Point

Elaboration

1.

Have a clear structure

5-6 chapters, not a series of sections

2.

Make good reference to the literature

Have a literature review chapter

3.

Make sure it is well-referenced

Harvard style, 1:1 correspondence

4.

Be intellectually engaged

Conduct a dialogue with the material

5.

Pose a question to be answered rather than a subject  to be researched

The whole FYP should be an extended answer to a question rather than assembling materials upon a topic

6.

Strive to be analytical

Minimise descriptive elements

7.   *

Project manage your project

Utilise time-lines, deadlines

8.

Strive to  write well

Spell-check, check grammar syntax

9.

Make any survey work connect

Empirical work should reflect themes

10.

Ensure survey work is methodologically sound

-  Specify methodology
-  Give details of pilots, samples
-  good statistical analysis
   (e.g. hypothesis tests)
-  Interpret statistical tests

11.  *

Examine other good examples

Imitate excellent features

12.  *

Take advice from others

Find out what others consider good

13.  *

Back up constantly

Write in chapters, back up constantly