ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a background to thesis and dissertation writing as well as introduced a number of issues that are of particular relevance to second language thesis and dissertation writers. It explores very particular social and cultural context of theses and dissertations, and how this impacts on what students write and how they can write it. The chapter provides cross-cultural issues in thesis and dissertation writing and outlines disciplinary differences in thesis and dissertation writing. The learning tasks are designed to help students develop the skills and understandings necessary for successful thesis and dissertation writing. While there are a large number of texts that offer support to students with assignment writing, there are far fewer that offer support to students who are writing a thesis or dissertation. There are a number of cultural issues to consider in thesis and dissertation writing. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
