The writing process

Writing is a process of preparing, drafting and revising.

Follow this step-by-step plan to start:

• Step 1: Develop a structure
  Create an organised outline of your thesis.
  Decide which chapters and topics will be covered.

• Create a table of contents 

Write down all the chapters you will write
Use a table of contents or a mind map to visualise the organisation of the text

• Plan your writing

List briefly which topics will be included in each chapter 
Complete these topics with keywords, creating a writing scheme or ‘outline’. 

- Example of a writing scheme (website)
- How to create a structured outline (video, 4’)

• Step 2: First round of writing: core text 

• Work out your writing scheme by drafting the core content
• Focus on the content

It is not (yet) necessary to perfect phrasing or grammar

You can skip the introduction and conclusion for now

Step 3: Second round of writing 

• Improve your text written in the first round
• Now focus on formulations, style, spelling errors, ...
• Take a short break from the text and then read again with fresh eyes

Step 4: Final round of writing

Finalise your text from the second round 

• Control the structure using paragraphs, subheadings, blank lines, signal words, ...
• Write an introduction and a conclusion for each chapter 
• Step  away from the text for a few days, then review with a refreshed view

- Check out the writing process of a thesis in five steps here (video, 4')
- The writing process at a glance (infographic)
- Read more about the five stages of the writing process (document)

Writing does not have to be chronological

For example, start by writing: 

• a chapter you already have a lot of information about
• a chapter you like
• a chapter that serves as a foundation  for other chapters

This way, you increase motivation and make it easier for yourself!

A thesis is an academic document; therefore, use an academic writing style.

• Be objective and impersonal 
  Avoid pronouns like “I,” “we,” and “you”.

• Keep your sentences concise
  Keep sentences clear and easy to read.

• Provide structure 
  Use paragraphs, subheadings, blank lines, signal words, ...  

• Use active voice 
  Passive sentences make your text harder to read, so avoid them.

• Pay attention to verb tense
  Use present tense for the introduction and conclusions.
  Use the past tense for the methodology and results sections.

- These writing assistants can support you (website)
- Find examples of phrases for different sections and functions of academic writing (website)
- Examples of sentence starters (infographic)

Did you know that Hasselt University students get free access to the premium version of Grammerly? (website)

Feeling stuck and unable to move forward with your writing?
These tips will help you overcome a writer’s block:

• Focus on content, not wording

Your first draft doesn't have to be perfectly worded. Writing is a process of writing and revising.

Start by writing down the main points you want to say.
Then, you can rephrase this summary into sentences and connect the various ideas.

- Check “How do I start writing?” for more explanation of the writing process
- Let go of perfectionism.
These tips help to deal with perfectionism (website), and you can also check out Moodspace (website)  

• Develop a clear structure 

Create a detailed outline or table of contents for your thesis.
A writing scheme clarifies where to write each section and provides structure to your writing. 

• Don't work chronologically

Don't start with the first chapter, but think strategically about which section or chapter is best to write out first.

- Some tips to break your writer’s block  (website)
- Tackling your writer's block step by step (infographic)
- 9 tips to break your writer's block (video, 11')