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The Dissertation
Quick questions on Structuring the dissertation argument: SQA Advanced Higher English dissertation
5short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is frame the thesis in the introduction?Show answer
The introduction does real work: it states the thesis, names the texts and their relationship, and maps the line the argument will follow. It should not drift into biography, plot or general background. By the end of the introduction the reader should know exactly what is being argued and roughly how the sections will build it.
What is organise body sections by idea?Show answer
Each body section should take one facet of the thesis and develop it by comparing both texts. This is the single most important structural choice: organise by idea, not by text. A section that handles only one text, or a structure that gives all of text A then all of text B, breaks the comparison and reads as two essays. Comparing within each section keeps one argument running.
What is q1?Show answer
What must the introduction of a dissertation do? [2 marks]
What is q2?Show answer
Why organise the body by idea rather than by text? [2 marks]
What is q3?Show answer
What must the conclusion do beyond summarising? [1 mark]
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