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Makutarama Myanmar Temple

Dematagoda Road, Colombo 09

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Topic: How to Write an Introduction, a Conclusion and an Abstract in Thesis

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By

Ven. Varabuddhi (Ph.D)

(USA)

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Date: Sep/19/2022

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Layout of a Dissertation/Thesis

Title Page

Declaration of the candidate

Recommendation/s of the supervisor/s

Acknowledgements

Abstract

Content Page

Abbreviations

Main thesis (Body)

Bibliography

Postgraduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies

University of Kelaniya

Sri Lanka

Title of the Thesis 

Name of the Candidate

(Registration number)

A Thesis Submitted to the Postgraduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies (University of Kelaniya) in Partial Fulfillment of a requirement for the Degree of Master of Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy.

(Year and Month)

Declaration of the Candidate

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I hereby certify that the thesis titled (topic of the thesis) is a study by research carried out by me independently, and the sources used in this connection have been indicated in the work itself methodically and the present thesis or its content has not been submitted before to any University or any other educational Institute by me or any other person in any manner.

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Signature of the Candidate and

the Date

Recommendation/s of the supervisor/s

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I Recommend the thesis(topic of the Thesis) is an independent study by research made under my supervision by rev./Mr./ Ms. (Name of the candidate) registered in Master of Philosophy Degree Programme under Registration number (registered No.) in Postgraduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies (University of Kelaniya) and it is suitable for considering to award the degree of Matser of Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy.

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Signature of the supervisor/s and the Date.

Acknowledgements

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A statement expressing thanks to the people who have helped

Abstract

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A brief summary of the thesis not exceeding 300 words used to help the reader quickly ascertain the purpose and the findings of the thesis

Content Page

Abbreviations

Main thesis (Body)

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Introduction

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Chapters

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Conclusion

Writing Dissertation/ Thesis

Introduction, Conclusion and Abstract

Introduction

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1. Background and Significance of the Problems

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• Objectives of the Research

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• Statement of the Problems Desired to Know

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• Scope / Limitation of the Research

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• Definition of the Terms Used in the Research

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• Review of Related Literature and Research Works

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• Research Methodology
• Structure of Study

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1 Background and Significance of the Problems

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2 Objectives of the Research

2.1……………………………………………………………………

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2.2……………………………………………………………………

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2.3……………………………………………………………………

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3 Statement of the Problems Desired to Know

3.1……………………………………………………………………

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3.2……………………………………………………………………

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3.3……………………………………………………………………

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4 Scope/ Limitation of the Research

4.1 Scope of Sources of Data

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4.2 Scope of Content

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4.3 Scope of Population (if any)

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4.4 Scope of Timing (if any)

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4.5 Scope of Area (if any)

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5Definition of the Terms Used in the Research

5.1………………………………………………………………

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5.2………………………………………………………………

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5.3………………………………………………………………

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6 Review of Related Literature and Research Works

6.1……………………………………………………………………

6.2……………………………………………………………………

6.3……………………………………………………………………

7 Research Methodology

7.1……………………………………………………………………

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7.2……………………………………………………………………

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7.3……………………………………………………………………

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8Structure of Study

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Chapters 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Conclusion

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Writing a Thesis Conclusion

• Conclusion
• Several Elements in Conclusion
• Reminding

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Conclusion

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• The conclusion should provide a clear answer to any question as in the little, as well as summary the main point.
• The following are generally acceptable in conclusion.
• But, Remember: student’s papers should generally have a final section that summaries the arguments and makes it clear to the reader that original question has been answered.

Several Elements in Conclusion �

• State your research title
• Mention some keep points in the title
• A short review of the main points of your study:

showing how your thesis structures have been organized

• Method you adopt to answer the research question:

How & What

• Some new information on the topic not mentioned before:

A brief summary, just a few paragraphs, of your keep findings, related back to what you expected to see (essential)

• Try to explain to your reader what could be done?
• What do you think are the next steps to take?

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• Some suggestions for further researcher: Recommendations for future research (strongly recommended)
• Limitations of your study( Scope of your studies)
• Recommendations for practitioners (strongly recommended, some other areas, so cheek with supervisors whether this will be expected)
• Why your research is important for researcher and practitioners (essential)
• You should not present any new arguments in your conclusion
• A final paragraph rounding off your thesis

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�Reminding�

• Your conclusion does not need to be very long:

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• Remember: the conclusion is the last part of the thesis that your reader will see, so you have to spend some time in writing the conclusions so that you can end on a high note.

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• No more than three, five pages are usually sufficient, although recommendations for practice may require more space.

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Writing an Abstract for a Thesis

• What is a Thesis or Dissertation Abstract?
• The Cambridge English Dictionary defines an abstract in academic writing as being “a few sentences that give the main ideas in an article or a scientific paper” and the Collins English Dictionary says “an abstract of an article, document, or speech is a short piece of writing that gives the main points of it”.
• Whether you’re writing up your Master’s dissertation or PhD thesis, the abstract will be a key element of this document that you’ll want to make sure you give proper attention to.

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�What is the Purpose of an Abstract?�

• The aim of a thesis abstract is to give the reader a broad overview of what your research project was about and what you found that was novel, before he or she decides to read the entire thesis.

• Source: https://www.discoverphds.com/advice/doing/abstract-for-a-dissertation-or-thesis

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How Long Should an Abstract Be?

• If you’re a PhD student, having written your 100,000-word thesis, the abstract will be the 300 word summary included at the start of the thesis that succinctly explains the motivation for your study (i.e. why this research was needed), the main work you did (i.e. the focus of each chapter), what you found (the results) and concluding with how your research study contributed to new knowledge within your field.

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• Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States of America, once famously said: “If I am to speak ten minutes, I need a week for preparation; if fifteen minutes, three days; if half an hour, two days; if an hour, I am ready now.”

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• Source: https://www.discoverphds.com/advice/doing/abstract-for-a-dissertation-or-thesis

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What Makes a Good PhD Thesis Abstract?

• A good abstract is one that can clearly explain to the reader in 300 words:
• • What your research field actually is,
• • What the gap in knowledge was in your field,
• • The overarching aim and objectives of your PhD in response to these gaps,
• • What methods you employed to achieve these,
• • You key results and findings,
• • How your work has added to further knowledge in your field of study.

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• Another way to think of this structure is:
• 1. Introduction,
• 2. Aims and objectives,
• 3. Methods,
• 4. Results,
• 5. Discussion,
• 6. Conclusion.

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�How Do You Write a Good PhD Thesis �Abstract?�

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• The biggest challenge you’ll have is getting all the 6 points mentioned above across in your abstract within the limit of 300 words.

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Keep It Concise�

• Every word in the abstract is important so make sure you focus on only the key elements of your research and the main outcomes and significance of your project that you want the reader to know about. You may have come across incidental findings during your research which could be interesting to discuss but this should not happen in the abstract as you simply don’t have enough words. Furthermore, make sure everything you talk about in your thesis is actually described in the main thesis.
• Source: https://www.discoverphds.com/advice/doing/abstract-for-a-dissertation-or-thesis

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Make a Unique Point Each Sentence

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• Keep the sentences short and to the point. Each sentence should give the reader new, useful information about your research so there’s no need to write out your project title again. Give yourself one or two sentences to introduce your subject area and set the context for your project. Then another sentence or two to explain the gap in the knowledge; there’s no need or expectation for you to include references in the abstract.
• Source: https://www.discoverphds.com/advice/doing/abstract-for-a-dissertation-or-thesis

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Write, Edit and Then Rewrite

• Spend suitable time editing your text, and if necessary, completely re-writing it.
• Show the abstract to others and ask them to explain what they understand about your research – are they able to explain back to you each of the 6 structure points, including why your project was needed, the research questions and results, and the impact it had on your research field? (See Slide NO 29)

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• It’s important that you’re able to convey what new knowledge you contributed to your field but be mindful when writing your abstract that you don’t inadvertently overstate the conclusions, impact and significance of your work.
• Source: https://www.discoverphds.com/advice/doing/abstract-for-a-dissertation-or-thesis

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��Summary of Writing an Abstract, an Introduction and a Conclusion in Thesis��

Thanks for your time

Good Luck!

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May peace and happiness

be with you as always!