There is no PhD without critical discussion.

Here are 6 strong examples of ways to be critical in a thesis: 1. Comparative Analysis

Compare and contrast different theories, methodologies, or findings relevant to your research question. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each approach.

Evaluate how your research builds upon or challenges existing frameworks.

You CAN write a research paper in a weekend using AI.

Here’s how Paperpal Copilot can automate the writing process in just 6 steps:

Bookmark this for all your writing in the new year! First, signup to Paperpal - it’s free and you can start to use it straight away.

Paperpal allows you to write, edit and submit faster, meaning you can take a draft to a finished product in just a few hours.

Academics spend hundreds of hours searching for literature. Instead, use shared reading lists to half your reading time.

R Discovery is a free AI-powered app that promotes human-generated organised reading lists.

This is how you can work smarter: Step 1 - download the R Discovery app.

Create a tailored reading feed and adjust your research interests by selecting topics to follow.

This feed builds recommendations and will send new and relevant research papers to you regularly.

Here's are questions to ask yourself when reflecting and critiquing research papers: (1) consider a counter-argument - an objection, alternative, or problem that a
skeptical reader might raise

(2) define your terms or assumptions (what do I mean by this term? what am I assuming here?)

(3) handle a newly emergent concern (but if this is so, then how can X be?)

Don’t waste time using ChatGPT for your academic research needs.

It provides incorrect references and out-of-date information.

Instead use AI-powered tools that are designed for academics: Search and Discovery

AI-Powered Search Engines - Use AI-enhanced search engines to help you find relevant articles, books, and scholarly sources more efficiently.

For this, R Discovery provides you with a feed tailored to your research interests.

Stop using ChatGPT or Quillbot to perfect your academic writing.

These platforms are not designed for academics.

Instead, use Trinka which is a free AI-powered app. Trinka is an online grammar checker and language correction AI tool made specifically for academic writing.

It can detect errors that generic spelling correctors like Grammarly wouldn’t.

Here are 5 of my favourite Trinka features:

You don't need to spend hours finding and reading research papers.

This NEW impressive hack will make the process fast and easy.

Use a free AI-powered tool called Elicit: Elicit have just released their new version which includes set workflows that can extract information and data from hundreds of papers in seconds.

Most academics are scared of applying for a job in industry.

However, PhD graduates can able to get ANY job because of their wide skillset.

Here are the top 5 'sellable' skills that PhDs have: 1. Research Skills

PhD students develop advanced research skills, including the ability to formulate research questions, design experiments or studies, gather and analyse data and draw meaningful conclusions.

My PhD thesis came back with 0 corrections from my examiners.

My secret was that I used previously submitted theses as an example & learning guide for how to write academically.

Here's how you can access hundreds of FREE PhD theses: White Rose eTheses Online:

This is a shared repository of electronic theses from the University of Leeds, the University of Sheffield and the University of York.

You can browse by year, academic department or author name. etheses.whiterose.ac.uk

I started writing my PhD thesis in May.

I submitted my final thesis by August.

This is how I overcame writer's block to write a PhD thesis in less than 3 months: Start with a Plan

Having a clear outline or structure for your thesis can provide a roadmap that makes the writing process feel less overwhelming. Break down your thesis into smaller sections and set goals for each writing session.

Stop using ChatGPT for understanding research papers.

Instead, use Perplexity which is an AI powered app, where you can upload a document and ask questions about it.

Here's how I save hours every week: First, upload a research paper that you want to ask questions about.

Start asking your questions directly to your research paper.

All learning and memory happen because of neuroplasticity, however, this declines with age.

Here's how to stop your brain from 'switching off': Read regularly

Reading is one of the most effective ways to expand your knowledge. Read books, articles, news, and other informative content on subjects that interest you. Explore both fiction and non-fiction to gain different perspectives and insights.

My parents just graduated their 4th Dr out of their 5 children.

I graduated with a PhD in cancer research, my brother is a dentist, my first sister is a medical doctor and my second sister is a dentist.

This is how they cultivated an academic home: 1. Being active & present, especially in high school

My parents would never miss a single meeting with teachers, would interrogate every grade/report card and would know when we had homework/coursework.

This involvement blended our home and school life seamlessly.

Don’t waste time using ChatGPT or QuillBot to write your thesis.

Instead, use Paperpal which is an AI-powered app.

Here’s how I get high-quality academic writing in minutes: Paperpal can be used (1) on the web or (2) installed as a Word Add-In.

I prefer to use the Word Add-in to edit as I write – this saves hours of time and supports a seamless writing experience.

I have four university degrees - BSc, MRes, PhD and PGCE.

My success if a result of refining how I study and learn new information.

Here are my top 10 learning strategies:



1. Plan and manage your time.

Use a paper planner or a planning app like Notion or Apple Reminders - whatever works for you. If it’s not in writing, it probably won’t happen.

Don’t waste time using ChatGPT for your literature review.

It provides incorrect references and out-of-date information.

Instead, use R Discovery which is a free AI-powered app.

This workflow using R Discovery allows me to quickly write an excellent lit review: The first step of writing a literature review is the most challenging. Finding the most recent & relevant research papers is time consuming.

First, download the R Discovery app.

Excellent grades are not enough to be accepted into a top university.

96.4% of students do not know how to write a personal statement.

Here's how to structure and write a top Master's/PhD personal statement: 1) Current Studies

How do your current studies relate to your postgraduate application?

Mention related subject areas that show a base of knowledge.

Discuss related projects, including group, lab and individual projects, research skills, experimental methodology etc

Here's a list of 50 useful sentences for excellent academic writing.

It will take 5 minutes to add these to your dissertation: Argue

a. Along similar lines, [X] argues that ___.
b. There seems to be no compelling reason to argue that ___.
c. There are [three] main arguments that can be advanced to support ___.
d. [X]’s argument in favor of / against [Y] runs as follows: ___.

Hi 👋🏽 I am the founder of The Page Doctor, where we connect students-in-need to PhD researchers to help with reaching academic goals @ThePageDr We are a team of PhD researchers and PostDocs from British universities, with decades of experience. We offer tailored support through mentorships, proofreading, feedback, scaffolded resources, online courses, eBooks and so much more.

The world smartest children are found in China.

This is how Chinese students study to rank first worldwide: Chinese students are known for their academic excellence, and for good reason. They study hard and are often willing to put in long hours to achieve their goals.

How I designed an award-winning academic poster at @ucl: You have only a few seconds to grab attention.

Successful posters have a ratio of 20 – 25% text, 40 – 45% graphics, 30 – 40% empty space.