The Main Stages of Writing a Dissertation: An Academic Tutorial


Many students feel intimidating when they are assigned a dissertation. However, this time-consuming assignment is easier than you might think. Dissertation writing includes several important steps that you should follow carefully in order to prepare a solid paper. According to the academic tutorial, the main stages of writing a dissertation include:

  • Considering an interesting research topic.

    If you do not already have your research topic, you should spend enough time considering different options. It is a good idea to brainstorm potential ideas with your classmates, visit an academic writing center, or consult your supervisor. Some students also recommend finding a list of sample research topic ideas to get inspired.

  • Doing your research.

    This is a very important stage. A good dissertation requires a thorough and complete research. Go to the library, compose a list of resources, and study them carefully. Remember to take notes and write down all the reference information as soon as you study it. You can find good examples of reference formatting in the school writing center.

  • Composing a detailed outline.
  • Although many students skip this stage, making a good outline saves time and effort. It will help you organize your thoughts. You should include your main idea, headings, subheadings, and important details. There are several types of outlines. It makes sense to get an academic tutorial in order to find out how to write an outline.

  • Preparing your first draft.
  • This is one of the final stages when your research is completed, and you actually write your dissertation. Usually, students write several drafts in order to prepare a solid assignment. It is necessary to follow the logic of the research and include all the important stages. Make sure to write about research limitations and controversial points.

  • Revising your writing.
  • This stage usually consists of making major changes to the text that you have prepared, considering different wordings in certain places, and removing paragraphs and points that are not related to the dissertation topic. If you want to make it easier, you can use the tips and hints provided in the academic writing tutorial.

  • Editing and proofreading your paper.
  • Editing is as important as other stages of preparing a dissertation. You should analyze how your work looks and sounds. You can ask your friends to read the paper and evaluate it. Remember that it is easier to catch mistakes and inaccuracies in some else’s writing, so do not hesitate to ask your friends and family members for some help.