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The Ultimate Defense Guide: 10 Questions Your External Examiner Will Ask
The project defense isn't just about what you wrote; it’s about proving that you actually wrote it. The External isn't there to fail you; they are there to test your mastery of the subject.
If you can confidently answer these 10 questions, you are 90% of the way to an 'A'.
1. "What is the Gap in Knowledge your study fills?"
Translation: Why did we need this study? Don't just say "to get a degree." Point out a specific problem that wasn't solved until you did this work.
2. "Why did you choose this specific Methodology?"
Be ready to defend why you chose a Survey over an Interview, or why you used a specific sample size.
3. "What are your key Findings?"
Don't read your whole Chapter 4. Summarize your top 3 discoveries in clear, simple English.
4. "How do your findings contribute to the field?"
Does this help the government? Does it help businesses? Tell them who benefits from your work.
5. "If you had more time/money, what would you change?"
This tests your awareness of your study's limitations. It’s okay to admit you couldn't cover the whole country.
6. "How did you validate your research instrument?"
Did a supervisor check your questionnaire? Did you do a pilot study? They want to know your data isn't faked."
7. "What is the theoretical framework for this study?"
You must know the theories that back up your work (e.g., Maslow’s Hierarchy, Social Exchange Theory, etc.).
8. "Why this specific Study Area/Location?"
Why UNILAG and not UI? Why Lagos and not Kano? Have a logical reason ready.
9. "What was the most challenging part of this research?"
This is a "soft" question, but be professional. Discuss data collection hurdles, not personal laziness.
10. "What is your main Recommendation?"
Based on your results, what should happen next? Be practical.
Pro Tip: The Mock Defense
At uniSupport, we don't just write; we prepare you. Our "Defense Prep" sessions involve a mock panel where we grill you with these questions so that by the time you face the real examiners, you're a pro.
Conclusion
Confidence comes from preparation. Review your Chapter 3 and 4 the night before, dress sharp, and remember: you are the world expert on your specific topic for those 20 minutes.
If you can confidently answer these 10 questions, you are 90% of the way to an 'A'.
1. "What is the Gap in Knowledge your study fills?"
Translation: Why did we need this study? Don't just say "to get a degree." Point out a specific problem that wasn't solved until you did this work.
2. "Why did you choose this specific Methodology?"
Be ready to defend why you chose a Survey over an Interview, or why you used a specific sample size.
3. "What are your key Findings?"
Don't read your whole Chapter 4. Summarize your top 3 discoveries in clear, simple English.
4. "How do your findings contribute to the field?"
Does this help the government? Does it help businesses? Tell them who benefits from your work.
5. "If you had more time/money, what would you change?"
This tests your awareness of your study's limitations. It’s okay to admit you couldn't cover the whole country.
6. "How did you validate your research instrument?"
Did a supervisor check your questionnaire? Did you do a pilot study? They want to know your data isn't faked."
7. "What is the theoretical framework for this study?"
You must know the theories that back up your work (e.g., Maslow’s Hierarchy, Social Exchange Theory, etc.).
8. "Why this specific Study Area/Location?"
Why UNILAG and not UI? Why Lagos and not Kano? Have a logical reason ready.
9. "What was the most challenging part of this research?"
This is a "soft" question, but be professional. Discuss data collection hurdles, not personal laziness.
10. "What is your main Recommendation?"
Based on your results, what should happen next? Be practical.
Pro Tip: The Mock Defense
At uniSupport, we don't just write; we prepare you. Our "Defense Prep" sessions involve a mock panel where we grill you with these questions so that by the time you face the real examiners, you're a pro.
Conclusion
Confidence comes from preparation. Review your Chapter 3 and 4 the night before, dress sharp, and remember: you are the world expert on your specific topic for those 20 minutes.