The final course

Writing Development CentreUniversity Library

facebook.com/NUlibraries

@ncl_wdc

Dr Caroline CrowOn behalf of the Writing Development CentreRobinson Library

The Final Course: managing the final stages

For enquiries about workshops, please email [email protected]



@ncl_wdc

These slides are available on slideshare

http://www.slideshare.net/WDCNewcastle

https://owa.ncl.ac.uk/owa/redir.aspx?C=cOOhrIq2HkGsZnq4UHq8XFkldCyNK9IICrByD7GD6PlFRLCOrMujyubRZLDiYshseu5MD7Mgacw.&URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.slideshare.net%2FWDCNewcastle

https://owa.ncl.ac.uk/owa/redir.aspx?C=cOOhrIq2HkGsZnq4UHq8XFkldCyNK9IICrByD7GD6PlFRLCOrMujyubRZLDiYshseu5MD7Mgacw.&URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.slideshare.net%2FWDCNewcastle



@ncl_wdc

Content of the Session

When is your dissertation ‘ready to serve’?!

The final run-in: managing your time effectively

The finishing touches: editing and proofreading techniques



@ncl_wdc

When is your dissertation ‘ready to serve’?!

At some point, you need to stop researching and writing and start putting the finishing touches to your work

Knowing ‘when to draw the line’ is subjective

Prioritise: think carefully about what you really need to do to complete your work to the required standard; a discussion with your supervisor may be useful

If you can, leave at least a week for the ‘final polish’.



@ncl_wdc

The final run-in: managing your time effectively

The final stages can be an anxious time Making a list of outstanding tasks can help put things into

perspective After making a list, make yourself a rough timetable: this

timeline can be challenging but has to be realistic! Break the final stages into a series of small, specific tasks

(e.g. check references) If you deviate from your timeline, don’t panic: just revise it!



@ncl_wdc

The final run-in: important considerations

Find out what your School’s regulations are re. style, format, referencing and submission

Check with Printing Services re. projected timescales



@ncl_wdc

The finishing touches: editing

Caroline’s top tip:

When carrying out the final edits and checks before submitting, make sure you have read your dissertation right the way through at least once

It is often difficult to ‘see’ your dissertation as a whole as you will probably have been focusing on individual chapters

Important to see how it all hangs together: Does the structure ‘make sense’: logical progression? Is there a sense of flow between chapters? Any repetitions? Do you recap chapters a little more than you need

to, for example?



@ncl_wdc

Editing: the Challenge Read

An effective editing strategy is to try and view your own work from the point of view of the reader/marker

Remember that good academic writing anticipates the needs of the reader and addresses any questions a reader might have (in the logical order they might raise them!)



@ncl_wdc

The Challenge Read: Content

Have you done everything your research question (s) requires you to do?

Have you defined important terms?

Is there a clear central aim/line of argument?

Are your claims well supported by evidence?

Is this evidence then analysed to show how it supports the claim you’re making?

Is everything relevant?

Any possible contradictions?



@ncl_wdc

The Challenge Read - Structure

Does your introduction provide the reader with a clear overview of your topic/central focus?

Does each chapter link back to and address your research question (s)?

Is each chapter clearly introduced?

Does your argument ‘flow’ logically: does the sequence of your chapters work?

Does each paragraph have a topic sentence communicating the main idea?

Is this idea then developed in the sentences that follow?

Is there a smooth transition from one paragraph to the next?



@ncl_wdc

Proofreading

Proofreading is the practice of checking your completed writing for any final errors. It can be difficult, particularly when you are still very close to the work.

• Let the work cool – come back to your work after some time has passed.

• Seek help – get a colleague or fellow student to check your writing. Peer review can be very rewarding.

• Read aloud – this can allow you to encounter the work in a different way.



@ncl_wdc

Tuesday 12-12.30 For Starters: Refining your research topic and first steps

Wednesday: 12-12.30 Getting Critical: the Literature Review and Beyond

Thursday: 12-12.30 Whetting Appetites: Introductions and Conclusions Friday: 12-12.30 Keeping Going: Managing your Time, Tasks and Motivation

1.30-2:00 The Last Course: Managing the Final Stages

Writers groups: Wednesday 2-3 Friday 10-11



@ncl_wdc

The Writing Development Centre

Understanding assignment types, questions, instructions and marking criteria

Critical thinking, critiquing and reviewing literature Note-taking from lectures and reading Planning and structuring writing (incl. paragraphing) Academic writing style (incl. fundamentals of grammar) Understanding and using feedback to improve your work Referencing, citing and avoiding plagiarism Managing time, work and writing (incl. writers block and

procrastination) Exams and Revision Managing research projects, dissertations and theses Presentations and posters Learning effectively in lectures, seminars, classes, labs etc



@ncl_wdc

The Writing Development CentreLevel 2, Robinson Library

Our team offers:

- One-to-one tutorials on study skills and all stages and types of academic writing

- A programme of workshops on aspects of study and academic writing

- Online resources

You can book appointments and workshops with us online: http://www.ncl.ac.uk/students/wdc/

http://www.ncl.ac.uk/students/wdc/

Education

The final course