Critical writing- the three Ps for effective writing

When I was doing my PhD, back in 2006-2009, I was always on the 'hunt' for a better academic writing style for my 'woobly' thesis.

'Woobly'- yes that's the word that my supervisor always used to describe how 'good' my writing was. 

That was when I was left with only 3  months count down to submit my thesis.

And that's the main cause that I found myself 'curfewing' in the library, reading my seniors theses just to study how they 'write'.  I would stay in the library,  rereading the paragraphs over and over again and looking at the style and pattern of their writings! They were adorable. Their writing was so critical, a reflection of how analytical their ideas were.

At times, I would cry as I stared at my own draft of writing and just didn't know how to refine them as to make the arguments I wrote sound enough, as a thesis would!

What was more daunting is the time that ticked so fast, and my deadline of study was approaching!

Perhaps, some of you are facing the same situation.

Throughout my endeavor, I kept on looking for guidelines and tutorials to write critically and effectively as an academic.

And my endeavor had brought me to some of these books.

Perhaps the following books might help you out there who are in need just as I was.

The line of reasoning- the heart of academic writing. Needs Practice.

Good books to boost your critical thinking skills for writing

Good and effective writing needs THREE P: practice, patience, passion!
1. Practice writing the same way that good writers write. Study the phrases used. Nowadays, there's academic phrasebank that you can refer to. Be observant on the words and the phrases used and when to use them efficiently and effectively.

2. Patience: Have patience. Don't get bored in no time. No pain no gain! Have patience in practicing writing. Have someone check upon on your writings consistently. Your friends who understand your problem will do. Your supervisor? That's a better choice, and I would say, very brave of you!
Whoever they are, have them to give you feedback on how you are doing.

Tell them: "Frank answers and no pleasant answers, please". Bitter is to swallowed. Accept the fact even though it is bitter.

3. Passion: You will lose Patience and will abandon Practice if the third P is not in your vocab.
Yes, Passion is key! See 'writing' as your lover. (after all, being a PhD student, you must be in love with writing, otherwise your PhD baby is nowhere to be delivered).


Perhaps, I will write on the method I used to write (in a tutorial form). Pray for that!

In the meanwhile, all the best!

And I am still learning....,
DrNK