Discover the dissertation method!

If you pass the baccalaureate or even in your higher education, it is necessary to master all aspects of the dissertation method. What is expected of you? How to build a plan or write the conclusion? The writing explains all the secrets of the dissertation methodology to you.

Dissertation: what is expected of you?

The argument

An essay consists of putting forward your arguments. Using quotes or examples, you must convince the reader of the relevance of your words. However, you should not focus on your own point of view, but also consider the opposite point of view. So, you need to find relevant arguments that can counter your initial point of view. In fact, the essay is a bit like a game. In this game, you must detach yourself from your beliefs and opinions with the sole objective of getting out of your usual thought pattern. However, at the end of the essay, your goal is to get the reader to agree with your final answer.

Literary culture

A good dissertation requires good literary culture. Beyond the relevance of your words, you will also be judged on your ability to mobilize your literary culture to respond to a subject. Don’t panic, you’ve been learning and seeing literary works since middle school. However, before a dissertation, you can delve into a few works in order to put all the chances on your side. In addition, you studied texts in class. You must delve deeper into them in order to master them perfectly. In reality, in an essay, you must prove that you are capable of using elements borrowed from literary history.

Analyze the subject: the key stage of the dissertation

When you approach an essay, it is essential to start by analyzing the subject. This involves precisely defining the terms used in order to ensure a correct understanding of the question and to avoid straying off-topic. The wording of the topic is the first thing to consider. Typically, this is a question that requires clarification of the meaning of a concept, for example: “Should art always please?” » or which presents an alternative such as: “Is freedom a reality or an illusion? » The subject can also relate to the material possibilities or practical conditions of an action, for example: “Can we disobey the law? » or “Can we think for ourselves?” »

The key concepts of the subject must also be defined. These notions refer to the vocabulary studied in class and make it possible to establish links and distinctions between them. To do this, it is possible to refer to the etymology, words in the same family, antonyms and of course the context of the sentence. This approach makes it possible to produce precise definitions.

Finally, it is important to research the presuppositions of the question. This involves spotting the innuendoes, implicit ideas or common notions that are implicit in the question. You should be attentive to articles, pronouns, tool words, adverbs or restrictive formulas which can modify the meaning of the question, such as the terms “always”, “never”, “necessarily”.

Build a plan

Constructing a draft plan is essential, because it constitutes the backbone of the dissertation. This requires preparation time in order to gradually resolve the problem posed by the subject. The problem plays the role of the common thread of the plan, which is generally divided into 2 or 3 parts. The first part consists of resuming the analysis of the terms of the subject in their entirety and demonstrating that their confrontation poses a problem. We attempt to provide a first answer, a thesis, which is however immediate, not very well thought out and often in agreement with common opinion, which makes it open to criticism.

The second part highlights the limits of the response formulated in the first part, without contradicting it (it is not an antithesis). We demonstrate that this first response is insufficient, incomplete and that it is sometimes based on innuendoes or reductive assertions. It is therefore necessary to deepen the reasoning.

The third part is not obligatory, but its presence must be justified by new arguments and the interest of pushing the reflection to its conclusion. It is not a question of opposing the first two parts, but rather of overcoming the difficulties they raise. We must therefore question ourselves again to push our thinking as far as possible. It is in this part that the envisaged solution to the problem is revealed.

Write the development

Once the plan is drafted, it is time to move on to writing the copy. The development of the essay includes the different parts and sub-parts, as well as examples and quotes. It is essential to pay attention to the logic of the argument, without ever improvising. The major parts of the assignment, such as the paragraphs, must be linked together to ensure coherent progression and result in a solution to the problem posed.

To do this, the use of logical links (such as “but”, “however”, “however”, “one may wonder if…”, “one may object that…”) is recommended, but, above all, it is essential to connect the different parts around the central problem. The writing of the assignment must be careful, with particular attention paid to spelling, presentation and especially the choice of vocabulary used throughout. By following these tips, you will be able to write a clear and convincing development for your essay.

Write the introduction and conclusion

The introduction must highlight the analysis of the subject, clearly specifying the understanding of the question asked. We can rely on common sense, that is to say general opinion, to show that the formulation of the subject presents a difficulty, a paradox and therefore requires in-depth reflection. The problem must be clearly stated, because it constitutes the common thread of the argument.

As for the conclusion, it represents the results of the reflection carried out. It should not simply summarize the arguments developed or introduce new ideas. It must propose a resolution to the problem or indicate the reasons why it remains unresolved and the difficulties that remain. The conclusion must therefore close the reflection in a precise and definitive manner. It is appropriate to expose the implications and issues of the concepts studied, without opening new questions. It is important to note that it is not appropriate to cite an author in conclusion.

Writing a dissertation

Don’t forget that the essay is above all a stylistic exercise with which you must play, but also respect some academic and typographical rules.

Take care of the visual appearance

It is essential that your copy is airy with the sole objective of making it easier for your proofreader to evaluate it. To do this, don’t forget to skip lines after your introduction, between each major part and before starting your conclusion. This will make everything much more readable.

Write a plan

We can’t say it enough, but you have to write a plan! Indeed, the plan constitutes the backbone of the entire assignment and allows ideas to be organized in a coherent and structured manner. It allows you to articulate your point coherently, develop a logical argument and manage your time effectively. The plan provides a clear structure to the work, makes it easier to read and avoids forgetting or repeating things.

Make transitions

Putting smooth transitions into a text is a key aspect of the essay. These passages help connect ideas, guide the reader and maintain the coherence of the text. For this, it is essential to use linking words such as “furthermore”, “furthermore”, “moreover”, “on the other hand” to introduce new information or arguments. Phrases such as “in conclusion”, “to summarize”, “in summary” help to synthesize ideas and direct the reader to the next part of the text. Effective transitions enhance reader comprehension, make content easier to navigate, and contribute to the clarity and flow of writing.