The volume of material would normally be great enough to require subdivision, but there are several ways of doing this that might be appropriate. These should be discussed with your supervisor. As your research progresses it may be necessary to rethink and modify the structure. Be prepared to be flexible.

It may be important to write the introduction last of all, when you know what it is you are introducing. The best introductions prepare readers for the argument and the structure often by summarising the received knowledge on the subject, filling in the background (but not too much detail here), and sketching out the major points to come in the main part of the work.

Sources: Search and Acknowledgement

Critical writing consists in the formulation of judgements (thoughts and conclusions) about something, and these judgements are offered in one way or another to other people. The unspoken assumption is that the reader is likely to be an informed and interested person, so these judgements should be as well-informed as possible. Writers must look for and deal with information - books, periodicals, statistics, photographs, interviews, correspondence, etc.

As far as published works are concerned, you should show that you have made a thorough literature search through the standard bibliographies and other indices of periodical articles. The library staff may be able to help you with this.

The formulation of judgements requires that relevant evidence should be sifted and noted accurately, and reported in detail. The sources should always be referred to in such a way as to make it easy for the reader to cross-check - and, indeed, easy for the writer to double-check - on the detail and original context of the material. The two basic techniques for doing this are the footnote and the bibliography, or list of sources.

It is possible to quote too much from other writers. Lengthy or very frequent quotation can be justified, but you should remember that what is at stake is your own judgement.

Candidates should see their Supervisor regularly and attend any organised workshops. It is important to show work in progress, since the Supervisor's most effective help will consist of comment on actual written drafts, plans, or materials. Typed drafts make things much easier for your supervisor, especially if your handwriting is difficult to read. Comment will aim at helping you to acquire a critical perspective on your own work, and thus help you to think constructively.

You should remember to consult with the Faculty Librarians who are usually the best source of help in matters of access to materials. Their approval is required in respect of Inter-Library Loans, and they can facilitate your access to other Libraries and archives.