external siteHow to Format Your IGNOU Synopsis Correctly
Writing an appropriate IGNOU synopsis is crucial for obtaining approval for your dissertation. Your synopsis serves as a blueprint of your proposed research and needs to follow particular formatting guidelines set by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). Here, we'll guide you through the correct way to format your IGNOU Research Proposal synopsis.
1. Understanding the Basic Structure
Prior to starting, it's important to understand the standard structure of an IGNOU synopsis:
Title page Introduction Review of Literature Research Problem Objectives Hypothesis (if applicable) Research Methodology Chapter Outline References/Bibliography
2. Title Page Formatting
The title page should include:
Name of the Institution (IGNOU) Title of the Research (clear and concise) Your full name Enrollment number Program title and code Study centre name Supervisor's name (if assigned) Date of submission
Make sure the title is centered and other details are properly aligned.
3. Text Formatting Guidelines
For the main content:
Use standard A4 paper 1.5 line spacing throughout 12-point font size (Times New Roman preferred) Align text to the left 1-inch margins on all sides Page numbers at the bottom (centered)
4. Section Headings
Correct heading style is essential:
Main headings: Bolded and centered Sub-headings: Bold and left-aligned Third-level headings: Italicized and left-aligned Keep consistent spacing before and after headings
5. Content Specifications
Each section has particular content needs:
Introduction
Keep it concise (about 300-500 words) explaining the background of your research. external page
Literature Review
Summarize important existing research related to your topic.
Research Problem
Precisely state the issue your research addresses.
Objectives
List 3-5 specific objectives using numbered points.
Methodology
Describe your research approach in depth.
6. Chapter Outline
Provide a brief of proposed chapters:
Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Literature Review Chapter 3: Research Methodology Chapter 4: Data Analysis Chapter 5: Findings and Conclusion
Add a short description (2-3 sentences) for each chapter.
7. References/Bibliography
Follow APA style throughout for citations.
A few key points:
List all sources referenced in the synopsis Arrange alphabetically Include websites as according to citation style Double-check all information for accuracy
8. Length Requirements
The ideal length is:
5-8 pages (excluding title page and references) 1500-2000 words (approximately)
Avoid synopses that are too short or excessively long.
9. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Watch out for these common errors:
Incorrect formatting (font, spacing, margins) Vague research objectives Poorly organized content Missing sections of the synopsis Grammatical errors and typos Incomplete or wrong references Plagiarism (always cite sources)
10. Submission Guidelines
Before submitting your synopsis:
Get a printout on good quality paper Check all information on the title page Ensure your supervisor has approved it Submit prior to the deadline Keep a copy for your records
Final Advice
For your synopsis gets approved:
Begin well in advance to avoid last-minute pressure Follow the IGNOU guidelines carefully Get your supervisor review it before submission Check multiple times for errors Make sure your research topic is feasible
By following these instructions, you can create a perfect IGNOU synopsis that meets all requirements and improves your chances of approval. Remember that a well-formatted synopsis makes a good impression and shows your commitment about the research work.
All the best with your IGNOU synopsis submission!