Analysis of Stylistic and Discursive Errors in Master’s Thesis Writing

Abstract

Academic writing quality is a crucial indicator of research ability at the postgraduate level. Master’s theses should follow established style and structure standards, yet many still exhibit stylistic and discursive issues. This research investigates the most common errors in master’s thesis writing and their effects on coherence, clarity, and scholarly credibility. Using a qualitative approach, the study analyzes theses written in English by non-native speakers, focusing on stylistic and discourse features. Findings reveal that typical stylistic errors include poor word choice, redundancy, informality, and complex syntax, while discursive mistakes involve weak cohesion, unclear thematic flow, and inconsistent argumentation. The study indicates these problems arise from insufficient academic writing training, limited genre awareness, and native-language discourse influences. The article emphasizes the importance of systematic instruction in academic writing and suggests pedagogical strategies to improve stylistic and discourse skills among postgraduate students.