Post-Examination Language Revisions in a Thesis or Dissertation

Post-Examination Language Revisions in a Thesis or Dissertation

The period following the examination of a thesis or dissertation can be both exhilarating and daunting. On the one hand, you have successfully defended years of research before a panel of experts. On the other, your examiners’ feedback—often detailed, incisive, and sometimes humbling—will almost certainly include requests for revisions. Among these, language-related corrections are among the most common and can range from small typographical issues to more serious structural and stylistic concerns. Understanding how to approach and manage these language revisions with professionalism is essential to finalising your work and earning your degree with confidence.

The first reality every postgraduate candidate must accept is this: no thesis or dissertation is perfect at the time of examination. Even the most carefully proofread document will contain some mistakes, and your examiners will find them. They are trained to do so. The presence of errors does not necessarily reflect poorly on your intelligence or your research; what matters is how you respond to them. Demonstrating awareness, accountability, and a commitment to correction can make all the difference between a frustrating post-exam process and a smooth path to final submission.

Expecting and Embracing Revisions

It is a rare event indeed when a postgraduate thesis passes through examination without any requested revisions. Minor corrections—such as typos, punctuation errors, or small stylistic inconsistencies—are almost guaranteed. More substantial language revisions, however, can indicate deeper issues: inconsistent terminology, grammatical ambiguity, unclear argumentation, or awkward phrasing that obscures meaning. These problems can affect how examiners assess the clarity and academic merit of your work.

The key is to anticipate rather than fear these revisions. A proactive mindset will not only prepare you mentally but also impress your examiners with your professionalism. Before your viva or oral defence, read through your thesis carefully from start to finish. Make a list of errors, awkward constructions, or inconsistencies you notice. This exercise will reacquaint you with your text, sharpen your awareness of potential weaknesses, and help you prepare for the discussion ahead.

If you discover multiple language issues during this review, consider mentioning them briefly in your defence. Presenting your examiners with a prepared list of language improvements you plan to make can demonstrate self-awareness and scholarly integrity. It tells them that you not only recognise the imperfections in your writing but also intend to address them diligently after the examination. In some cases, an examiner may even provide you with their own list of noted language errors. If so, treat this as a gift rather than a criticism—someone has done part of your revision work for you.

Handling Minor Language Errors

Small linguistic errors—misspellings, misplaced commas, inconsistent capitalisation, or typographical slips—are usually categorised as minor revisions. While individually insignificant, their cumulative effect can undermine the professionalism of your thesis. Examiners often describe such problems as “distracting” or “indicative of haste,” and these impressions can subtly influence their final evaluation.

When addressing minor errors, the goal is to ensure consistency and accuracy throughout your text. Revisit your thesis systematically, section by section, and correct every small issue you find. Pay attention to:

• Spelling: Choose either British or American English and maintain it consistently (e.g., “colour” vs. “color”).
• Punctuation: Check for misplaced commas, colons, and semicolons, and ensure quotation marks follow your chosen style guide.
• Capitalisation: Apply consistent rules for headings, titles, and proper nouns.
• Formatting: Standardise font sizes, spacing, and the presentation of figures, tables, and references.

Many examiners consider minor errors acceptable if the overall quality of the research is strong, but excessive mistakes can suggest carelessness. Demonstrating meticulous attention to detail in your post-exam revisions will counter that impression and reinforce your professionalism.

Dealing with More Serious Language Issues

Occasionally, examiners identify language problems that extend beyond isolated errors—issues that obscure meaning or hinder comprehension. These may include:

• Sentences that are grammatically correct but unnecessarily complex or verbose.
• Ambiguous phrasing that leaves interpretation open to confusion.
• Inconsistent terminology that affects the precision of your argument.
• Poorly structured paragraphs that fail to convey logical progression.

Such concerns are considered major language revisions. They require more than proofreading—they demand rewriting. If your examiners identify these problems, take their feedback seriously. Poorly expressed writing can obscure the quality of even the most innovative research. Clarity of expression is not an optional refinement but a fundamental aspect of scholarly communication.

During your viva, if your examiners raise issues of this kind, acknowledge their observations and outline your plan for correction. If English is not your first language, it is appropriate to explain this context. Emphasise that you have already worked hard to improve your written English and that you are committed to achieving a high linguistic standard in your final version. If necessary, mention your intention to engage a professional proofreader or editor. Most examiners will appreciate this proactive approach.

The Importance of Professional Proofreading

Many students underestimate the value of professional proofreading, believing that grammar checkers or peer reviews will suffice. However, academic proofreading goes far beyond surface-level correction. A skilled proofreader with experience in scholarly writing will ensure consistency in style, referencing, and structure, while also refining tone and clarity. They can identify subtle linguistic patterns that automated tools miss—such as incorrect article usage, misaligned tense patterns, or awkward idiomatic phrasing.

Engaging a proofreader before submission can prevent post-exam complications. If your thesis has already been examined and language issues were raised, employing a professional now becomes essential. This is particularly important if your revisions must be completed within a tight deadline. Professional proofreaders are trained to improve clarity and coherence while respecting your academic voice and disciplinary conventions.

When hiring a proofreader, ensure they are familiar with academic conventions and your specific field of study. Provide them with the style guide required by your institution, and clarify whether you need a light proofread (corrections only) or a more intensive language edit (rewriting for clarity). Always retain a copy of both the original and the revised versions, as examiners may wish to see evidence of the changes you made.

Explaining Errors Diplomatically During the Examination

If your examiners point out language problems during your viva, respond with professionalism rather than defensiveness. Avoid minimising their concerns or suggesting that language is unimportant compared to your research content. Instead, acknowledge the issue openly:

“Thank you for highlighting that. I realise there are sections where my phrasing could be clearer, particularly in the discussion chapter. I plan to revise these passages carefully before final submission.”

This kind of response demonstrates responsibility and willingness to improve. If English is not your first language, you can add a brief explanation without using it as an excuse:

“As English is not my native language, I’ve worked hard to ensure accuracy, but I recognise there’s room for refinement. I intend to have the revised version professionally proofread to ensure clarity.”

Such statements show maturity and a commitment to academic excellence—qualities your examiners will respect. What they want to see is not perfection, but a readiness to address weaknesses constructively.

Organising and Implementing Post-Exam Revisions

After your defence, you will typically receive a list of required revisions from your examiners. These may range from minor corrections to substantial reworking of certain sections. To manage the process efficiently:

• Prioritise tasks: Separate minor language edits from major rewrites. Begin with structural and conceptual changes before fine-tuning style and grammar.
• Track your progress: Maintain a checklist of each required correction. This will help you demonstrate to your supervisor that all feedback has been addressed.
• Allow time for review: After completing revisions, read through your entire thesis again to ensure consistency and smooth transitions between sections.
• Seek feedback: If possible, ask a colleague or mentor to review revised sections for clarity and flow before final submission.

Effective revision is not only about fixing mistakes but also about improving the overall presentation of your work. This is your opportunity to transform a good thesis into an excellent one.

Learning from the Process

While post-examination revisions can feel tedious, they offer a valuable learning experience. You gain insight into how experts perceive your writing, which can help you improve not only your thesis but also future publications. Each correction deepens your understanding of academic language and its precision. Many students find that after completing post-exam revisions, their confidence as writers grows significantly.

Ultimately, revising the language of your thesis or dissertation is about ensuring that your ideas—the true heart of your research—are communicated as effectively as possible. Clear, polished writing enhances your credibility, honours your examiners’ feedback, and reflects your professionalism as a scholar.

Conclusion: Turning Revisions into Refinement

Language revisions after examination should not be seen as a setback but as a final stage of refinement. They provide the opportunity to perfect your argumentation, correct overlooked details, and present your research in the best possible light. Whether you are fixing typographical errors or rewriting entire sections, the goal remains the same: clarity, precision, and professionalism.

Approach this process with diligence and humility. Thank your examiners for their attention to detail, acknowledge your weaknesses, and take active steps to improve. By investing time and care into your post-exam revisions, you not only ensure the acceptance of your final submission but also strengthen your skills as a researcher and writer. In the end, the process of revision—though demanding—stands as proof of your growth as a scholar ready to contribute confidently to your field.