Proper Structure: Dissertation Sections Explained

A basic dissertation structure leaves your paper with several sections. Each section requires you to include specific information. In the absence of such information, the reader will be confused and especially fail to follow your argument.

Several factors define the dissertation sections you will capture in your paper:

• Area of study – each area of study has specific requirements for their academic papers. For instance, science subjects demand data collection and presentation. You might not find such a chapter in some of the theoretical areas. Consult your tutor to ensure that you understand the requirements.
• Instructions from your department – each department releases a customized dissertation guide. It is not far from other dissertations but comes with slight modifications. For instance, you may be required to use a particular formatting style that results in a different structure. Obtain a template from the department or a sample to guide you.
• The topic of discussion – the issues you will be discussing in your paper determine its structure. For instance, a topic on compare and contrast will result in a paper with two sections. The sections of a dissertation must follow the prompts of your topic.

A proper dissertation structure captures basic sections in the preliminaries, actual paper, and appendices. Here is a look at how to structure a dissertation to make it appealing to your readers and meet academic writing requirements.

Preliminaries

Preliminary sections are not an actual part of your dissertation. In most cases, the preliminary pages will be written in roman letters or using a different numbering system. It captures the cover page, dedication, and acknowledgment, among others that the department may require you to include. There are no rules on how to include or format these sections apart from the cover page. They only set the mood for your writing.

Actual Dissertation Sections

The actual dissertation comes with 5 chapters. These parts of a dissertation are standard regardless of your topic of study. The chapters address the subject you have identified in your topic. They must follow a strict academic writing format. They require precision and intentionality.

• Introduction

The chapter sets the pace for your writing. It hooks the reader to your discussion using quotes, figures, anecdotes, and such attention-grabbing tricks. It appears at the beginning of your paper. It whets the appetite of a reader to compel him to read deeper into your paper. Do not make revelations in the introduction. Provide details that will compel the reader to get to the body of your paper.

• Literature Review

The Literature Review section is one of the most important parts of the structure of a dissertation it puts the discussion in context. It helps the reader to recognize what other scholars say about the subject. It also demonstrates that your writing is part of an ongoing discussion on the subject. The Literature Review requires you to use the best quality books, articles, journals, and other approved learning materials.

• Methodology

The methodology is among the shortest but most important parts of the dissertation chapter structure. Since dissertations require you to collect and analyze data, the section provides a philosophical foundation or justification for the data you have collected. It also indicates the authenticity of this data. By revealing the tools and methods used in data collection, a reader will find your paper credible and conclusions believable.

• Research Presentation

Having collected data and analyzed it, the Presentation chapter displays your findings. You should capture data coming from every question or investigation you were doing. It is time for the reader to understand what you found.

• Summary, implications, and conclusion

The part connects your hypothesis with the revelations made by your data. It is time to ascertain whether your claims were justified. The conclusions must be drawn from the data collected.

Appendices

The section captures materials you used but are not directly related to the thesis discussion. Attach questionnaires, letters asking for permission, interview questions, and such materials. They guide the reader to understand your work.

A sample will help you to understand the structure. You must get the structure right to avoid a poor grade. Hire a professional writer to help you produce the best dissertation.