another word for defend thesis

Ace Your Thesis Defense: Proven Techniques To Defend Your Thesis

You’ve done the research, written the thesis, and now it’s time to defend your hard work in what could be the most significant academic presentation of your life.

Nervous? Don’t be.

This blog is designed to give you the insider tips and techniques that can help you sail through your thesis defense like a pro. 

Whether you’re working towards a master’s or a Ph.D., understanding the nuances of a thesis defense can make all the difference.

Read on to find out how to prepare, what to expect, and how to impress your committee. With this guide, you’ll not only be well-prepared but may actually find yourself enjoying the experience.

What is a Thesis Defense?

A thesis defense is the culminating event in a graduate student’s academic journey, often compared to the “final boss” in a video game.

However, contrary to popular anxiety-inducing belief, it’s not a test; it’s more akin to a scholarly discussion.

After years of research and writing, students present their thesis to a committee made up of subject matter experts.

The purpose is to demonstrate expertise, defend research choices, and prove that they have made a contribution to their field.

What Does a Thesis Defense Look Like?

 Students should expect to give an initial presentation, followed by a Q&A session where committee members probe further. It can go on for up to 3+ hours. 

Typically there are external experts in a particular field who have read the thesis and have now attended your university to watch your presentation and ask you questions about it. It can be done in a public forum or privately in a closed room.

Expect queries that dig into your methodology, specific results, and how your work advances the current body of knowledge.

Once you have answered the questions the candidate is often asked to leave the room while the experts deliberate – it can be quite an anxious wait. 

Top tips from PhDs for a thesis defence – FAQs

• Read Your Thesis Again : Even if you think you’ve completed your thesis, allocate time to read it again to refresh your memory.
• Prepare for Open-Ended Questions : Your committee will ask questions that are usually open-ended and require deep understanding. Prepare answers in advance.
• Know the Purpose : Understand that the purpose of a thesis defense is to prove you’re an expert in your field, not to interrogate you.
• Conduct a Q&A Session : Practice a question and answer session with your advisor or a professor to prepare for possible questions.
• Time Management : Be aware that the length for a thesis defense can vary. Some may take only 20 minutes, so focus on main points.
• Public Speaking : Use this as a chance to hone your public speaking skills. Many graduate degree programs require an oral defense or practicum.
• Committee Members : Know who is on your committee and what they specialize in to anticipate the types of questions they might ask.
• Consult Your Advisor : Your advisor can give you an overview of what to expect, helping you feel more confident.
• Be Ready for Formalities : Realize that the defense is a formal academic formality; it’s not only a presentation but also an evaluation of your ability to think critically.
• Understand the Evaluation : Your defense isn’t just about defending a thesis; it’s also about showing you can contribute to the existing body of knowledge in your graduate program.
• Prepare for Varied Questions : Questions may cover everything from your thesis topic to your research methods, so be prepared for a wide range.
• Think of It as a Job Interview : Like a job interview, your thesis defense gives you a chance to show your expertise. Be as prepared as possible.

How to Prepare for Your Thesis Defense

When it comes to prepping for your thesis defense, organization and mindset are crucial.

Sure, you’ve spent months, if not years, researching and writing your thesis, but now it’s time to defend it in front of your committee. One insider tip is to treat the defense as a “discussion,” not a “test.” Your thesis committee is there to engage in an academic conversation with you; they’re not looking to trip you up.

One golden nugget of advice is to print out a copy of your thesis, but not just any printout will do.

Create a “defense-friendly” format, complete with tabs marking significant sections and even color-coding if you’re a visual person.

The point is to make the document easy to navigate during the defense when your committee members ask questions you need to address promptly.

Beyond having the thesis itself in hand, go the extra mile and print out five or fewer key pages that may be the subject of focused discussion.

This can include graphs or data that didn’t make it into the final thesis but could still be relevant. For instance, one student printed out a large-scale version of a critical diagram from their thesis and had it ready when committee members inevitably asked about it.

The committee was impressed, and it made for a smoother defense.

To prepare, make sure you’ve allotted sufficient time for the process—ten days is a good benchmark. Take one day to review your thesis in its entirety and then a few days for each chapter. Revisit literature, anticipate questions, and try to see your work from the committee’s perspective.

Make use of prep templates available online, which can help you consider your thesis’ different parts in-depth. So when D-Day comes, you’re not just prepared; you’re defense-ready.

My Experience with a Thesis Defense

When it came time for my thesis defense, I was a bundle of nerves despite having practiced extensively.

I had simulated the entire defense multiple times with friends and even consulted my advisor for last-minute tips. To my surprise, the questions posed by the committee weren’t as hard as I had anticipated.

They seemed to flow naturally from the work I had done, and my extensive preparation made it easier to respond confidently. The time during the defense passed more quickly than I had imagined, adding to the sense of flow.

What was unexpected was how much I actually enjoyed the experience. The defense turned into a meaningful academic conversation, making me feel like a genuine expert in my field.

Wrapping up – prepare for a thesis defense

Defending your thesis is a significant milestone, whether you’re aiming for a master’s degree or pushing the boundaries of academia with a Ph.D. It’s the culmination of your hard work, the moment you demonstrate that you’ve written a good thesis and are ready to join the ranks of the experts in your field. For many students, the experience can be nerve-wracking, but as you’ve seen in this blog, it doesn’t have to be. 

From understanding the type of thesis defense questions you may encounter to gaining insights into the formalities involved, you now have the tools to prepare for a thesis defense effectively. The aim is not just to survive but to thrive, turning your defense into an enlightening academic conversation.

Your defense is more than just a hurdle to overcome; it’s an opportunity to showcase your research, your understanding, and your ability to contribute to your field. You’ve spent years preparing for this moment—take the time to prepare a little more, and the experience could be rewarding in ways you never expected.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

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The top 10 thesis defense questions (+ how to prepare strong answers)

Crafting a thesis is significant, but defending it often feels like the ultimate test. While nerve-wracking, proper preparation can make it manageable. Prepare for your thesis defense with insights on the top questions you can expect, including strategies for answering convincingly.

Mastering the thesis defense: cultivate a success mindset

Confidence enables you to present your research with conviction, while composure allows you to navigate any challenges with grace and clarity.

Remember, you know your thesis best, so trust in your expertise.

Stay composed and focused, relying on your thorough preparation. If you encounter a question you can’t answer, gracefully guide the conversation back to familiar topics.

By embracing these principles and staying confident and adaptable, you’ll navigate your thesis defense with ease.

Question 1: Why did you choose this particular topic for your research?

Moreover, discuss the gaps you identified in the existing literature that motivated you to contribute to your field. What deficiencies or unanswered questions did you observe? How did these gaps inspire you to embark on your research journey with the aim of filling these voids? By articulating the specific shortcomings in the current body of knowledge, you demonstrate a nuanced understanding of your research area and underscore the significance of your work.

Question 2: How does your research contribute to the existing body of knowledge?

This question delves into the vital role your research plays within the existing body of knowledge, urging you to articulate its significance and impact. It’s not merely about the subject matter you’ve studied, but also about the unique contributions and advancements your research brings to your field. To effectively respond, delve into the intricacies of your work and its implications for the broader academic landscape.

Illuminate how your findings could influence future research trajectories. Explore potential avenues for further inquiry that emerge from your research findings. Consider how your work opens up new questions or areas of exploration for future researchers. By identifying these potential research directions, you demonstrate the forward-looking nature of your work and its potential to shape the future trajectory of your field.

Question 3: What are the key findings of your research?

Furthermore, relate these findings to the broader implications they hold for your field. Articulate how your research contributes to advancing knowledge or addressing pressing issues within your academic discipline. Consider the potential impact of your findings on theory, practice, or policy, highlighting their relevance and significance within the larger scholarly community.

Question 4: Can you defend your research methodology?

Defending your research methodology entails a comprehensive understanding of its rationale, alignment with research objectives, and acknowledgment of potential limitations. It’s not merely about explaining the methods employed but also justifying why they were chosen over alternative approaches. To effectively respond, delve into the intricacies of your methodology and its implications for the study.

Be prepared to discuss the limitations inherent in your chosen methodology and how you mitigated them. Acknowledge any constraints or shortcomings associated with the selected approach, such as potential biases, sample size limitations, or data collection challenges. Demonstrate your awareness of these limitations and discuss the strategies implemented to address or minimize their impact on the validity and reliability of your findings.

Question 5: How did you analyze the data and what challenges did you encounter?

Begin by outlining the techniques used for data analysis. Describe the specific methods, tools, and software employed to process and interpret the data collected. Whether it involved quantitative statistical analysis, qualitative coding techniques, or a combination of both, provide insights into the analytical framework guiding your study. Additionally, discuss the rationale behind the chosen analytical approach and how it aligns with the research objectives and questions.

In summary, when addressing inquiries about data analysis, consider the following key points:

Question 6: What theoretical frameworks or references underpin your research?

Elucidate on how these frameworks shaped your hypothesis and analysis. Describe how the theoretical perspectives and insights gleaned from seminal works informed the development of your research questions, hypotheses, and analytical framework. Discuss the ways in which these theoretical frameworks guided your data collection and interpretation, influencing the selection of variables, measures, and analytical techniques employed in your study.

Question 7: How did you address ethical considerations in your research?

When addressing ethical considerations in your research, it’s essential to demonstrate a commitment to upholding ethical standards and protecting the rights and well-being of participants. Responding to inquiries about ethical protocols involves explaining the steps taken to ensure ethical conduct throughout the research process, describing the consent process and data protection measures implemented, and mentioning any institutional review board (IRB) approvals obtained.

Mention any institutional ethics review board approvals you obtained. Highlight any formal ethical review processes or approvals obtained from relevant regulatory bodies, such as IRBs or ethics committees. Discuss how the research protocol was reviewed for compliance with ethical guidelines and standards, including considerations of participant welfare, informed consent procedures, and data protection measures. By acknowledging the oversight and approval of institutional review bodies, you demonstrate your commitment to ethical integrity and accountability in conducting research involving human subjects.

Question 8: In what ways does your research contribute to the field?

Begin by detailing the novel insights your thesis provides. Articulate the key findings, discoveries, or perspectives that distinguish your research from existing literature and contribute to advancing knowledge within your field. Discuss how your study fills gaps in current understanding, challenges established assumptions, or offers innovative approaches to addressing pressing issues, highlighting its potential to generate new avenues of inquiry and broaden the scope of scholarly discourse.

In summary, when addressing inquiries about the contributions of your research to the field, consider the following key points:

Question 9: How did you ensure your research was free from bias?

Describe any blind or double-blind procedures employed in the study. Explain how blinding techniques were used to prevent bias in data collection, analysis, or interpretation. This may involve withholding certain information from researchers or participants to minimize the potential for conscious or unconscious bias to influence the results. Discuss how these procedures were implemented and their impact on enhancing the credibility and impartiality of the research outcomes.

Question 10: Where can future research go from here?

When considering the potential trajectory of your research topic, it’s essential to identify areas where further investigation could yield valuable insights, discuss unexplored questions that emerged from your research, and reflect on the limitations of your study as starting points for future research endeavors. Responding to inquiries about the future direction of research involves suggesting fruitful areas for further investigation, highlighting unresolved questions, and leveraging the limitations of your study as opportunities for future exploration.

Reflect on the limitations of your study as starting points for future research. Acknowledge any constraints, biases, or methodological shortcomings that may have influenced the outcomes or interpretations of your study. Discuss how these limitations provide opportunities for future research to refine methodologies, address confounding variables, or explore alternative theoretical frameworks. Consider how addressing these limitations could enhance the validity, reliability, and generalizability of future research findings within your field.

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What is a Thesis Defense?

If you're researching a master's degree, you'll likely come across the phrase "thesis defense" among the list of requirements for earning an advanced degree. This formal-sounding requirement usually comes at the end of a graduate program. As a student seeking a master's degree, your thesis defines your educational experience at the university. Once you've completed all the necessary coursework and finished any internship or practicum experiences, you will be required to meet with a committee to defend your work. Details of a defense vary by college, but there are some general things to keep in mind as you embark on the graduate process.

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What is a Thesis?

In most schools, the  thesis  represents a student's collective understanding of his or her program and major. Students who major in English, for example, typically explore language, literary themes, a specific author's work or a similar topic when writing a thesis paper. Universities often require theses to consist of a prospectus, which outlines the intent of the paper, and a full-length paper treatment of a particular topic. In the natural sciences, theses might cover experiments or hypothetical situations in which a student researches certain elements of his or her field.

Theses projects demand full attention, and many schools require that students devote an entire semester to completing the research and resulting paper. Students work with a faculty committee or adviser on a close basis to make sure that the research stays on schedule. Depending on the level of degree, a thesis paper can be extremely complex.

Defending the Work

Once students submit their theses papers to the thesis committee, they will be assigned a date to defend their work. In this case, "defend" does not imply that a student will have to argue aggressively about his or her work. Rather, the thesis defense is designed so that faculty members can ask questions and make sure that students actually understand their field and focus area. Defending a thesis largely serves as a formality because the paper will already have been evaluated. During a defense, a student will be asked questions by members of the thesis committee. Questions are usually open-ended and require that the student think critically about his or her work. A defense might take only 20 minutes, or it might take an hour or more depending on the goal of the committee and the requirements of the program.

Preparation for Your Thesis Defense

Students have months to  prepare for a defense . Schools want graduate candidates to be as prepared as possible when attending a defense, which means that neither the date nor faculty committee will be a surprise to the student. It's important to keep in mind that if you go into a defense with the right attitude and preparation, failing is nearly impossible. The committee wants to see how well you know your subject and your research. Nerves may get the better of you as you face unknown questions, but as with a job interview, practicing ahead of time will lead to a successful defense.

Facing a defense can be stressful, but think of it as an opportunity to share what you've learned. Remember that you aren't arguing points when you defend your work. Instead, a proper thesis defense gives you and your faculty advisers the chance to discuss your topic and research in greater detail.

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Thesis Defense: 10 Tips That Are Proven to Work

The thesis defense is a significant event in a graduate student’s journey towards getting a higher degree. Many students find this occasion daunting. But this need not be an unpleasant experience as there are ways to get rid of that uneasy feeling on that momentous day.

What preparations do you need to make your thesis defense a success? This article describes 10 tips that will give you the confidence that you need and prepare for the thesis defense adequately.

Table of Contents

Know the members of the panel in the thesis defense.

If possible, know the members of your panel, their habits, and personalities. It would be great if another graduate student had experience with those panel members to tell you how to respond to their questions.

Anticipate the questions

Example questions, dress in dark colors.

Color is an essential factor of impact. You will appear intelligent and credible if you wear black or similar color. It would help if you looked authoritative as someone who is thoroughly familiar with the topic during the thesis defense.

Get plenty of rest before your presentation

It would help if you looked confident and energetic during the thesis defense. Get enough sleep before the day of the presentation to sustain your energy while facing the panel of examiners.

Highlight the important findings of your study

Use a few (3-5) bulleted short phrases in each slide during the thesis defense. Emphasize the point using a figure, statistics, or graphics that complement the idea [Additional tip: Show updated (with the last three to five years) statistics].

Talk at moderate speed

Directly answer the question then expound a little.

Don’t beat around the bush. Go straight to the answer. Be honest if the question is not within the scope of your study. State its limitations. There will always be vague areas, but present the contribution of your research. Refer to the scope and delimitations and recommendations of your study. Ask for clarification if the question is not clear. Make sure that you address the issue of the panel.

Be thoroughly familiar with the literature that you have cited

Make sure that you are thoroughly familiar with the literature that you have cited during the thesis defense. Remember the highlights or findings of those studies as well as the limitations.

Be grateful

Always remember the one-to-one correspondence.

Ensure that for every objective that you mentioned, you have ready answers or pieces of evidence to show that you fulfilled those objectives. There should be a one-to-one correspondence in the Objectives –> Method –> Results and Discussion (includes corresponding tables or figures for each objective with explanations) –> Conclusion sections. You may prepare a matrix for each objective with the following columns for method, results and discussion, and conclusion/s.

©2020 August 9 P. A. Regoniel

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Dr. Regoniel, a hobbyist writer, served as consultant to various environmental research and development projects covering issues and concerns on climate change, coral reef resources and management, economic valuation of environmental and natural resources, mining, and waste management and pollution. He has extensive experience on applied statistics, systems modelling and analysis, an avid practitioner of LaTeX, and a multidisciplinary web developer. He leverages pioneering AI-powered content creation tools to produce unique and comprehensive articles in this website.

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Defending Your Thesis – Dissertation Defense Tips

Do you know what to wear to a dissertation defense meeting? Are you prepared to defend a thesis paper? Read our dissertation defense tips below!

What does it mean to write a thesis?

Thesis writing is one of the most important and challenging tasks you will encounter as a graduate student, and the thesis defense is the culmination of that process.

What is the thesis defense procedure?

The thesis defense procedure may vary from college to college but generally you will be expected to announce your thesis defense appointment in your graduate department, and your committee is likely to meet before and after your defense. By the time you are ready to present your defense, your thesis paper should be nearly complete, and some schools may require that your thesis paper be completely finished.

During your thesis defense, you will be expected to present and defend your thesis in front of your advisor, faculty thesis committee, and other audience members – and to do so in a cohesive manner. You can expect to be asked a number of questions after your presentation, and you need to be armed with the knowledge and skill necessary to answer the questions confidently.

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Thesis defense rehearsal

When preparing to defend your thesis, familiarize yourself with the guidelines and requirements your department has put into place. Speak with your advisor to be sure that you know exactly what is expected of you. Each of your committee members should have a copy of your thesis at least a couple of weeks before your defense, and your written defense should include an abstract and a summary. All your forms need to be filled out ahead of time, including any and all signatures you are required to obtain.

Speaking with people who have already defended their theses can be extremely helpful, as it can provide you with confidence as well as a stronger sense of the expectations you are facing. In addition, attending the defenses of others will afford you the opportunity to observe interactions between students and committee members, hear the types of questions you may face, and identify the characteristics of strong and weak thesis defenses; it will provide insight on what to do and what not to do.

When it comes to defending your thesis paper orally in front of your advisor and committee members, practice really can make perfect. Take any chance you can get to discuss your thesis with other people. If you can find someone to sit through a practice defense, take advantage of that. Your audience may ask some of the questions the committee is liable to ask, which can help you identify the portions of your defense that need to be honed.

At some point before you defend your thesis, you should sit down with your advisor for a strategy session. Use this time to organize and plan your defense. Pay close attention to your advisor’s reactions to your thesis and heed any advice they give you – he or she has heard many defenses and knows what committees look for. Having your thesis defense structured well ahead of time will make you feel more comfortable and focused during your presentation.

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Know your thesis paper lines

The thesis defense is your opportunity to take the stage and to demonstrate the growth and progress you have experienced in your years as a graduate student. This is your chance to showcase your research abilities, as well as to finish your degree requirements. Defending your thesis statement can help you obtain helpful feedback and recommendations that you can incorporate into your final draft.

Make sure to get across the fundamentals while defending your thesis. First, state your thesis/research question. You need to describe the importance of your topic and detail how your research was conducted, including any methods of measurement you have used. The major findings of your thesis should be made clear, as well as how your thesis contributes to the body of knowledge in your field. Finally, you must state the conclusions and recommendations you have made based on your research.

You must expect, in some fashion, to be required to answer the crucial question “So what?” What has your research and writing accomplished, that may be of importance in your field? Professors will tell you that graduate students tend not to be bold enough, in making claims for what they have discovered or compiled, during the process of working on their thesis. If you don’t express confidence about your findings in the thesis, your committee may develop their own doubts about the value of your work.

Be aware of the fact that you probably know your topic far better than most or all of the professors who form your thesis committee. You’ve likely been researching and contemplating your topic for well over a year, and the material will be fresher and more immediate for you than for them. If you pause to think about this, it should give you extra confidence going into the thesis defense.

At the same time, your thesis committee members will likely know your field in a much broader sense than you. They may well ask you to indicate where in the larger scheme of things, where in your field, your thesis will fit. That’s where the big “So What?” question will arise during your defense. You’ve been warned; prepare for it.

Additionally, one question you should anticipate from your thesis committee is, “What do you plan to do with the thesis, beyond graduate school?” Do you intend to revise it for publication as a book? Do you intend to do further research on your topic once you’ve gotten a job coming out of grad school? Do you intend to seek grants to help you further develop your project? Do you intend to collaborate with another scholar before you offer your work to a broader audience?

What to wear to your thesis defense?

When defending your thesis, you want to prove to your committee and advisor that you are capable of producing more broad-ranging, in-depth pieces of scholarly writing. With this in mind, you should look the part. You will want to wear professional attire that is comfortable – the last thing you want is to distract your audience from the masterpiece that is your thesis by tugging at clothing while you are presenting your defense or fielding questions. Nor do you want to disrupt your own ability to concentrate by squeezing into those cute shoes.

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No matter how nervous you are, be sure to focus and to listen with care to the questions posed to you. Take a moment to pause before you give your answer if you need to – they are not looking for quick responses, but they are looking for solid ones. You should expect to be asked to address the more controversial aspects of your thesis. Keep in mind that you don’t have to defend everything about your thesis. If you don’t have an answer to a question, don’t fake it or make any promises – reply that the question is interesting and that you will consider it in the future. Defending your thesis requires you to be political to a certain extent.

If you are having trouble with managing your fears while defending your thesis, you may find it helpful to use visual aids during your presentation. They can help you stay focused and confident, as well as help you pace yourself. Visual aids, if you use them, should clearly state the research problem, objectives, approaches, and the contributions of your thesis work.

You may also decide to videotape or audiotape your defense, as it can help you keep track of the reactions, suggestions, and criticisms that you receive. Often your thesis committee members will offer tips for revision. These could be crucial as you revise your work for later publication or development. But you will be so focused on what you need to say next during your thesis defense that you will very likely not remember much of what the professors said after the fact. If you document the session, you will later be able to retrieve and follow the expert advice your thesis committee offered during your defense.

One of the most crucial things to remember when defending your thesis is to maintain a level of passion about your research. If you are passionate about your work, your advisor and committee will take note of this, and it will underscore the importance of your thesis. After all, who isn’t passionate about the concluding event of a long and difficult journey?

After you have presented your defense, you will either be told that you have passed, that your thesis needs minor revisions, that your thesis needs to be resubmitted, or that it has not been approved. The last two possibilities are rare, especially if you have followed the thesis writing process properly, and if you have stayed in meaningful contact with your advisor. If you have been diligent, there really should be few surprises.

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How to prepare an excellent thesis defense

What is a thesis defense?

How long is a thesis defense, what happens at a thesis defense, your presentation, questions from the committee, 6 tips to help you prepare for your thesis defense, 1. anticipate questions and prepare for them, 2. dress for success, 3. ask for help, as needed, 4. have a backup plan, 5. prepare for the possibility that you might not know an answer, 6. de-stress before, during, and after, frequently asked questions about preparing an excellent thesis defense, related articles.

If you're about to complete, or have ever completed a graduate degree, you have most likely come across the term "thesis defense." In many countries, to finish a graduate degree, you have to write a thesis .

A thesis is a large paper, or multi-chapter work, based on a topic relating to your field of study.

Once you hand in your thesis, you will be assigned a date to defend your work. Your thesis defense meeting usually consists of you and a committee of two or more professors working in your program. It may also include other people, like professionals from other colleges or those who are working in your field.

During your thesis defense, you will be asked questions about your work. The main purpose of your thesis defense is for the committee to make sure that you actually understand your field and focus area.

The questions are usually open-ended and require the student to think critically about their work. By the time of your thesis defense, your paper has already been evaluated. The questions asked are not designed so that you actually have to aggressively "defend" your work; often, your thesis defense is more of a formality required so that you can get your degree.

• Check with your department about requirements and timing.
• Re-read your thesis.
• Anticipate questions and prepare for them.
• Create a back-up plan to deal with technology hiccups.
• Plan de-stressing activities both before, and after, your defense.

How long your oral thesis defense is depends largely on the institution and requirements of your degree. It is best to consult your department or institution about this. In general, a thesis defense may take only 20 minutes, but it may also take two hours or more. The length also depends on how much time is allocated to the presentation and questioning part.

Tip: Check with your department or institution as soon as possible to determine the approved length for a thesis defense.

First of all, be aware that a thesis defense varies from country to country. This is just a general overview, but a thesis defense can take many different formats. Some are closed, others are public defenses. Some take place with two committee members, some with more examiners.

The same goes for the length of your thesis defense, as mentioned above. The most important first step for you is to clarify with your department what the structure of your thesis defense will look like. In general, your thesis defense will include:

• your presentation of around 20-30 minutes
• questions from the committee
• questions from the audience (if the defense is public and the department allows it)

You might have to give a presentation, often with Powerpoint, Google slides, or Keynote slides. Make sure to prepare an appropriate amount of slides. A general rule is to use about 10 slides for a 20-minute presentation.

But that also depends on your specific topic and the way you present. The good news is that there will be plenty of time ahead of your thesis defense to prepare your slides and practice your presentation alone and in front of friends or family.

Tip: Practice delivering your thesis presentation in front of family, friends, or colleagues.

You can prepare your slides by using information from your thesis' first chapter (the overview of your thesis) as a framework or outline. Substantive information in your thesis should correspond with your slides.

Make sure your slides are of good quality— both in terms of the integrity of the information and the appearance. If you need more help with how to prepare your presentation slides, both the ASQ Higher Education Brief and James Hayton have good guidelines on the topic.

The committee will ask questions about your work after you finish your presentation. The questions will most likely be about the core content of your thesis, such as what you learned from the study you conducted. They may also ask you to summarize certain findings and to discuss how your work will contribute to the existing body of knowledge.

Tip: Read your entire thesis in preparation of the questions, so you have a refreshed perspective on your work.

While you are preparing, you can create a list of possible questions and try to answer them. You can foresee many of the questions you will get by simply spending some time rereading your thesis.

Here are a few tips on how to prepare for your thesis defense:

You can absolutely prepare for most of the questions you will be asked. Read through your thesis and while you're reading it, create a list of possible questions. In addition, since you will know who will be on the committee, look at the academic expertise of the committee members. In what areas would they most likely be focused?

If possible, sit at other thesis defenses with these committee members to get a feel for how they ask and what they ask. As a graduate student, you should generally be adept at anticipating test questions, so use this advantage to gather as much information as possible before your thesis defense meeting.

Your thesis defense is a formal event, often the entire department or university is invited to participate. It signals a critical rite of passage for graduate students and faculty who have supported them throughout a long and challenging process.

While most universities don't have specific rules on how to dress for that event, do regard it with dignity and respect. This one might be a no-brainer, but know that you should dress as if you were on a job interview or delivering a paper at a conference.

It might help you deal with your stress before your thesis defense to entrust someone with the smaller but important responsibilities of your defense well ahead of schedule. This trusted person could be responsible for:

• preparing the room of the day of defense
• setting up equipment for the presentation
• preparing and distributing handouts

Technology is unpredictable. Life is too. There are no guarantees that your Powerpoint presentation will work at all or look the way it is supposed to on the big screen. We've all been there. Make sure to have a plan B for these situations. Handouts can help when technology fails, and an additional clean shirt can save the day if you have a spill.

One of the scariest aspects of the defense is the possibility of being asked a question you can't answer. While you can prepare for some questions, you can never know exactly what the committee will ask.

There will always be gaps in your knowledge. But your thesis defense is not about being perfect and knowing everything, it's about how you deal with challenging situations. You are not expected to know everything.

James Hayton writes on his blog that examiners will sometimes even ask questions they don't know the answer to, out of curiosity, or because they want to see how you think. While it is ok sometimes to just say "I don't know", he advises to try something like "I don't know, but I would think [...] because of x and y, but you would need to do [...] in order to find out.” This shows that you have the ability to think as an academic.

You will be nervous. But your examiners will expect you to be nervous. Being well prepared can help minimize your stress, but do know that your examiners have seen this many times before and are willing to help, by repeating questions, for example. Dora Farkas at finishyourthesis.com notes that it’s a myth that thesis committees are out to get you.

Two common symptoms of being nervous are talking really fast and nervous laughs. Try to slow yourself down and take a deep breath. Remember what feels like hours to you are just a few seconds in real life.

• Try meditational breathing right before your defense.
• Get plenty of exercise and sleep in the weeks prior to your defense.
• Have your clothes or other items you need ready to go the night before.
• During your defense, allow yourself to process each question before answering.
• Go to dinner with friends and family, or to a fun activity like mini-golf, after your defense.

Allow yourself to process each question, respond to it, and stop talking once you have responded. While a smile can often help dissolve a difficult situation, remember that nervous laughs can be irritating for your audience.

We all make mistakes and your thesis defense will not be perfect. However, careful preparation, mindfulness, and confidence can help you feel less stressful both before, and during, your defense.

Finally, consider planning something fun that you can look forward to after your defense.

It is completely normal to be nervous. Being well prepared can help minimize your stress, but do know that your examiners have seen this many times before and are willing to help, by repeating questions for example if needed. Slow yourself down, and take a deep breath.

Your thesis defense is not about being perfect and knowing everything, it's about how you deal with challenging situations. James Hayton writes on his blog that it is ok sometimes to just say "I don't know", but he advises to try something like "I don't know, but I would think [...] because of x and y, you would need to do [...] in order to find out".

Your Powerpoint presentation can get stuck or not look the way it is supposed to do on the big screen. It can happen and your supervisors know it. In general, handouts can always save the day when technology fails.

• Dress for success.
• Ask for help setting up.
• Have a backup plan (in case technology fails you).
• Deal with your nerves.

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noun as in armament; protection system

Strong matches

• fortification

noun as in explanation, justification

• apologetics
• exculpation
• exoneration
• extenuation
• rationalization
• vindication

Weak matches

• apologizing
• song and dance

Example Sentences

Atlanta has started bolstering its defenses against climate change, but in some cases this has only exacerbated divisions.

Much like the last time this club looked worthy of a title, in 2018, this defense is versatile enough to switch its assignments to guard ball screens.

That key defense won’t change as more suits are filed, Kammer said.

Tensions have been mounting locally between federal defense attorneys and prosecutors over practices during the pandemic.

Matthews and his colleagues hypothesize that the plants might produce hexyl glucoside chemicals as a defense against the pests.

I went into the audition as Fericito, the Venezuelan percussionist, and then I did a self-defense expert.

There is just no way of selling this picture with an innocent defense like, “she just asked for a snap.”

But, but … there was a token black girl in the background, Target cried in its defense!

But the fun starts when conservatives stop playing defense and go on offense.

And from there, the letter asked for money for a legal defense fund.

And all the while she fought him, she punctuated her blows with words, some abusing him, others in defense of her father.

That, in the light of present conditions, is the most important thing for the necessary maintenance and defense of these islands.

Everything was placed in the best state of defense that time allowed, so that any attack of the enemy could be repulsed.

I sent an order and what was necessary for the fortification at Oton, and had that port put in a state of defense.

Les rivieres de Seine & d'Aulbe rendent le lieu de cette Baronnie autant agreable, que fort & avantageux la defense.

Related Words

Words related to defense are not direct synonyms, but are associated with the word defense . Browse related words to learn more about word associations.

noun as in support for an idea or cause

• advancement
• campaigning for
• championing
• encouragement
• justification
• pleading for
• promulgation
• propagation
• recommendation

noun as in something used to hold another thing securely

• grappling iron

noun as in reply; reaction

• acknowledgment
• counterclaim
• elucidation
• explanation
• interpretation
• observation
• parting shot
• rhetorical question
• thank-you note

noun as in justification

Viewing 5 / 51 related words

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.

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Synonyms for Defend dissertation

5 other terms for defend dissertation - words and phrases with similar meaning.

Synonyms of defend

• as in to protect
• as in to justify
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Thesaurus Definition of defend

Synonyms & Similar Words

• stand up for

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• stick up for

Synonym Chooser

How is the word defend different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of defend are guard , protect , safeguard , and shield . While all these words mean "to keep secure from danger or against attack," defend denotes warding off actual or threatened attack.

When is guard a more appropriate choice than defend ?

The meanings of guard and defend largely overlap; however, guard implies protecting with vigilance and force against expected danger.

When would protect be a good substitute for defend ?

The synonyms protect and defend are sometimes interchangeable, but protect implies the use of something (such as a covering) as a bar to the admission or impact of what may attack or injure.

When might safeguard be a better fit than defend ?

Although the words safeguard and defend have much in common, safeguard implies taking precautionary protective measures against merely possible danger.

Where would shield be a reasonable alternative to defend ?

The words shield and defend are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, shield suggests protective intervention in imminent danger or actual attack.

Examples of defend in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'defend.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near defend

defects (from)

Cite this Entry

“Defend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defend. Accessed 14 Aug. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on defend

Nglish: Translation of defend for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of defend for Arabic Speakers

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Aug 23 – Master of Science Thesis Defence – Clement Frimpong Osei

Tuesday, August 13, 2024 | By jtitone

Master of Science thesis defence in Computer Science

Clement Frimpong Osei, a Master of Science candidate in the Department of Computer Science, will defend his thesis titled “Application of L-Fuzzy Relation to Social Choice Theory” on Friday, Aug. 23 at 11 a.m.., in Plaza building room 600F.

The examination committee includes Melanie Pilkington, Chair; Michael Winter, Supervisor; Ke Qiu, External Examiner (Brock University); and Beatrice Ombuki-Berman; and Renata Queiroz Dividino, Committee Members.

Tags: Computer Science , FMS , Thesis defence Categories: News

FMS News and Events

• Aug 2 – Master of Science Thesis Defence – Fardad Pirri
• July 23 – PhD Thesis Defence – Gregory Foran
• July 15 – Master of Science thesis defence – Abhishek Kumar
• May 31 – Master of Science Thesis Defence – Pierre Simiganoschi
• May 29 – Master of Science Thesis Defence – Quanjian Li
• May 21 – Doctor of Philosophy Thesis Defence – Frank Betancourt
• May 16 – Master of Science Thesis Defence – Georgina Louise Gardner
• May 15 – Master of Science Thesis Defence – Jessica Graham
• May 14 – Master of Science Thesis Defence – Diana Tosato

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Who Are the Far-Right Groups Behind the U.K. Riots?

After a deadly stabbing at a children’s event in northwestern England, an array of online influencers, anti-Muslim extremists and fascist groups have stoked unrest, experts say.

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By Esther Bintliff and Eve Sampson

Esther Bintliff reported from London, and Eve Sampson from New York.

Violent unrest has erupted in several towns and cities in Britain in recent days, and further disorder broke out on Saturday as far-right agitators gathered in demonstrations around the country.

The violence has been driven by online disinformation and extremist right-wing groups intent on creating disorder after a deadly knife attack on a children’s event in northwestern England, experts said.

A range of far-right factions and individuals, including neo-Nazis, violent soccer fans and anti-Muslim campaigners, have promoted and taken part in the unrest, which has also been stoked by online influencers .

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed to deploy additional police officers to crack down on the disorder. “This is not a protest that has got out of hand,” he said on Thursday. “It is a group of individuals who are absolutely bent on violence.”

Here is what we know about the unrest and some of those involved.

Where have riots taken place?

The first riot took place on Tuesday evening in Southport, a town in northwestern England, after a deadly stabbing attack the previous day at a children’s dance and yoga class. Three girls died of their injuries, and eight other children and two adults were wounded.

The suspect, Axel Rudakubana , was born in Britain, but in the hours after the attack, disinformation about his identity — including the false claim that he was an undocumented migrant — spread rapidly online . Far-right activists used messaging apps including Telegram and X to urge people to take to the streets.

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