9 Dissertation Mistakes to Avoid

Writing a dissertation can be an overwhelming task, and many students make mistakes while doing it. If, however, you break the dissertation down into smaller portions and avoid the most common dissertation mistakes, you will do just fine. Here are a few of the more common dissertation mistakes to avoid from essay helpers experience:

1. Lack of originality

Avoid plagiarism at all costs. Additionally, make sure to do enough background research before you submit your thesis proposal so that you know your topic is original and relevant.

2. Lack of focus

One of the biggest mistakes in dissertation writing actually occurs before you ever begin writing. Your choice of topic is very important. Pick a topic that is focused enough to adequately address, but broad enough so that you have plenty to say. Your professors can help you to pick an appropriate topic. Make an outline of what you want to cover in your thesis, and stick to it. Even if you uncover some interesting facts during the course of your research, avoid tangents. Make sure your dissertation stays focused.

3. Lack of interest

Make sure that you are interested in your dissertation topic. You will become intimately involved with your topic, and if you do not find it sufficiently interesting, you may have a hard time writing a detailed and thoughtful dissertation. Additionally, you want to have a number of people read your dissertation drafts and give you feedback - so make it as interesting as possible!

4. Lack of opposing viewpoints

Make sure to adequately research and address opposing arguments and possible holes in your thesis. By addressing opposing arguments in your dissertation, you can avoid being blindsided by them during your dissertation defense.

5. Lack of clarity

Even the most interesting and well-researched topics can be obscured by a lack of clarity in your writing. Make sure to reread your drafts, and to have other people read them. Check for sections that are ambiguous, wordy, or otherwise poorly written. Following an outline can help you keep your dissertation organized, which may also help with its overall clarity.

6. Lack of proper formatting

Each university has its own set of rules and regulations on formatting dissertations. Everything from the size of the margins to the type of paper used is covered. Make sure that you obtain a copy of the university's dissertation requirements, paying close attention to page numbers, table of contents, reference citations, etc. Paying attention to the formatting details will show a professionalism that may be lacking in other dissertation attempts.

7. Lack of proofreading

Proofread. Proofread. Proofread.

Make sure to go over your dissertation drafts multiple times. Sometimes it helps to look at one particular aspect of your dissertation each time you read it. Read it once, checking for grammar errors. Then, make sure that the references to your appendices match the actual appendices. After you feel like you have found all the mistakes, find other people to look for more.

8. Lack of good time management

Make sure to budget your time when you are writing a dissertation. The dissertation is likely to be the longest piece of writing that you have done to date. Do not put it off too long. You will need time to write and revise, and you need to take writer's block, illness, and other unforeseen situations into account.

9. Lack of communication with your committee

The most important aspect of proofreading a dissertation is to make sure that your committee gets to look over your drafts. Although you don't want to waste their time with the very first rough draft, you want to make sure that they have a chance to give comments and constructive criticism before you are in front of them to defend your dissertation.

When it is time to write your dissertation, make sure that you have an original, focused, and interesting topic, and that you have done your research. When you are writing, make sure to pay attention to the clarity and formatting, in addition to spelling and grammar. Start early enough so that you have plenty of time to do all of your research while leaving time to write and revise multiple times. Above all, make sure to communicate with your committee throughout the process to incorporate their suggestions.

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