Thesis Writing 101: Everything You Need to Know(2020)

A thesis is a type of research paper you complete towards the end of your master's or as a final project for your bachelor's degree.

Writing a thesis can feel overwhelming, especially if you're new to academic research or long-form writing. But with the right approach, it doesn't have to be stressful.

In this article, we'll explore the process of thesis writing, offering expert advice, step-by-step guidance, and strategies to help you excel. Whether you're starting fresh or refining your skills, you'll find valuable insights here to assist you in crafting an effective thesis.

Thesis Writing vs. Thesis Statement

People often confuse "thesis" with "thesis statement," but they serve different purposes in academic writing.

A thesis statement is a concise summary found in the essay's introduction, typically one or two sentences that outline the main points of the paper.

On the other hand, a thesis is an extensive academic document that takes several months to complete. It's required for master's programs and sometimes for bachelor's degrees in liberal arts colleges.

The thesis involves thorough research and serves as a comprehensive display of a student's understanding of a specific subject.

How Long Should a Thesis Be?

The length of a thesis varies by project and depends on your university department and field of study.

A bachelor's thesis typically ranges from 5000 to 7000 words, while a master's thesis is usually between 9000 to 10,000 words.

For a Ph.D. thesis, it can span up to 80,000 words or about 250-200 pages. To keep it concise, avoid unnecessary repetition and information. Remember, these pages cover all text and reference lists except appendices.

Structuring Your Thesis

The thesis format involves careful consideration of various elements. The final structure depends on factors like discipline, topic, and theoretical approach.

While thesis formats can vary, they typically include these main sections:

Refer to the template below for better understanding.

Thesis Writing Template

Getting Started with Thesis Writing

Let's break down the thesis writing process into manageable steps to make it less overwhelming.

Choose a Topic

Select a topic that interests you and aligns with your academic goals.

Consider its relevance, feasibility, and the availability of research materials. Consult with your advisor or professors to ensure your chosen topic is suitable for your field of study.

Conduct Preliminary Research

Familiarize yourself with existing literature on your topic.

Read scholarly articles, books, and other relevant sources to gain a thorough understanding of the subject area. This will help you identify research gaps and formulate a strong research question.

Develop a Research Question or Objective

Create a clear research question or objective that guides your thesis and forms a hypothesis. It should be specific, focused, and achievable through research, serving as the foundation for your thesis.

Write a Thesis Proposal

Draft a thesis proposal outlining your research objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. This document helps you communicate your research plan to your advisor and receive valuable feedback before beginning the writing process.

Outline Your Thesis

Create a structured outline that organizes your ideas and establishes a logical flow for your thesis. Identify key sections such as introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. This serves as a roadmap for your writing process.

How to Write a Thesis

Writing a thesis involves several essential components and stages. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to write a thesis from start to finish:

Title Page

Begin with a title page that includes:

• Full Title: Clearly state the title of your thesis.
• Your Full Name: Provide your complete name as the author of the thesis.
• Department: Specify the academic department you belong to.
• Institution and Degree Program: Identify your academic institution and the specific degree program you are enrolled in.
• Submission Date: Mention the date of thesis submission.

Consult your university's guidelines for possible inclusions like student ID, supervisor's name, or university logo.

Acknowledgments or Preface

The acknowledgments section is optional and allows you to thank those who supported you, such as supervisors, friends, and family.

Alternatively, you can write a preface, providing insights into the motivation behind your thesis. Typically, choose either acknowledgments or a preface, not both.

Abstract

An abstract is a brief summary of your thesis, usually limited to around 300 words without citations. It provides concise insights into your research objectives, methods, results, and conclusions.

A good abstract answers:

• Why did you conduct this research?
• What question were you trying to answer?
• What methods did you use?
• What are your findings?
• How will your research contribute to the field?

Tip: Write your abstract after completing your thesis.

Table of Contents

Think of the table of contents as a roadmap for your thesis, guiding readers to each section with page numbers. This helps them navigate and find information easily.

Include all major parts of your thesis in the table of contents, including appendices. If you used heading styles (like "Heading 1" or "Heading 2" in MS Word), the computer can generate the table of contents automatically.

List of Figures and Tables

While not mandatory, a list of figures and tables is helpful if you've included many in your thesis. This list allows readers to locate specific tables and figures quickly.

In Word, use the "Insert Caption" feature to create this list. Follow your university's guidelines for any specific requirements regarding figures and tables.

List of Abbreviations

Include a list of abbreviations used in your thesis to help readers understand acronyms and shortened forms. This ensures clarity and improves readability. List any specialized terms with their full meanings if they might be unfamiliar.

Glossary

Consider adding a glossary to your thesis, especially if it includes technical or specialized terms. A glossary provides definitions and explanations, enhancing reader understanding.

Thesis Introduction

The thesis introduction sets the stage for your research, introducing the topic, providing background information, and outlining your study's objectives. It explains the "what, why, and how" of your research.

The introduction often includes a thesis statement or research question, giving readers an idea of what to expect.

Literature Review

Conduct a thorough literature review to understand existing academic work on your topic. Analyze, synthesize, and critique relevant sources to identify gaps in knowledge that your research will address.

Organize the literature review logically, using headings and subheadings to categorize findings and discussions.

Tip: Use citation management software like Zotero or EndNote to manage references.

Methodology

In the methodology section, describe how you conducted your research. Outline your approach, data collection methods, and analysis techniques.

Justify your choices, explaining why your methods are appropriate for your research questions and objectives.

Results

Present your research findings in a clear, organized manner. Use tables, figures, and graphs to illustrate data effectively.

Discuss key findings and trends, emphasizing their significance in relation to your research questions.

Discussion

In the discussion section, interpret your findings and explore their implications. Compare your results with existing literature and theories, addressing any discrepancies or unexpected outcomes.

Highlight the strengths and limitations of your study, suggesting areas for future research.

Conclusion

The thesis conclusion summarizes your research findings and their implications. Reinforce your thesis statement, discussing how your study contributes to the field.

Highlight the significance of your research, addressing any limitations and suggesting directions for future research.

References/Bibliography

Include a list of all sources cited in your thesis. Follow your department's referencing style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.) consistently.

Check your university's guidelines for specific formatting requirements, such as whether to include non-academic sources, online materials, and personal communications.

Appendices

Include supplementary materials like data sets, questionnaires, or additional information relevant to your thesis but not essential in the main text. Number appendices sequentially and refer to them in the main text when necessary.

Example of Writing a Thesis

Here's a brief collection of thesis examples to help you get started.

• Example#1: "Do Frameworks Matter? Testing the Framing Effect on Public Support for Prison Pell Grants" by Natalie Miles Burke, Portland State University.
• Example#2: "The Affective Discourses of Eviction: Right to Counsel in New York City" by Hadley Savana Bates, Portland State University
• Example#3: "The Impact of Climate Change on Selected PNW Watersheds through the Lens of Western Red Cedar Habitat" by Jordan T. Hamann, Portland State University
• Example#4: "Impacts of Floodplain Restoration on Water Temperature and Macroinvertebrates in Whychus Creek, Oregon" by Wesley Nathan Noone, Portland State University
• Example#5: "Trump's Legacy in the Middle East: Strategic Shift and the Geopolitics of American Foreign Policy in the Region" by Bilel Kriaa, Portland State University

Take a look at these examples of theses to see how they're structured and formatted. They can give you useful ideas for your thesis writing.

Tips for Writing Your Thesis Effectively

Writing a thesis requires careful planning, organization, and attention to detail. Here are some helpful tips to improve your thesis writing process and create a high-quality document:

• Plan your time wisely: Start early and create a realistic schedule to manage your research, writing, and revisions effectively.
• Understand the guidelines: Familiarize yourself with the formatting, citation style, and specific requirements set by your institution.
• Organize your thoughts: Develop a clear and logical structure for your thesis, including sections like introduction, literature review, methodology, etc.
• Write clearly and concisely: Use precise language to communicate your ideas effectively. Avoid jargon and ensure your writing is easy to understand.
• Revise and proofread: Review your thesis multiple times for grammar, spelling, and coherence. Seek feedback to improve the clarity and quality of your work.
• Stay organized: Keep track of your sources, data, and additional materials. Create a system to organize your research findings and citations for easy reference.
• Seek guidance and feedback: Consult with your advisor or mentors throughout the process. Their insights can enhance the overall quality of your thesis.

To Sum it Up!

Writing a thesis is a challenging but rewarding process that demonstrates your research skills and intellectual abilities. By following the tips and guidelines in this article, you can approach thesis writing with confidence.

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