Graduate Level Writing

Writing
• Remember, this is graduate level writing
and research. Practice before you begin.
Most people do not write like this on a
regular basis.
 Writing
• Avoid:
– Flowery language
– Overstated, overused clichés and educational
jargon unless directly related to your topic.
– Making statements of which you are unsure of
the proper use of the terms. (Don’t try to
impress people with your language.)
 Writing
• Allocate time effectively; anticipate writers
block.
– Force yourself to write.
– Don’t leave the table of contents and
bibliography until the last minute.
– Anticipate formatting frustrations: inserting
graphs, appendices, etc.
 Writing
• Stay focused and to the point
• Begin each section with a proper
introduction of the section. What will we
expect?
• Keep transitions between sections fluid.
Don’t end a section abruptly.
• Explain your numbers!!
 Findings (Chapter 4)
• In this section you present those results
that specifically address your hypotheses
or research questions. Remind the reader
of your research question(s).
– First, present and discuss the categorical
variables: all those respondents that fell into a
category. For example: responses to the
variable of teacher evaluation revealed that
individual were more than twice as likely to
agree as…….
 Findings
• If your variables are continuous (raw age,
years of schooling) present their mean
values. Then transfer to a graph for clean
presentation. Label each graph
consistently and label each variable.
• Don’t assume the value of X is known.
• Note the difference between a table,
graph and chart.
 Discussion (Chapter 5)
• Given what you have found, what is the
status of your hypothesis? What should
other researchers look to study?
• Reiterate what you intended to study and
what you found.
• Don’t get all mushy in the final paragraph.
The tendency is to lose the strong
academic focus in favor of emotional
language.
 Suggestions for Remaining Sane
• Clear the table
• Keep note paper by your bed
• Saving your work in multiple places
• Expect revisions
• Don’t get too far behind
• Form a support/study group
• Allow time for readers to read (one and one)
• Remember this is a unique learning experience
in your life, enjoy it!!