Practical Suggestions On How To Craft A Good Outline For A Dissertation
Preparing a practical list of things to be done and drawing a sketch are the two chief aspects of a brilliant dissertation outline.
What to do?
- Preparing your to-do list is the first step of outline. In this segment, all the tasks are arranged roughly and this gives an idea to the student. Many times some of the tasks get overlapped too.
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The outline of the dissertation conveys clarity of thoughts and flow of ideas. This involves sketching of all what you need to structure. Basically, outline guides you with the presentation process. It can be done in two ways- either in the form of linear planning or in the form of conceptual planning (also known as mind-mapping).
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Once you have created a pattern of preparing outline, you can follow the same steps while writing each chapter too. Stay clear and avoid repetition of words. Your structure should be compact and devoid of confusion. It will make a coherent dissertation. Planning is different from execution. Hence do not afraid even if you are swayed away with your original plans. Seek support of your mentor or supervisor if you are losing track.
Linear planning outline: Its steps includes-
- Writing an introduction with a rationale
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Ask yourself research questions. Explain research terms too.
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Prepare outline of literature by asking questions, who, why, what, when etc.
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Opt for research methodologies. It includes questionnaire, interviews, observations, presentation of data, its analysis, discussion etc.
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Be ready for counter arguments or for supporting theorists.
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Write conclusion and your suggestion for future research
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Prepare appendices and bibliography at the end.
Conceptual planning: In conceptual mapping planning outline writing process gets modified as you move on. You do not need to rewrite your plan entirely.
How to prepare to-do lists?
Though it demands lot of time to prepare such lists but its advantage is that overview becomes clear and you can track your own progress. It offers a sense of satisfaction.
Steps of preparing outline-
- Carry out investigations after subject is decided.
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Going through examples
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Asking research questions
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Getting research topic signed by supervisor
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Deciding empirical or non- empirical type of writing
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Organize your thoughts and notes
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Opting research methodologies and checking it with supervisor
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Preparing notes of literature
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Reading pros and cons of different aspects
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Drafting the introduction, body and the conclusion part
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Asking supervisor for draft checking
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Writing up a final version after editing
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Asking friend to have a look
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Binding
While going through the above mentioned steps, you should decide date of each step and the date of submission in mind too.