Summary
Chapter 5 opens with the summary - a condensed restatement of the entire study. It is the only chapter many readers will read, so it must stand alone. Treat it as your study compressed into one page.
Structure Of A Strong Summary
| Block | Length | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| Restatement of the problem | 1 paragraph | Re-anchors the reader |
| Objectives | Bullet list | Reminds reader of scope |
| Methodology | 1 paragraph | Names approach and respondents |
| Salient findings | 1-2 paragraphs | The top 3-5 results |
| Bridge | 1 sentence | Leads to Conclusion |
What To Keep Out
- New data - if it was not in Chapter 4, it does not belong here.
- New citations - this is a restatement, not a fresh argument.
- Verbatim copy from earlier chapters - paraphrase tightly.
Length Guidance
| Manuscript Page Count | Summary Length |
|---|---|
| 60 pages | 1.5-2 pages |
| 80-100 pages | 2-3 pages |
| 120+ pages | 3-4 pages |
Reader's Expectation
A panellist reading only Chapter 5 should be able to:
- Restate your problem in one sentence.
- List your objectives.
- Name your methodology.
- Recite your two strongest findings.
- Predict your conclusion before reading it.
Discussion
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