How to write a thesis part 1: Introduction to writing a thesis

Introduction

The completion of an academic thesis or dissertation is a principal and often essential element to fulfilling a university education. Yet despite its near-ubiquity in degree-level studies, writing a thesis can be a daunting, even frightening, task. No matter how pleased, proud and relieved we may be after finishing our theses, we have all experienced some measure of raw terror, despair or mind-numbing boredom while writing them.

In short – we’ve been there and come out the other side, all the better for it. We’ve also learned a thing or two along the way, not just on our topic, but also about the process itself. Let those of us with experience and wisdom, gleaned from the struggles and pitfalls, triumphs and failures of academic writing, be helpful guides for those in need of information, reassurance, inspiration, fresh perspectives and useful tips for writing a thesis.

The experience of writing theses at both undergraduate and graduate levels has changed who I am as a person and I also believe that it will change you.

So what is a thesis, anyway?

In the most basic terms, a thesis is a major academic project in which a student is required to propose and then research a topic, finally submitting his or her work in the form of a long essay or other type of document. Depending on the discipline or a particular institution’s guidelines, the candidate may be required to defend the thesis in front of an academic panel of teachers and/or other students.

A thesis is often the final requirement for a candidate working towards a bachelor’s (undergraduate), master’s or doctoral (PhD) degree, and may also be required for qualifications at the post-doctoral level. With each progressive level of thesis writing, the demands such as length, originality and academic rigor increase.

Requirements, standards and processes for writing a thesis differ according to factors including the level of study, academic discipline, country and individual institution. Significant differences in structure naturally exist between fields of study. For example, a thesis on English literature may not closely resemble a dissertation on chemistry or computer science.

Some universities slavishly adhere to technical stipulations and in-house styles including specific paper sizes, pagination and standard fonts. Other institutions allow a large degree of freedom of style and layout (bless them). These schools are generally populated by happy, openhearted students with unruly hair and a palpable lust for life.

Another common requirement is to use standard methods for referencing or citing source literature. These generally fall into the categories of parenthetical referencing (MLA, APA) and footnote-endnote citation. It is sometimes permitted or even encouraged to use both styles of referencing in the same document.

Differences aside, most theses contain common elements: a title page, table of contents, abstract or thesis statement, introduction, body, conclusion and a “works cited” section or bibliography. These sections are described in brief below.

Title page – contains basic information such as the title and subtitle of the work, name of the author(s), name of the university or college, supervisor, course, year and term, and other relevant info.

Table of contents – title and page number of each section with page numbers, possibly subsections within the body, etc.

Abstract – gives main argument or “thesis” along with a very short summary of the body and conclusion of the work.

Introduction – states the topic, the methodology and sources used, and establishes the main question or argument of the thesis. Can be considered the first part of the body of the work.

Body – the bulk of the thesis, usually divided into subsections or chapters. The body develops the argument and/or analysis by such processes as analyzing and exploring data and sources and scrutinizing them against methodology. The body should also bring up counter arguments, tests theories and criticize source literature or findings, etc.

Conclusion – crystallizes the body and clearly states the findings, interpretations and judgments arrived at during research. The conclusion “wraps up” the thesis and usually suggests further avenues of research.

Bibliography – alphabetically lists sources used in the thesis, both primary and secondary. These include raw data or objects or works studied (usually primary) and academic papers and books (usually secondary). A works cited section might contain a variety of sources including works of art, television, film, newspaper and magazine articles, surveys and personal interviews.

Defense

It is customary in some countries and institutions that the author(s) of a thesis must defend it in front of an academic panel or thesis committee. This dreaded ordeal normally takes place shortly after the work has been completed and submitted. Depending on how confident you are in your work and what kind of panel you are subjected to, an oral defense can be either a spirited, enjoyable affair, or feel like a hellish and unfair exposé about what an utterly hopeless scholar you really are.

Luckily, for most young, sensitive minds, such an intellectual dragging over the coals is often reserved for post-graduate work, though it is also sometimes required for a bachelor’s thesis. In the UK and several other English-speaking countries, this oral examination or defense is called a viva voce (viva for short) meaning “by live voice”.
After an oral defense, the candidate may be required to make changes according to the criticisms or suggestions of the committee and resubmit the work for acceptance and a final grade. If you survive this merciless trial by fire without wanting to harm yourself or others, you’re a better person than I.

Next:

In the following sections we will go over the processes and elements of thesis writing, from finding a topic to writing, editing and finally submitting and defending a dissertation. Of course, when writing an academic thesis the onus is on the author. That said, everyone could use a bit of inspiration and help with planning and executing a properly written thesis.

We will try to provide a basic, yet comprehensive guide with an overview of standards and tips for writing and conducting research, suggestions on where to look for help, how and when to revise, what style is suited best for your topic, what kind of language to use and how to approach your work with a positive and helpful attitude.

Don’t let the sheer magnitude of the task intimidate or get you down! Thesis writing can be a rewarding experience to look back upon for years with pride and satisfaction. It is a unique chance that will test your ability and showcase what you are capable of. For these reasons (as well as your degree!) take advantage of fresh perspectives provided by those who have experienced the challenges, tests and triumphs of writing an academic thesis.

Good luck and read on!

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