A thesis is likely to be the longest and most difficult piece of work a student has ever completed. It can, however, also be a very rewarding piece of work since, unlike essays and other assignments, the student is able to pick a topic of special interest and work on their own initiative.
The thesis topic and question should be sufficiently focused that you can collect all the necessary data within a relatively short time-frame, usually about six weeks for undergraduate programs. You should also choose a topic that you already know something about so that you already have a frame of reference for your literature search and some understanding and interest in the theory behind your topic. Unless you’re writing a timed thesis, you should have plenty of advance notice regarding when your work is due. Good thesis writing takes time, so use yours wisely by avoiding procrastination. Set aside realistic blocks of time to research, plan, write, and rewrite.
Great research forms the foundation of the thesis. If you try to research your topic while you write you’ll likely end up with writing that lack of focus and organization. Think of research as a separate step. Give yourself time to gather research from a wide variety of sources. When you get ready to write you will be able to pick and choose the best information to use. Even if your essay doesn’t require a thesis statement, write one anyway. Look at a thesis statement as a compass that shows the direction your writing should go. Before you write the first word, revisit your research and highlight specific information to support your thesis.
Always remember that one person’s fascinating statistic is another’s clutter. If it doesn’t support the point you want to make, leave it out. Keep in mind that your audience hasn’t seen or read the same research you have. Successful thesis writing takes nothing for granted. Cover all the basic information, even facts you think everyone knows. The thesis explores complex ideas and information. This doesn’t mean your writing has to be complex too. Write to inform, not to impress straightforward language whenever possible. In a thesis, it’s not enough to say, “The world is round.” You must have reliable evidence to support your statement.
Last Precautions before Being Done:
Reread your work for unclear passages, dissertation title, off-topic information, and grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and be sure to make corrections before you turn in your work. Reread your work several times paying special attention to the items on your list. Have someone you trust perform a final review of your essay before you hand it in.