Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing an IGNOU Synopsis
Writing an IGNOU MA synopsis (oke.zone) synopsis is a critical step in your academic journey, but many students commit preventable mistakes that can postpone their approval. This guide will help you identify and steer clear of the frequent errors in IGNOU synopsis writing.
1. Poor Topic Selection
Selecting the wrong topic is the primary mistake many students make:
- Too broad topics that lack focus
- Too narrow topics with limited scope
- Unrelated topics to your program
- Impractical topics with no available data
Solution: Select a topic that is manageable, pertinent to your field, and has adequate research material available.
2. Vague Research Objectives
Many synopses get rejected due to poorly defined objectives:
- Objectives that are too general
- Excessive objectives (more than 5-6)
- Objectives that don't relate to the research question
- Unachievable objectives
Fix: Limit to 3-5 clear objectives using action verbs like "analyze", "evaluate", or "compare".
3. Inadequate Literature Review
A substandard literature review can compromise your entire synopsis:
- Outdated references (more than 5-7 years old)
- Irrelevant studies included
- No critical analysis of existing research
- Failure to identify research gaps
Solution: Include current (last 5 years) and relevant studies with proper analysis.
4. Faulty Research Methodology
Methodological errors are frequent mistakes:
- Vague description of research methods
- Inappropriate methods for the research objectives
- No justification for chosen methods
- Impractical sample sizes or data collection plans
Fix: Clearly describe your methods and justify why they're suitable for your study.
5. Formatting Errors
Neglecting IGNOU's formatting requirements is a major mistake:
- Incorrect font style or size
- Improper margins and spacing
- Missing required sections
- Non-standard citation style
Solution: Carefully follow IGNOU's latest formatting guidelines for synopsis writing.
6. Copying Issues
Content copying is a grave academic offense:
- Direct copying without quotation marks
- Rewriting without proper citation
- Using others' ideas without acknowledgment
- Excessive similarity index in plagiarism checks
Solution: Always reference sources properly and run your synopsis through similarity check software.
7. Language Mistakes
Language errors create a bad impression:
- Typographical errors
- Grammatical mistakes
- Weak sentence structure
- Inconsistent tense usage
Fix: Edit carefully and consider using language editing tools.
8. Unrealistic Scope
Many students propose research that's too broad:
- Excessive variables to study
- Unachievable timelines
- No access to required data/samples
- Overcomplicated research designs
Fix: Keep your research focused and achievable within IGNOU's duration.
9. Ignoring Supervisor's Feedback
Failing to incorporate feedback is a critical error:
- Ignoring suggested changes
- Sending without supervisor approval
- Overlooking formatting suggestions
- Delayed consultation with guide
Solution: Regularly consult your supervisor and include their suggestions.
10. Rushed Submission
Hurried submissions often lead to mistakes:
- Unfinished sections
- No time for proofreading
- Missing required documents
- Late submission past deadlines
Fix: Start early and allow sufficient time for several edits.
Pro Tips for Flawless IGNOU Synopsis
- Follow IGNOU's prescribed synopsis template
- Keep language formal but clear
- Maintain uniformity in formatting
- Get it reviewed by peers before submission
- Keep backups of your work
Final Thoughts
Avoiding these frequent mistakes will significantly increase your chances of synopsis approval. Keep in mind that your synopsis is the blueprint for your entire research project, so invest effort in making it error-free. By being aware of these potential errors and following the recommended solutions, you can develop a strong synopsis that gets approved on the first submission.
For more help, always refer to IGNOU's latest guidelines and consult your guide regularly during the writing process.