Composing A Brilliant Dissertation Title Easily

The title of your dissertation is the tool you use to let the reader know the subject of your writing. Using just a few words, the title has to focus the reader’s thoughts on the purpose of your research. A title that is poorly constructed can confuse the reader by misleading them into thinking your study is about something it is not. The purpose of a dissertation is to educate and persuade, not confuse and muddy the waters.

You want your dissertation title to communicate the essence of your topic, and to give an accurate impression of what the reader will learn. Here’s a few tips to help you compose a brilliant title for your work:

  1. Watch your language. You’ll want your title to be unique, compelling and a bit punchy. If thinking in terms of linguistic flair is not your strong point, then bat around some ideas with a few English majors.
  2. Make it clear. Your title is your opening pitch and not something you want to botch. If your title isn’t clear, it gets your entire writing off to a bad start. The title is no place for ambivalence or ambiguity. It needs to be clear, lucid and descriptive of exactly what your study and research is about. Remember that a confident opening statement is more likely to leave a positive impression on the person who will be assessing your work.
  3. Categorize it. Don’t be shy when it comes to stating the category of your dissertation. It is acceptable to state in your title whether your writing falls into one category or another.
  4. Follow academic conventions. Be sure to check with your mentor about any specific conventional formulae your academic discipline may require for titles on dissertations or articles. You can often look over previously published material from other candidates in your program as a model for the structure of your own title.
  5. Keep it focused. Short and sweet is the way to go. You should keep your title short and make sure it is relevant to the goals stated in your research. Don’t plan on beefing it up with padding and extra material that really doesn’t apply. A specific title says you are serious about your research and focused in your approach to your research.
  6. Include scope. If possible without making it too wordy, indicate the scope of your research that will be discussed.

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