A- The opposition should begin with a summary of the essay. The summary should be one page long. (500 words)
B- In general, it can be said that the opposition should be thematically structured and that the opponent should not “Flips through” the essay. The themes that should be addressed are:
1- The scientific problem of the essay. Is it in- and extra-scientific relevance? What consequences does the problem formulation have for other parts of the essay? What kind of problem formulation has the author landed in, for example, is there a gap in it research that has been identified or is it a controversy in research that gives the starting points of the essay and how well the starting point is explained and substantiated by the author? Explains the author what will be his own contribution and why is interesting to study?
2- The anchoring in theory and previous research. How the author relates to the theories and the research that exists around the question? Are there different theoretical inputs that the author could have chosen, and if so, why are they excluded? Shows the author’s ability to use previous research independently? Used previously research clearly to anchor the purpose of the essay?
3- The purpose of the essay, questions or hypotheses. Are they reasonable, fertile and apparently different from each other? Are the issues more precise than the purpose? Are the issues being sufficiently concrete and well-defined with the help of the theoretical tools and concepts that have been carved out? What consequences will have their wording for what is done in the results section of the essay?
4- Thesis design, method and material. Is the layout and method suitable, given problems and purpose? Which cases have been chosen and why? Is it clear what the author has made? How are different phenomena investigated? Could something has been done differently? What implications does this have? Is there an analysis schedule and how well specified and is it limited? The analysis schedule is clearly related to the issues? Could the author have combined different types of material in an interesting way and become more confident in their conclusions?
5- The essay’s analysis and interpretations. Is it clear how the conclusions are drawn? Are they reasonable? What are the implications of the conclusions on a scientific and a more general level? Does the author succeed in raising the issue and reconnecting to the starting point of the essay? What are there for alternative / future questions and approaches after this essay?
C- It is important that the opponent, based on his reading of the essay, asks questions to the respondent which the respondent may answer. Prepare at least ONE question of each part to ask/criticise the author (5-8 questions)
