• One of the techniques to achieve smooth flow of contents is to maintain a thread between adjoining chapters; ensure that each section within a chapter lead on to the subsequent section; and paragraphs of sections are connected to each other. A common practice is to use "joining" words or sentences, particularly at the end and beginning of each chapter. A joining sentence at the end of a chapter tells the reader what to expect, while one at the beginning of a chapter reminds the reader of the contents of the previous chapter. Flow and readability are sometimes used interchangeably, but while smooth flowing content is readable, readability does not necessarily mean that the contents are threaded.

• Flow is interrupted when the reader pauses to ponder the material. This typically occurs in sections discussing new concepts, and when making statements based on interpreted results. Where such areas of the text are identified, pay extra attention to the phrasing of the content and be conscientious in providing clear explanations. When making calculations, define all the variables (include units where applicable) and justify all simplifying assumptions. You should also be fastidious in describing experimental, simulation and test conditions. Do not presume that the reader knows what you are trying to do or are familiar with the techniques that you are employing.

• Material that do not contribute directly to the discussion; argument; or development of a theme or idea, also interrupts flow. Such material should be excluded. If, for the sake of completeness, you wish to include them, place them in an Appendix and refer to them in the main text.

• Avoid one sentence paragraphs. Too many and a page will be filled with numerous gaps, imparting a feeling of discontinuity with the content. Similarly, avoid long sentences. Long sentences are difficult to read, and can obscure an otherwise simple explanation. Try to keep sentence length to less than two lines, and at the same time, make appropriate use of punctuation. Punctuation break a sentence into readable chunks, reduce ambiguity and, if used wisely, can for increase effect and emphasis. A word of warning though - do not apply punctuation at random as they can change the meaning of a sentence.

• The repeated use of words can make a dissertation difficult, if not boring, to read. Use a thesaurus to get synonyms to introduce variety, but make sure that they are used in the proper context. Do not employ bombastic words to show how clever you are with the language. Explanations using commonly encoutered words are more effective than pompous soundling but rarely used vocabulary.

• Presentation also plays an important part in giving the impression of smooth flowing content. The font size should not be too small, and the line-spacing should be wide enough. Choose 12-point for Serif fonts (e.g. Times-Roman, Bookman) and 10-point for Sans-serif fonts (e.g. Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, Tahoma). A 1.5 line spacing for both font types should ensure that the lines are sufficiently far apart to enhance reading comfort.

• Writing in the "active voice" improves the reading pace, and hence flow. Take for example, the following two sentences:
  

  Advanced control improves plant profitability. (active sentence)

  Plant profitability is improved by advanced control. (passive sentence)

  Although both sentences convey the same message, the first is more authoritative and positive. In the active sentence, the emphasis is on "Advanced control" while the passive sentence emphasises "Plant profitability". Moreover, the passive sentence expresses the same information in a round-about way. Passive expressions have their uses though. As another example:

Excessive drinking can cause dementia. (active sentence)

Dementia can be caused by excessive drinking. (passive sentence)

When you do not have strong evidence to support a statement, express it in the passive voice as the tone is less assertive. This is a "trick" adopted usually to avoid getting into sticky arguments with assessors.