If you're struggling with writing your dissertation, or need to write up a practical report as part of your placement, discover how to craft your writing into a well-written project. Using the 'six Ps' - pondering, preparing, planning, pausing, producing and polishing - you'll learn how to produce a persuasive piece of writing, whatever you're studying.

Introduction
Part I: Pondering
Why a Dissertation?
What Is Distinctive about a Dissertation?
What Are Research Questions?
What Makes a Good Dissertation?
When and Why Would I Write a Report?
What Is Distinctive about a Report?
Should I Be Asking Research Questions in a Report?
Part II: Preparing
Devising a Strategy
Gathering Material
Finding Your Voice
Part III: Planning
Are You a Natural Planner?
A Planning Strategy
Your First Step
Four Planning Methods
Part IV: Pausing
Negative Pauses
Necessary Pauses
Positive Pauses
Part V: Producing
Words
Phrases
Sentences
Paragraphs
Sections and Chapters
Part VI: Polishing
Increasing Impact
Checking your Document
Now Take Your Fingers off the Keyboard

Lucinda Becker is Professor of Pedagogy and an award-winning lecturer and tutor at the University of Reading. She has dedicated her professional life to creating independent learners who are confident in themselves intellectually, professionally and personally. Lucinda has written numerous study guides for students and works with undergraduates and postgraduates across the university. She is also a professional trainer and consultant, helping new graduates in engineering, science and law to become successful communicators and leaders.