Category Archives: academic writing

for the reader – citations, reference lists, tables of contents and indexe

Posted on April 16, 2018 by

Most of us understand that citation is about locating our work in the field. We cite to show that we understand the field, that we know who counts and we understand what previous studies are important. We cite to show … Continue reading →

Posted in academic writing, citation, footnote, index, reference, reference list | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

live blogging academic writing – an un-conference

Posted on April 9, 2018 by

This week I am running an academic writing course at The University of Iceland. Ive been running academic writing courses here for some years but usually I just do a week long programme about writing a journal article. This time … Continue reading →

Posted in academic writing, conference, conference abstract, Conference blog, unconference | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

thesis knowhow – “the contribution” can create coherence

Posted on April 2, 2018 by

My Nordic colleagues often say that the thesis has to have a red thread, a line of argument that holds things together. So what’s this red thread? Think of the red thread as a sturdy rope that guides the reader … Continue reading →

Posted in academic writing, argument, coherence, contribution, thesis, thesis warrant | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

your MC for this paper is…

Posted on March 26, 2018 by

Academic writing often needs an MC. Yes MC, a Mistress/Master of Ceremonies. The MC, or emcee, is an official host. A compere. At a public event, say a festival, their job is to introduce the acts – speakers or singers … Continue reading →

Posted in academic writing, meta-commentary, meta-text, sentence skeleton | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

bad research questions

Posted on March 19, 2018 by

Writing a research question is hard. And it takes time. Often much more time that you might think. The research question is really important as it underpins your research design. And your  design allows you to find an answer or … Continue reading →

Posted in academic writing, research design, research question | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

writing the thesis – the theoretical framework

Posted on March 12, 2018 by

Please note that I write my blog on weekends. It is not part of my workload or job description. I support the #USSstrike and “teach out” online.  Not every thesis has a section or chapter devoted to a theoretical framework. … Continue reading →

Posted in academic writing, chapter, examiner, theory, theory chapter, thesis | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

academic writing – trust those gut feelings

Posted on March 5, 2018 by

Please note, I write my blog on weekends. It is not part of my workload, nor in my job description. I support the #USS strike. I started writing a paper a while ago. It’s from a large-scale mixed methods project. … Continue reading →

Posted in academic writing, gut feeling, tacit knowledge | 8 Comments