Thesis writing guides

Tips and examples that work with any software, written by the creator of Gradus. Always check your university’s own rules.

How to write a thesis: a step-by-step guide with examplesFrom choosing a topic to submission: the stages of a thesis, a sample 16-week schedule, a typical table of contents and mistakes to avoid.
Thesis formatting: margins, fonts, line spacing and page numbersTypical settings for formatting a thesis (A4 or Letter, margins, 12 pt, 1.5 or double spacing), a sample title page and tips for double-sided printing.
Thesis citations and bibliography: APA, Chicago, MLA and ISO 690 examplesThe same source cited in APA 7, Chicago, MLA 9 and ISO 690, with in-text and footnote examples, Ibid. and a method for never losing page numbers.
Thesis in PDF/A: what it is, why universities ask for it and how to create itWhat the PDF/A format required for thesis submission is, the difference between PDF/A-1b, 2b and 3b, how to check it with veraPDF and the most common errors.
Thesis defence: a 10-minute outline and common committee questionsHow to prepare your thesis defence or viva: a sample 10-minute outline, the questions committees ask most and how to practise out loud.
Spell checker and custom dictionaries for your thesis, in any languageHow to check spelling, grammar and style in your thesis, add the technical terms of your field and use Hunspell dictionaries, thesauri and your own word lists.