Writing a dissertation does not have to be the mammoth confusing undertaking many graduate students make it out to be. When I was working on my dissertation, I learned all kinds of tricks and tips such as getting help from a professional thesis writing service and now I am going to share with you right now!
Practical Advice for Dissertation Writing
Follow these ideas to make your writing clearer, stay organized, and finish your dissertation with less stress.
Tip
How it helps
Write a little every day
Keeps the work moving and lowers pressure
Break big tasks into small steps
Small steps are easier to finish and track
Use checklists and templates
Gives clear structure and saves time
Keep all notes in one place
Helps you stay organized and avoid lost work
Share drafts early with your supervisor
You get feedback before problems grow
Save files in two places
Protects your work if one copy is lost
Read examples from past students
Shows you format and tone your university expects
Take short breaks
Helps you stay fresh and focused
If you are still coming up with a topic, here’s method number one for finding one.
I’m sure you’ve heard of Dissertation Abstracts International by now. These abstracts are compiled every year from all across the world and contain subject areas based upon students’ majors and the area of focus of their dissertation. So, if you are specializing in quantum physics, for example, you could see all the dissertation topics compiled that year on quantum physics. Then, you can strategize new concepts for studies based upon what other students are doing—and use these as part of your research as well!
Another good way to strategize a focus for your project: View Dissertations Bound and Held in Your Library
Typically, students meet with their committee members and see what they have in terms of topic ideas. Therefore, the ideas you’ll get from other students dissertations are actually products of several scholars’ brainpower—your professors’ professors, and your professors’ knowledge banks. Your professors had to write dissertations in your area too, you know. Also, head to your library and ask your university head librarian to help you find bound dissertations in your major area. Recent ones probably used committee members from your school, and you can see what university scholars at your school are encouraging students to peruse and get ideas.
Now, Bound Dissertations are Great Resources in All Kinds of Ways
Bound dissertations from your school can help you in all kinds of ways. How?
First, if you look at bound dissertation from recent years at your university, they will have the same formatting that you’ll need to use and you can learn how to format your book from the acknowledgements to the works cited.
Two, you can learn what sources they used in attacking their subject matter. You can always learn about new sources by viewing researchers’ bibliographies and if you’re looking at dissertations in your same area or—even better—on your same topic—all the better. I interlibrary loaned every dissertation I could on my topic in English lit, and gathered hundreds of little known about sources there.
Three, you can learn all about what the introduction of a dissertation should sound like.
Four—looking at bound dissertations is a wonderful way to learn how to do those necessary explanatory endnotes at the end of every chapter. Endnotes are where you put commentary that would interrupt the natural flow of your argument or phrasing and go something like this “For more on Heidelberg’s theories on quantum physics, see his book Title.”
Lastly—looking at other students’ dissertations is reassuring. You won’t realize how good you actually write—believe me—until you do it. And the well-written ones will teach you much about writing scholarly research. Or you can easily find thesis help online from expert writers and editors.
There’s nothing wrong with getting help from a professional – or another student
I learned to learn from the graduate students directly ahead of me early on—and often schools assign you a mentor to help you through your first year. Make the most of students currently working on their dissertations or who have just completed it. Befriend students in your major area who are ahead of you and ask them about dissertation formatting, resources, and any advice they may have.
Revision and Feedback
This section helps you improve your draft in clear steps. Start with big changes, then fix small errors. Ask for feedback and use it to make your work stronger.
Big picture check
Does each chapter have a clear purpose
Do the chapters answer the research questions
Is the order of sections logical
Do you link results to the literature
Did you remove repeated ideas
Paragraph and sentence check
Each paragraph starts with a topic sentence
One main idea per paragraph
Use short sentences when possible
Use clear verbs like show, find, compare, explain
Define key terms the first time you use them
Check transitions with words like also, however, in addition
Common problems and quick fixes
Problem
Quick fix
Chapter feels off topic
Add a first paragraph that states the goal of the chapter and remove parts that do not support the goal
Long paragraph
Split into two parts. Keep one idea in each part
Weak link to research questions
Add one line at the end of the section that shows which research question it supports
Results are hard to read
Use a small table with labels and short notes under the table
Too many quotes
Paraphrase in simple words and cite the source
Unclear method steps
Add a numbered list with each step on a new line
Self review checklist
My introduction states the problem and the research questions
The literature review builds an argument and shows the gap
Methods are repeatable by another researcher
Results match the plan in Methods
Discussion explains what the results mean and why it matters
Tables and figures are numbered and cited in the text
Citations match the reference list
Language is clear and formal
Ask for feedback the smart way
Choose one or two readers for each round. Give them a clear goal and a short deadline.
Supervisor for structure and argument
Peer for clarity and flow
Writing center for language and format
Feedback request note
Dear [Name],
I am sending Chapter [X]. Please focus on:
1. Is the purpose clear
2. Does the order make sense
3. Where do you see gaps or extra parts
Thank you,
[Your name]
Use comments and version control
Save a copy of your draft before big edits
Use comments to ask questions and to mark places to fix
Turn on Suggesting or Track Changes if your tool has it
Name files in a clear way like Lastname_Dissertation_v03_2025-08-20
Revision log
Keep a simple log so you can show progress and decisions.
Date
Section
Change
Reason
2025-08-20
Methods
Added sampling steps
Supervisor asked for more detail
2025-08-21
Discussion
Linked findings to two new sources
Stronger link to literature
Meeting agenda template
Goal for this meeting:
Progress since last time:
Top 3 questions:
Decisions we need:
Next steps with dates:
Short email when you send a revision
Subject: Revised Chapter 3 request for feedback
Dear [Professor Name],
I am sending a revised Chapter 3. I focused on clearer sampling and procedure.
Could you please check if the steps are complete and logical
Thank you for your time,
[Your name]
Final checks before submission
Item
Check
Formatting
Margins, font size, spacing match university rules
Headings
Numbering and styles are consistent
Tables and figures
Numbered, titled, and cited in the text
References
All in the same style and match the in text citations
File name
Uses the format your university requests
PDF export
All pages show correctly and links work
Two week revision plan example
Day
Main task
Output
Mon
Big picture edit of Introduction
New outline and topic sentences
Tue
Revise Literature Review focus
Shorter gaps section and clear thread
Wed
Methods clarity pass
Numbered steps and added sample size note
Thu
Results tables clean up
Table labels and notes added
Fri
Discussion link to questions
One paragraph for each research question
Mon
Language and style pass
Short sentences and strong verbs
Tue
References and citations check
All entries match and style is consistent
Wed
Send draft for feedback
Email sent with clear questions
Thu
Apply feedback
Revision log updated
Fri
Final checks and export
PDF ready for submission
This guide was prepared by
Professor Daniel R. Morgan, PhD
Professor of Education at Williams College
I am a professor with more than 20 years of experience teaching graduate students how to plan, write, and complete dissertations. My main areas of research are academic writing, higher education, and student learning strategies. I am known for using a clear teaching style and a step by step approach that makes difficult tasks easier.
Over the years I have supervised more than 70 master’s theses and 40 doctoral dissertations. Many of my students now work as teachers, researchers, and professionals in different countries. I have also published articles and book chapters on research design, writing skills, and graduate education. Because I often work with international students, I understand the challenges of writing in a second language.
In my free time I enjoy reading history books, hiking with my family, and listening to classical music. I believe every student can finish a strong dissertation with the right guidance and steady progress.
My expertise
Area
What I do
Graduate supervision
I coach students on research questions, methods plans, and revision checklists
Academic writing
I provide models for introductions and discussions, paragraph frames, and style tips
Research design
I guide students on ethics planning, sampling choices, and analysis roadmaps
