Hints For Writing Theses or Project Reports

Prof. David C. Brown

Sketch out Table of Contents for Thesis/Project
	Estimate Page counts for each section
	Look at other theses/projects for ideas about organization
	Use Intro/Body/Conclusion format
	Discuss it with me

Expand table of contents
	For every heading list the points you want to make
	Add subheadings

Write thesis/report
	Pick production method (e.g., FrameMaker + laserprinter)
	Consult Electronic Theses & Dissertations: Recommended Format,
		or the MQP/IQP guidelines available from the Projects Office.
	Remember to consult the Collected Information about Writing.
	Write sections in any order you want
	Use material developed earlier
	 	Surveys, slides, summaries, evaluations and comparisons
	Keep writing
		It's easier to delete than add
	Check for flow between sections
	Use Intro/Body/Summary format for every chapter.

	Write carefully
		Think about what you are trying to say.
		Then write it.
		If that's hard, say it out loud first.
	Use simple words.
	Write short sentences.
	Make one point per sentence.
	Use only a few sentences per paragraph.
		i.e., write short paragraphs
	Write the main point first
		The exceptions afterwards
	Read what you have written out loud
		If you can't decide where to pause or stress nobody else can
	Try to keep the points in a logical order
		They tell a story
		They make an argument
                     Evidence --> Connection (warrants) --> Claim 
	Revise, revise, revise
        Use a spelling checker (not me!)
	Use citations in a standard form 
		e.g., [Brown 1988]
                      [Brown 1988b]
		      [Brown & Chandrasekaran 1986]
                      [Dixon et al 1987]
	Use bold and italic consistently. 
	Be consistent about heading styles.
		Number them, but no deeper than n.n.n (e.g., 1.2.3)
	Try to use non-sexist language.
		-- See also Some Notes on Gender Neutral Language.
		-- See also Writing with Gender-Fair Language.

	Put examples of system action in Appendices
	Include appendix about where system is and how to run it
	Give me chapters as they are done
	Give me the previous draft each time you hand in a new draft
                or mark where the changes are
        include date and version number
	Allow a week for proof reading
	Don't forget the Reader/CoAdvisor!
	Be patient...