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How to Write a Thesis in a Month: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Write your thesis in 2 weeks: effective strategies for short-term thesis completion.

Embarking on the journey to write a thesis in just two weeks can be a daunting task, but with the right strategies and a solid plan, it is possible to complete this academic milestone successfully. This article provides a comprehensive guide to effective short-term thesis completion, offering practical advice on everything from laying the groundwork and managing time, to writing, revising, and preparing for submission. By following these strategies, students can navigate the intensive process with confidence and efficiency.

Key Takeaways

Develop a clear understanding of thesis expectations and requirements to ensure a focused approach to research and writing.

Create a detailed work plan and schedule, breaking down the thesis into manageable tasks with strict deadlines to maximize productivity.

Leverage time management tools and techniques to prioritize tasks effectively, and organize research materials for easy access and use.

Implement a robust drafting and revision process, incorporating feedback and peer review to enhance the quality of the thesis.

Understand the submission process, including formatting and defense preparation, to ensure a smooth completion and transition to post-submission stages.

Laying the Groundwork for Your Thesis

Understanding the expectations and requirements.

Before diving into the thesis writing process, it's crucial to grasp the full scope of expectations and requirements . This involves a comprehensive understanding of the academic standards and the specific guidelines set by your institution. Begin by reviewing the official requirements, which often include the expected structure, citation style, and the level of analysis or argumentation required.

To ensure you're on the right track, consider the following points:

The importance of integrating quantitative evidence and sophisticated arguments.

The necessity for information and technological literacy.

Familiarity with various formats for presenting your arguments, such as words, tables, or graphs.

Remember, a well-defined thesis is not just about the content; it's also about presenting it in a way that aligns with academic conventions and expectations.

Lastly, don't overlook the practical aspects of thesis preparation, such as understanding funding needs, proposal organization, and the timeline for completing each section of your work. These elements are just as critical as the intellectual components of your thesis.

Developing a Clear Thesis Statement

A clear thesis statement is the backbone of any compelling thesis. It should present your main argument straightforwardly , serving as a guide for both you and your readers. To ensure clarity and focus, your thesis statement should address a particular aspect of your topic, avoiding vagueness and over-generalization.

When crafting your thesis statement, consider the following steps:

Identify the core question your thesis aims to answer.

Reflect on the specific angle or perspective you bring to the topic.

Condense your argument into a single, concise sentence.

Test the specificity and clarity of your statement by asking for feedback.

Remember, a well-developed thesis statement not only provides direction for your research but also sets the stage for a persuasive and coherent argument.

Refining your thesis statement may require several iterations. Be prepared to revise it as your understanding of the topic deepens and as you receive input from advisors and peers.

Creating a Detailed Work Plan and Schedule

A well-structured work plan and schedule are crucial for the successful completion of your thesis within the ambitious timeframe of two weeks. Start by establishing a working schedule that includes daily goals and benchmarks to measure your progress. This will help you stay on track and adjust your plan as needed when you encounter obstacles.

Week 1-2 : Initial Research and Topic Refinement

Week 3-4 : Literature Review and Methodology Outline

Week 5-6 : Data Collection and Analysis

Week 7 : Drafting the Thesis Introduction

Week 8-9 : Writing the Main Body (Chapters/Sections)

Week 10-11 : Conclusion and Abstract

Week 12-13 : Revision and Peer Review

Week 14 : Final Edits and Formatting

Anticipate difficulties and be prepared to work with them. It's essential to remain flexible and adapt your schedule to the evolving nature of your research. Regularly assess your progress against the established benchmarks and adjust your plan accordingly.

Remember, the key to a successful short-term thesis completion is not just hard work, but also smart planning. By breaking down your tasks into manageable chunks and setting clear deadlines, you can maintain a steady pace and avoid last-minute panic.

Mastering Time Management and Organization

Prioritizing tasks and setting realistic deadlines.

To write your thesis in a mere two weeks, prioritizing tasks and setting realistic deadlines is crucial. Begin by identifying the most critical components of your thesis and allocate more time to these areas. Break down your thesis into smaller, manageable tasks and set deadlines for each. This approach ensures that you make consistent progress and don't become overwhelmed by the enormity of the project.

Week 1: Research and Outline

Week 2: Drafting and Revising

Remember, the key is to stay on track with the deadlines you set for yourself. Adjust your schedule as needed, but always aim to meet or beat your deadlines to maintain momentum.

By setting intermediate deadlines for each task, you create a sense of urgency and accountability, which can significantly enhance your focus and productivity.

Utilize the academic calendar to your advantage, as students are generally responsive to structured schedules. Incorporate weekly goals that align with your thesis milestones, ensuring that each week brings you closer to completion.

Utilizing Time Management Tools and Techniques

In the race against the clock to complete your thesis, embracing effective time management tools is crucial . One such technique is the Pomodoro Technique , which involves setting a timer for focused writing bursts followed by short breaks, enhancing your creativity and productivity.

To systematically apply time management strategies, consider the following steps:

Embrace the Pomodoro Technique: Set a timer for focused writing bursts, then take short breaks.

Align with the academic calendar: Utilize inherent planning tools and respond to assignment deadlines.

Break down your thesis into subtopics: Treat each as an individual assignment to make consistent progress.

Remember, the key to effective time management is not just the tools you use, but also the consistency with which you apply them.

While tools like the Pomodoro Technique can boost focus and efficiency, integrating these strategies into a structured schedule can compound their effectiveness. By aligning with the academic calendar and treating each section of your thesis as a separate milestone, you can maintain momentum and stay on track.

Organizing Research and Resources Efficiently

Efficient organization of research and resources is pivotal for the successful completion of your thesis within a tight timeframe. Develop a systematic approach to managing your information, ensuring that everything you need is easily accessible and logically structured. Start by categorizing your resources into relevant topics and subtopics.

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Cited by other articles

Links to NCBI Databases

Use tools like reference management software to keep track of your citations and bibliographies. For instance, EndNote 20 can streamline the process of organizing your literature review and managing your references. Additionally, consider using software like G*Power for statistical analysis planning, such as determining appropriate sample sizes.

By maintaining a clear and organized workspace, both physically and digitally, you can minimize distractions and enhance your focus, leading to more productive writing sessions.

Writing and Revising Your Thesis

Drafting your thesis with focus and efficiency.

When the time comes to draft your thesis , efficiency and focus are paramount. Begin by breaking down the thesis into manageable sections, each with a specific goal. This approach not only simplifies the writing process but also helps maintain a clear direction throughout your work.

Outline each chapter before writing.

Allocate time slots for each section.

Set daily goals for word count or pages.

Remember, the quality of your draft is as important as the pace at which you write. Aim for clarity and conciseness in your initial drafts to facilitate easier revisions later on.

Utilize the feedback from your advisors and peers to refine your draft. Incorporate their insights to strengthen your arguments and ensure that your thesis meets the required academic standards. By staying organized and adhering to your schedule, you can produce a comprehensive and well-argued thesis within the two-week timeframe.

Incorporating Feedback and Peer Review

Once you have a draft of your thesis, it's crucial to engage in the peer review process. Peer review acts as a critical checkpoint before finalizing your document. It's a time to receive constructive criticism and to view your work from a fresh perspective. To make the most of this phase, follow these steps:

Complete a second reading of your peer's draft to identify strengths and weaknesses.

Make comments on the margins, focusing on areas that can be improved.

Discuss potential problems and alternative strategies with your peers.

Incorporate changes into your draft based on the feedback received.

Remember, the goal of peer review is not to rewrite your thesis but to refine it. It's about polishing your work and ensuring clarity, coherence, and scholarly rigor.

After incorporating the initial round of feedback, consider seeking additional insights from faculty members or experts in your field. This can be done during later stages of the review process, where more specialized advice can be invaluable. Use the feedback to revise your grant proposals or thesis chapters, and prepare for subsequent discussions or presentations.

Strategies for Effective Revision and Editing

Effective revision and editing are crucial for refining your thesis and ensuring clarity and coherence. Develop a systematic approach to revising each section of your thesis to maintain a consistent quality throughout. Start by addressing the larger structural issues before focusing on sentence-level details.

Review the organization of your chapters and sections for logical flow.

Check for clarity in your arguments and the relevance of your data.

Ensure that your writing is concise and free of jargon.

Correct grammatical errors and check for proper citation formatting.

Remember, revision is not just about correcting mistakes, but also about enhancing the strength of your argument and the overall readability of your thesis.

Incorporate feedback from peers and advisors diligently. They can provide valuable insights that you might have missed. Use their comments to guide your revisions and consider creating a checklist to track changes.

Lastly, allow time for multiple rounds of editing. A rushed job can overlook subtle errors and weaken your thesis. Patience and attention to detail during this phase will pay off in the quality of your final submission.

Overcoming Common Obstacles

Addressing procrastination and motivation issues.

Procrastination and waning motivation are frequent challenges in the thesis writing process. Stay aware of your motivation levels and take proactive steps to rejuvenate them, ensuring you avoid burnout and maintain a steady workflow. To combat procrastination, consider the following strategies:

Break down your thesis into smaller, manageable tasks.

Set clear, achievable goals for each writing session.

Reward yourself for meeting targets to maintain motivation.

Use productivity tools to track progress and stay focused.

Remember, consistency is key. Regular short sessions are often more productive than irregular, lengthy ones.

It's also beneficial to understand that motivation fluctuates and it's normal to have periods of lower productivity. During these times, it's crucial to adjust your schedule and tasks to accommodate your current state, rather than forcing an unrealistic pace.

Managing Performance Anxiety and Stress

Completing a thesis in a short timeframe can often lead to heightened performance anxiety and stress . It's crucial to acknowledge these feelings and address them proactively. Here are some strategies to help manage stress during this intense period:

Recognize the signs of stress early and take action.

Break down tasks into manageable chunks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Engage in regular physical activity to reduce tension.

Ensure adequate sleep and nutrition to maintain energy levels.

Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation.

Remember, managing stress is not about eliminating it completely but learning to cope with it effectively. By incorporating stress management techniques into your daily routine, you can maintain a healthier state of mind and improve your overall productivity.

Additionally, workshops and support groups, like those offered by Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), can provide valuable skills and community support. For instance, CAPS' weekly sessions on topics such as 'Managing Performance/Test Anxiety' and 'Confidence Boost' can be instrumental in building resilience.

Staying Consistent and Maintaining Confidence

Maintaining a consistent work ethic and keeping your confidence high are crucial for the successful completion of your thesis in a short timeframe. Developing a routine and sticking to it can help you stay on track and avoid the pitfalls of procrastination. Regularly review your progress and adjust your schedule as needed to ensure you are meeting your goals.

Week 6: Confidence Boost

Week 7: Creating Consistency

These steps, as part of a structured program, can significantly aid in building the confidence and consistency needed for your thesis journey. Qualitatively, participants in similar programs have reported a notable increase in confidence and motivation, which can be attributed to the structured guidance and mentorship provided.

Remember, the journey of thesis writing is not just about the end product but also about the personal growth and empowerment you experience along the way.

Finally, make the most of your thesis supervision . Manage feedback effectively, plan your meetings strategically, and navigate any challenges with resilience. This approach will not only help you maintain consistency but also bolster your confidence throughout the thesis writing process.

Final Preparations and Submission

Formatting and preparing your thesis for defense.

As you approach the final stages of your thesis journey, formatting and preparing your thesis for defense becomes crucial. The visual presentation of your work should not be underestimated; it reflects the quality and professionalism of your research. To ensure your thesis meets the required standards, consult the comprehensive guidelines provided on the 'Preparing to Graduate' page, and familiarize yourself with the submission timeline available on the GEPA Dissertation/Thesis Submission page.

Start by reviewing the formatting guidelines specific to your institution.

Gather all necessary co-author permission letters if applicable.

Attend webinars and workshops, like the 'SPRING GRAD DISSERTATION/THESIS SUBMISSION & FORMATTING WEBINAR', to gain insights into the submission process and formatting nuances.

Remember, the earlier you start preparing the formatting of your thesis, the smoother the process will be. Proactive preparation can prevent last-minute hurdles and ensure you meet all submission deadlines.

Incorporate the advice from the PhD Dissertation Defense Slides Design : show why your study is important, emphasize your contribution, connect your projects, and tell a compelling story. Keep your slides concise to maintain the attention and interest of your audience.

Understanding Submission Deadlines and Requirements

Meeting the submission deadlines for your thesis is crucial to ensure a smooth completion process. Different institutions have varying deadlines, often tied to the end of the academic semester or specific dates within the subsequent semester. For instance, the Cornell Graduate School policy requires the thesis to be submitted within 60 days of the final exam.

It's essential to familiarize yourself with the specific deadlines and requirements of your institution. Full details are typically available on the graduate school's website, along with resources such as webinars and FAQs to guide you through the process.

To avoid any last-minute hurdles, here's a checklist to keep in mind:

Confirm the final submission date and time for your thesis.

Ensure that you have completed all necessary forms and applications by the due date.

Attend any mandatory submission and formatting webinars offered by your institution.

Schedule preliminary and final review appointments if required.

Remember, adhering to these guidelines is not just about meeting a deadline; it's about respecting the process and giving your work the professional presentation it deserves.

Post-Submission: What to Expect and Next Steps

After the submission of your thesis , a period of waiting begins. It's essential to understand what comes next and how to navigate the post-submission phase. Here's what you can generally expect:

Review and Feedback : Your thesis will undergo a review process, which may involve peer feedback. This is a critical time to be receptive to constructive criticism and ready to make necessary revisions.

Timeline Awareness : Be aware of the timeline for responses from your committee or funding agencies. Deadlines for submission often coincide with the end of the semester, but responses may come in the subsequent semester.

Preparation for Defense : If your program requires it, begin preparing for your thesis defense. This includes understanding the format, anticipating questions, and rehearsing your presentation.

Remember, the submission is not the end of your journey. Use this time to reflect on your work, consider potential improvements, and prepare for the next steps in your academic or professional career.

Finally, stay informed about the formalities. Full information on submission and formatting is typically available on your institution's 'Preparing to Graduate' page. A detailed timeline for the process can also be found on the relevant submission page. Keep these resources handy to ensure you meet all post-submission requirements.

In conclusion, writing your thesis in just two weeks is an ambitious endeavor that requires meticulous planning, unwavering dedication, and effective time management. By leveraging the strategies discussed in this article, such as setting clear goals, maintaining motivation, utilizing procrastination tools, and managing performance anxiety, you can navigate the intense period of thesis completion with confidence. Remember, consistency and well-being are crucial to sustaining focus and producing quality work under tight deadlines. While this guide provides a structured approach, it's important to tailor these strategies to your individual needs and circumstances. With the right mindset and tools, you can transform the daunting task of short-term thesis completion into a successful academic achievement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i attend thesis preparation workshops if i'm defending in a future quarter.

Yes, attending thesis preparation workshops earlier can be beneficial for understanding the formatting and organization of your thesis or dissertation.

Is it possible to incorporate peer review feedback into my thesis within the two-week timeframe?

Yes, allocating specific time for incorporating peer review feedback into your schedule is crucial and can be managed within two weeks with focused effort.

How can a course-based approach assist in meeting thesis submission deadlines?

A course-based approach provides structure, sets intermediate deadlines, and integrates time management tools that align with academic calendars, aiding in timely completion.

Can I schedule a preliminary appointment for my thesis defense early on?

It is not recommended to schedule a preliminary appointment too early. It is more beneficial to have a complete and formatted thesis/dissertation before the appointment.

What are the deadlines for submitting my dissertation or thesis?

Submission deadlines vary by institution, but it's essential to understand and adhere to these deadlines well in advance to ensure timely submission.

How can I manage time effectively while writing my thesis in such a short period?

Utilize time management tools, create a detailed work plan with daily goals, and prioritize tasks to focus on the most critical aspects of your thesis first.

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How to Write a Dissertation in Ten Days or Less

Published by Owen Ingram at January 27th, 2023 , Revised On April 19, 2024

Can you Complete your Dissertation in Ten Days?

Most students struggle at some point with deadlines, and we regularly get asked questions such as ‘Can you write a dissertation in a month?’ and ‘Can you write a dissertation in three days?’ We do not judge why you are in this situation, we’re here to help you get your dissertation done. The answer to the questions is yes. But of course, the less time you have, the more pressure you are under.

How Long Does it Take to Write a 10,000-word Dissertation?

This is a common question, as is “How long does it take to write a 7,000-word dissertation?” There is no figure in hours or days that answers this; it differs for everyone.  “Is it possible to write a 10,000-word dissertation in two days?” Well, yes. But you will only find out if you can do it when the two days are up. You need to get started immediately, follow our advice and use our dissertation guides . But we are not claiming it’s easy.

Can I Complete my Dissertation in 3 Days? How Fast do I Need to Write?

If you have to produce 10,000 words in ten days, you have to average 1,000 a day. If you have two days, then 5,000 per day and if you work on it for 12 hours each of those days, you need to turn out 417 words per hour. A tall order, but it can be done. Do not let panic or pressure overwhelm you; and remember, it is perfectly acceptable to ask for help . You can stop asking your friends ‘How quickly can you write a dissertation?’ You are going to show them how quickly.

Can I Really Produce 10,000 Words in a Week?

How long d oes it take to write a 10k word dissertation? To give you some perspective, most people speak this many words in a day with no effort. You probably have more than enough words in your notes. It will make a big difference if you have your research project results analysis done already. If this is the case, you ‘only’ need to write them up. If you already made a good start but you are having trouble progressing, maybe you just need to focus on writing up your findings or certain chapters or areas.

You might think your notes are messy and disorganised or that they lack the right academic sound. Regardless, do not think of this task as producing all 10,000 words, rather, it is laying out your notes, organising them, and giving them a more formal, academic tone.

Can you Write a Dissertation in a Day?

Can you write a dissertation in a day? This is surely the most demanding academic writing challenge. It means 100% focus and work: Type up your notes, ensuring they have an academic/formal tone to them. Keep going, section by section and as it grows, you will start to see your dissertation appear.

Preparing to Write your Dissertation Fast

Prepare to start work.

You know your subject well, and you have probably written many essays on it by now. The main difference is that this assignment is longer. So, let’s get started. You need to prepare well; normal life can be suspended for the time you will spend working. The first preparations to make concern you and where you are going to work.

Distractions and Interruptions

Turn off your phone and avoid TV. If you are really serious, you will really do it. When you procrastinate or allow yourself to be distracted, what do you do? Gaming? Staring out of the window? Baking? Make these things difficult or impossible to do. Be aware of something called productive procrastination. This is when you do something productive but it’s not what you are meant to be doing. Do not mistake activity for productivity. When you find yourself vacuuming around your desk, snap out of it.

I’m Writing my Dissertation all Week. Quiet, Please

Some people can work with music playing, and some need silence. Listening to words, whether sung or spoken, can distract you when producing text. If there is something that will help you, such as instrumental music, use it. Make sure everyone knows what you are doing and ask them to leave you alone (except for bringing you food and drinks). Can someone else handle your duties and obligations for a while?

Create a Work Area

Set up a workplace and de-clutter it. Remove irrelevant books and anything you can fiddle with. Gather all your materials: this means textbooks, notes on paper and in digital form. Your research is likely over, but you will need everything to hand.

Give all materials specific places and keep them there. As you use them, you will remember where they are. Putting them down in different places will mean time lost looking for them, which will add frustration to the work.

Do All of your Legwork Before Starting

Getting up and walking away from the desk unnecessarily uses time you do not have. Do not let shopping trips interrupt your work. If you do not have enough food and supplies in before starting, get them first. Certain foods/snacks can help get you through, maybe you can suspend your usual health regime for a while. You need to feel comfortable in this. But do not overdo the caffeine or sugar .

Make a Work Schedule

Look ahead at your available time and make a schedule. If you work 21 hours on the first day, you might find yourself burnt out the next day. Sleep when you have to, work when you feel good. How long can you realistically work each day? Be careful not to create an unrealistic schedule, you will not keep up to it and will become demoralised. Remember that writing the dissertation is only 1% of your entire course; it is acceptable to get help at this late stage.

Where to Start

Start here – write an outline.

As well as a work schedule, you need a dissertation structure . You may be tempted to think that making an outline for your dissertation is extra work, that it would be quicker to just start writing. That would be like going on a driving tour to every European country with no plan. Without regular destinations, you will drift about aimlessly.

You can save time by focussing only on the main parts of the dissertation. If you run out of time, it will be better if the parts not completed are the less significant ones, although ideally nothing should be left unfinished. This is an exercise in prioritisation: Write the most valuable, points-scoring parts first.

Sacrifices May be Necessary

With a tight time limit, you might have to make sacrifices. People with the luxury of time will spend a day or more on just the table of contents or references section . You might not have this option. The focus has to be on the rapid production of text and its quality; things like detailed formatting and page layout will be secondary.

Prioritising your Order of Work

In the detailed plan below, skip the greyed-out parts to start with. You can use this to create an outline by adding a note under each part of the different sections stating what you are going to include there. This is where the job starts to appear less daunting; 10,000 now becomes 2,000 for this section, 1,000 for that section… The mountain becomes a set of smaller hills. And the introduction section can be written after the body, it is easier and quicker that way.

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Writing the Dissertation Body

When you have an outline, you need to put some meat on those bones and build a body. Working from start to finish may be best (skipping the introduction), but the order you work in is your choice. If your notes are not in order, a quick way to identify notes that apply to the different sections is to mark them with different coloured highlighters as in the table above. This will draw your eyes to the relevant notes quickly. You can do this on your computer screen by highlighting similarly.

After the main body, the introduction is next. This will be easier to write because all the information will be fresh in your mind. What next? The appendices or the parts at the front? This should be your decision based on remaining time.

Good Practices for Writing your Dissertation

Ignore spelling and grammar.

Do not pay attention to spelling, grammar, and language rules at this stage. Attending to spelling and grammatical details as you work will distract you and spoil your flow. Spelling and grammatical mistakes do not matter in a work in progress. You can turn checking functions off until you reach the editing and proofreading stage. Concentrate only on writing up your notes, do not switch between tasks.

Attend to One Part of the Dissertation at a Time

Constantly switching between research, writing, and tidying up the reference section is inefficient. Each time you switch, your mind needs time to catch up then settle into that activity. By focussing, we mean you should do all the analysis in one session until it is finished, all the writing of major sections in another, and sorting out the reference section can be done in one sitting. Less switching saves time and usually turns out a better job.

Take Regular Short Breaks

Save and Back up Routinely

When you leave the desk, click to save your work. Also do this after any burst of writing, and at regular intervals. Back up your work on another drive too. This is one of the most important things you will write. Treat it as the valuable document that it is.

For when you resume work, make sure you know where you left off, highlight it if that helps. When you come back to your work the next day, sometimes you can’t remember where you were; it can be difficult to resume the same line of thought. A habit of Ernest Hemingway was to leave an unfinished sentence to come back to so that he could…

Have a Strict but Simple Method of Noting Sources

Every time you quote or paraphrase something, note the source. Use a simple referencing technique while writing that does not demand much time. One such method is for the first in-text reference, just put (1) after the quote, use (2) for the second and so on. Start a list of sources that correspond to each number. You could highlight the numbers in a specific colour so you can attend to them later and not miss any. Missing just one reference, even accidentally, will still count as plagiarism . Before you start, be absolutely clear whether you are including a reference list or bibliography . Completing your list according to the required style ( Harvard , Chicago, etc.) can be done in one session.

Get a Qualified Appraisal of your Work

You will need someone to read your finished work. Having it read by someone unfamiliar with the subject and the structure of dissertations will be unproductive. Ideally it should be someone who understands the topic. And these days that person need not be physically present; you can email your draft to someone to get an opinion on changes & improvements .

Writing your Dissertation in Days

We are not going to sugar-coat the task of producing a dissertation in days rather than months and weeks. It is not easy, and regardless of what caused you to have such a short time remaining, it puts all your work in jeopardy. When someone asks us “Can I complete my dissertation in three days?” we have to answer yes, you can, but… It depends on the individual, how much work you have done so far, your personal circumstances, your other obligations, how much of those three days can you dedicate to the task.

How to Write a Dissertation Fast Checklist

Frequently asked questions, can i write my dissertation in under a week.

The short answer is yes but there are several factors to consider that may help or hinder you. Few people have the support around them to allow them to drop all commitments and focus on just one task. Also, few people will have taken on such a large a task in such a short time before, and might become overwhelmed.

The dissertation is where your study course culminates; all the time, effort, and expense you have invested should come to fruition here. This might not be a good time for  maybe I can do it . Maybe you can make it to the bank before it closes. No? Oh, well, you can go tomorrow. Maybe I can write 10,000 words in a week. If the answer is no, the consequences are more serious.

This guide and all the other  dissertation guides  on this site are here to help you with every aspect of dissertation writing. You can also contact us directly through the chat box or Whatsapp.

I have to write my dissertation in three days. Where do I start?

Start by getting organised. Gather all the materials you need, create a work area, get rid of distractions, and if possible, delegate any obligations or chores to someone else for the duration. Then read this guide from the start. If you need further help when you are deep into the writing, just ask us. We exist just for this purpose. Our team and expert writers have handled almost every kind of dissertation emergency.

Can I do my research, analysis, and write my dissertation in ten days?

The more time you have, the better. But carrying out the research and analysis in such a short time will be very demanding. It can be done though; our team can do this in under a week. You would need a great level of support around you and an impressive level of determination and focus. If you supply the determination, we can provide the support .

What helped you finish your dissertation quickly?

To finish your dissertation quickly, prioritise tasks, set realistic goals, maintain a consistent work schedule, minimise distractions, seek feedback from advisors regularly, and break down the writing process into manageable chunks. Use effective time management techniques, such as the Pomodoro Technique, and stay organised with thorough planning and research strategies.

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Here are a few ways you can make use of online social media networks for gathering data and conducting research for your dissertation project.

You should know how to review your own content. Learn all about how you can critically evaluate your dissertation in this article.

Before you start thinking about the ways to choose podcast topics. Here is a list of 20 podcast topic ideas that you can take an idea for your podcast show.

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How to write a whole research paper in a week

Writing up a full research article in a single week? Maybe you think that’s impossible. Yet I have done it repeatedly, and so have students in my courses. This is an exceptionally joyful (even if demanding) experience: being so productive just feels great! You are not wasting any time, and a paper produced in one go is typically coherent and nice to read. Even if you are a slow writer, you can write a whole paper in a single week — if you follow my strategy. Read below about what you need to prepare and how to approach this project.

I wrote my first scientific research article in 7 days. It started as a desperate effort to stop my procrastination and “just do it”. But I was surprised what a positive experience it was: focused and efficient, I was making daily progress, feeling motivated and content. Finally, the fruits of my hard work were gaining shape — and they did it so quickly!

I realized it was highly effective to write up a paper like this: writing for the whole day, every day until the first draft was finished. My writing project was firmly present in my mind — I didn’t lose time catching up with what I have written in the last session. Since I was not doing anything else, my wandering mind settled in very fast, and I was getting into a routine. The daily progress was clearly visible and motivated me to continue. And the result was a coherent paper that was easy to revise.

Meanwhile, this paper-a-week approach is my favorite. That’s how I write my papers, and that’s what I teach to students. In on-site courses young scientists draft a whole paper in 5 days, writing one major section per day. At the beginning of the week, many participants have doubts. But at the end of the week, they are all excited to see how much they managed to write in just a single week.

If you would also like to try out this approach, then read on about the necessary preparations, the optimal setting, and a productive writing strategy.

If you would like to get support during the preparation, drafting and revising of your research article, check out my online course Write Up Your Paper .

Prepare well

• First, think about your audience and pick a suitable journal . This is an important step because the audience and journal determine the content & style of your paper. As a reference, pick two recent papers on a similar topic published in your target journal.
• Create a storyline for your paper. What is the main message you want to convey, and how are you going to present your results?
• Put together all the results that you need to present your story convincingly: collect the necessary data, finish analyses, and create figures and tables.
• Select and read the relevant background literature as well as studies you want to compare your work with. As you read, note down any point that comes to your mind as something to be mentioned in the Introduction or Discussion section.
• Draft a preliminary Abstract : it will help you keep the direction and not get distracted by secondary ideas as you write the individual sections.

Depending on how complete your results already are, you might need 2-4 weeks to finish all these preparations. To help you keep an overview, I created a checklist with detailed steps that you need to take before you attempt to write up your paper in a week. Subscribe to our Newsletter and get your copy of the checklist.

Reserve a whole week for writing

Now, writing a paper in a single week is a serious business. You can’t do it if you don’t focus solely on the writing and create good writing conditions. Therefore, I recommend the following settings:

• Find a place where you can write without distractions. I have written my first paper over the Easter holidays when there was nobody in the office. You might choose to write at home or in a library. Though if possible, the best is to go for a retreat: removing yourself from your everyday settings immensely helps focus on the writing.
• Cancel (all) social obligations for the week. While it’s crucial to relax in the evening, you want to avoid disturbances associated with social events. Anything that makes your thoughts drift away from your work because it requires planning, exchanging of messages with others, or simply because it’s too exciting is better left for some other week. On the other hand, a quiet meeting with a good friend over a glass of wine or beer might be just the perfect way to unwind and rest after a productive, yet exhausting day of writing.
• Get support from the partner, family or friends — if possible. It’s best when you don’t need to run errands, cook and clean during this week. If you live alone, you can probably easily arrange yourself for undisturbed work. If you live with other people, ask them for consideration and support.

What I described above are the *ideal* conditions for undisturbed writing. But don’t give up if you can’t create such conditions for yourself. Work with what is possible — maybe it will take you 7-8 instead of 5-6 days but that’s still a great result, right?

Do you need to revise & polish your manuscript or thesis but don’t know where to begin?

Get your Revision Checklist

Click here for an efficient step-by-step revision of your scientific texts.

Maybe you think that you can never ever draft a research article in a single week. Because you write so slowly, producing only few paragraphs per day. Well — I agree that if you don’t optimize your writing strategy, it would be hard to impossible to write up a whole paper in a week.

• Separate the processes of writing and revising. That’s the most important principle. Resist the urge to revise as you write the first draft. Moreover, don’t interrupt your writing to look up missing information. Work with placeholders instead. This allows you to get into the state of flow and proceed much faster than you can imagine.
• Start your writing day with 10 minutes of freewriting . Write without stopping about anything that comes to your mind. This helps you to warm up for writing, clear your head of any unrelated thoughts, and get into the mood of writing without editing.
• Take regular power breaks. I recommend to follow the Pomodoro technique : write for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. After 3-4 such sessions take a longer break of 0.5-1 hour. During the breaks get up, walk a bit, stretch, look around, and breathe deeply. These breaks help you sustain high focus and productivity throughout the whole day.
• Eat and sleep well. What you are doing is similar to a professional athlete. So take care of your brain and body, and they will serve you well.
• Reward yourself. Every day celebrate the progress you have made. You have full right to be proud of you!

Write the individual sections in a reasonable order

If you have written a research paper before, you have probably realized that starting with the Introduction and finishing with the Discussion is not the ideal order in which to tackle the individual sections. Instead, I recommend the following procedure:

• Start with the Methods section. This is the easiest section to write, so it’s great as a warm-up, to get into writing without the need to think (and procrastinate ;)) too much. Look at your figures and tables: what methods did you use to create them? Then describe your methods, one after another.
• Results section: Writing the Methods section refreshes your memory about the research you have done. So writing the Results section next should not be too hard: Take one display object (figure or table) after another, and describe the results they contain. While you do so, you will come across points that need to be discussed in the Discussion section. Note them down so you don’t forget them.
• Introduction : When your results are fresh in your mind, you are in a great position to write the Introduction — because the Introduction should contain selected information that gives the reader context for your research project and allows them to understand your results and their implications.
• Discussion : When you have taken notes while writing the Results section, the Discussion section should be quite easy to draft. Don’t worry too early about the order in which you want to discuss the individual points. Write one paragraph for each point , and then see how you can logically arrange them.
• Abstract and title : On the last day, revise the preliminary Abstract or write a new one. You could also take a break of a few days before tackling the Abstract, to gain clarity and distance. Generate multiple titles (I recommend 6-10), so that you and your co-authors can choose the most appropriate one.

Just do it!

Once you have written the whole draft, let it sit for a week or two, and then revise it. Follow my tips for efficient revising and get your revision checklist that will guide you step-by-step through the whole process.

Now I am curious about your experience: Have you ever written up an academic article quickly? How did you do it? Please, share with us your tips & strategies!

Do you need to revise & polish your manuscript or thesis but don’t know where to begin? Is your text a mess and you don't know how to improve it?

Click here for an efficient step-by-step revision of your scientific texts. You will be guided through each step with concrete tips for execution.

7 thoughts on “ How to write a whole research paper in a week ”

Thank for your guide and suggestion. It gives to me very precious ways how to write a article. Now I am writing a article related to Buddhist studies. Thank you so much.

You are welcome!

excellent! it helped me a lot! wish you all best

Hi Parham, I’m happy to hear that!

I have never written any paper before. As I am from very old school.

But my writing skill is actually very good. Your help is definitely going to help me as this has inspired me alot. Will let you know, once done. I really like the outline that you have given. Basically you have made it so easy for me .

Hope fully will be in touch with you soon.

Thanks and ki d Regards, Shehla

Dear Shehla, that sounds great! I’m looking forward to hearing about your paper!

Comments are closed.

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How To Write A Dissertation Or Thesis

8 straightforward steps to craft an a-grade dissertation.

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) Expert Reviewed By: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | June 2020

Writing a dissertation or thesis is not a simple task. It takes time, energy and a lot of will power to get you across the finish line. It’s not easy – but it doesn’t necessarily need to be a painful process. If you understand the big-picture process of how to write a dissertation or thesis, your research journey will be a lot smoother.  

In this post, I’m going to outline the big-picture process of how to write a high-quality dissertation or thesis, without losing your mind along the way. If you’re just starting your research, this post is perfect for you. Alternatively, if you’ve already submitted your proposal, this article which covers how to structure a dissertation might be more helpful.

How To Write A Dissertation: 8 Steps

• Clearly understand what a dissertation (or thesis) is
• Find a unique and valuable research topic
• Craft a convincing research proposal
• Write up a strong introduction chapter
• Review the existing literature and compile a literature review
• Design a rigorous research strategy and undertake your own research
• Present the findings of your research
• Draw a conclusion and discuss the implications

Step 1: Understand exactly what a dissertation is

This probably sounds like a no-brainer, but all too often, students come to us for help with their research and the underlying issue is that they don’t fully understand what a dissertation (or thesis) actually is.

So, what is a dissertation?

At its simplest, a dissertation or thesis is a formal piece of research , reflecting the standard research process . But what is the standard research process, you ask? The research process involves 4 key steps:

• Ask a very specific, well-articulated question (s) (your research topic)
• See what other researchers have said about it (if they’ve already answered it)
• If they haven’t answered it adequately, undertake your own data collection and analysis in a scientifically rigorous fashion
• Answer your original question(s), based on your analysis findings

In short, the research process is simply about asking and answering questions in a systematic fashion . This probably sounds pretty obvious, but people often think they’ve done “research”, when in fact what they have done is:

• Started with a vague, poorly articulated question
• Not taken the time to see what research has already been done regarding the question
• Collected data and opinions that support their gut and undertaken a flimsy analysis
• Drawn a shaky conclusion, based on that analysis

If you want to see the perfect example of this in action, look out for the next Facebook post where someone claims they’ve done “research”… All too often, people consider reading a few blog posts to constitute research. Its no surprise then that what they end up with is an opinion piece, not research. Okay, okay – I’ll climb off my soapbox now.

The key takeaway here is that a dissertation (or thesis) is a formal piece of research, reflecting the research process. It’s not an opinion piece , nor a place to push your agenda or try to convince someone of your position. Writing a good dissertation involves asking a question and taking a systematic, rigorous approach to answering it.

If you understand this and are comfortable leaving your opinions or preconceived ideas at the door, you’re already off to a good start!

Step 2: Find a unique, valuable research topic

As we saw, the first step of the research process is to ask a specific, well-articulated question. In other words, you need to find a research topic that asks a specific question or set of questions (these are called research questions ). Sounds easy enough, right? All you’ve got to do is identify a question or two and you’ve got a winning research topic. Well, not quite…

A good dissertation or thesis topic has a few important attributes. Specifically, a solid research topic should be:

Let’s take a closer look at these:

Attribute #1: Clear

Your research topic needs to be crystal clear about what you’re planning to research, what you want to know, and within what context. There shouldn’t be any ambiguity or vagueness about what you’ll research.

Here’s an example of a clearly articulated research topic:

An analysis of consumer-based factors influencing organisational trust in British low-cost online equity brokerage firms.

As you can see in the example, its crystal clear what will be analysed (factors impacting organisational trust), amongst who (consumers) and in what context (British low-cost equity brokerage firms, based online).

Need a helping hand?

Attribute #2:   Unique

Your research should be asking a question(s) that hasn’t been asked before, or that hasn’t been asked in a specific context (for example, in a specific country or industry).

For example, sticking organisational trust topic above, it’s quite likely that organisational trust factors in the UK have been investigated before, but the context (online low-cost equity brokerages) could make this research unique. Therefore, the context makes this research original.

One caveat when using context as the basis for originality – you need to have a good reason to suspect that your findings in this context might be different from the existing research – otherwise, there’s no reason to warrant researching it.

Attribute #3: Important

Simply asking a unique or original question is not enough – the question needs to create value. In other words, successfully answering your research questions should provide some value to the field of research or the industry. You can’t research something just to satisfy your curiosity. It needs to make some form of contribution either to research or industry.

For example, researching the factors influencing consumer trust would create value by enabling businesses to tailor their operations and marketing to leverage factors that promote trust. In other words, it would have a clear benefit to industry.

So, how do you go about finding a unique and valuable research topic? We explain that in detail in this video post – How To Find A Research Topic . Yeah, we’ve got you covered 😊

Step 3: Write a convincing research proposal

Once you’ve pinned down a high-quality research topic, the next step is to convince your university to let you research it. No matter how awesome you think your topic is, it still needs to get the rubber stamp before you can move forward with your research. The research proposal is the tool you’ll use for this job.

So, what’s in a research proposal?

The main “job” of a research proposal is to convince your university, advisor or committee that your research topic is worthy of approval. But convince them of what? Well, this varies from university to university, but generally, they want to see that:

• You have a clearly articulated, unique and important topic (this might sound familiar…)
• You’ve done some initial reading of the existing literature relevant to your topic (i.e. a literature review)
• You have a provisional plan in terms of how you will collect data and analyse it (i.e. a methodology)

At the proposal stage, it’s (generally) not expected that you’ve extensively reviewed the existing literature , but you will need to show that you’ve done enough reading to identify a clear gap for original (unique) research. Similarly, they generally don’t expect that you have a rock-solid research methodology mapped out, but you should have an idea of whether you’ll be undertaking qualitative or quantitative analysis , and how you’ll collect your data (we’ll discuss this in more detail later).

Long story short – don’t stress about having every detail of your research meticulously thought out at the proposal stage – this will develop as you progress through your research. However, you do need to show that you’ve “done your homework” and that your research is worthy of approval .

So, how do you go about crafting a high-quality, convincing proposal? We cover that in detail in this video post – How To Write A Top-Class Research Proposal . We’ve also got a video walkthrough of two proposal examples here .

Step 4: Craft a strong introduction chapter

Once your proposal’s been approved, its time to get writing your actual dissertation or thesis! The good news is that if you put the time into crafting a high-quality proposal, you’ve already got a head start on your first three chapters – introduction, literature review and methodology – as you can use your proposal as the basis for these.

Handy sidenote – our free dissertation & thesis template is a great way to speed up your dissertation writing journey.

What’s the introduction chapter all about?

The purpose of the introduction chapter is to set the scene for your research (dare I say, to introduce it…) so that the reader understands what you’ll be researching and why it’s important. In other words, it covers the same ground as the research proposal in that it justifies your research topic.

What goes into the introduction chapter?

This can vary slightly between universities and degrees, but generally, the introduction chapter will include the following:

• A brief background to the study, explaining the overall area of research
• A problem statement , explaining what the problem is with the current state of research (in other words, where the knowledge gap exists)
• Your research questions – in other words, the specific questions your study will seek to answer (based on the knowledge gap)
• The significance of your study – in other words, why it’s important and how its findings will be useful in the world

As you can see, this all about explaining the “what” and the “why” of your research (as opposed to the “how”). So, your introduction chapter is basically the salesman of your study, “selling” your research to the first-time reader and (hopefully) getting them interested to read more.

How do I write the introduction chapter, you ask? We cover that in detail in this post .

Step 5: Undertake an in-depth literature review

As I mentioned earlier, you’ll need to do some initial review of the literature in Steps 2 and 3 to find your research gap and craft a convincing research proposal – but that’s just scratching the surface. Once you reach the literature review stage of your dissertation or thesis, you need to dig a lot deeper into the existing research and write up a comprehensive literature review chapter.

What’s the literature review all about?

There are two main stages in the literature review process:

Literature Review Step 1: Reading up

The first stage is for you to deep dive into the existing literature (journal articles, textbook chapters, industry reports, etc) to gain an in-depth understanding of the current state of research regarding your topic. While you don’t need to read every single article, you do need to ensure that you cover all literature that is related to your core research questions, and create a comprehensive catalogue of that literature , which you’ll use in the next step.

Reading and digesting all the relevant literature is a time consuming and intellectually demanding process. Many students underestimate just how much work goes into this step, so make sure that you allocate a good amount of time for this when planning out your research. Thankfully, there are ways to fast track the process – be sure to check out this article covering how to read journal articles quickly .

Literature Review Step 2: Writing up

Once you’ve worked through the literature and digested it all, you’ll need to write up your literature review chapter. Many students make the mistake of thinking that the literature review chapter is simply a summary of what other researchers have said. While this is partly true, a literature review is much more than just a summary. To pull off a good literature review chapter, you’ll need to achieve at least 3 things:

• You need to synthesise the existing research , not just summarise it. In other words, you need to show how different pieces of theory fit together, what’s agreed on by researchers, what’s not.
• You need to highlight a research gap that your research is going to fill. In other words, you’ve got to outline the problem so that your research topic can provide a solution.
• You need to use the existing research to inform your methodology and approach to your own research design. For example, you might use questions or Likert scales from previous studies in your your own survey design .

As you can see, a good literature review is more than just a summary of the published research. It’s the foundation on which your own research is built, so it deserves a lot of love and attention. Take the time to craft a comprehensive literature review with a suitable structure .

But, how do I actually write the literature review chapter, you ask? We cover that in detail in this video post .

Step 6: Carry out your own research

Once you’ve completed your literature review and have a sound understanding of the existing research, its time to develop your own research (finally!). You’ll design this research specifically so that you can find the answers to your unique research question.

There are two steps here – designing your research strategy and executing on it:

1 – Design your research strategy

The first step is to design your research strategy and craft a methodology chapter . I won’t get into the technicalities of the methodology chapter here, but in simple terms, this chapter is about explaining the “how” of your research. If you recall, the introduction and literature review chapters discussed the “what” and the “why”, so it makes sense that the next point to cover is the “how” –that’s what the methodology chapter is all about.

In this section, you’ll need to make firm decisions about your research design. This includes things like:

• Your research philosophy (e.g. positivism or interpretivism )
• Your overall methodology (e.g. qualitative , quantitative or mixed methods)
• Your data collection strategy (e.g. interviews , focus groups, surveys)
• Your data analysis strategy (e.g. content analysis , correlation analysis, regression)

If these words have got your head spinning, don’t worry! We’ll explain these in plain language in other posts. It’s not essential that you understand the intricacies of research design (yet!). The key takeaway here is that you’ll need to make decisions about how you’ll design your own research, and you’ll need to describe (and justify) your decisions in your methodology chapter.

2 – Execute: Collect and analyse your data

Once you’ve worked out your research design, you’ll put it into action and start collecting your data. This might mean undertaking interviews, hosting an online survey or any other data collection method. Data collection can take quite a bit of time (especially if you host in-person interviews), so be sure to factor sufficient time into your project plan for this. Oftentimes, things don’t go 100% to plan (for example, you don’t get as many survey responses as you hoped for), so bake a little extra time into your budget here.

Once you’ve collected your data, you’ll need to do some data preparation before you can sink your teeth into the analysis. For example:

• If you carry out interviews or focus groups, you’ll need to transcribe your audio data to text (i.e. a Word document).
• If you collect quantitative survey data, you’ll need to clean up your data and get it into the right format for whichever analysis software you use (for example, SPSS, R or STATA).

Once you’ve completed your data prep, you’ll undertake your analysis, using the techniques that you described in your methodology. Depending on what you find in your analysis, you might also do some additional forms of analysis that you hadn’t planned for. For example, you might see something in the data that raises new questions or that requires clarification with further analysis.

The type(s) of analysis that you’ll use depend entirely on the nature of your research and your research questions. For example:

• If your research if exploratory in nature, you’ll often use qualitative analysis techniques .
• If your research is confirmatory in nature, you’ll often use quantitative analysis techniques
• If your research involves a mix of both, you might use a mixed methods approach

Again, if these words have got your head spinning, don’t worry! We’ll explain these concepts and techniques in other posts. The key takeaway is simply that there’s no “one size fits all” for research design and methodology – it all depends on your topic, your research questions and your data. So, don’t be surprised if your study colleagues take a completely different approach to yours.

Step 7: Present your findings

Once you’ve completed your analysis, it’s time to present your findings (finally!). In a dissertation or thesis, you’ll typically present your findings in two chapters – the results chapter and the discussion chapter .

What’s the difference between the results chapter and the discussion chapter?

While these two chapters are similar, the results chapter generally just presents the processed data neatly and clearly without interpretation, while the discussion chapter explains the story the data are telling  – in other words, it provides your interpretation of the results.

For example, if you were researching the factors that influence consumer trust, you might have used a quantitative approach to identify the relationship between potential factors (e.g. perceived integrity and competence of the organisation) and consumer trust. In this case:

• Your results chapter would just present the results of the statistical tests. For example, correlation results or differences between groups. In other words, the processed numbers.
• Your discussion chapter would explain what the numbers mean in relation to your research question(s). For example, Factor 1 has a weak relationship with consumer trust, while Factor 2 has a strong relationship.

Depending on the university and degree, these two chapters (results and discussion) are sometimes merged into one , so be sure to check with your institution what their preference is. Regardless of the chapter structure, this section is about presenting the findings of your research in a clear, easy to understand fashion.

Importantly, your discussion here needs to link back to your research questions (which you outlined in the introduction or literature review chapter). In other words, it needs to answer the key questions you asked (or at least attempt to answer them).

For example, if we look at the sample research topic:

In this case, the discussion section would clearly outline which factors seem to have a noteworthy influence on organisational trust. By doing so, they are answering the overarching question and fulfilling the purpose of the research .

For more information about the results chapter , check out this post for qualitative studies and this post for quantitative studies .

Step 8: The Final Step Draw a conclusion and discuss the implications

Last but not least, you’ll need to wrap up your research with the conclusion chapter . In this chapter, you’ll bring your research full circle by highlighting the key findings of your study and explaining what the implications of these findings are.

What exactly are key findings? The key findings are those findings which directly relate to your original research questions and overall research objectives (which you discussed in your introduction chapter). The implications, on the other hand, explain what your findings mean for industry, or for research in your area.

Sticking with the consumer trust topic example, the conclusion might look something like this:

Key findings

This study set out to identify which factors influence consumer-based trust in British low-cost online equity brokerage firms. The results suggest that the following factors have a large impact on consumer trust:

While the following factors have a very limited impact on consumer trust:

Notably, within the 25-30 age groups, Factors E had a noticeably larger impact, which may be explained by…

Implications

The findings having noteworthy implications for British low-cost online equity brokers. Specifically:

The large impact of Factors X and Y implies that brokers need to consider….

The limited impact of Factor E implies that brokers need to…

As you can see, the conclusion chapter is basically explaining the “what” (what your study found) and the “so what?” (what the findings mean for the industry or research). This brings the study full circle and closes off the document.

Let’s recap – how to write a dissertation or thesis

You’re still with me? Impressive! I know that this post was a long one, but hopefully you’ve learnt a thing or two about how to write a dissertation or thesis, and are now better equipped to start your own research.

To recap, the 8 steps to writing a quality dissertation (or thesis) are as follows:

• Understand what a dissertation (or thesis) is – a research project that follows the research process.
• Find a unique (original) and important research topic
• Craft a convincing dissertation or thesis research proposal
• Write a clear, compelling introduction chapter
• Undertake a thorough review of the existing research and write up a literature review
• Undertake your own research
• Present and interpret your findings

Once you’ve wrapped up the core chapters, all that’s typically left is the abstract , reference list and appendices. As always, be sure to check with your university if they have any additional requirements in terms of structure or content.  

Psst... there’s more!

This post was based on one of our popular Research Bootcamps . If you're working on a research project, you'll definitely want to check this out ...

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20 Comments

thankfull >>>this is very useful

Thank you, it was really helpful

unquestionably, this amazing simplified way of teaching. Really , I couldn’t find in the literature words that fully explicit my great thanks to you. However, I could only say thanks a-lot.

Great to hear that – thanks for the feedback. Good luck writing your dissertation/thesis.

This is the most comprehensive explanation of how to write a dissertation. Many thanks for sharing it free of charge.

Very rich presentation. Thank you

Thanks Derek Jansen|GRADCOACH, I find it very useful guide to arrange my activities and proceed to research!

Thank you so much for such a marvelous teaching .I am so convinced that am going to write a comprehensive and a distinct masters dissertation

It is an amazing comprehensive explanation

This was straightforward. Thank you!

I can say that your explanations are simple and enlightening – understanding what you have done here is easy for me. Could you write more about the different types of research methods specific to the three methodologies: quan, qual and MM. I look forward to interacting with this website more in the future.

Thanks for the feedback and suggestions 🙂

Hello, your write ups is quite educative. However, l have challenges in going about my research questions which is below; *Building the enablers of organisational growth through effective governance and purposeful leadership.*

Very educating.

Just listening to the name of the dissertation makes the student nervous. As writing a top-quality dissertation is a difficult task as it is a lengthy topic, requires a lot of research and understanding and is usually around 10,000 to 15000 words. Sometimes due to studies, unbalanced workload or lack of research and writing skill students look for dissertation submission from professional writers.

Thank you 💕😊 very much. I was confused but your comprehensive explanation has cleared my doubts of ever presenting a good thesis. Thank you.

thank you so much, that was so useful

Hi. Where is the excel spread sheet ark?

could you please help me look at your thesis paper to enable me to do the portion that has to do with the specification

my topic is “the impact of domestic revenue mobilization.

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• Dissertation

How to Write a Dissertation Proposal | A Step-by-Step Guide

Published on 14 February 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on 11 November 2022.

A dissertation proposal describes the research you want to do: what it’s about, how you’ll conduct it, and why it’s worthwhile. You will probably have to write a proposal before starting your dissertation as an undergraduate or postgraduate student.

A dissertation proposal should generally include:

• An introduction to your topic and aims
• A literature review  of the current state of knowledge
• An outline of your proposed methodology
• A discussion of the possible implications of the research
• A bibliography  of relevant sources

Dissertation proposals vary a lot in terms of length and structure, so make sure to follow any guidelines given to you by your institution, and check with your supervisor when you’re unsure.

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Table of contents

Step 1: coming up with an idea, step 2: presenting your idea in the introduction, step 3: exploring related research in the literature review, step 4: describing your methodology, step 5: outlining the potential implications of your research, step 6: creating a reference list or bibliography.

Before writing your proposal, it’s important to come up with a strong idea for your dissertation.

Find an area of your field that interests you and do some preliminary reading in that area. What are the key concerns of other researchers? What do they suggest as areas for further research, and what strikes you personally as an interesting gap in the field?

Once you have an idea, consider how to narrow it down and the best way to frame it. Don’t be too ambitious or too vague – a dissertation topic needs to be specific enough to be feasible. Move from a broad field of interest to a specific niche:

• Russian literature 19th century Russian literature The novels of Tolstoy and Dostoevsky
• Social media Mental health effects of social media Influence of social media on young adults suffering from anxiety

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Like most academic texts, a dissertation proposal begins with an introduction . This is where you introduce the topic of your research, provide some background, and most importantly, present your aim , objectives and research question(s) .

Try to dive straight into your chosen topic: What’s at stake in your research? Why is it interesting? Don’t spend too long on generalisations or grand statements:

• Social media is the most important technological trend of the 21st century. It has changed the world and influences our lives every day.
• Psychologists generally agree that the ubiquity of social media in the lives of young adults today has a profound impact on their mental health. However, the exact nature of this impact needs further investigation.

Once your area of research is clear, you can present more background and context. What does the reader need to know to understand your proposed questions? What’s the current state of research on this topic, and what will your dissertation contribute to the field?

If you’re including a literature review, you don’t need to go into too much detail at this point, but give the reader a general sense of the debates that you’re intervening in.

This leads you into the most important part of the introduction: your aim, objectives and research question(s) . These should be clearly identifiable and stand out from the text – for example, you could present them using bullet points or bold font.

Make sure that your research questions are specific and workable – something you can reasonably answer within the scope of your dissertation. Avoid being too broad or having too many different questions. Remember that your goal in a dissertation proposal is to convince the reader that your research is valuable and feasible:

• Does social media harm mental health?
• What is the impact of daily social media use on 18– to 25–year–olds suffering from general anxiety disorder?

Now that your topic is clear, it’s time to explore existing research covering similar ideas. This is important because it shows you what is missing from other research in the field and ensures that you’re not asking a question someone else has already answered.

You’ve probably already done some preliminary reading, but now that your topic is more clearly defined, you need to thoroughly analyse and evaluate the most relevant sources in your literature review .

Here you should summarise the findings of other researchers and comment on gaps and problems in their studies. There may be a lot of research to cover, so make effective use of paraphrasing to write concisely:

• Smith and Prakash state that ‘our results indicate a 25% decrease in the incidence of mechanical failure after the new formula was applied’.
• Smith and Prakash’s formula reduced mechanical failures by 25%.

The point is to identify findings and theories that will influence your own research, but also to highlight gaps and limitations in previous research which your dissertation can address:

• Subsequent research has failed to replicate this result, however, suggesting a flaw in Smith and Prakash’s methods. It is likely that the failure resulted from…

Next, you’ll describe your proposed methodology : the specific things you hope to do, the structure of your research and the methods that you will use to gather and analyse data.

You should get quite specific in this section – you need to convince your supervisor that you’ve thought through your approach to the research and can realistically carry it out. This section will look quite different, and vary in length, depending on your field of study.

You may be engaged in more empirical research, focusing on data collection and discovering new information, or more theoretical research, attempting to develop a new conceptual model or add nuance to an existing one.

Dissertation research often involves both, but the content of your methodology section will vary according to how important each approach is to your dissertation.

Empirical research

Empirical research involves collecting new data and analysing it in order to answer your research questions. It can be quantitative (focused on numbers), qualitative (focused on words and meanings), or a combination of both.

With empirical research, it’s important to describe in detail how you plan to collect your data:

• Will you use surveys ? A lab experiment ? Interviews?
• What variables will you measure?
• How will you select a representative sample ?
• If other people will participate in your research, what measures will you take to ensure they are treated ethically?
• What tools (conceptual and physical) will you use, and why?

It’s appropriate to cite other research here. When you need to justify your choice of a particular research method or tool, for example, you can cite a text describing the advantages and appropriate usage of that method.

Don’t overdo this, though; you don’t need to reiterate the whole theoretical literature, just what’s relevant to the choices you have made.

Moreover, your research will necessarily involve analysing the data after you have collected it. Though you don’t know yet what the data will look like, it’s important to know what you’re looking for and indicate what methods (e.g. statistical tests , thematic analysis ) you will use.

Theoretical research

You can also do theoretical research that doesn’t involve original data collection. In this case, your methodology section will focus more on the theory you plan to work with in your dissertation: relevant conceptual models and the approach you intend to take.

For example, a literary analysis dissertation rarely involves collecting new data, but it’s still necessary to explain the theoretical approach that will be taken to the text(s) under discussion, as well as which parts of the text(s) you will focus on:

• This dissertation will utilise Foucault’s theory of panopticism to explore the theme of surveillance in Orwell’s 1984 and Kafka’s The Trial…

Here, you may refer to the same theorists you have already discussed in the literature review. In this case, the emphasis is placed on how you plan to use their contributions in your own research.

Prevent plagiarism, run a free check.

You’ll usually conclude your dissertation proposal with a section discussing what you expect your research to achieve.

You obviously can’t be too sure: you don’t know yet what your results and conclusions will be. Instead, you should describe the projected implications and contribution to knowledge of your dissertation.

First, consider the potential implications of your research. Will you:

• Develop or test a theory?
• Provide new information to governments or businesses?
• Challenge a commonly held belief?
• Suggest an improvement to a specific process?

Describe the intended result of your research and the theoretical or practical impact it will have:

Finally, it’s sensible to conclude by briefly restating the contribution to knowledge you hope to make: the specific question(s) you hope to answer and the gap the answer(s) will fill in existing knowledge:

Like any academic text, it’s important that your dissertation proposal effectively references all the sources you have used. You need to include a properly formatted reference list or bibliography at the end of your proposal.

Different institutions recommend different styles of referencing – commonly used styles include Harvard , Vancouver , APA , or MHRA . If your department does not have specific requirements, choose a style and apply it consistently.

A reference list includes only the sources that you cited in your proposal. A bibliography is slightly different: it can include every source you consulted in preparing the proposal, even if you didn’t mention it in the text. In the case of a dissertation proposal, a bibliography may also list relevant sources that you haven’t yet read, but that you intend to use during the research itself.

Check with your supervisor what type of bibliography or reference list you should include.

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If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the ‘Cite this Scribbr article’ button to automatically add the citation to our free Reference Generator.

Caulfield, J. (2022, November 11). How to Write a Dissertation Proposal | A Step-by-Step Guide. Scribbr. Retrieved 21 May 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/thesis-dissertation/proposal/

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Can I Write A Dissertation In Two Weeks? (Quick Answer)

by  Antony W

January 31, 2022

Imagine this:

Your dissertation is due in about 14 days. It’s 8,000 to 10,000 words long assignment and you haven’t written even a single word yet.

You know you should have started sooner, but the year has been quite tough for you. What do you do? Is two weeks even enough to write a dissertation this long?

You can write and complete a dissertation in two weeks if you dedicate yourself to working on it every day. Provided you’ve done your research and you already know what you want to talk about, it should be easy to put the words down.

You don’t have to fret if you seem already late with the project.

Sometimes being paranoid and scared of what would happen now that you’re running out of time can easily result in a writer’s block ,  which can make it even more difficult to complete your work.

In this guide, we give you some tips that you can use to complete your dissertation in just 14 days.

How to Write a Dissertation in 14 Days

1. start with proper planning.

The best way to write a comprehensive dissertation in two weeks is to write down a plan first.

Students who write 2,000 words in one sitting do so because they’ve mapped out their plans in a way that allows them to achieve such major milestones.

In your plan, determine what you need to include in the assignment, the right order to include them, and the number of words for each section.

Spend at most 4 days doing further research and reading, and then the next 5 to 7 days writing 1,000 to 2,000 words a day.

Make sure you’re sticking to the plan from the first to the very last day. Two weeks is a short time, so you can’t have time for procrastination in your plan.

With a high degree of discipline, it should be easy for you to use the plan to write the entire dissertation within the limited period.

2. Write Every Day and In Bits

The golden rule to getting a 10,000 to a 15,000-word dissertation completed in just 14 days or less is to write every day and do so in bits.

Rather than trying to write 4,000 words or more once, try to limit yourself to completing 2,000 words a day without fail.

You will need effective study habits   to get this done in good time. That means writing in a space free from distraction so you can meet your daily target.

If you can’t focus in your room, for example, go to the park, local library, or school library and write from there.

If your director or supervisor expects you to complete a 10,000-word dissertation, and you limit yourself to writing 2,000 words a day, you’ll finish writing in just 5 days.

That means you’ll have at least another full week to proofread, edit, and crosscheck your work for clarity, authenticity, and comprehensiveness.

There are days when you won’t hit the 2,000 words mark, and that’s completely fine, especially if you can write half that word limit.

The key thing here is to develop the habit of writing every day and, in the end, still have enough time left to do your editing. 

3. Write Section by Section

Two weeks is a limited time to write a dissertation fast. So you have to lay the foundation early after research to complete the project in good time.

Lay out each section and heading of the assignment, starting with the question, followed by objectives, and then the layout.

The layout of your dissertation should be as follows, exactly in the order presented below:

• Introduction
• Literature review
• Methodology
• Discussion and analysis
• Limitations
• Conclusions
• Recommendations
• Bibliography

Laying out your assignment in sections simplifies the project, especially since it allows you to add content with ease as you continue to write.

It even helps to break the monotony of sitting through hours of writing because you can focus on another section when you feel lost in one.

There’s no specific formula for writing each section, except to make sure you spent at least an hour in each section.

As long as you’ve done prior research and you know exactly what you’d like to say, this shouldn’t be a problem at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what is the hardest part of working on a dissertation .

The hardest part of working on a dissertation assignment is the literature review section.

It’s also the most important part of the project that should take most of your time to research and write.

Be sure to check out our guide on how to write a literature review   if you need a refresher.

2. How many words should a dissertation have?

While there are several factors that determine the length of a dissertation ,  the assignment can be between 8,000and 15,000 words long.

Check with your director or supervisor to be sure of the expected word count because some programs have a variation in word count.

3. How many hours should you spend on a dissertation?

The answer to this question really isn’t black and white. In other words, how much you spend writing your dissertation depends on when you started working on the project.

If you’ve done in-depth research early and you already know what you want to write down, spending at least 4 hours a day working on the assignment can get you to finish the work in the shortest time possible.

Assuming you write 2,000 words every day, you should take about 10 days to complete your dissertation. 

Final Thoughts

There’s more to writing a dissertation than meeting the number of works. You have to research your topic thoroughly and make sure you get the structure and flow of the assignment right. 

Remember that you have a limited time already, so you cannot afford the luxury of procrastination.

Every day you delay brings you closer to failing the dissertation and missing the doctorate degree.

So spend a lot of your time researching, writing, and consulting until you get the work done. 

Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance if you feel stuck somewhere along the way. The team at Help for Assessment to guide you in any way you need.

Also, you can hire our dissertation writing service to get a team to work along with you so you get your dissertation completed within the 14-day period.

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

Writing Dissertation In 2 Weeks

Usually, the process of dissertation writing evaluates timeline according to your topic and your effort in writing. Writing a dissertation in two weeks is very critical task to perform, due to its complications and deep interpretation of requirements for some academic works, in majority of cases the constrained deadline is not suggested. Incase if you struck with that situation, where you have no option but to finish your dissertation in a very confined timeline.

Approach us everything is possible with phdprojecs.org we will apply more of our resources and make use of our top writers to finish it within 2 weeks. We constantly stay updated on latest technologies and use proper methodologies and finish of your dissertation writing within the stipulated period. Citations and referred details along with proper guidance with explanation will be shared by us.

Don’t worry! We are here to provide some strategies that assist you for dealing this kind of issue:

• Set Realistic Goals : When you are supposed to write a dissertation under a constrained timeline, realize that it can’t be possible to submit the best work. So, mainly concentrate on minimum requirements which are possible to attain.
• Plan Rigorously : Make an extensive schedule by classifying your available time. For each part of your dissertation, assign particular blocks of times including research, writing and revision.
• Choose a Manageable Topic : Yet you are confused in selecting a topic, decide one that must be simple, clear and requires the minimum original research. Most preferably, choose a topic that you are already well-known about.
• Use Existing Resources : Depend significantly on the modern literature and research. You perform a task with a constrained deadline, so considering the comprehensive original research or complicated tests is not essential at this time.
• Write Efficiently : Except concerning more about perfection in the first draft, you must mainly focus on obtaining your concepts. Later, you are able to modify and edit your dissertation.
• Limit Distractions : A dedicated workspace is created for you and ignores all possible distractions. Inform your situation to your friends and family, so that they help you by concerning your requirements for concentration.
• Prioritize Sections : Initially, you must mainly concentrate on sections which carry the high capacity and most significant for your dissertation. Usually, this prioritization inspires your literature review, methods and findings.
• Use Tools and Software : To hurry up the writing and citation process, make use of writing and citation tools such as Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Zotero or EndNote.
• Seek Immediate Feedback : Get reviews from our nobles or instructors, while you finish the draft of the dissertation. The feedback protects you from leading in the wrong direction.
• Effective Writing : When you involve deeper into the dissertation, it decreases your efficiency. Conducts effective writing by taking short regular breaks to maintain a balance between work and personal life.
• Edit and Proofread : For comprehensive editing and proofreading, spend at least a day or twice a day at the end. Most of the case, a document with minimal errors is highly acceptable.
• Consider Extensions or Alternatives : Appeal an extension of your dissertation for describing your condition, if it is feasible. If this is not an option, try to concentrate on facing the key necessities to acquire a passing score.

Is 6000 words enough for a dissertation?

Based on the field of study, specific necessities of the program and the nature of search, the length of dissertation is varied from each other. Anyhow typically for a dissertation, 6000 words are considered as rather short. Maximum of the dissertation, especially in a Master’s or Doctor’s programs are crucially extensive.

Consider our following points for evaluating the word count in a specific dissertation, they are:

• Master’s Dissertation : Relying on the field and the complications of research, it commonly ranges from 10,000 to 20,000 words. However, some programs might require up to 50,000 words.
• D. Dissertation : Usually, these are longer compared to master’s dissertations and frequently it ranges from 40,000 to 80,000 words. Some fields like humanities and social sciences can even extend about 100,000 words.
• Undergraduate Dissertation or Senior Thesis : Generally, these are shorter and it contains word count of around 6,000 to 12,000 words possibly that are more familiar.

Beyond the word count, this is very significant to determine the characteristics and intensity is more crucial. Generally, a dissertation extensively binds the research topic, comprising a literature review, methods, findings, discussion, and conclusion which usually demands a longer format.

Easiest Way to Write a Dissertation

Experts can help you to write dissertation easily. By using the following steps dissertation can be easily written at first scholars have to chose the topics wisely by conducting in-depth research and literature review, here we refer to the primary sources and the methodologies that we are going to apply. The next step is dissertation writing which has to be done in a flawless way after proofreading and editing we must get feedback from our guide or professors then submit our paper.

Here is a compilation of dissertation topics that we have curated in prominent areas. Take a look at them and let our work ignite your inspiration.

• Comparative Study of Adaptive Algorithms Using Matlab and Verilog
• Matlab Simulation of Algorithms for Face Detection in Video Surveillance
• Solution of the Decomposition Problem of Singularly Perturbed Complicated Dynamic Systems Models in MATLAB and Simulink
• Design and Realisation of the Simulation Model of the Stewart Platform using the MATLAB-Simulink and the Simscape Multibody Library
• MATLAB-Based PHY Simulators for Performance Study of the IEEE 802.11ah/af Systems
• Integrating Machine Learning with MATLAB and Simulink in an Introductory Robotics Class
• Cardiostimulator excitation signal generators in MATLAB and Simulink environment
• A Method to Estimate the Yield of Photovoltaic Power Plant Solely in MATLAB/Simulink
• PID-Design-Delay: A MATLAB Toolbox for Stability Parameter-Space Characterization
• Development of MATLAB simulink model of Invelox to Analyze The Impact of Inlet Height On speed ratio
• Impact of SCFCL on Fault Current Level in Active Distribution Networks: Matlab/Simulink Case Studies
• Determining Human Presence through the Analysis of the Electric Field using MATLAB environment
• The Use of MATLAB and GT-SUITE in Simulation and Optimization of The Diesel Exhaust After-treatment System
• Elaboration of didactic manual using Matlab, to strengthen the teaching-learning process in a section of the course Intelligent Control Systems
• Optimization Design Method of Impulse Current Generation Using MATLAB/SIMULINK
• Simulation Technique of In-vehicle CAN Network Based on MATLAB
• Using MATLAB for teaching transformations of random variables
• Variable rate based microstepping of stepper motor using MATLAB GUI
• Modeling of MATLAB-Simulink based photovoltaic module using flyback converter
• Cascaded controller algorithm design for a brushless DC motor with Matlab/Simulink and MCU implementation
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May 15, 2024

Tips and Resources for a Successful Summer of Dissertation Writing

By Yana Zlochistaya

Summer can be a strange time for graduate students. Gone are the seminars and workshops, the student clubs, and the working group, that structured the semester and provided us with a sense of community. Instead, we’re faced with a three-month expanse of time that can feel equal parts liberating and intimidating. This double-edged freedom is only exacerbated for those of us in the writing stage of our dissertation, when isolation and a lack of discipline can have a particularly big impact. For those hoping not to enter another summer with lofty plans, only to blink and find ourselves in August disappointed with our progress, we’ve compiled some tips and resources that can help.

According to Graduate Writing Center Director Sabrina Soracco, the most important thing you can do to set yourself up for writing success is to clarify your goals. She recommends starting this process by looking at departmental requirements for a completed dissertation. Consider when you would like to file and work backwards from that point, determining what you have to get done in order to hit that target. Next, check in with your dissertation committee members to set up an accountability structure. Would they prefer an end-of-summer update to the whole committee? A monthly check-in with your chair or one of your readers? Setting up explicit expectations that work for you and your committee can cut through the aimlessness that comes with a major writing project.

For those early on in their dissertation-writing process, a committee meeting is also a valuable opportunity to set parameters. “One of the problems with the excitement for the discipline that happens post-quals is that it results in too many ideas,” says Director Soracco. Your committee members should give you input on productive research directions so that you can begin to hone in on your project. It is also important to remember that your dissertation does not have to be the end-all-and-be-all of your academic research. Ideas that do not fit into its scope can end up becoming conference papers or even book chapters.

Once you have a clear goal that you have discussed with your committee, the hard part begins: you have to actually write. The Graduate Writing Center offers several resources to make that process easier:

• The Graduate Writing Community. This is a totally remote, two-month program that is based on a model of “gentle accountability.” When you sign up, you are added to a bCourses site moderated by a Graduate Writing Consultant. At the beginning of the week, everyone sets their goals in a discussion post, and by the end of the week, everyone checks in with progress updates. During the week, the writing consultants offer nine hours of remote synchronous writing sessions. As a writing community member, you can attend whichever sessions work best for your schedule. All that’s required is that you show up, set a goal for that hour, and work towards that goal for the length of two 25-minute Pomodoro sessions . This year’s summer writing community will begin in June. Keep your eye on your email for the registration link!
• Writing Consultations : As a graduate student, you can sign up for an individual meeting with a Graduate Writing Consultant. They can give you feedback on your work, help you figure out the structure of a chapter, or just talk through how to get started on a writing project. 
• Independent Writing Groups: If you would prefer to write with specific friends or colleagues, you can contact Graduate Writing Center Director Sabrina Soracco at [email protected] so that she can help you set up your own writing group. The structure and length of these groups can differ; often, members will send each other one to five pages of writing weekly and meet the next day for two hours to provide feedback and get advice. Sometimes, groups will meet up not only to share writing, but to work in a common space before coming together to debrief. Regardless of what the groups look like, the important thing is to create a guilt-free space. Some weeks, you might submit an outline; other weeks, it might be the roughest of rough drafts; sometimes, you might come to a session without having submitted anything. As long as we continue to make progress (and show up even when we don’t), we’re doing what we need to. As Director Soracco puts it, “it often takes slogging through a lot of stuff to get to that great epiphany.”

Yana Zlochistaya is a fifth-year graduate student in the Department of Comparative Literature and a Professional Development Liaison with the Graduate Division. She previously served as a co-director for Beyond Academia.

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I can't write my Masters dissertation and it's due in 2 weeks, in despair over it

StupendouslyStupid · 23/08/2019 20:05

Sorry defer prob wrong word in this context, head full of A levels students making uni choices. What I mean is if they even let me take a break I think I'd have to take a full year so basically delay everything by 2 years not 1. I don't think I could re join next year.

You poor thing. Maybe don't make a decision on deferring yet. You sound lile you're panicking and looking for a quick fix. I think you just need to start writing ideas down on a plain piece of paper (set a timer for 3 mins as the pressure might help you focus). Then just start. It's because it's so huge it seems daunting but (and this is my Dad's saying), just take one bite of the elephant... then you've started. Very best of luck.

Have you written anything yet? How many words are we talking?

I’d ask for the extension, you could do it in three weeks. What is the word limit? The best way to tackle a large project like this is to break it in to chunks. Don’t look it as an entire piece until near the end.

• Plan out sections - then do subsections.
• Try and write an outline for each section.
• When you are really tired fix the layout and do the references, you will be shattered by the end so if you have this finished in advance you will cry tears of joy.
• Remember a good thesis is a finished thesis. Do the best you can, take each day as it comes.

Hello OP. I don't know if it helps but when I'm struggling is to write against a timer. For example, in 45 minute sections. I often find thoughts are coming and the flow of writing has started. Before you start, can you section the work and spend an hour making bullet points for each section. It may be worth spending a greater proportion of your time on the sections with greatest weighting. Turn your phone onto flight mode so you are not disturbed. Good Luck!

How many words and what sort of project? Is there anything you can reuse from your proposal, if you did one? Two weeks is totally doable if you’ve done the actual work and all that’s left is to write it up. My advice is to have a large glass of wine and start typing away at whatever section is the easiest. Editing and refining can come later but I think it’ll get you in a better mindset if you get something down.

University lecturer here – I've supervised a number of students through difficult dissertations. and when I was younger, I also struggled with not being able to complete/submit written assignments. My key advice is: don't try to get it right, just get writing. The point isn't to write something you're proud of, it's to get the words on the page. If after that you have the time and the energy to turn those words into something better, then do so. But first just throw a bunch of words on the page so you have a first draft. Don't think or worry about the quality, just type. The point of the first draft is to get words on a page. Everything follows from that. Good luck!

You can do it in 2 weeks if you have done the actual research? What type of dissertation is it? Topic? The hardest part is starting typing. I bet once you start it will all flow.

Go and talk to your university, ask for a defferal, take the pressure off yourself. Take 48 hours, sleep look after yourself don't think about it. Structure is everything in a dissertation. Do you have a well defined research question? At the end of the day that is all you are trying to answer. So; Introduction and literature review, what are you doing, why is this important, what has been done before, what is the gap in the research. How does your dissertation fit into this. Research, what approach are you taking, why is this appropriate, how can you be sure your results will be valid, triangulation etc, what are the limitations to your approach, what could you do about those, what was outside of your control Results, what have you found out Discussion- Answer your research question? How do your findings relate back to the previous research in the literature review, what do you recommend, where should research go next? Maybe you can't answer the question, fine say that. What else would be needed?? Summary and Conclusion If you have done the research then you will have plenty to say. Just try bullet points to start with, get the structure right then just pad it out. Just be really clear on your research question to start with. You can do this.

I strongly agree with riotlady's advice to make wine your friend. Whenever I was struggling with my PhD thesis, I poured myself a very large glass of wine, took a huge sip, and just started typing. Work your way through half a bottle of wine, type the entire time, and make a judgement later about the quality. But just get typing (and drinking). During the PhD years, I tried as much as possible to take advantage of the reduced inhibitions that came from drinking. For example, if I felt a little bit tipsy in the evening I would sneak off to my computer and bash out a few paragraphs, not worrying about the quality but just trying to get words on the page. My motto was: might as well do this when I'm drunk, otherwise I'll have to do it when I'm sober.

Extension is a good idea rather than deferring. You are probably trying to write a great dissertation (obviously why wouldn’t you!) but this is where you get into the ‘perfection is the enemy of good’ territory. It is so much easier to edit and rewrite pieces. So just write a crappy version of your dissertation in the coming week and then have 2 weeks editing and rewriting. Why sort of length are you thinking it will be?

You can absolutely do this. Get the weeks extension. Then plan, plan, plan. What is your argument? What’s the best structure? Map that all out before you start. Them set yourself a word limit/sections to be covered everyday and stick to that rigidly. I agree with a PP, don’t aim for perfection. That will paralyse you. Words on a page, polish later (build in that time). Aim for 100% done at 60/70% of the quality you’d like. This is much better than the other way around.

You can do it! As PPs have said if you know what you want to say and you've done the research the actual writing up is very very possible in the amount of time you have. I wrote the last third of mine on the day it was due in and got a distinction for it, and if I can do it so can you. The key is to stop worrying about structure and footnotes and just get something down on paper. What do you think? Why do you think it? What other ideas did you consider and reject? Don't worry about tidying it up for now, just get it written down straight from what's in your head, no notes.

Need to read posts properly but see a few people have asked how many words, it's 10 thousand words. Confidence is shot as I did the sitting down and banging out a chapter before and my supervisor made it clear it didn't cut the mustard so I think part of it is I just feel embarrassed by my own ideas and opinions which is really unhelpful. Supervisor is a kind person and we get on quite well so wasn't trying to be spiteful either.

My PhD supervisor swore by writing with bottle of whiskey to hand. It wouldn’t have worked for me (I would have just fallen asleep) but I can see why it’s helpful for some.

Firstly - deep breath, it's gonna be OK. A dissertation is a massive undertaking and anyone that has written one, would have had the same moments of absolute terror and panic. Good news, you have over two weeks! The way it was suggested to me - I'm guessing you already have a topic? I'm also going to assume that you've done most of the reading/literature reviews (what others had said)? In that case, congratulations, you have already done more than you probably expected. In a 8000 word dissertation, around 1000 will be your intro, 3000 your literature review, then you findings/the main bit 3000 and finally a 1000 conclusion. Write your conclusion first - what have you concluded as a result of doing the research? Now write the introduction, what are you going to try and prove? As you have already written the conclusion, you should find that your intro tailors itself back to your conclusion automatically. Now the literature review - what have others said about your hypothesis? So all you now have to do is the middle 3000 bit, which is the research you would have done towards the hypothesis. You can probably do this in just over a week. That gives you a couple of days to then put it away completely. Then it's time to review and edit. Contrary to belief, a Masters doesn't have to be full of long words. As long as it reads well, makes sense and answers your question. And remember - absolute worse, If you have already completed 120 Masters credits (which again I am assuming as you are at the dissertation stage) - it means you could, even now, exit with a Post Graduate Diploma. You are gonna be OK.

Have I done the research? Honestly, I don't even know. I've read so much stuff. Sometimes I think I've understood and have those moments of YES! That really helps me argue my point! Then sadly a lot of the time I read stuff, have to read several times because my brain is so slow and still feel I haven't grasped what the writer is on about. I just feel so thick.

OP have you done the research? If it's just the writing up (and I know, it's not 'just') and you could get an extension, it's doable. Other posters have given good advice. I'm a bit surprised tho - what have you been working on with your supervisor? You mention writing one draft chapter? Is that all the supervisor has seen? Anyway .. I assume you have a lit review done from earlier in the year? So that's one part of the process done. I would then decide on a structure for each section / chapter. What I'd then focus on is the research element. Did you interview people? Do surveys? Focus groups? Primary research? Whatever original research you did, write it up now. Like a pp said, don't worry about style / being perfect, get it on paper Make an appointment ASAP with your supervisor and be really honest about where you are at. Get their advice. Also consult your university's library web site and check what guides they have on researching & writing, ditto university's Writing Centre. This is my area of work and most of these guides are very practical and will give you direct steps to take. If you haven't done original research and in-depth reading - re-consider submitting your thesis and consider taking a Grad Dip / PG Dip Instead. There's no point in submitting rubbish for the sake of it. Good luck 💐

Placemarking because I need to finish mine in the next academic year and I’ve had similar struggles with my essays so far ... good luck!

Sorry cross post! When I asked about research though, I mean original research, not reading. For example, interviews / surveys / gathering data / consulting primary sources. This is distinguishes a thesis from a long essay.

Can you pay someone to do it?

Assuming you are taking the piss @lucylouis 🙄🙄

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You can do it!! I feel the same, am on 11000 of 15000 and am struggling. But set little writing goals and rewards for doing 200 words (cup of tea , 5 minute wander around). Keep to what you want to say and just get it down. They can’t mark nothing but will give credit for what is there. If they accepted you onto a masters course then you have the ability. Just go for it!

If you like we can spur each other on? I'm also writing mine atm and am way behind where I should be due to hyperemisis.

My approach when I have writers block like this is to put each idea on a notecard. The smaller the ideas the better, but they don’t all have to be the same. You might have things like Law passed 1973 is relevant Talk about the social implications of x and maybe link it to y Make sure to mention that J is important Then once you have all those pieces floating around in your head written down, you can start shuffling cards until you can start to see an outline If you have done your prep, you can finish this in two weeks and especially three. You just have to find some way to start. I like my notecards, other people like to just type freeform, wine can help (but only for the first draft).

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Cramming for an exam isn’t the best way to learn – but if you have to do it, here’s how

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Around the country, school and university students are hitting the books in preparation for exams. If you are in this position, you may find yourself trying to memorise information that you first learned a long time ago and have completely forgotten – or that you didn’t actually learn effectively in the first place.

Unfortunately, cramming is a very inefficient way to properly learn. But sometimes it’s necessary to pass an exam. And you can incorporate what we know about how learning works into your revision to make it more effective.

Read more: Exams: seven tips for coping with revision stress

A great deal of research evidence on how memory works over time shows that we forget new information very quickly at first, after which the process of forgetting slows down.

In practice, this means that very compressed study schedules lead to a catastrophic amount of forgetting.

A better option is to space out learning a particular topic more gradually and over a longer period. This is called the “spacing effect” and it leads to skills and knowledge being retained better, and for longer.

Research has found that we remember information better when we leave a gap of time between first studying something and revisiting it, rather than doing so straight away. This even works for short timescales – a delay of a few seconds when trying to learn a small piece of information, such as a pair of words, for instance. And it also works when the delay between study sessions is much longer .

In the classroom , spacing out practice could mean reviewing and practising material the next day, or delaying homework by a couple of weeks, rather than revisiting it as soon as possible. As a rule, psychologists have suggested that the best time to re-study material is when it is on the verge of being forgotten – not before, but also not after.

But this isn’t how things are learned across the school year. When students get to exam time, they have forgotten much of what was previously studied.

Better cramming

When it comes to actually learning – being able to remember information over the long term and apply it to new situations – cramming doesn’t work. We can hardly call it “learning” if information is forgotten a month later. But if you need to pass an exam, cramming can lead to a boost in temporary performance. What’s more, you can incorporate the spacing effect into your cramming to make it more efficient.

It’s better to space practising knowledge of a particular topic out over weeks, so if you have that long before a key exam, plan your revision schedule so you cover topics more than once. Rather than allocating one block of two hours for a particular topic, study it for one hour this week and then for another hour in a week or so’s time.

If you don’t have that much time, it’s still worth incorporating smaller gaps between practice sessions. If your exam is tomorrow, practice key topics in the morning today and then again in the evening.

Learning is also more effective if you actively retrieve information from your memory, rather than re-reading or underlining your notes. A good way to do this, incorporating the spacing effect, is to take practice tests. Revise a topic from your notes or textbook, take a half-hour break, and then take a practice test without help from your books.

An even simpler technique is a “brain dump” . After studying and taking a break, write down everything you can remember about the topic on a blank sheet of paper without checking your notes.

Change the way we teach

A shift in teaching practices may be needed to avoid students having to cram material they only half-remember before exams.

But my research suggests that teachers tend to agree with the idea that consolidation of a topic should happen as soon as possible, rather than spacing out practice in ways that would actually be more effective.

Teachers are overburdened and make heroic efforts with the time they have. But incorporating the spacing effect into teaching needn’t require radical changes to how teachers operate. Often, it’s as simple as doing the same thing on a different schedule .

Research has shown the most effective way to combine practice testing and the spacing effect is to engage in practice testing in the initial class, followed by at least three practice opportunities at widely spaced intervals. This is quite possible within the typical pattern of the school year.

For example, after the initial class, further practice could come via a homework task after a few days’ delay, then some kind of test or mock exam after a further gap of time. The revision period before exams would then be the third opportunity for consolidation.

Building effective self-testing and delayed practice into education would spell less stress and less ineffective cramming. Exam time would be for consolidation, rather than re-learning things that have been forgotten. The outcome would be better long-term retention of important knowledge and skills. As a bonus, school students would also gain a better insight into how to study effectively.

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Opinion Between Trump and Biden, what should real Republicans do?

How Republicans should think about 2024 and beyond.

John Danforth, William Cohen and Alan Simpson are former Republican senators.

Millions of Republicans are struggling with the question of how to vote in November. Not content with the choices offered by either party, they find themselves at a loss as to how to proceed. Some are considering staying home, writing in a name of their own choosing or voting for a man they don’t really want to see in the White House.

We three former senators, all Republicans, will not presume to tell these people what to do on Nov. 5. What we do want to offer, however, is a framework for thinking about the decision and for helping to secure America’s future beyond 2024, no matter what happens on Election Day.

We believe that our nation’s well-being depends on having the positive, stabilizing influence of a healthy, two-party system, which we currently do not have; and that one of those parties must reflect the traditional Republicanism which we embraced in our decades of public service.

Recently it has become popular to assert that this traditional brand of Republicanism is dead, replaced by a new populist, radical version. We disagree. In our view, traditional Republicanism, though currently in eclipse, is no more extinct than the sun was over portions of the country on April 8. And all of us who believe in it must do what we can to ensure its expeditious return.

To facilitate this comeback, we and other former GOP officeholders and officials are not leaving the party, but instead forming a new organization within it — “Our Republican Legacy.” This new group will serve as a big tent for all of us who believe in what the party has been and must continue to be.

This initiative rests on the most solid of foundations — the five principles that historically have defined our party and been universally accepted across its membership. Sooner or later — and we hope sooner — these principles will reassert themselves because they are as relevant and critical to the well-being of our nation as ever. They are:

The Constitution — We are pledged to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. Our allegiance to the Constitution includes acceptance of the vote of the people, obedience to the decisions of our courts and support for the peaceful transfer of power. We think Jan. 6 , 2021, the date of the mob assault on the Capitol, was one of the darkest days in U.S. history, and the events leading to that assault were direct attacks on our constitutional order.

Union — Since the time of Abraham Lincoln, ours has been the party of the Union, of holding a fractured country together as one indivisible nation. That remains our purpose today. Americans come from many different backgrounds and interests, yet we are one people. We stand against the divisive tactics of both right and left that divide “us against them” by exploiting emotions of grievance and rage.

Fiscal responsibility — In recent years, Republicans have joined Democrats in abandoning that responsibility. The profligate explosion of our national debt is a legacy of weakness that future Americans must inherit. We renew our historical commitment to a sound economy.

Free enterprise — We support the private sector as the source of prosperity against big government interventions such as high protective tariffs and price controls.

Peace through strength — We believe that a peaceful world depends on a strong United States that is steadfast in opposing the aggression of Russia and other hostile regimes and is unwavering in our support for our allies.

It is certainly true that each of these principles extends back in history — in some cases, way back. The rule of law dates from the time of Moses, the free enterprise system to Adam Smith. But to recognize a principle as old is not to say that it is outdated — and none of these five are.

To sustain these principles, the three of us are launching “Our Republican Legacy.” It will not be a lobbying organization or a political action committee. It will not, as we said, tell people how to vote in 2024 or beyond. It will be a digital rallying place for all of those currently dispirited about the state of our party and see nowhere to go with their beliefs. It will be an information hub — a center of news and commentary and ideas about strategies and tactics.

In short, this group will be a catalyst for a movement to reassert traditional Republicanism against the populist version it has become under Donald Trump .

This is something new. Many Republicans have given up on trying to winch their party out the populist ditch. National resistance has been missing. Our Republican Legacy will provide that resistance and do so with credible leadership and sufficient funding and will continue as a force well beyond the November election.

For those who boast that traditional Republicanism is dead we issue this challenge: Tell us — tell the nation — precisely how and why you disagree with this group’s five defining principles. Tell us how the embrace of these principles would contradict the ideals of this great nation. And tell us how their abandonment would make our nation stronger.

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Controversy follows Gov. Kristi Noem as she is banned by another South Dakota tribe

FILE - South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem speaks during the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC 2024, at the National Harbor, Feb. 23, 2024, in Oxon Hill, Md. Noem is now banned from entering nearly 20% of her state after two more tribes banished her this week over comments she made earlier this year about tribal leaders benefitting from drug cartels. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

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South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is now banned from entering nearly 20% of her state after another tribe banished her this week and the leaders of a sixth tribe recommended taking that action over comments she made earlier this year about tribal leaders benefitting from drug cartels.

The latest developments in the ongoing tribal dispute come on the heels of the backlash Noem faced for writing about killing a hunting dog that misbehaved in her latest book. It is not clear how these controversies will affect her chances to become Donald Trump’s running mate because it is hard to predict what the former president will do.

The Sissteon-Wahpeton Oyate tribe banned Noem earlier this week. Then Friday the leadership committee of the Yankton Sioux Tribe recommended that Noem be banned, but that tribe’s general council must vote on it before Noem could be banned from their land in southeastern South Dakota. The Oglala, Rosebud, Cheyenne River and Standing Rock Sioux tribes had already taken action to keep her off their reservations. Three other tribes haven’t yet banned her.

Noem reinforced the divisions between the tribes and the rest of the state in March when she said publicly that tribal leaders were catering to drug cartels on their reservations while neglecting the needs of children and the poor.

“We’ve got some tribal leaders that I believe are personally benefiting from the cartels being there, and that’s why they attack me every day,” Noem said at a forum. “But I’m going to fight for the people who actually live in those situations, who call me and text me every day and say, ’Please, dear governor, please come help us in Pine Ridge. We are scared.’ ”

Noem’s spokesman didn’t respond Saturday to email questions about the bans. But previously she has said she believes many people who live on the reservations still support her even though she is clearly not getting along with tribal leaders.

Noem addressed the issue in a post on X on Thursday along while posting a link to a YouTube channel about law enforcement’s video about drugs on the reservations.

“Tribals leaders should take action to ban the cartels from their lands and accept my offer to help them restore law and order to their communities while protecting their sovereignty,” Noem said. “We can only do this through partnerships because the Biden Administration is failing to do their job.”

The tribes have clashed with Noem in the past, including over the 2016 Dakota Access Pipeline protests at Standing Rock and during the COVID-19 pandemic when they set up coronavirus checkpoints at reservation borders to keep out unnecessary visitors. She was temporarily banned from the Oglala Sioux reservation in 2019 after the protest dispute.

And there is a long history of rocky relations between Native Americans in the state and the government dating back to 1890, when soldiers shot and killed hundreds of Lakota men, women and children at the Wounded Knee massacre as part of a campaign to stop a religious practice known as the Ghost Dance.

Political observer Cal Jillson, who is based at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, said this tribal dispute feels a little different because Noem seems to be “stoking it actively, which suggests that she sees a political benefit.”

“I’m sure that Gov. Noem doesn’t mind a focus on tensions with the Native Americans in South Dakota because if we’re not talking about that, we’re talking about her shooting the dog,” Jillson said.

Noem appears to be getting tired of answering questions about her decision to kill Cricket after the dog attacked a family’s chickens during a stop on the way home from a hunting trip and then tried to bite the governor. Noem also drew criticism for including an anecdote she has since asked her publisher to pull from the book that described “staring down” North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in a private meeting that experts said was implausible.

After those controversies, she canceled several interviews that were planned as part of the book tour. With all the questions about “No Going Back: The Truth on What’s Wrong with Politics and How We Move America Forward,” no one is even asking anymore about Noem’s decision to appear in an infomercial-style video lavishing praise on a team of cosmetic dentists in Texas who gave her veneers.

Jillson said it all probably hurts her chances with Trump, who has been auditioning a long list of potential vice-president candidates.

“I think that the chaos that Trump revels in is the chaos he creates. Chaos created by somebody else simply detracts attention from himself,” Jillson said.

University of South Dakota political science professor Michael Card said that if it isn’t the vice-president slot, it’s not clear what is in Noem’s political future because she is prevented from running for another term as governor. Noem is in her second term as governor.

She could go after U.S. Senator Mike Rounds’ seat or try to return to the House of Representatives, Card said.

This story was first published on May 11, 2024. It was updated on May 13, 2024, to correct the name of a tribe to Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate, instead of Sisseton-Wahpeton Ovate.

This story was also updated on May 14, 2024 to correct that Noem has not been banned by the Yankton Sioux Tribe. That tribe’s leadership committee recommended that Noem should be banned from the Yankton Sioux Tribe’s reservation, but the tribe’s general council must vote on that recommendation before Noem would be banned.

Trump May Owe $100 Million From Double-Dip Tax Breaks, Audit Shows

A previously unknown focus of an I.R.S. audit is a dubious accounting maneuver that effectively meant taking the same write-offs twice on a Chicago skyscraper.

The I.R.S. believes that former President Donald J. Trump violated a law meant to prevent double-dipping on tax-reducing losses. Credit... Jamie Kelter Davis for The New York Times

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By Russ Buettner and Paul Kiel

This article was published in partnership with ProPublica. Russ Buettner of The New York Times has spent years reporting on the former president’s finances, including decades of his tax returns. Paul Kiel of ProPublica has reported on the I.R.S. and the ways the ultrawealthy avoid taxes since 2018.

• Published May 11, 2024 Updated May 13, 2024

Former President Donald J. Trump used a dubious accounting maneuver to claim improper tax breaks from his troubled Chicago tower, according to an Internal Revenue Service inquiry uncovered by The New York Times and ProPublica. Losing a yearslong audit battle over the claim could mean a tax bill of more than $100 million.

Listen to this article, read by Eric Jason Martin

The 92-story, glass-sheathed skyscraper along the Chicago River is the tallest and, at least for now, the last major construction project by Mr. Trump. Through a combination of cost overruns and the bad luck of opening in the teeth of the Great Recession, it was also a vast money loser.

But when Mr. Trump sought to reap tax benefits from his losses, the I.R.S. has argued, he went too far and in effect wrote off the same losses twice.

The first write-off came on Mr. Trump’s tax return for 2008. With sales lagging far behind projections, he claimed that his investment in the condo-hotel tower met the tax code definition of “worthless,” because his debt on the project meant he would never see a profit. That move resulted in Mr. Trump reporting losses as high as $651 million for the year, The Times and ProPublica found.

There is no indication the I.R.S. challenged that initial claim, though that lack of scrutiny surprised tax experts consulted for this article. But in 2010, Mr. Trump and his tax advisers sought to extract further benefits from the Chicago project, executing a maneuver that would draw years of inquiry from the I.R.S. First, he shifted the company that owned the tower into a new partnership. Because he controlled both companies, it was like moving coins from one pocket to another. Then he used the shift as justification to declare $168 million in additional losses over the next decade.

The issues around Mr. Trump’s case were novel enough that, during his presidency, the I.R.S. undertook a high-level legal review before pursuing it. The Times and ProPublica, in consultation with tax experts, calculated that the revision sought by the I.R.S. would create a new tax bill of more than $100 million, plus interest and potential penalties.

Mr. Trump’s tax records have been a matter of intense speculation since the 2016 presidential campaign, when he defied decades of precedent and refused to release his returns, citing a long-running audit. A first, partial revelation of the substance of the audit came in 2020, when The Times reported that the I.R.S. was disputing a $72.9 million tax refund that Mr. Trump had claimed starting in 2010. That refund, which appeared to be based on Mr. Trump’s reporting of vast losses from his long-failing casinos, equaled every dollar of federal income tax he had paid during his first flush of television riches, from 2005 through 2008, plus interest.

The reporting by The Times and ProPublica about the Chicago tower reveals a second component of Mr. Trump’s quarrel with the I.R.S. This account was pieced together from a collection of public documents, including filings from the New York attorney general’s suit against Mr. Trump in 2022, a passing reference to the audit in a congressional report that same year and an obscure 2019 I.R.S. memorandum that explored the legitimacy of the accounting maneuver. The memorandum did not identify Mr. Trump, but the documents, along with tax records previously obtained by The Times and additional reporting, indicated that the former president was the focus of the inquiry.

It is unclear how the audit battle has progressed since December 2022, when it was mentioned in the congressional report. Audits often drag on for years, and taxpayers have a right to appeal the I.R.S.’s conclusions. The case would typically become public only if Mr. Trump chose to challenge a ruling in court.

In response to questions for this article, Mr. Trump’s son Eric, executive vice president of the Trump Organization, said: “This matter was settled years ago, only to be brought back to life once my father ran for office. We are confident in our position, which is supported by opinion letters from various tax experts, including the former general counsel of the I.R.S.”

An I.R.S. spokesman said federal law prohibited the agency from discussing private taxpayer information.

The outcome of Mr. Trump’s dispute could set a precedent for wealthy people seeking tax benefits from the laws governing partnerships. Those laws are notoriously complex, riddled with uncertainty and under constant assault by lawyers pushing boundaries for their clients. The I.R.S. has inadvertently further invited aggressive positions by rarely auditing partnership tax returns.

The audit represents yet another potential financial threat — albeit a more distant one — for Mr. Trump, the Republicans’ presumptive 2024 presidential nominee. In recent months, he has been ordered to pay $83.3 million in a defamation case and another $454 million in a civil fraud case brought by the New York attorney general, Letitia James. Mr. Trump has appealed both judgments. (He is also in the midst of a criminal trial in Manhattan, where he is accused of covering up a hush-money payment to a porn star in the weeks before the 2016 election.)

Beyond the two episodes under audit, reporting by The Times in recent years has found that, across his business career, Mr. Trump has often used what experts described as highly aggressive — and at times, legally suspect — accounting maneuvers to avoid paying taxes. To the six tax experts consulted for this article, Mr. Trump’s Chicago accounting maneuvers appeared to be questionable and unlikely to withstand scrutiny.

“I think he ripped off the tax system,” said Walter Schwidetzky , a law professor at the University of Baltimore and an expert on partnership taxation.

From ‘$1.2 Billion’ to ‘Worthless’

Mr. Trump struck a deal in 2001 to acquire land and a building that was then home to the Chicago Sun-Times newspaper. Two years later, after publicly toying with the idea of constructing the world’s tallest building there, he unveiled plans for a more modest tower, with 486 residences and 339 “hotel condominiums” that buyers could use for short stays and allow Mr. Trump’s company to rent out. He initially estimated that construction would last until 2007 and cost $650 million.

Mr. Trump placed the project at the center of the first season of “The Apprentice” in 2004 , offering the winner a top job there under his tutelage. “It’ll be a mind-boggling job to manage,” Mr. Trump said during the season finale. “When it’s finished in 2007, the Trump International Hotel and Tower, Chicago, could have a value of $1.2 billion and will raise the standards of architectural excellence throughout the world.”

As his cost estimates increased, Mr. Trump arranged to borrow as much as $770 million for the project — $640 million from Deutsche Bank and $130 million from Fortress Investment Group, a hedge fund and private equity company. He personally guaranteed $40 million of the Deutsche loan. Both Deutsche and Fortress then sold off pieces of the loans to other institutions, spreading the risk and potential gain.

Mr. Trump planned to sell enough of the 825 units to pay off his loans when they came due in May 2008. But when that date came, he had sold only 133. At that point, he projected that construction would not be completed until mid-2009, at a revised cost of $859 million.

He asked his lenders for a six-month extension. A briefing document prepared for the lenders, obtained by The Times and ProPublica, said Mr. Trump would contribute $89 million of his own money, $25 million more than his initial plan. The lenders agreed.

But sales did not pick up that summer, with the nation plunged into the financial crisis that would become the Great Recession. When Mr. Trump asked for another extension in September, his lenders refused.

Two months later, Mr. Trump defaulted on his loans and sued his lenders, characterizing the financial crisis as the kind of catastrophe, like a flood or hurricane, covered by the “force majeure” clause of his loan agreement with Deutsche Bank. That, he said, entitled him to an indefinite delay in repaying his loans. Mr. Trump went so far as to blame the bank and its peers for “creating the current financial crisis.” He demanded $3 billion in damages.

At the time, Mr. Trump had paid down his loans with $99 million in sales but still needed more money to complete construction. At some point that year, he concluded that his investment in the tower was worthless, at least as the term is defined in partnership tax law.

Mr. Trump’s worthlessness claim meant only that his stake in 401 Mezz Venture, the L.L.C. that held the tower, was without value because he expected that sales would never produce enough cash to pay off the mortgages, let alone turn a profit.

When he filed his 2008 tax return, he declared business losses of $697 million. Tax records do not fully show which businesses generated that figure. But working with tax experts, The Times and ProPublica calculated that the Chicago worthlessness deduction could have been as high as $651 million, the value of Mr. Trump’s stake in the partnership — about $94 million he had invested and the $557 million loan balance reported on his tax returns that year.

When business owners report losses greater than their income in any given year, they can retain the leftover negative amount as a credit to reduce their taxable income in future years. As it turned out, that tax-reducing power would be of increasing value to Mr. Trump. While many of his businesses continued to lose money, income from “The Apprentice” and licensing and endorsement agreements poured in: $33.3 million in 2009, $44.6 million in 2010 and $51.3 million in 2011.

Mr. Trump’s advisers girded for a potential audit of the worthlessness deduction from the moment they claimed it, according to the filings from the New York attorney general’s lawsuit. Starting in 2009 Mr. Trump’s team excluded the Chicago tower from the frothy annual “statements of financial condition” that Mr. Trump used to boast of his wealth, out of concern that assigning value to the building would conflict with its declared worthlessness, according to the attorney general’s filing. (Those omissions came even as Mr. Trump fraudulently inflated his net worth to qualify for low-interest loans, according to the ruling in the attorney general’s lawsuit.)

Mr. Trump had good reason to fear an audit of the deduction, according to the tax experts consulted for this article. They believe that Mr. Trump’s tax advisers pushed beyond what was defensible.

The worthlessness deduction serves as a way for a taxpayer to benefit from an expected total loss on an investment long before the final results are known. It occupies a fuzzy and counterintuitive slice of tax law. Three decades ago, a federal appeals court ruled that the judgment of a company’s worthlessness could be based in part on the opinion of its owner. After taking the deduction, the owner can keep the “worthless” company and its assets. Subsequent court decisions have only partly clarified the rules. Absent prescribed parameters, tax lawyers have been left to handicap the chances that a worthlessness deduction will withstand an I.R.S. challenge.

There are several categories, with a declining likelihood of success, of money taxpayers can claim to have lost.

The tax experts consulted for this article universally assigned the highest level of certainty to cash spent to acquire an asset. The roughly $94 million that Mr. Trump’s tax returns show he invested in Chicago fell into this category.

Some gave a lower, though still probable, chance of a taxpayer prevailing in declaring a loss based on loans that a lender agreed to forgive. That’s because forgiven debt generally must be declared as income, which can offset that portion of the worthlessness deduction in the same year. A large portion of Mr. Trump’s worthlessness deduction fell in this category, though he did not begin reporting forgiven debt income until two years later, a delay that would have further reduced his chances of prevailing in an audit.

The tax experts gave the weakest chance of surviving a challenge for a worthlessness deduction based on borrowed money for which the outcome was not clear. It reflects a doubly irrational claim — that the taxpayer deserves a tax benefit for losing someone else’s money even before the money has been lost, and that those anticipated future losses can be used to offset real income from other sources. Most of the debt included in Mr. Trump’s worthlessness deduction was based on that risky position.

Including that debt in the deduction was “just not right,” said Monte Jackel , a veteran of the I.R.S. and major accounting firms who often publishes analyses of partnership tax issues.

A Second Bite at the Apple

Mr. Trump continued to sell units at the Chicago Tower, but still below his costs. Had he done nothing, his 2008 worthlessness deduction would have prevented him from claiming that shortfall as losses again. But in 2010, his lawyers attempted an end-run by merging the entity through which he owned the Chicago tower into another partnership, DJT Holdings L.L.C. In the following years, they piled other businesses, including several of his golf courses, into DJT Holdings.

Those changes had no apparent business purpose. But Mr. Trump’s tax advisers took the position that pooling the Chicago tower’s finances with other businesses entitled him to declare even more tax-reducing losses from his Chicago investment.

His financial problems there continued. More than 100 of the hotel condominiums never sold. Sales of all units totaled only $727 million, far below Mr. Trump’s budgeted costs of $859 million. And some 70,000 square feet of retail space remained vacant because it had been designed without access to foot or vehicle traffic. From 2011 through 2020, Mr. Trump reported $168 million in additional losses from the project.

Those additional write-offs helped Mr. Trump avoid tax liability for his continuing entertainment riches, as well as his unpaid debt from the tower. Starting in 2010, his lenders agreed to forgive about $270 million of those debts. But he was able to delay declaring most of that income until 2014 and spread it out over five years of tax returns, thanks to a provision in the Obama administration’s stimulus bill responding to the Great Recession. In 2018, Mr. Trump reported positive income for the first time in 11 years. But his income tax bill still amounted to only $1.9 million, even as he reported a $25 million gain from the sale of his late father's assets.

It’s unclear when the I.R.S. began to question the 2010 merger transaction, but the conflict escalated during Mr. Trump’s presidency.

The I.R.S. explained its position in a Technical Advice Memorandum , released in 2019, that identified Mr. Trump only as “A.” Such memos, reserved for cases where the law is unclear, are rare and involve extensive review by senior I.R.S. lawyers. The agency produced only two other such memos that year.

The memos are required to be publicly released with the taxpayer’s information removed, and this one was more heavily redacted than usual. Some partnership specialists wrote papers exploring its meaning and importance to other taxpayers, but none identified taxpayer “A” as the then-sitting president of the United States. The Times and ProPublica matched the facts of the memo to information from Mr. Trump’s tax returns and elsewhere.

The 20-page document is dense with footnotes, calculations and references to various statutes, but the core of the I.R.S.’s position is that Mr. Trump’s 2010 merger violated a law meant to prevent double dipping on tax-reducing losses. If done properly, the merger would have accounted for the fact that Mr. Trump had already written off the full cost of the tower’s construction with his worthlessness deduction.

In the I.R.S. memo, Mr. Trump’s lawyers vigorously disagreed with the agency’s conclusions, saying he had followed the law.

If the I.R.S. prevails, Mr. Trump’s tax returns would look very different, especially those from 2011 to 2017. During those years, he reported $184 million in income from “The Apprentice” and agreements to license his name, along with $219 million from canceled debts. But he paid only $643,431 in income taxes thanks to huge losses on his businesses, including the Chicago tower. The revisions sought by the I.R.S. would require amending his tax returns to remove $146 million in losses and add as much as $218 million in income from condominium sales. That shift of up to $364 million could swing those years out of the red and well into positive territory, creating a tax bill that could easily exceed $100 million.

The only public sign of the Chicago audit came in December 2022, when a congressional Joint Committee on Taxation report on I.R.S. efforts to audit Mr. Trump made an unexplained reference to the section of tax law at issue in the Chicago case. It confirmed that the audit was still underway and could affect Mr. Trump’s tax returns from several years.

That the I.R.S. did not initiate an audit of the 2008 worthlessness deduction puzzled the experts in partnership taxation. Many assumed the understaffed I.R.S. simply had not realized what Mr. Trump had done until the deadline to investigate it had passed.

“I think the government recognized that they screwed up,” and then audited the merger transaction to make up for it, Mr. Jackel said.

The agency’s difficulty in keeping up with Mr. Trump’s maneuvers, experts said, showed that this gray area of tax law was too easy to exploit.

“Congress needs to radically change the rules for the worthlessness deduction,” Professor Schwidetzky said.

Susanne Craig contributed reporting.

Read by Eric Jason Martin

Narration produced by Anna Diamond and Krish Seenivasan

Engineered by Steven Szczesniak

Russ Buettner is an investigative reporter. Since 2016, his reporting has focused on the finances of Donald. J. Trump, including articles that revealed tax avoidance schemes evidenced on several decades of his tax returns. In 2019, he shared a Pulitzer Prize for work that revealed the vast inheritance Mr. Trump had received from his father. More about Russ Buettner

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