I am studying at 3-year PhD program. It is already the third year, and in several months I have to go for Oral Examination. However, my supervisor keeps rejecting my draft.

At first, supervisor gave his hypothesis to work on and his previous student draft paper on that topic and told to restructure the paper. My first attempt was unsuccessful, as later he explained to rewrite the analysis, theoretical part, and literature review. The second attempt was also unsuccessful, as he pointed out that my English skills are very poor. I did the third time and asked the help of another professor. It was also unsuccessful; my supervisor claimed that I was poorly setting agenda for my argument and I did not have penetrating analysis, even though he checked only the first page of introduction. If I cannot fulfill his expectations, we will not work together. He sent some chapter from the book to guide me how to structure the introduction. I wrote similarly and send to editing service. However, my supervisor told me that it was just an essay and not a prominent work that deserved a place among others.

The problem in our communication is that his suggestions are blurry and not precise: write in sharp and objective manner, do penetrating analysis; therefore I am not able to the exact thing he expects to see. When I possess some precise question, whether my methodology is persuasive and try to justify it, he deviates to general discussion what we have to do in this paper, not responding whether it is ok or not.

So after my fourth unsuccessful attempt, I asked my professor through the email what our next steps, and what should I do. However, he explained only that my draft does not have penetrating analysis because I do not read a lot, not mentioning about our future work. I consulted with other two professors about my draft. They read the draft, suggesting, where to add some more explanations or to rewrite sentences for clarity. But it seems fine.

Sorry to write long, but I am now in panic. Because I study abroad, and several months ago the school terminated my scholarship, as the school budget was reduced. Thus, I have to proceed with the defense this year. I do not know how to solve this situation with my supervisor. If someone can advise me what to do next and how to approach my supervisor, I will appreciate.