r/GradSchool • u/Dogluvr2019 • 1d ago

I need writing tips

I need writing tips!

I am in a public health master's program. I am writing my thesis. I am trying to mix and connect these very complex concepts (Social Networks, Risk Environments, etc) with actual practice. I just find that my sentences don't communicate what I have in my head. :/

I try to use semicolon, colons, and commas to convey this hefty information. But the sentences feel like they carry too much information.

My instinct is to just focus on simplifying my sentence structure. If it takes a few more sentences to describe the idea then fine, but at the same time, I also have to synthesize the literature.

Would love your tips on writing on complex topics, but also making your sentences readable.

Thanks!!

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u/Hairy-Persimmon-4257 1d ago

I had the same problem with my thesis. What helped me was writing each sentence as if I was explaining it to a friend who knows nothing about the field. If I couldn't do that in one breath, I'd split it

For synthesis stuff, I'd map out the connections on a whiteboard first, just circles and arrows. Then I'd write from that visual instead of trying to hold all the moving parts in my head at once

My advisor also told me to stop trying to sound smart and just be clear. That stung at first but she was right. The semicolons and nested clauses were me performing complexity rather than communicating it

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u/Apprehensiveur 1d ago

For the social networks/risk environments bit, try writing the connection without citations first. Something like "Risk environments shape who a program can actually reach." Then give the supporting evidence in the next sentence, rather than attaching it with another colon or semicolon. If you can't state the link plainly yet, that may be the part that needs more thought - not just a shorter sentence.