PhD scholars are faced wide range of challenges in research writing in their early academic period. PhD scholars face difficulties such as a lack of academic writing skills, topic selection, time management, structural and formatting issues, and more. Writing a research paper during your PhD can feel like climbing a mountain. In this blog, we look at some of the struggles PhD scholars face till now, and it will help you overcome these struggles. 

Table of contents.

Ø  Topic selection and formulation

Ø  Academic writing skills

Ø  Time management

Ø  Pressure to publish

Ø  Structural and formatting issue

Ø  Financial constraints

Topic selection and formulation:

   Selecting an appropriate, feasible, and original research topic can be quite difficult. Many PhD scholars select topics that are either too broad or not well aligned with accepted standards in their field. The topic should address a significant gap or unresolved problem in the field. It needs to offer potential for original contribution, rather than revisiting frequently visited areas. Topic selection is an important step in research writing. If you want any PhD assistance, you can contact a research paper writing service to reduce your stress.

Academic writing skills:

   Academic writing strictly follows a clear structure, including an introduction, methodology, results, and discussion. Academic writing requires a formal tone, not personal opinion or emotional language. They frequently have difficulty in organizing their content, utilizing suitable grammar and vocabulary, and expressing complex ideas clearly. Cultural differences in rhetorical style further complicate writing for international scholars. Many PhD scholars lack advanced academic writing expertise, particularly those who speak English as a second language.

Time management:

   Balancing research, coursework, and personal life is often a major challenge. Procrastination and overcommitting can cause missed deadlines and stress. Use calendars, planners, or time-management apps to manage your tasks efficiently. Don’t delay writing until all research is finished; start drafting sections as your project progresses. Focus on one task at a time instead of trying to do multiple things at once. This boosts both productivity and the quality of your work.

Pressure to Publish:

The biggest pressure is faced by early-career or non-permanent researchers because their career advancement, reputation, and job security often depend on their publication records, sometimes more than on scientific quality or innovation. Every scholar faces persistent pressure to publish in reputable journals, which adds an extra level of stress, particularly given the competitive nature of academic publishing and frequent rejections.

Structural and Formatting Issues:

   Meeting institutional guidelines for formatting and documentation requires conscious attention to detail, which can be a source of significant stress and repeated revisions. Universities often have extensive and rigid guidelines concerning structure, section headings, citation styles, margins, font size, page numbering, and more. Understanding and consistently implementing these requirements can overwhelm scholars, especially as formatting errors may result in manuscripts being rejected or returned for Revision. Many scholars find it challenging to properly format tables, charts, figures, and appendices according to specifications, including accurate placement, captions, and cross-referencing throughout the text.

Financial Constraints:

   Many PhD scholars receive stipends or fellowships that are below minimum wage, which makes it difficult to pay basic living expenses. This is a global issue, with scholars in nations like India, Canada, the UK, and New Zealand having reported stipends that barely meet or fall below the minimum living requirements. PhD scholars who have dependents or who are studying far from their home face extra financial pressure, as stipends usually do not account for higher family or international living costs. Scholarships and grants are highly competitive, and not every scholar receives them. Furthermore, for those who do, the amounts often do not cover all expenses. Incomplete funding or unexpected costs can create additional financial stress. Are you a PhD student struggling in your PhD journey? Or do you want any experienced writer’s guidance? We are here to help you.

Conclusion:

   Writing a research paper is a complicated thing, but the process is enjoyable. PhD scholars face these major difficulties and more. If you want to overcome these difficulties, you should improve your academic writing skills. Nobody can create a professional research paper on their first try. Early career researchers keep in mind that every master was once a beginner.  

   Are you a PhD student struggling in your PhD journey? Or do you want any experienced writer’s guidance? We are here to help you. You may think about how to submit your research paper before the deadline. Don’t worry, our Zonduo service will assist you in every section. We know then you also feel panic, right? We know your financial status, and we offer only an affordable price for PhD scholars. We provide end-to-end guidance from topic selection to submission.