No being the short answer. Writing to a high standard comes with practice. Try by beginning with a LOT of additional reading (don't start with Nature which will result in confusion to a high standard 8-)) to get a general idea of how syntax should and can flow and then get writing. Pass on your work to a friendly and willing invigilator and listen to their feedback. Then practice some more... continue ad infinitum.

I may be wrong, but I think this forum is predominantly UK based students so not much good for the US. Try looking at selected American university websites as a start.

Hi Jaded,
What you are feeling and experiencing is not uncommon but is certainly not helped by being out of the university environment. If your defined research proposal is absent use it to your advantage: define it for yourself and submit it for supervisory approval. Remember that you are training to be an independent scientist, so something like this is a gift - you do not require your supervisor to do this for you, show them your initiative. You have the opportunity to focus exclusively on what is your interest. Bear in mind that you original proposal frequently does not match your final project; another reason not to worry about it too much and the rationale behind your supervisor suggesting you make it broader.
I assume you are in the UK and in a scientific background? If so then ethics approval can take up to 6 months. But you cannot apply for it untl you have a project proposal, defined aims and experimental design -catch 22!
So start by breaking things down into manageable chunks: begin by coming up with what you want to research, then flesh it out with how, when and why. Presto: one proposal! If you want to chat direct, use the personal message function and don't let yourself get tied up in knots - be calm and all will be well. (up)

I'm empathising with all these! 8-):-)8-)

I walked into my office wearing a white coat and holding a flask of citric acid today. I meant to go into the chemistry lab...on the next floor.

I think that research is lonely. So many people are parnoid you're going to "steal their ideas" and get more recognition, be a better academic and show them up, etc that they forget we're all in the same boat and probably feeling just as insecure as the next person. Plus everyone always has so much to do!
I am the only person in my department working on my topic, which isn't even related to what my department does. In fact, what I'm working on has no bearing at all on what anyone in my institute actually does, so (like you) I spend an awful lot of time by my lonesome wishing I could have a brainstoming session with someone/anyone! While it means sometimes I feel stuck in a rut, it does give me the freedom to take my topic wherever I wish and not be dictated by a senior.
As to the social side and connecting to someone, I think academics, and that includes us mere PhDs, are innately self absorbed. How about joining the end-of-week pub trip? Academics become "real" people outside of work and you can forge some great friendships.

Sounds like me; I was told: "pay your bench fees or begone" - I don't pay bench fees. Took two weeks to persuade them that the great, infallible computer was wrong

I wouldn't class it as bullying, seems to me to be more like an anally-retentive airhead with a misplaced superiority complex. May I suggest that next time she puts your work down just reply [in an off-hand and disinterested manner ] that you wouldn't expect them to understand it. That forces them to then explain your work (in detail) as they see it and leaves them open to a sound verbal spanking.

Failing that, may I suggest that you respectfully ask her: as she is such a towering intellect, to kindly leave you alone, wallowing in your inferiority, as you have some real work to be getting on with?

Or just ignore the lot of them. Down with academic a**holes! (down)

Not doing a PhD in theology but love to discuss!

I suggest letting your super know - mine loves these details just so he can go to the finance office and "let off some steam" [- read explode] 8-)

Not in the slightest. This happens to everyone. I suggest you read round a few papers, try to copy a few experiments (or do a review paper of your own if you're not scientific) - you may find this stimulates the brain cells with a quality: "what if I do this...?"
Best of luck.(up)

Apparently mine is yellow, which is quite sad really...

"Of all the mind types, yours is the most intellectual.
You crave mental stimulation, and your thoughts tend to very complex.
Your thoughts tend to be innovative and cutting edge, though many people don't understand them.
You tend to spend a lot of time thinking about science, architecture, and communication."

You may need it: I have just discovered that Rainbow Trout are not in fact trout; rather they are of the salmon family. [Shock, horror!!!]

PhDs are not exclusively about qualifications; they are about your drive and determination as well. Apply and use your MSc saga as proof that you REALLY want to do a PhD. I know plenty of academically bright PhD students who've dropped out and plenty of distinctly average ones stay on and finish. Tenacity counts!

the cute & furry microbes come with free samples in industrial quantities maybe? Buy "Ebola the virus" today and get a free dose of haemorrhagic fever? ;-)