Academic writing for graduate students | 4 top tips to be a better writer
Graduate students sometimes feel like impostors when it comes to academic writing!
You're not alone. Let me share my 4 top tips, learned from my two decades supporting masters degree and doctoral candidates!
As someone who has been supporting PhD students for 20 years, I've heard it all. "I can't write like a proper academic." "My language isn't fancy enough." "I'm not smart enough." If these thoughts resonate with you, stick around because I've got some tips to help you tackle that impostor syndrome head-on.
Be yourself
First things first, let's address the elephant in the room: anxiety. Writing a master's or PhD dissertation can be overwhelming, especially when there's a prevailing belief that academic writing must be overly complex and verbose. But here's the truth – it doesn't. You don't need to morph into an academic robot to be taken seriously. Your authenticity matters. Embrace your unique voice and perspective; it's what sets you apart as a scholar. Confidence in your expertise will shine through in your writing.
Active voice
Now, onto the practical tips. Tip number one: embrace the active voice. Say goodbye to convoluted sentences and excessive jargon. Using active voice not only simplifies your writing but also makes it more engaging. Plus, it helps trim down unnecessary words, which can make a significant difference in the overall length of your thesis. Check out the examples below - they might not seem like huge word savings but they make a big difference across an 80,000 word thesis!
One chapter at a time
Don't overwhelm yourself by trying to tackle multiple chapters simultaneously. Stay focused on one chapter until it's at least 75% complete before moving on. Trust me; it'll save you from ending up with a slew of half-finished sections. And if inspiration strikes for future chapters, jot down your ideas for later. They'll be waiting for you when you're ready.
Just send the draft!
Now, onto tip number four: don't keep your writing to yourself. Share your draft materials, even if they're not perfect. Feedback is invaluable in refining your work, so don't hesitate to seek guidance from your supervisors. Kick perfectionism to the curb and embrace messy drafts; they're all part of the process. Your journey toward excellent academic writing begins with a willingness to learn and grow.
To recap, here are the four key strategies to boost your writing confidence:
Ditch anxiety for authenticity.
Use active voice.
Tackle one chapter at a time.
Don't keep your writing to yourself; seek feedback.
Need more help writing up?
If you're looking for additional support, be sure to check out my self-study PDF guide and planner pack for writing up your thesis. It's designed to help you navigate the process one chapter at a time.
Remember, you've got this. Embrace your unique voice, trust in your expertise, and don't let impostor syndrome hold you back. Happy writing!