Peer support for your dissertation
If you're writing your Masters dissertation, you'll feel less isolated if you set up a dissertation support group with other students.
Making the most of feedback
Feedback can be gold dust, but only if you reflect on it and turn it into action. Here's how to benefit the most from it.
Using accurate reporting verbs
Look through your essay and underline your reporting verbs. Then decide whether you have used the most suitable verb in each case.
Are you sitting comfortably?
Writing is a physical process; your brain works with your body. Moving about can help with problem solving and minimise aches and pains.
Using ‘however’ and ‘therefore’ in your essay
‘However’ indicates a strong contrast or contradiction while ‘therefore’ indicates the direct logical conclusion of what went before.
Write a successful abstract
A good abstract tells the story of your research, explains its significance and shows the reader what your research achieves.
Using a Gantt chart for planning
Use a Gantt chart to plan chunks of time to work on your assignment, making sure you factor in your other commitments.
Use the essay title to plan your essay
To plan your essay, identify what you're being instructed to do, the topic area and the limits of the essay.
Successful note-making in lectures
1 Beforehand: get prepared Devise your own note-making shorthand, adapt it for your course requirements and vocabulary and then use it consistently. Having an effective shorthand system avoids the need to write down full words, but remember to introduce new…
Effective reading
Do you start reading an academic journal article, plough through a few paragraphs and realise you have lost your focus? Try this technique to gain a quick overview and identify the sections you need to read in depth.[1] 1 Reading…
