Writing up
Getting started
Writing is an ongoing aspect of your thesis. Don't wait
for a 'right time' to get started. The writing process can help focus
ideas and develop understandings. You should start the writing process
as soon as you have something to say.
Writing continues throughout your project as you draft
chapters, redraft them, and work at shaping your overall argument.
Other aspects of the writing process include how to argue and
criticise, consideration of your audience, grammar and punctuation,
editing and proofreading, and using tables and diagrams.
Some helpful pointers on editing your thesis can be found at: http://www.cdu.edu.au/research/office/documents/EditingYourThesis.pdf
Style and writing conventions
There are rules and conventions of presentation you must
adhere to in your thesis. You must follow a recognised style of English
usage, citing and referencing (eg Harvard, MLA, Vancouver) consistently
throughout your thesis. If you are unfamiliar with these requirements
consult your supervisor as to the appropriate style guide for your
field of research BEFORE you start writing.
Thesis Presentation
The CDU Common Rules state that a thesis shall:
- include a title page stating the title of the thesis
in full, the full names and degrees of the candidate, the Faculty in
which the candidate is enrolled, the degree for which the thesis is
submitted and the date of submission;
- include a table of contents citing all major headings
and the page numbers on which they occur, followed by a list of all
diagrams and illustrations;
- include an Abstract of no more than 300 words, which
indicates the aims, scope and conclusions of the study;
- include indication in the form of citations and a
bibliography the sources of information and the extent to which work of
other researchers has been used;
- include a signed declaration by the candidate that it
is the candidate's own account of the research that was completed
during the course of study undertaken by the candidate.
Support from supervisors: tips from staff and students
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