When it comes to writing a thesis, everyone’s got their tricks. Some people swear by the Pomodoro Technique, others like to write while listening to music or podcasts. The point is that there are no right or wrong ways to do things when it comes to writing it all depends on what works best for you. But whatever your preferred method, here are a few tips that might help:
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| Plan your time wisely and allocate specific time blocks. |
| Break your thesis into smaller sections for focused writing. |
| Gather all necessary research materials before you begin. |
| Create a clear outline to guide your writing process. |
| Minimize distractions and create a conducive writing space. |
| Set specific goals for each writing session. |
| Prioritize getting your ideas down, even if not perfectly. |
| Proofread and edit after you’ve completed your first draft. |
| Seek feedback from peers or mentors for improvements. |
| Remember that writing quickly requires intense focus. |
Never Start With The Easy Stuff
Start with the hardest thing
This is the most important part of your thesis writing schedule, so you might as well get it out of the way first. The reason for this is simple: You want to do what’s going to take up the most amount of time because that will be where you spend most of your energy and mental capacity during this process.
I can’t predict what every single person will find difficult about their thesis; however, there are some things that almost everyone finds challenging at some point in their research project.
For example: if you have a topic or area of focus that requires some kind of statistical analysis (which most science topics do), then doing that statistical analysis could take up a lot more time than any other aspect of your research project even if it only takes an hour or two for someone else!
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Make A List Of All The Smaller Tasks That Make Up The Larger Task
When you have a large project to complete, it can be overwhelming to think about the entire project at once. If you create a list of all the smaller tasks that make up your main goal, then you can tackle them one at a time without worrying about how far away your final deadline is.
You can use a mind map or spreadsheet for this step, or if your work environment offers task management software like Trello or Todoist (which I highly recommend), then use that!
Read And Take Notes On Key Articles
Identify the most relevant articles for your research question. Make a list of these and get them from the library or buy them if you have to (or both).
Take notes on any key points that you want to remember, but don’t go overboard here just yet; we’ll come up with ideas for what to do with these later! Just get everything down while it’s fresh in your mind because we’re going to be moving fast and not looking back!
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Plan Your Day In Minute-By-Minute Blocks
Planning your day in minute-by-minute blocks is a good way to get things done. If you’re working on writing your thesis, it can be helpful to use a timer or calendar to keep track of time.
A timer will help you force yourself to stay focused. For example, if you set a timer for one hour and work on nothing else until the alarm sounds, then at least there’s no chance of getting distracted by social media or checking email every five minutes (I know this feeling well).
Use the same type of strategy when scheduling appointments during the day: if it isn’t written down somewhere that it needs seeing through until completion then don’t plan anything after 4 pm because that’s how long it will take me just finish up my thesis!
Get Up Early
One of the best ways to write a thesis in less than 8 hours is by waking up early. You need to set a goal for yourself, such as writing 2 pages every hour. This will help you stay on track and save time later on in the day if you get distracted by anything else that comes along (like watching Netflix).
Waking up early also helps because it gives you more time throughout the day. Waking up at 6 am gives you 9 hours before bedtime – which is plenty of time to work on your thesis without feeling rushed or stressed out at all!
You don’t have this much time if you wait until after work/school ends before starting work on it either! So remember: Set your alarm earlier so there’s no excuse too.
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Create A System To Collect Quotes As You Read
If you’re a pen and paper kind of person, use them.
If you’re a computer-loving creature of the digital age, use that.
Use whatever works for you.
Break up your thesis into sections and plan when you will write them.
Break up your thesis into sections and plan when you will write them. Breaking up your thesis into sections is important because it helps to make sure that you know what all of the individual parts are going to be. This can also help with planning out how long each section should take, so you know how far along in the process you are at any given moment.
Plan how much time you want to spend working on your thesis each day or week (or whatever period is appropriate). If possible, try not to work for more than two hours per day or so you don’t want to burn out!
Write An Introduction For Each Chapter/Section In Note Form
The thesis is the most important part of your paper, so you must take the time to write a good one. You’ll want to make sure that each sentence in your thesis summarizes the main points in that section and presents them as clearly as possible.
Your introduction will be no different the point of an introduction is to convey what type of content readers can expect from the rest of your chapter or section.
To make sure this happens, first, write down a list of bullet points on a piece of scratch paper or in digital note form about what exactly you’ll be writing about for each chapter/section (this should include a summary of the main points).
Then write out an introduction paragraph stating what type of information readers can expect from this particular topic area based on these notes:
Why did I choose this topic? What am I going to talk about?
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Use A Timer
When you have a timer to keep track of how long you’ve worked and how much time is left, it’s easier to stay on task. Reviewing your work punctually will also help keep you from getting overwhelmed. It’s important that you not only review what you’ve done but also look ahead to what needs to be done next.
The best way to do this is by dividing your paper into sections and writing down the tasks that need completing for those sections to be completed (see “Step 2”).
Remove All Distractions
If you’re like me and crave a certain type of physical, tactile interaction with your environment while you work, then this is where things get tricky. Because there’s one crucial element that makes all the difference when it comes to writing: I need quiet.
And by quiet, I mean zero distractions whatsoever no music playing in the background or people talking nearby. If it’s possible in your situation (and if not, make it possible!), find an isolated spot where you can focus on nothing but your thoughts and words for as long as necessary without being disturbed or interrupted by anything or anyone at all.
Some Options Include
Turning off your phone completely so no one can call or text you
Going somewhere totally unfamiliar like a park bench outside or an empty room in another building on campus
Shutting down your computer so no one can send emails asking questions about assignments due tomorrow
When you get stuck, work on another chapter or section.
It’s important to remember that the thesis is a big project, and there are many places where you can get stuck. You can get stuck on any part of your research, writing, editing, or proofreading.
So if you get stuck on one section of your thesis, go work on another chapter or section until you feel energized again. Then come back to the difficult task at hand with a fresh mind!
Write And Wordprocess At The Same Time
When you’re writing your thesis, you should use a word processor. Typing out your entire thesis in one go will help you keep everything straight and make sure that it’s coherent.
However, once you have everything written down, take the time to format it so that it looks professional and easy to read. Formatting is usually done by hand using a different tool called a text editor (see below).
Make sure you know what’s expected in terms of format, content, and word count so you don’t have to rewrite anything major later on.
As a student, it’s important to make sure you know what’s expected in terms of format, content, and word count so you don’t have to rewrite anything major later on.
Here are some issues you should look at when drafting your thesis:
Check the guidelines provided by your university or faculty. These will usually give detailed instructions on how to format your thesis and include information on where to find templates online.
Check if there is an official template available for download (most universities have these). If not, consider using an existing template as a starting point and modifying it as necessary according to your needs.
Check if there is an official style guide that has been approved by the institution e.g., APA Style Guide or Chicago Manual of Style (6th Edition).
It will explain rules such as how much space should be left between lines of text; whether italics should be used instead of underlining; spacing between paragraphs etc which will help ensure consistency throughout all parts of your work including the bibliography/reference list(s), appendix(es), footnotes/endnotes,
Keep a time log for several weeks before writing so you have an accurate idea of how much time certain things take (you may be pleasantly surprised).
Keep a time log for several weeks before writing so you have an accurate idea of how much time certain things take (you may be pleasantly surprised).
Use this to help you plan your time: if you know it takes 3 hours to write one paragraph, then dividing the total number of paragraphs in your thesis by 3 will give you an estimate of how many hours it will take. This can also help with estimating how much time you have left before the deadline.
You’ll want to start this process well in advance, since finding out that only half of your thesis is written at 2 am on the morning before the submission is not going to make anyone happy!
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Conclusion
This blog post was written as part of a collaboration with getting the Thesis Done.
Further Reading
Insider’s Guide to Write a Thesis When Short on Time: Discover expert insights on writing a thesis efficiently, even when time is limited.
8 Tips to Write a Thesis in 30 Days: Learn effective strategies to complete your thesis within a month, along with a bonus tip for success.
I Wrote My Master Thesis in 8 Hours: Gain inspiration and practical advice from someone who completed a master’s thesis in just one night.
FAQs
How can I write a thesis quickly when time is limited?
Writing a thesis efficiently with limited time requires careful planning, prioritization, and focused work sessions. Consider using techniques like time blocking and setting clear goals to make the most of your available time.
Is it possible to complete a thesis within 30 days?
Yes, it’s possible to complete a thesis in 30 days with effective time management and a structured approach. Breaking down your work into manageable tasks and maintaining a consistent writing routine can help you achieve this goal.
What are some strategies for writing a thesis in a single night?
Writing a thesis in a single night requires intense focus and dedication. Start by outlining your main points, gathering your research materials, and organizing your thoughts before diving into writing. Be prepared for a demanding but rewarding experience.
How do I stay motivated while working on a lengthy thesis project?
Staying motivated during a lengthy thesis project can be challenging. Set small milestones, reward yourself for achieving them, and seek support from peers, mentors, or advisors to maintain your enthusiasm throughout the process.
What should I do if I face writer’s block during thesis writing?
Writer’s block is a common challenge. When facing writer’s block while writing your thesis, take a short break, engage in activities that relax your mind, and consider discussing your ideas with peers or advisors. Sometimes, taking a step back can help you come up with fresh perspectives and ideas.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.