6 things you must do before starting to write your dissertation
- How to structure the paper?
- Write before writing
- What is the question?
- Methodology and results
Each work has the same structure: First, the introduction, which presents the thesis and from in which the questioning of the work is derived. This is followed by the method part, which includes all measurement and test methods, and then the results, which should be the third of the work. In the discussion the author compares his results with other investigations. The final summary then represents, on a maximum of two pages, a kind of abstract of the work followed by the bibliography. So far, so clear. But is it useful to start with the introduction? It’s recommendable to write the introduction at the end.
A student should immediately create a large raw document in which he writes everything that comes to his mind. As the rough structure is solid, all ideas can be written directly into the corresponding chapter. This includes a literary footnote, from which the explanations come. Spending some time to get involved in a literature management program is a good idea. It is worthwhile to maintain the directory professionally, so that the numbering does not always fly through when articles are inserted. This saves a lot of work.
The question should also be formulated long before the actual writing: What is the effect of the work? This is not the case in all dissertations. But it should be absolutely certain, because the whole work is based on it. The introduction only leads to the question. It is difficult for students to focus on that. If you read the introduction, which has nothing to do with the question, that is bad. As a rule of thumb, the introduction including the question of questioning should not take more than twenty percent of the work.
Sometimes it is also difficult for students to decide what belongs to which chapter. In the introduction or the methodological section no one should reveal what he has found out. However, all statistical tests belong to the methodological section. Be absolutely supportive. In the result part you can finally report what you found out. But here, many people make a crucial mistake: they underestimate the time needed for a good presentation. Graphics and tables are often sloppy. The following applies: Tables, diagrams and illustrations must be self-explanatory. A table is preceded by a heading, a graphic is an explanation.
Even less clear than the result part is how to build the discussion. The discussion should evaluate the results and answer the question posed in the introduction. In the beginning you should simply write every thought you think fits. To make the discussion clearer, you should also get a sample dissertation.
Finally, you should write your own work independently. You should avoid plagiarism as much as possible. It can only ruin your grade and you can even have bigger problems. Try to write in your own words and list the references in the end. This will help you to avoid issues with your university and you will get a good grade for sure.