Author | Message |
Writing style
Bluespace
[Registered User]
22 April 2012 08:44 | I am having a bit of difficulty writing in a fluid, readable style. The grammar and punctuation are fine, but the written text just sends me to sleep - and I am the researcher writing it! Does anybody know of a good resource that outlines, or helps with thesis writing styles. |
ady
[Registered User]
22 April 2012 09:55 | I would recommend having a look through other theses to try to get a handle for what you like. If you're not already registered with the British library online I would recommend that you register. Skim read a few theses, or rather sections of theses for style.
Also, and as frequently recommended by Olivia of this forum, Bryan A. Garner's Legal writing in plain english is well worth a look. You should be able to pick up a copy via Amazon for ~£5 or most of it is actually available via Google Books. |
Bluespace
[Registered User]
22 April 2012 16:50 | [quote]Quote From ady:
I would recommend having a look through other theses to try to get a handle for what you like. If you're not already registered with the British library online I would recommend that you register. Skim read a few theses, or rather sections of theses for style.
Also, and as frequently recommended by Olivia of this forum, Bryan A. Garner's Legal writing in plain english is well worth a look. You should be able to pick up a copy via Amazon for ~£5 or most of it is actually available via Google Books.[/quote]
That's really helpful thanks Ady. I often look through the BL Ethos for relevant theses (and the ESRC DTC repository I am attached to). These are great resources, but still, I guess I'm never going to be Richard Sennett! As an student in the early stages, it's easy to underestimate just how much work goes into a well written article, thesis or book. |
WanderingSage
[Registered User]
23 April 2012 09:36 | One that was recently recommended to me (on Friday to be exact) was: Authoring a PhD : how to plan, draft, write and finish a doctoral thesis or dissertation / Patrick Dunleavy.
I haven't had a chance to read over it yet, but the academic who rec'ed it has been very helpful and spot on in his suggestions. You might give it a try. I am just waiting on one copy to return here in a few days time before I try to get into it. |
eska
[Registered User]
29 April 2012 17:41 | Hi Bluespace,
I read 'Style: Ten lessons in Clarity and Grace' by Joseph Williams a couple of years ago and it has been brilliant for advancing my writing style.
here's the Amazon link, you can get an old copy for a few quid:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Style-Ten-Lessons-Clarity-Grace/dp/0321024087/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1335717377&sr=1-8
|
DrJeckyll
[Registered User]
29 April 2012 18:46 | ======= Date Modified 29 Apr 2012 18:56:28 =======
Hi Bluespace,
and here is the perspective of a boring science student!
As long as you write in a clear structured way then it is fiiiiine ... Sometimes I take time to think alternative verbs to "reported" and it almost makes me feel like a novel writer!
I have long ago accepted that my PhD can be used as an alternative fatal weapon - no one can survive more than 2 sentences. It will be on the headlines:
"external examiner dead. His wife critically ill. Doctors believe she skimmed through the open document. What did the primary supervisor say?"
*picture of my supervisor hiding from paparazzi*
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Bluespace
[Registered User]
16 September 2012 10:23 | Hi all,
Thanks for your replies. I think 'Style', sounds like the book for me (based on reviews). Although this writing thing is still a tricky area. |
DocInsanity
[Registered User]
16 September 2012 12:35 | I have found reading lots of articles is really helpful. This is also where it's helpful to have publications during the course of the PhD, to get practice and feedback. |
