Choosing Which Chapter to Start With First
Choosing Which Chapter to Start With First
Description
Tips & Tricks
Create a High-Level Roadmap
Before you start writing, ensure you have a comprehensive roadmap of your dissertation, including ideas and topics that have already been established. This will guide your writing process and help you stay on track.
Develop Your Outline
Your dissertation outline should be completed before you begin writing. This outline will act as the framework for your dissertation, with each section and subsection clearly defined.
Start with the Easiest Section
Begin by writing the sections that are most straightforward or where you feel the most confident. This could be the methodology section if you've already established your research design, or it could be a part of the literature review where you have a strong understanding of the existing research.
Focus on the Introduction, Literature Review, and Methods
These sections often provide the foundation for the rest of your dissertation. Start by filling in basic information in these sections to get the ball rolling.
Iterate and Refine
Remember that your initial writing is just a starting point. You will continuously mold, revise, and refine your work as you progress.
Checklist
Create Your Roadmap
- Develop a high-level roadmap that includes your main ideas and topics.
- Ensure that your roadmap aligns with the overall goals of your dissertation.
Complete Your Outline
- Finalize your dissertation outline, ensuring that all sections and subsections are clearly defined.
- Review your outline with your advisor or mentor to ensure it covers all necessary components.
Start with the Easiest Section
- Identify the section of your dissertation that you feel most comfortable with or that you have the most information for.
- Begin writing this section to build momentum.
Focus on the Foundation
- Start working on the Introduction, Literature Review, and Methods sections.
- Add basic information to these sections, understanding that they will be refined later.
Set Writing Goals
- Set small, achievable goals for each writing session, such as writing 300 words or drafting a specific subsection.
- Schedule regular writing sessions and stick to your plan.
Action Items
Develop a Detailed Roadmap
- Spend time mapping out your dissertation's structure, ensuring all major ideas and topics are included.
- Align your roadmap with your dissertation outline.
Review and Refine Your Outline
- Work with your advisor to review and refine your dissertation outline.
- Make any necessary adjustments based on their feedback.
Begin Writing
- Choose a section to start with based on ease and familiarity.
- Begin writing, focusing on getting words on the page rather than perfection.
- Set up regular meetings with your advisor to review your progress and receive feedback.
- Use these meetings to stay on track and make necessary adjustments to your plan.
Schedule Regular Check-Ins
Additional Resources
How to Start Writing Your Dissertation
Academic Writing Journal
Effective Strategies for Dissertation Writing
University Writing Center
Structuring Your Dissertation Outline
Graduate School Resource
Case Study
Emily’s Strategic Start
This is an Add-on course, which is only Accessible in the Bundle.
Courses includes:
- Level Expert
- Duration 11h 20m
- Lessons 12
- Quizzes 145
- Certifications Yes