Introduction
Cognitive skills
Role of supervisor
Writing skills
Information and technology skills

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Part I. Planning :

Choosing a research project
Before you choose a research project
Basic considerations for choosing a research project
Advice for undergraduate students
Advice for postgraduate students

Researching a topic
Keywords
Sources of information
Types of information
Writing a research project proposal
Purpose of a research proposal
Structure of a research proposal
Other considerations
Tips on writing style and language in a research proposal
Checklist for writing a research proposal

Planning a research project
Phases of a research project
Project management
Be accountable
Be focused on your objectives
Be realistic
Keep interested
Tips on making a Gantt chart

Research methodology and research methods
Research methodology
Research methods

Keeping research records
Purpose of keeping a research log
Contents in a research log
Using a research log
Writing a research log
Recording literature searches
Hardcopy versus electronic copy
Things to avoid in keeping a research log
Rules on keeping a research log

Part II. Writing

Starting to write
Starting to write
Writing at the beginning of a project
Managing your writing
Avoiding procrastination
Grammar, punctuation and word usage guide
Common grammar problems
Common sentence problems
Common punctuation problems
Commonly misused and confused words and phrases

Do's and don'ts of technical writing
Do's of technical writing
Don'ts of technical writing

Strategies for writing a good report or thesis
Learn from others
Start early
Write the first draft quickly
Use a template
Revising and checking for plagiarism
Writing the introduction and literature review
Components of an introduction
Strategic use of steps in the different parts of an introduction and literature review
Common logical pitfalls in an introduction
Some key language features of an introduction and literature review
Writing the literature review as a separate section or chapter
Checklist for introduction and literature review

Other 9. Writing the materials and methods
Components of materials and methods
Some considerations in writing materials and methods
Some key language features in materials and methods
Checklist for materials and methods

Writing the results and discussion
Components of results and discussion
Organizing results and discussion
Common logical pitfalls in results and discussion
Some key language features of results and discussion
Tips on typing equations
Checklist for results and discussion

Writing the conclusion
Functions of a conclusion section
Components of the conclusion section
Illustration of a conclusion section in a research paper
Language features of the conclusion
Do's and don'ts in writing the conclusion section
Checklist for writing the conclusion

Writing the abstract and front matter
Components of an abstract
Some key language features in an abstract
Some considerations in writing an abstract
Checklist for writing an abstract
Parts of front matter
Checklist for an abstract and front matter

Referencing
Features of two main referencing systems
In-text citations
End-of-text citations

Using sources and avoiding plagiarism
Using sources
Avoiding plagiarism
Checklist for avoiding plagiarism

Revising and editing
General advice before you revise
How to revise

Part III. Presentation

How to create figures
Purpose of figures
Types of figures
Photographs and images
Schematic drawings
Tips for positioning figures, images and charts
How to create a good layout
Ten simple rules for a good layout
Layout of report or thesis
Follow the guidelines
Create a template file

How to prepare for an oral presentation
The message
The audience
Presentation time
Preparing for an oral presentation
Presentation format
Presentation slides

Do's and don'ts of oral presentations
Managing anxiety
Delivering your presentation
Using presentation tools
Managing your time
Procedure for finishing quickly
Tip: How to find your conclusions slide instantly
Answering questions
Checklist for a presentation.