1. Uchechukwu Chris Okoro Professor of Chemistry University of Nigeria
KEY Ingredients For Writing
A Good Synopsis
Uchechukwu Chris Okoro
Professor of Chemistry
University of Nigeria
Nsukka.

2. Key Ingredients 2. Title of work 3. Introduction 4. Methodology
1. Formatting
2. Title of work
3. Introduction
4. Methodology
5. Results
6. Easy Language
7. Concise Writing

3. Key Points
Undoubtedly a research student must have acquired reasonable results if not all results before embarking on synopsis writing.
Written synopsis must be presented to a committee of school of postgraduate studies for consideration.
Successful synopsis means the title of thesis will be approved

4. Synopsis is a summary of research work carried out presented following a particular guideline

5. Number/Quantities
All numbers from 1-9 should be written in words whereas from 10 and above should be written in figures (Arabic numerals)
Designation of signatories in
brackets
-Entire text should not exceed
two pages of A4
-Should be justified

6. Formatting Strict adherence to existing guideline
Poor formatting can lead to outright rejection of synopsis
Preliminary student’s particulars
Body of synopsis following the pattern of IMR
I – Introduction
M – Methodology
R – Results

7. Title of Thesis Title of the thesis should not exceed 25 words.
The title should capture the subject matter.
Student should work with the supervisor on the choice of title where applicable.

8. Introduction
Explanation of any key word(s) in the title where applicable.
Background of the study (No Referencing)
Knowledge gap
Aim
Specific objectives (Itemised in Roman Numerals)

9. Methodology Design of the study How the work was carried out
Equipment and specification where applicable
Area of Study, Population, Sample and Sampling procedure/Technique
The Instrumentation and Data Analysis
Statistics

10. Results
Systematic presentation of results to correspond with the specific objectives in sequence
No discussions, recommendations, suggestions, implications or conclusions
Use of appropriate statistical results
Results should capture major findings of the study without preambles

11. Easy Language/ Concise Writing
Short words
Short sentences
No jargon
Avoid figures of speech and idioms
Active better than passive

12. Passive vs active Passive:
Research has been cited to demonstrate that an estimated 20% of primary school children are developing reading problems.
Active:
Researches estimate that up to 20% of primary school children have reading problems.

13. Writing it plainly Not this:
Scintillate, scintillate, diminutive celestial body
This:
Twinkle, twinkle little star

14. Write it plainly Not this
Nothing of great significance is achieved by becoming lachrymose over precipitately departed lactose fluid.
This:
Don’t cry over spilled milk

15. Thank You