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dissertation | Intermediate English
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Dissertation.
dissertations
A dissertation is a long piece of writing that uses research to bring to light an original idea. Don't go to grad school unless you're prepared to write, say, a 300-page dissertation on some topic.
In everyday speech, we sometimes accuse people of delivering dissertations when they overload us with dull information. If you're annoyed with a long memo from your office manager about keeping the kitchen clean, you could mutter to a coworker, “How’d you like that dissertation Felix posted about rinsing out our mugs?”
- noun a treatise advancing a new point of view resulting from research; usually a requirement for an advanced academic degree synonyms: thesis see more see less type of: treatise a formal exposition
Vocabulary lists containing dissertation
This companion novel to Last Night at the Telegraph Club takes place fifty years later and follows eighteen-year-old Aria Tang West who spends the summer with her artistic grandmother in California.
In this third book of the series The Trials of Apollo , Lester, guided by the satyr Grover, must trace a deadly course to find the master of the swift white horse and reach the Tiber river.
After a member of the royal court is murdered, half-dragon musical prodigy Seraphina gets drawn into the investigation and uncovers a plot to destroy peace in the kingdom of Goredd.
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dissertation
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Origin of dissertation
Other words from dissertation, words that may be confused with dissertation, words nearby dissertation, words related to dissertation, how to use dissertation in a sentence.
Thirteen years ago, while working on her PHD dissertation in Madagascar’s Masoala Peninsula, Borgerson encountered a problem.
At Harvard, he received a PhD in government and wrote his dissertation under Henry Kissinger, who became a lifelong friend.
I planned to go back to physics after a couple of years and then return to wrap up my dissertation .
My buba’s lived experience helped shape me into the girl who wrote her college dissertation on the gender pay gap, arguing for equal parental leave for dads and moms, almost 20 years before any major employer implemented any such thing.
My PhD dissertation was a highly theoretical model representing computer systems that were framed as a mathematical model, and if they were interconnected in such a way that these interconnected computers would communicate like cells in the body.
A terrific cultural studies dissertation awaits on how the fortunes of the Cheneys provide a mirror on a changing America.
Today, he visits online forums and bombards them with dissertation -length comments.
In her dissertation , McFate had asked whether ‘good anthropology’ might lead to ‘better killing.’
Heritage has distanced itself from Richwine and his dissertation .
No single dissertation will alter the status quo on its own.
I've never had time to write home about it, for I felt that it required a dissertation in itself to do it justice.
Dr. Pitcairn, published at Leyden his dissertation on the circulation of the blood through the veins.
Start not, reader, I am not going to trouble you with a poetical dissertation ; no, no!
Dissertation sur les Assassins, Académie des Inscriptions, tom.
This dissertation , which is illustrated by several plates, will repay for the time spent in reading it.
British Dictionary definitions for dissertation
Derived forms of dissertation.
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What is a Dissertation?
By Sabrina Collier
The majority of degrees end with this assignment, but just what is a dissertation?
Sometimes known as a thesis (in some countries, this term is used only for the final assignments of PhD degrees, while in other countries ‘thesis’ and ‘dissertation’ are interchangeable), a dissertation is a research project completed as part of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree. Typically, a dissertation allows students present their findings in response to a question or proposition that they choose themselves. The aim of the project is to test the independent research skills students have acquired during their time at university, with the assessment used to help determine their final grade. Although there is usually some guidance from your tutors, the dissertation project is largely independent.
For most students this will be the longest, most difficult and most important assignment completed at university, requiring months of preparation and hard work (the library might become a second home). However, it can also be very rewarding, particularly if you’re passionate about your choice of topic. It’s therefore definitely a good idea to make sure you choose a subject you’re genuinely interested in.
What are the two types of dissertations?
The type of dissertation you complete will vary depending on your course of study. One of the main differences is between empirical and non-empirical dissertations.
Empirical dissertation s are dissertations which involve collecting data, for example in a psychology degree. This may mean putting into practice professional and ethical guidelines when collecting data from members of the public. Empirical dissertations in natural and life science subjects may involve or be entirely centered on laboratory work.
Non-empirical dissertations are based on existing data and arguments in the work of others. This is likely to mean spending a lot of time with your head in a book! In this type of dissertation, you need to make sure you don’t just describe what others are saying, but critically analyze the work and explore its practical applications.
Skills you need to show
No matter what type of dissertation you write, and what topic you choose, you’ll need to demonstrate the following skills:
- Defining and outlining a research area with a clear question
- Identifying the leading issues
- Sourcing the relevant information
- Assessing its reliability and legitimacy
- Evaluating the evidence on all sides of a debate
- Coming to a well-argued conclusion
- Organizing and presenting the outcomes of your work critically, convincingly, and articulately, following all the guidelines on how to format your essay
How long is a dissertation?
The length of a dissertation varies between study level and country, but is generally around 10,000-12,000 words at undergraduate level, 15,000-25,000 words at master’s level and up to 50,000 words or more at PhD level.
Oral examinations (vivas)
For some advanced degrees (particularly PhDs) you may need to attend an oral examination, which is known as a viva in some countries (short for viva voce, which is Latin for ‘live voice’). The viva will usually start with you giving a short presentation of your work to two or three professors, which is then followed by a questioning/answering period which could last up to two hours.
Don’t cheat!
Finally, it pretty much goes without saying, but it’s definitely not advisable to pay someone to write your dissertation for you or otherwise cheat in any way. It’s not worth the risk, and the dissertation is meant to be your chance to let your skills shine through. However, asking a supervisor, friend or family member to take a look at your dissertation is fine. Your supervisor is on hand to guide you, so don’t worry if you need to ask for help.
This article was originally published in January 2016 . It was last updated in January 2023
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The former Assistant Editor of TopUniversities.com, Sabrina wrote and edited articles to guide students from around the world on a wide range of topics. She has a bachelor's degree in English Literature and Creative Writing from Aberystwyth University and grew up in Staffordshire, UK.
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Dissertation
A dissertation is a lengthy written project prepared at the end of an academic program. There are two types of dissertations: those that are partially taught and partially researched, and those that are completely researched by the student. A dissertation’s structure typically includes an introduction, a main body and conclusion. What sets a taught and research dissertation apart is that with the latter, students must choose a topic on their own and deepen research in a selected area.
A dissertation usually builds on an existing theory and includes a research question, research choices and a literature review, methodology, analysis of results and a discussion. A dissertation adviser will guide students through the research process and can help students find resources if they’re stuck. Writing a dissertation allows students to show their excellence in a field.
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dis·ser·ta·tion
Dis•ser•ta•tion.
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a long piece of writing on a particular subject, especially one that is done in order to receive a degree at college or university: Ann did her
The meaning of DISSERTATION is an extended usually written treatment of a subject; specifically : one submitted for a doctorate.
A dissertation is a long formal piece of writing on a particular subject, especially for a university degree. He is currently writing a dissertation on the
A dissertation is a long piece of writing that uses research to bring to light an original idea. Don't go to grad school unless you're prepared to write
Dissertation definition, a written essay, treatise, or thesis, especially one written by a candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. See more.
Sometimes known as a thesis (in some countries, this term is used only for the final assignments of PhD degrees, while in other countries 'thesis' and '
A dissertation is a lengthy written project prepared at the end of an academic program. There are two types of dissertations: those that are partially taught
Dissertation definition: A lengthy, formal treatise, especially one written by a candidate for the doctoral degree at a university; a thesis.
1. A formal, lengthy exposition of a topic: discourse, disquisition, treatise. 2. A thorough, written presentation of an original point of view: thesis.
dissertation meaning, definition, what is dissertation: a long piece of writing on a particular ...: Learn more.