+27 21 959 2946library@uwc.ac.za
Central to any successful dissertation is the manner in which the argument is presented, namely in the logical and coherent construction of the argument, substantiated by relevant material. The one chapter must lead logically to the next chapter. In a chapter, the one section follows logically on the previous one. In a section one paragraph must lead logically to the next paragraph. Each paragraph deals with one idea or concept only. In a paragraph, one sentence flows logically from the previous sentence. It is important that you clearly indicate and emphasise with appropriate markers in the text how paragraphs relate to each other. Phrases such as “In addition to the argument above…”, “Another reason is…”, “There is one exception to the above”, “In sum, it can be argued that…” etc. all indicate different types of linkages between paragraphs. Make a deliberate effort to accentuate the structure of your text.
To assist you, make use of numbered heading and sub-heading. By numbering the main headings (para 1) and sub-heading (para 1.2) the structure of the argument is made more visible.
In your endeavour to substantiate the argument, you refer to sources (which you have uncovered during your thorough research of the relevant materials) that either support or detract from your argument. In the case of opposing arguments or information you have to argue why such arguments or information is not persuasive, being either irrelevant or wrong.
Don’t use the ‘shotgun approach’: the dumping of information that may or may not be relevant, without integrating it into your arguments, adds nothing to the dissertation. To the contrary, it detracts from the dissertation, suggesting that the author does not understand the relevance of the material to the argument being advanced. If you’re not certain about whether to include information or not, ask yourself the question: is this information indispensable in understanding or dealing with my problem statement? If the answer is no, leave it out.
Remember, it is your argument, your answer to the problem. You may refer to materials that support your argument, and you may indicate agreement with authors, but your voice must be heard through the maze of materials. Clearly indicate when your voice comes through, by using such expressions as “it is submitted that …”. Avoid unnecessary qualifications such as “I will attempt to argue that/make a case for…”. The fact that you presented your case as ‘only an attempt’ will do little to soften your critics so rather assert your argument and makes sure it sticks.
Resist the temptationto insert a verbatim quote whenever you find that someone articulates nicely what you’re arguing. Use your own language and reserve the use of verbatim quotes for exceptional circumstances (“Ask not what your country can do for you…”).
Each chapter should commence with a road map – tell the reader what will happen in the chapter. You may state: “In this chapter it will be shown or argued ….” A dissertation or essay is not a detective novel, keeping the readers in suspense until the last chapter when all is revealed and the murder solved. The reader should be taken by the hand and explained what will be done in the chapter. Having done that at the beginning, the chapter then concludes with: “It has been shown that ….”.
Any dissertation ends with a conclusion that must wrap up the argument. Whereas in chapter 1 (the proposal) the argument is briefly put forward, the conclusion provides a more elaborate argument, now substantiated by the material and arguments presented in each chapter. Your conclusion must summarise your findings (“it has been argued that ….. is unconstitutional because….”). It should not just summarise the structure (“this paper addressed the constitutionality of…”). As the dissertation addressed a significant problem, the argument advanced may also contain recommendations on how the knowledge so gained, could be best put to use. Make such recommendations explicit, but be careful: you cannot suggest recommendations that you have not explored or are too bland to be of any use.
You may not deliver new information or a new argument in your summary. That is not what conclusions are for. Ensure that all the information has been presented and all the detailed arguments have been made in the body of the dissertation / essay so that you can use the conclusion to wrap up the argument.
University of the Western Cape,
Robert Sobukwe Road,
Bellville,
7535
Tel: 021 959 2946
