Composing a Dissertation Abstract: Useful Prompts

Why is the abstract the most important section of the Dissertation?

• It is the Introduction to the Dissertation.
• The abstract provides the targeted reader with a general overview of what will be discussed in the Dissertation.
• The abstract provides information on how the student will prove or disprove their viewpoint on the topic.
• The abstract sets the tone for the entire Dissertation.
• The abstract lets the targeted reader know the tests, experiments, surveys, and other research methods used to prove or disprove the writer’s position on the topic.
• The abstract is a good guide for the targeted reader to have a general overview of the entire Dissertation.
• The abstract is normally the last section of the Dissertation that is written.

How to write an effective abstract for one’s dissertation?

• The abstract should always be written after one completes the writing of the entire Dissertation.
• The abstract should include the following information:
  1. The topic of the Dissertation.
  2. The thesis statement should be the last sentence of Abstract section.
  3. The tests, experiments, and other research methods used to support the writer’s position.
  4. General overview of what will be discussed in the Dissertation regarding the topic.
  5. The main points that will support the writer’s perspective on the topic.
• The Abstract should be no more than two pages long.
• The Abstract should always be written in present tense and not past tense.
• The Abstract will determine if the targeted reader will read the Dissertation or not read it.

How to write a Dissertation that ensures the student will receive their PhD or other graduate degree?

• The Abstract must be written in a compelling and convincing way.
• The Abstract must convince the reader to read the entire Dissertation.
• The Abstract sets the tone for the rest of the Dissertation.
• The Abstract should always been written after the rest of the Dissertation because it highlights the main points of the dissertation.
• The Dissertation should be written in present tense and not past tense.
• The Dissertation should be written on a topic that has not been written about a lot before.
• The topic of the Dissertation should be interesting and compelling to the targeted readers.
• The student should set out enough time to write the Dissertation.
• The student should develop a plan on how the Dissertation will be written and deadlines for sections to be completed.
• The student should take writing their Dissertation very seriously because it plays a major role in determining if they receive their graduate degree.