Writing a dissertation may not be an easy task. However, understanding the basic requirements makes it easier and less costly to write a successful dissertation. It is important first to get right the definition of a dissertation. This gives the idea of what the final work has to accomplish. Usually, a dissertation must be meant to argue for or against some thesis. The thesis is simply the hypothesis put forward. Since the dissertation has to put forward arguments either in support off or against a given position, the arguments need be both original and substantial. A successful dissertation must be well structured to include an introduction, body and conclusion; with proper grammar, sentence and paragraph planning.

The starting point for writing a successful dissertation is to plan ahead. Planning ahead is important because it minimizes on time wastage during the actual writing process. It is important to have a rough idea of the amount of resources needed to successfully complete the dissertation. These would include both financial and material resources. Planning helps in priority setting hence defines where to begin and where to finish the dissertation. Planning enables the writer to apportion adequate time to every chapter hence avoid unnecessary rush to complete writing a dissertation just for the sake of beating the deadline. This therefore is important if quality work is to be attained.

Once writing begins, it is important to exhibit both professionalism and substance. Professionalism in dissertation writing must include ethics. The writer must demonstrate original research while acknowledging and properly citing any borrowed idea. The dissertation needs to start from a clearly defined thesis. The rest of the work must comprise of original contributions that present evidence supporting or denying the position of the thesis. The evidence has to be well organized as to illustrate both critical thinking and logical coherent presentation. The writer needs to give emphasis to principles and lessons from the particular research instead of concentrating on experimental data or facts behind the arguments. In other word, published sources can only be used as references for extra details and therefore only give support to original thinking.

As mentioned in the introduction, a successful dissertation need be properly structured. It must have an introduction, the middle part, and a conclusion. The introduction must give the reader a clear view of what the dissertation is all about. The middle part comprises of critically thought out statements with supportive evidence. The conclusion is a clear summary of the dissertation findings and serves to reinforce the thesis either by supporting or denying it. It may also give a summary of alternative recommendations. It is important that a successful dissertation is one in which there is demonstration of logical and scientific way of presenting and defending every statement put forward.

Regarding the structure, words must have correct spellings. Poor spellings may alter meaning of some facts hence affect validity of important statements. Sentences need be properly structured and coherent for the reader to understand. Generally, properly punctuated short sentences are clear and easy to comprehend as opposed to very long interconnected sentences with inaccurate punctuations. Paragraphs must be logical and coherent, with each presenting a single point only. Paragraphs with more than one point are generally confusing to the reader and must therefore be avoided.

In conclusion, writing a successful dissertation requires advance planning and an estimate of the resources needed. The dissertation must be well structured to have the introduction, the body, and conclusion. The dissertation must be written with proper word spelling, coherent sentence plan and logically outlined paragraphs. A successful dissertation must have defense or evidence for every statement made. The evidence must be logical and scientifically testable so that future research can refer to it.