Writing Standards
Common Thesis Writing Mistakes: 100 Typical Error Case Analysis
What mistakes are easily made in thesis writing? This guide summarizes 100 typical writing mistakes covering topic selection, framework, content, and format.
What this page helps you do first
- 100 typical error cases
- Topic/framework/content/format coverage
- Error causes and correct practices
Common topic selection mistakes (20)
- Topic too broad like "Chinese Enterprise Strategy Research" → should add qualifiers
- Topic too new without literature support
- Colloquial expressions used in topic
- Topic does not match research content
- Innovation points unclear
Common framework mistakes (20)
- Thesis framework incomplete, missing necessary chapters
- Logical jumps between chapters
- Literature review disconnected from research questions
- Research methods do not match research questions
- New viewpoints appear in conclusion
Common content mistakes (40)
- Direct quotes exceeding word limit
- Citation format non-standard
- Literature review only lists without commentary
- Research method description incomplete
- Data results and analysis sections confused
- Table titles unclear
- Figure citations non-standard
- Conclusions too vague
Common format mistakes (20)
- Fonts and sizes inconsistent
- Line spacing inconsistent
- Headers and footers incorrect
- Chinese and English punctuation mixed
- Title hierarchy confused
- Reference formats inconsistent
- Footnote and endnote format errors
- Page numbers not continuous
Frequently asked questions
- Advisor always says my thesis lacks logic, what to do?
- Logic problems are usually framework problems. Recommend re-organizing thesis main line: research question → research methods → research results → conclusions. Ensure each chapter closely follows research question.
- How to avoid literature review becoming just listing?
- Literature review needs "commentary" not just "description." Every cited literature should explain: what problem it solved, what shortcomings it has, how your research builds on it.
- Can I get an extension if thesis is not finished?
- Every school has thesis submission deadlines; extensions require application with strict conditions. Rather than hoping for extension, better to plan writing schedule in advance.