Here’s a special post to follow up on my recent academic writing workshop.

Remember the mantra of “make it easy for the reader”. Whenever you have to make a decision or choice in your writing, think about what choice will make it easy for your reader, from the big picture of the structure to the detail of word choice.

For PhD students, think of the reader for your thesis as your examiners. While you are doing your research and writing your thesis, your supervisors represent your examiners. Your readers may have many other demands on their time and, while they are experts, they are less familiar with the whole thesis document than you. Make it easy for them to understand what you have done and your original contribution.

Check these other posts that cover issues we discussed in the workshop:

• Impress with simplicity
• Know your audience and write for them
• Top two mistakes in academic writing
• How to check your own reference list
• Useful resources: Macquarie Dictionary and Style Manual.

For editing and writing inquiries, contact me at rhdaniels@bigpond.com