How long can you ignore emails from your supervisor requesting writing? I have been writing up for a few weeks and my supervisor has started asking for drafts of chapters...but, being several hundred miles away, I am tempted to just ignore him. How long can I get away with this?

I agree with Freddy. As many of the posts on this board suggest it is a good idea to keep your supervisor onside and the fact he is contacting you to read stuff suggests he is worth being honest with.

give him something to read from what you have written and say that this a draft and the complete version will be due on ..day. This way, he is occupied and probably comment on things that you might want to consider for a final draft.

Definitely do not ignore the supervisor, be grateful that they are keen to have a look at the work and keep them posted re your progress. Good luck!

InD said "I would say you can ignore only a few"

I would say that you can ignore none! It is discourteous and shows a total lack of respect for someone who is trying to help you. IMO, if you ignore the supervisor's e-mails then you have no right to complain if they later ignore e-mails from you!

Every decent supervisor will understand that sometimes (often) writing takes longer than expected. Just let them know what you've been able to do (send a draft as Freddy and Sheena have suggested) and ask for some guidance on the parts you are finding difficult.

Well, I took your advice, emailed my supervisor with an overview of my progress and then set some due dates for chapters over the coming month - he seemed pleased with my progress, agreed with my dates and I now have something to work towards. No point getting lost in the writing wilderness by myself! You have made me realise how lucky I am to have a supervisor who makes time to ask how I am going and offer help - and it is not like he is not busy. Thank you for the advice, guys...now I hust have to finish a chapter by Sunday!!

Three weeks ago and it is about 80% done, so Sunday is not impossible to achieve....is it?

...bearing in mind, for me it is now 8am Thursday?

well done, piglet. You have done good. keep it up and finish the chapter on sunday and when you finish take monday off to relax and treat yourself to something as this will give you a break to start the next chapter feeling fresh.