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Under the title heading, the writer needs to add the phrase
“A synopsis submitted in the fulfilment of the requirements
Synopsis title for the award of the degree of Master/Doctor of Philosophy
and formatting in (the name of discipline)” (See fig 2.1.1). The candidate’s
or writer’s name, supervisor’s name, name of Department,
school and institution should also be mentioned as shown in
figure 2.1.1.

2.1.2.2 Creating Content Page

A table of contents in a synopsis is like a guiding light that
illuminates the path ahead. Without it, the reader ventures
into the unknown, grasping in the darkness for meaning.
Consider Plato's allegory of the cave - prisoners chained in
darkness see only shadows dancing on the walls. Their vision
is limited, and perceptions shaped by scant information. But
when freed into the light, suddenly, the world opens up before
them. Similarly, a synopsis without a clear table of contents
Guides and leaves the reader squinting in the shadows. But structured
clarifies signposts shine a light on the road ahead. Each new heading
reveals a bit more of the landscape, bringing key elements
into focus. The table of contents acts as a framework,
transforming scattered details into meaningful patterns. It
takes the reader on a journey from ignorance to understanding,
confusion to clarity. Like Plato's freed prisoner, emerging
from darkness into sunlight, the path ahead is illuminated. A
table of contents in a synopsis provides enlightenment, giving
shape and substance to the ideas presented. With it, the reader
gains vision and insight, without it, they are left to grope in
darkness.

Thus, the table of contents in a research synopsis contains
a list of chapter titles and important subsections, along with
their respective page numbers. This makes it easy for the
reader, including the supervisor, to find the main parts of the

Synopsis guide synopsis. The table of contents can be created automatically
after writing everything, or manually. Since it shows the
different sections clearly, the table of contents is the most
reader-friendly part of a synopsis. It can also be seen as the
central part structurally. More than making the synopsis
look professional, this section serves as a roadmap for the
intellectual and structural discussions that follow.

SGOU - SLM - Foundational Skills for Research and Writing 101