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Dissertation is a very specific way to write what we call a “paper.” In France, this style is used in academics and the professional world alike.

The Necessities

• Personal reaction: Be sincere, though not informal.
• Use examples to affirm your point. Using examples limits verbiage, generalities, and banalities.
• Be clear and coherent : A good paper should resemble a mathematical proof more than a lyrical flood of words. Be understandable and operate by the Law of Occam’s Razor (the simplest explanation tends to be the best one.)
• Outline : Getting your ideas on paper is harder than coming up with them in the first place. In order to convey your ideas effectively to the reader, outline!

The Schema of a Dissertation

In order to write a dissertation, you need a problem or problématique. Situate that problem within your topic or subject. Do not begin to write without these ideas in mind.

Introduction

• The introduction must rapidly situate and introduce the problem. Cite briefly.
• Give an idea of the movement of the paper, but do not announce each step of your work.
• Define key words.
• Attract the reader!  

The Body 

Separated into parts and paragraphs, where each part is a main point in the problem and each paragraph is one idea or one aspect of an idea.

• The Dialectical Plan
  • Thesis – often the predominant point of view (the most common analysis)
  • Antithesis
  • Synthesis: Establish some nuanced truth in between the two arguments or overcome of the initial contradiction by bringing in additional information.
• “Problem-Cause-Solution” Plan: Introduce and define a problem, pinpoint its causes, and propose a solution.
• The Inventory Plan: For a rare case when a paper does not present a solution to a problem. Example prompt: What benefits and what pleasures can be taken from reading a good novel? Use precise examples from your personal life.
  • Separate your argument into parts (in this case, two: benefits and pleasures)
  • Order your arguments within each part
• The Comparative Plan, in which reflection is born of the comparison of different facts or concepts. There are two rules for this type of paper: (1) Each element of comparison constitutes a section or “part” of the paper (2) the opposition posed at the beginning of the paper should follow until the end of the piece.
  • first element of comparison (one point of view on an issue, for example)
  • second element of comparison (an opposing point of view)
  • Meditation on the facts presented in the first two parts
• Explication-Illustration or Formula/commentary Plan
  • Explanation of the formula (definition, par ex.)
  • Commentary on the formula, for example, expansion of a definition, comments on appropriateness

The Conclusion

A conclusion must be written in the spirit of synthesis and with logical rigor. Coming to the end of an argument, a conclusion must be concise and strong. If desired, it can situate the results or thesis a more general sense.

(Desalmand, Paul and Tort, Patrick. Du plan à la dissertation. Paris : 1977)