======= Date Modified 12 Feb 2011 10:19:31 =======
This is a big problem in research fraternity which arises from lack of training than knowledge. Most instituitons and supervisors do not guide students from start on the framework of thesis and how a student should improve on writing. Many supervisors themselves lack knowledge in how to build, so they escape by putting burdern of this on students. There might be one or two writing courses which is normally conducted by a non-Phd tutors and they have no clue on scientific writing, most these are fighting for a job than imparting teaching. Initially I used to think so much for words and writing a page in my own words was impossible for a given problem. I was good with solving problems but to present ideas one needs to be a good writer. All PhD students from day one should read varieties of books on variety of topics, especially where how a problem evolves and facts presented. They must learn how to extract summary from a book and keep writing each idea everyday, atleast for 1 hr a day. How to understand problems, how to evaluate and present facts, its all an art. PhD thesis writing and means available must be researched from day one. Also, I think 3 months gap between final lab work and starting writeup serves well. Especially, mind is simulated so much during lab work that immediately starting write up is quite counter-productive. Students who are not bonded well with supervisors always struggle with writeup, especially if supervisor lacks insights on your research. What is the point of whole research if you cannot express it that others can understand? Supervisors assume students will do it, rather guiding them from start.
Coming back to your question, can you learn to write? Yes, it takes time, more than that interest.
1. Read good thesis related to your topic - understand the problem, content, how they presented literature, the philosophy, summary.
2. Read books that interest you - can be religious, adventrous, management, anything that you enjoy. Understand how they evaluate and present facts.
3. Writing requires good understanding of a problem and facts available. Be patient and allow good amount of time if English not your first language.
4. If you read books, and you find some paragraph interesting, then write and save on a paper. How can this be presented towards explaining my problem? think. Even movies or any life experience can be used to express your research problem. Reading become interesting when there is some humor and bit of reality in it.
5. Avoid pedantic write-ups at start. Understand different styles of writing and which one fits your style. Shakespeare, wall street or harry potter. Be urself..
6.If your problem is unique, create a perception of understanding in your writing first and then explain your problem. If your supervisor only watched Dr.NO, then how the hell he'll understand Dr. Who? His brain with Dr.No & Pussy Galore memories and perceptions will not understand Dr. Who. For him if Dr.Who does not have a cat and Pussy, the whole concept is useless..
7Seek help and proof read by others.
Hope this helps. Dont give up, with regular pressure as termed in geology, even big mountains turn into dust.
