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Academic writing guides
Answers to the most common questions about theses, articles and research: step by step, with examples, in plain language.
- Thesis writing
How to Write a Thesis: A Step-by-Step Guide from Topic to Defence
The steps to follow when writing a master’s thesis or PhD dissertation: topic, literature, methods, results, discussion, formatting and the defence.
3 min read - Thesis writing
How to Choose a Thesis Topic: 6 Qualities of a Good Topic
What to look for when choosing a master’s or PhD thesis topic: originality, feasibility, access to data and fit with your supervisor. Practical tips.
3 min read - Research and methods
How to Do a Literature Review: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to search, screen and synthesise sources for a literature review: keywords, databases, inclusion criteria and thematic writing for theses and papers.
3 min read - Sources and citation
APA 7 Citation Guide: In-Text Citations and Reference Examples
APA 7th edition rules for in-text citations, direct quotes, multiple authors, and reference list examples for journal articles, books, websites and theses.
3 min read - Sources and citation
How to Write a Reference List: APA vs MLA vs Chicago vs IEEE
Which citation style should you use? Differences between APA, MLA, Chicago, IEEE, Vancouver and ISNAD, with examples and a checklist for an error-free reference list.
3 min read - Ethics and AI
How to Avoid Plagiarism: Quoting, Paraphrasing and Citing Correctly
Practical techniques to avoid plagiarism in theses and papers: correct quoting, real paraphrasing and citation. How to read a similarity report and what self-plagiarism is.
3 min read - Ethics and AI
Is It Ethical to Use AI to Write a Thesis? Right and Wrong Uses
When is using AI in a thesis or paper legitimate, and when is it misconduct? How universities approach it, disclosure requirements and principles for responsible use.
3 min read - Ethics and AI
Are AI Detectors Reliable? The Facts Students Need to Know
How do AI detection tools like Turnitin work and how reliable are they? What to do if your own writing is flagged as AI-generated. An honest guide.
3 min read - Thesis writing
How to Write a Thesis Proposal That Gets Approved
Sections of a master’s or PhD thesis proposal, writing tips and the points a thesis committee looks at most closely.
2 min read - Research and methods
How to Write Research Questions and Hypotheses (With Examples)
Qualities of a good research question, null vs alternative hypotheses, and directional vs non-directional hypothesis examples for theses and papers.
2 min read - Research and methods
How to Write a Methods Section: Design, Sample, Instruments, Analysis
Subsections of the methods chapter in a thesis or paper: research design, population and sample, data collection instruments, procedure and data analysis.
2 min read - Thesis writing
How to Write the Results and Discussion Sections (and Their Difference)
What goes in the results and what goes in the discussion? APA table layout, statistical reporting and comparing findings with the literature.
3 min read - Thesis writing
How to Write an Abstract: Word Limits, Structure and an Example
How to write a thesis or paper abstract: the aim–method–results–conclusion structure, choosing keywords and common mistakes to avoid.
2 min read - Research and methods
How to Design a Research Survey: Likert Scales, Questions and Reliability
A guide to designing academic surveys: Likert scales, reverse-coded items, demographic questions, piloting and Cronbach’s alpha reliability.
3 min read - Research and methods
Which Statistical Test Should I Use? t-Test, ANOVA, Correlation and More
Choose the right statistical analysis for your research question: when to use a t-test, ANOVA, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, correlation, regression or chi-square.
3 min read - Articles and publishing
How to Write a Research Paper and Submit It to a Journal
Turning a thesis into an article, the IMRaD structure, choosing a target journal, author guidelines, cover letters and the submission process.
3 min read - Articles and publishing
How to Respond to Reviewer Comments: Response Letter Structure
A guide to answering peer reviewers point by point — politely and persuasively — after a revision decision, including how to respond when you disagree.
3 min read - Applications and defence
How to Prepare for Your Thesis Defence: 12 Questions Committees Ask Most
Preparing your thesis defence presentation, rehearsing and answering committee questions. The 12 most common thesis defence questions.
3 min read - Applications and defence
TÜBİTAK 2209-A Application Guide: Writing a Research Project Proposal
How undergraduate students in Türkiye can prepare a TÜBİTAK 2209-A research project proposal: originality, methods, project management, impact and budget.
3 min read - Sources and citation
How to Find Turkish Academic Sources: DergiPark, TR Dizin and the YÖK Thesis Center
A guide to Turkish academic databases: searching DergiPark, TR Dizin and the YÖK National Thesis Center effectively, access restrictions and correct citation.
3 min read - Thesis writing
Academic Writing Style: 10 Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Features of academic language in theses and papers: objectivity, clarity, repetition, overgeneralisation and informal language — with corrected examples.
3 min read - Research and methods
How to Apply for Ethics Committee Approval: A Guide for Thesis Students
When do surveys, interviews or experiments need ethics approval? The application file, informed consent form and common mistakes.
3 min read - Sources and citation
Reference Management with Zotero and Mendeley: A Beginner’s Guide
Why use a reference manager? Zotero, Mendeley and EndNote compared, and how to move references between tools with BibTeX, RIS and CSL-JSON.
2 min read - Thesis writing
How Long Does It Take to Write a Thesis? A Realistic Thesis Timeline
Planning your thesis: time estimates by stage, weekly goals, beating procrastination and practical tips for meeting your submission deadline.
3 min read