How to improve your writing: A guide for PhD students and academics
TLDRThe video script is an insightful discussion on the challenges and strategies associated with academic writing for PhD students. It emphasizes that writing is a crucial skill in academia, often as important as the research itself. The speaker addresses the unique pressures of PhD assessments, where the entire focus is on the thesis, judged against the standards set by the field and often by external examiners. This pressure is compounded by the potential need to write in a non-native language and the sheer length of the document. The script also critiques the common advice of writing without concern for detail or structure, arguing that it can lead to significant long-term issues. Instead, the speaker advocates for a structured approach to writing, which includes organizing ideas logically and making deliberate decisions throughout the writing process. The importance of mindset is also discussed, encouraging students to focus on effective communication rather than simply demonstrating knowledge. The script provides a comprehensive guide on how to tackle academic writing, including setting up a narrative structure, expanding on points methodically, and the significance of feedback and revision.
Takeaways
- π Writing is a fundamental skill for PhD students and academics, as it is the primary means of communication in academia.
- π« The pressure of writing a PhD thesis is significant, as it is the sole basis for assessment and is often judged against high academic standards.
- π€― Many PhD students experience stress related to writing, partly due to a lack of comprehensive training in academic writing skills.
- π The standard advice of 'just write' without concern for detail or structure can lead to problems in the long run, such as the need for extensive editing and the development of an avoidance habit when encountering difficulties.
- β A structured approach to writing, which includes paying attention to detail and making deliberate decisions, can result in a good first draft more efficiently.
- π‘ When writing, it's important to start with a clear structure that presents a logical flow of ideas, making the text easier to follow for the reader.
- π Aim to emulate experienced professionals who can convey complex ideas concisely by focusing on the most relevant and important information.
- π§ Examiners judge a thesis based on the student's stated aims, so it's crucial to have a clear and consistent understanding of the research objectives.
- π The process of writing should involve simplifying large tasks, focusing on one section at a time, and separating the exploration of ideas from their presentation.
- π§ It's important to stay engaged with writing problems, giving them your full attention, and being patient until solutions are found.
- βΈ Taking breaks is essential, but they should involve stepping away from screens and online distractions to allow the subconscious to continue working on the problem at hand.
Q & A
Why is writing considered a crucial skill for PhD students?
-Writing is an essential skill for PhD students because it is the primary means of communication in academia. The currency of academia is based on what a student has published, which is heavily reliant on their writing ability. It is as important as the research itself and is often a significant source of stress.
How does the assessment of a PhD differ from an undergraduate degree?
-The assessment of a PhD is fundamentally different from an undergraduate degree. Unlike undergraduate degrees which have exams with a cumulative grade, a PhD's entire assessment rests on the thesis. This places a significant amount of pressure on a single document, which is judged according to the standards set by the field, often with external examiners from other universities.
What are some challenges PhD students face when writing their thesis?
-PhD students face challenges such as writing what is likely the longest document they will ever write, possibly in a second or third language, while still conducting research. They may feel overwhelmed by the number of tasks they are juggling and struggle with knowing where to start due to the volume of information they need to convey.
Why is the 'just write' advice problematic for academic writing?
-The 'just write' advice can be problematic because it encourages neglecting detail and structure, which are crucial in academic writing. Ignoring details can lead to foundational errors that may require significant portions of the work to be rewritten or discarded. Additionally, it can train a habit of avoiding problems rather than solving them, leading to increased stress and a larger editing task later on.
What is the importance of structure in academic writing?
-Structure is vital in academic writing as it guides the reader and helps communicate the ideas effectively. A well-structured document has a logical flow that allows the reader to follow the narrative or argument being presented. It also assists the writer in organizing their thoughts and ideas in a coherent manner.
How can a PhD student approach writing their thesis to manage stress?
-To manage stress, PhD students should focus on writing one section at a time, separate the process of exploration from presentation, and develop a clear structure for their work. They should also practice writing regularly to build confidence and skill, seek feedback early and often, and avoid multitasking by focusing on one task at a time.
What is the role of mindset in the PhD writing process?
-Mindset plays a significant role in the PhD writing process. Students should aim to emulate the approach of experienced professionals who select the most relevant and important information to communicate effectively. They should also focus on what they want to communicate rather than worrying about what the examiner wants to see, effectively setting their own 'syllabus' for the thesis.
Why is it beneficial to start writing the introduction of a paper or thesis at the beginning?
-Starting with the introduction helps to establish the focus and direction of the paper. It provides a clear understanding of the problem or question the research aims to address. This approach also helps to guide the writer through the process, ensuring that the subsequent sections align with the introduction's objectives.
How can a writer ensure they are presenting their research effectively?
-A writer can ensure effective presentation by providing detailed methods, acknowledging limitations, and being honest about the results. They should also seek feedback from peers and supervisors to anticipate questions and criticisms, and make necessary adjustments to clarify and strengthen their work.
What is the significance of feedback during the writing process?
-Feedback is crucial as it helps identify potential issues, gaps, or ambiguities in the work. It allows the writer to address questions and concerns before finalizing the document. Additionally, feedback can provide new perspectives and insights that can enhance the quality and impact of the research.
How should a PhD student manage their relationship with their supervisor regarding differing expectations?
-Open communication is key. Students should discuss the feasibility of tasks and expectations with their supervisor, providing rationale when certain tasks are impractical or unfeasible. It's also important for students to set boundaries regarding their timeline and workload, reminding the supervisor of fixed deadlines and the need to prioritize certain tasks.
Why is it important for PhD students to not only seek feedback but also show interest in others' work?
-Engaging with others' work broadens a student's knowledge base, which can be beneficial for their research and future endeavors. It fosters a supportive academic community, provides opportunities to learn from others, and can open doors for collaborations or assistance in the future.
Outlines
π The Importance and Stress of Writing in Academia
This paragraph emphasizes the critical nature of writing for PhD students and academics, highlighting its importance beyond just publishing. It discusses the unique pressures of a PhD, such as the focus on a single thesis document and the high stakes of academic judgment. The paragraph also touches on the lack of formal training in academic writing and the common struggles students face, including the advice against overthinking and the preference for quantity over quality in initial drafts.
π§ The Pitfalls of 'Just Write' Approach and the Need for Structure
The speaker argues against the common advice of 'just write' without consideration for detail or structure, pointing out its long-term issues like the habit of avoiding problems and the difficulty of editing large volumes of raw text. They advocate for treating writing as a skill that can be learned and improved, suggesting that attention to detail and structure from the outset can lead to a better first draft and less stress in the long run.
π― The Concept of Structured Writing and Narrative Approach
The paragraph introduces the concept of structured writing with a narrative approach, where academic writing is seen as a response to a problem, question, or need. It outlines the basic structure of academic writing, starting from a context that everyone understands, leading to a specific problem, and then the research response. Using the movie 'Speed' as an analogy, it illustrates how this structure can be applied universally, regardless of the complexity of the research.
π Expanding on Structure with Examples and Details
This section elaborates on how to expand upon the basic structure with specific details and examples. It demonstrates how to take a general idea and support it with data, statistics, and further explanations without altering the overall structure. The paragraph also addresses the importance of maintaining the structure's integrity for ease of editing and guiding the reader through the logical flow of ideas.
π Linking Ideas Through Cause and Effect in Writing
The paragraph discusses the cause-and-effect relationship in writing, where situations, events, or discoveries lead to problems or questions, and these in turn prompt responses. It suggests a flexible approach to structuring information based on this relationship, allowing for a clear and logical flow of ideas. It also touches on the importance of leaving out irrelevant information and focusing on what effectively contributes to the narrative.
π Strategies for Writing, Exploring, and Editing
The speaker shares personal strategies for tackling writing tasks, emphasizing the importance of focusing on one section at a time and separating the exploration of ideas from their presentation. They introduce the mind map method for brainstorming and organizing ideas before committing to a structured write. The paragraph also discusses the psychological aspects of writer's block and the various approaches to overcoming it, including patience, persistence, and stepping back to allow subconscious processing.
π§ Balancing Attention and Avoiding Distractions
This paragraph advises on how to maintain focus and avoid the common trap of checking emails or going online during breaks. It discusses the importance of physical and mental breaks that allow the subconscious to work on the problem at hand. The speaker also addresses the issue of perfectionism versus carelessness in writing, advocating for a balanced approach that cares for the quality of work without being hindered by fear of judgment or mistakes.
ποΈ Adjusting Writing Pace and Priorities According to Deadlines
The paragraph explores the need to adjust one's writing pace and level of detail based on the urgency and importance of the task at hand. It suggests that while perfectionism is necessary at times, there are situations where speed is more important. The speaker encourages finding a balance and being flexible with one's writing approach, adjusting it as needed to meet different demands and deadlines.
π± The Importance of Regular Practice and Early Intervention
The speaker highlights the significance of regular practice in writing, especially for those for whom English is not their first language. They recommend setting aside time for writing practice and seeking language guidance to improve written language skills. The paragraph also emphasizes the value of addressing language weaknesses early on to prevent them from becoming a source of stress later in the academic journey.
π€ Navigating Supervisor Expectations and Research Feasibility
This paragraph addresses the challenges of managing expectations with supervisors, particularly when their suggestions are not feasible. It suggests open communication and demonstrating the impracticality of certain approaches as strategies for navigating these situations. The speaker also discusses the importance of being honest about the progress and limitations of one's research with supervisors.
π Planning and Flexibility in Research Timelines
The speaker cautions against over-reliance on strict planning and control in research timelines. They advise being flexible and acknowledging uncertainties, as the nature of research can be unpredictable. The paragraph encourages making immediate actionable plans while allowing for adjustments and flexibility in the longer term.
π Reference Management and Balancing Literature Review
The paragraph discusses various reference management systems and the approach to using them effectively. It also addresses the balance between having a solid foundation in core literature and the need to search for and integrate additional papers as writing progresses. The speaker emphasizes the importance of starting with key papers and building upon them with relevant contextual literature as needed.
Mindmap
Keywords
π‘Academic Writing
π‘PhD Thesis
π‘Research Assessment
π‘Writer's Block
π‘Mind Mapping
π‘Literature Review
π‘Structure in Writing
π‘Narrative Structure
π‘Perfectionism
π‘Time Management
π‘Feedback
Highlights
Writing is a fundamental skill for PhD students, crucial for academic success and publication.
Thesis is a critical document for PhD assessment, often leading to significant pressure on students.
Many PhD students lack proper training in academic writing, leading to low skill levels and high stress.
The 'just write' approach to academic writing can cause long-term problems and isn't advised for effective writing.
Detail and structure are essential in academic writing, contrary to the 'just write' method.
Writing in a non-native language adds an extra layer of complexity for many PhD students.
The importance of mindset in academic writing, focusing on communication rather than demonstrating knowledge.
The need to focus on what is most relevant and important in academic writing, rather than trying to cover everything.
The use of narrative structure in academic writing to guide the reader and create a logical flow.
The process of breaking down complex ideas into a structured format to enhance the clarity of academic writing.
The importance of focusing on one section at a time to make the writing process more manageable.
The recommendation to separate the process of exploration from presentation to improve writing quality.
The suggestion to start writing the introduction early to guide the focus and direction of the paper.
The advice against multitasking while writing and the benefits of maintaining an unbroken sequence of work.
Strategies for dealing with writer's block, including relaxation and re-engagement with the problem at hand.
The importance of taking breaks and allowing the subconscious to work on writing problems during downtime.
The recommendation to avoid online distractions during breaks to maintain mental clarity and problem-solving ability.
The need for patience and persistence when solving writing problems, with an emphasis on gradual improvement.
The balance needed between perfectionism and carelessness in academic writing to ensure thoughtful work.
Transcripts
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