The dissertation, sometimes called a thesis, is the “final exam” to some students and is the last hurdle before graduating. Writing a dissertation depends on your course. This is usually done in the doctorate level. What makes it different from an undergraduate or masteral thesis is that the writer is working independently without a mentor or adviser though the manner of writing is similar to a thesis, especially the fundamentals of writing.
Just like standard dissertation, the first rule is to always have a topic which will be the basis of the main idea. A main idea is the most important part of the dissertation. Without it, nothing will happen. The main idea represents the general topic of the dissertation and is usually introduced on the first paragraph. The main idea sets the tone on how the dissertation will be written and therefore, anything else that follows must be consistent to the main idea to maintain coherence. Like in a term paper or thesis, an outline is a must to serve as a guide.
Then there is the statement of the problem. This represents the problem you want to address in the dissertation This will be followed by the significance of the study where you need to explain why it is important for you to pursue this and who stands to benefit from it. Another important part of the dissertation is the review of literature where you discuss some of the relevant materials you are using in your dissertation to further support your ideas. Next is the methodology and research design where you outline how you plan to do your dissertation, what approach you will take and the means and resources you will use, if it will require archival research of field work. Furthermore, this is where you state the scope of your study and set a specific parameter on what the dissertation will cover or discuss. It would be unrealistic to do a dissertation with a very broad topic.
Then comes the formal writing where the main body should support your main thesis as given in the statement of the problem. The conclusion should wrap up everything you have covered in your main body and if applicable, provide recommendation. The conclusion is basically a repetition of the main idea stated in the first paragraph. The difference is that this summarizes everything discussed in the dissertation. Furthermore, what makes this different is the wording. The words used in the conclusion must not be identical but similar in meaning to what was stated in the first paragraph. In addition, it must also discuss, even in passing, the details stated in the body. As stated before, coherence and consistency is a must and the conclusion must not deviate from what is discussed earlier.
The “final exam” comes in the form of defending your dissertation before a panel of professors where everything in your dissertation will be scrutinized and be prepared to answer questions. If your dissertation passes scrutiny, you are assured of your masteral or doctoral degree.
