfall 5: Writing is difficult
Writing is not easy for everyone. When writing a thesis, it is important to consider the reader, as they must be able to understand your process based on your descriptions. You must explain the choices you have made and provide reasons for them. Your story should have a logical structure and a clear central theme. Additionally, the use of correct writing style and language is crucial. Informal language and colloquialisms should be avoided, as well as spelling and grammar errors. Take the time to carefully edit your text and preferably have it reviewed by someone else.
Tips for writing your thesis
Make sure you are well prepared
If you are planning to write a thesis, allocate enough time for preliminary research. It is advisable to select a topic that you are already familiar with and for which there are ample sources. Ensure that you clearly define the chosen topic. Read extensively and analyze any gaps in the existing literature. Pose relevant questions to your supervisor or client to ascertain the root of the problem and identify the knowledge that your client lacks in order to solve it.
Make a detailed plan
Ensure that you create a clear plan in advance. Divide your thesis into smaller sections and set deadlines for each part. If you are conducting research, allocate enough time for it and list all tasks in your plan, such as creating a survey, distributing the survey, sending reminders, and analyzing data.
Substantiate your research method
Consider which type of research is best to choose in order to answer your research question. Should you go for qualitative research, quantitative research, or mixed-methods research? Ensure that you select a realistic method that suits your schedule, as you usually have a limited time frame for your research. If you are short on time and desire qualitative insights, you can also consider using a focus group instead of conducting individual interviews. Make smart choices.
Provide a clear structure
A proper structure is crucial for an effortless writing process. Ensure that your structure adheres to the guidelines of your program. Establish a framework that you can populate throughout the thesis process.
Get to work!
Writing a thesis is a challenging, yet highly educational experience for many students. By adopting a mindful approach and avoiding the aforementioned pitfalls, you can ensure a smoother thesis process. It is crucial to maintain regular communication with your thesis supervisor and not hesitate to seek assistance if you find yourself overwhelmed with information or stuck. If you are unable to reach a consensus with your course supervisor, consider seeking external help. Often, in just a few hours, significant progress can be made, allowing you to regain clarity and complete your thesis within the designated timeframe.
Contact Jouw Scriptiecoach if you need immediate help with your thesis.
Do you need immediate help with your thesis? Then request a free consultation now. During the consultation, we look at how best we can help you and which supervisor would be most suitable for your subject. You’ll also receive an immediate estimate of the number of hours we’ll need to get you across the finish line. Then you can easily purchase the hours online, and once the payment has gone through, we immediately connect you to your thesis supervisor. They’ll contact you quickly (often on the same day) so that you can get back to working on your thesis as soon as possible.