1. What is a thesis?
A thesis is recommendation that one approaches and gives to retain by argument. When the word thesis comes to mind, most scholars would refer it as the last paper before their graduation. But in this case, it is an essay that brings together many ideas to come up with one main idea. A thesis does not only prove a point but also backs up the point that one is trying to prove. A thesis can also be termed as an assertion or an argument. A thesis must be presented in an arguable manner. It affirms what one believes in. It should focus on a specific point. Generalizing a thesis does not bring up a good argument. The language used to explain a certain thesis should not be vague. A thesis enables a writer to formulate his or her ideas arguably and prove a point. A good thesis should have two main parts, one needs to tell what he or she plans to dispute and how he or she plans to dispute. It should strive to be as clear and definite as possible. It should be kept in mind that a thesis is not a question and it does not form a list.
2.A thesis proposal
A proposal is an opinion written formally which is forwarded for reviewing by others. A proposal can either be accepted or denied. A thesis proposal is a comprehensive summary of an essay that notifies a committee on whether the point of topic is convenient to the field of study. It should target an audience that does not experience the challenges you are addressing. There are steps that should be followed to get a strong thesis proposal. They are as follows:
- Outlining
- Having the structure
- Preparing the writing
- Writing of the thesis proposal
- Giving proof of the proposal
A thesis proposal should be carefully planned to get exemplary results. It helps one target his or her research ambitions. It has factors that must be considered. These factors are the statement, the major question, introduction and the literature review. A thesis proposal aims at persuading a committee that the idea should be accepted. The length and complexity of a thesis proposal are the main difference between a doctorate and masters thesis proposal. When writing, grammar check is very important to avoid spelling mistakes. Wrong grammar diverts the reader from the main point. One needs to devote a lot of time writing a thesis proposal because the further you polish it, the more you comprehend the information it entails.
3.Thesis statement
A thesis statement is a sentence that appears at the center or last part of an introductory paragraph in an essay. This statement gives a summary of the major point. It has the main idea and topic in it. A thesis statement can be split into two types: direct and indirect. The different between the direct and indirect thesis is that the direct one does not have reasons, while the indirect one does not. An essay should have a thesis statement to organize and establish a strong argument. It also provides a guideline to an argument. One can differentiate between a strong thesis statement and a weak one. The basis of your intended plan should be captured by this statement. It puts a boundary within it. A strong thesis statement focuses on one idea whereas a weak one talks of many ideas combined. To come up with a good thesis statement, bring out the topic clearly and limit your main point to a particular area. The reader should get what the statement is talking about clearly. Without a thesis statement, the reader’s possibility of losing track is very high. It should not be assumed that a thesis statement must be limited to one sentence. Complicated arguments might need at least a brief paragraph to bring out the main idea. A statement thesis should not be announced. A reader should be able to tell whether it is a thesis statement or not by simply reading the content.
4.Cover page
This is a page that has the title and the subtitle. The title ought to be brief and definite. A title should be precise. If it is long, you can write it as two lines. The title should be capitalized. It is good to write the title using key words. All the same, it should be comprehensive and detailed. Generalizing the title should be avoided. It also has the name of the author under the title. If the thesis proposal has been written by two people, write all their names. Separate the names using the conjunction ‘’and’’. Place your names at the center in a horizontally manner. The institution from which the writer is writing from is also indicated. A delivery date and your position in your work place is important too {applies if it is applicable}. If the writer has an email address, it can as well be written here.
5.Table of contents
A table of contents organizes chapters and main sections of a document. It is a page found before writing the actual work. It has the headings, subheadings, figures and tables of the topics being covered. Subheadings should be indented for an impressive look. At the far end of every heading or subheading is the respective number page. Beautiful images can be used to give readers a good preview. This enables the actual pages to be easily located. Icons can be used to show features in every chapter. Columns can also be used. Other than the writer, the people who will read the document will be able to know which sections they want in particular. If a table of contents is well organized and clear, it impresses the reader and encourages him or her to read more.
6.Abstract
An abstract is a paragraph that summarizes the major points of your thesis. Other people can use it as an overview. It brings out the main ideas of the thesis. An abstract should assist people to understand your thesis proposal. It is preferable to write an abstract after you are done writing your proposal. Even if you already know what your proposal entails, let the abstract be the last thing you will write. In most cases it is usually a single sentence per thesis section. It should be brief and not go beyond 200 words. Give a brief explanation of how you will address your issue. You can as well indicate the methods of research you plan to apply and the results that the reader should expect. When writing an abstract, be aware of your audience, keep their demands in mind. Know whether your abstract is descriptive or informative depending with your audience.
7.Introduction
Before writing an introduction, it is advisable to start with a sentence that will captivate the reader. It is commonly referred to as a hook. The hook must be interesting to persuade and motivate the reader to continue reading your thesis proposal. This statement should prompt the reader to want more of your proposal. Your goals and expectations at the end of your research should be indicated here. Explain the history of your study using a wide picture. Explain also what you will include and what you will not include in your project. Every information you give in the introduction should revolve around the thesis proposal question. When quality time is spent choosing a topic, it is difficult to face problems afterwards in your thesis. The importance of conducting the planned project ought to be stated. However, this is not a summary of your work like in the abstract. Your introduction should state vividly the objectives of your proposal.
8.Literature review
Organizing and summarizing your major ideas topic by topic is the main reason for this part. Important authors and their conclusions should be noted here. A biography of your read works is also important. The literature review must be done thoroughly. In most cases, what other scholars have done is what this part mainly contains. One should be aware of what has already been accomplished and that you are supposed to go further. All ideas, data and concepts that are not yours should be cited here. When you make statements, back them up with data that is your own. References from other people and authors should be stated with their surnames and thereafter the date which it was published should follow. The writer should try to use his or her own research to tell whether the research will bring up knowledge that has never been brought out earlier. Initials of their names are acceptable after their surname. When you are listing these references from trusted sources, it is advisable to order them in an alphabetical manner.
9.Methods
Here, the materials, the population to be studied and operations to be used to conduct the research are stated. Components of this part include; the population, how data will be collected, consistency of the findings, whether the findings are applicable and considered ethics. Procedures of how you intend to collect data should be described here. It should be stated whether the procedures will be qualitative or quantitative. The most important thing to lay emphasis on in this part is stating whether your method of research will clearly answer the research questions. Showing how and not just telling interests the one who is reading. The conditions that you will work in while researching are important to state. Calculations, the equipment to be used and the techniques are to be stated. Outline the weak points as well as the strong points. Defending and criticizing your thesis makes it a strong one.
10.Workplan
This is where you will state in details what you have planned to work on until the end of your thesis project. Stages of the activities you plan to engage in should be formatted in a table. State the time you intend to allocate for the whole process of researching and writing your thesis. Show the deadlines you have put in place for accomplishing and finishing each section of your project. Indicate the works that you have also completed. Show what findings we should look forward to from your planned research. Provide arrangements of how you intend to capitalize your research since a lot of funds are needed for materials, travel costs, equipment and direct costs.
11.Results
Results are the definite statements of what will be observed in your research. In this part, one states any results he or she had already obtained earlier. You should also support your arguments by telling how they will fit in your thesis. These results should be described and not told whether they will make any implications. The result section should be brief regardless of where you will refer from. Results should not be interpreted here but in the discussion section.
12.Significance of the research
This section shows the reader whether at the beginning of the plan you intended to make any positive impact with your project. Is there any knowledge that will come out of that proposed project? It should be new knowledge that the society does not know of. Explain why we should know and show the main implication. Your research should be of great value and impact to the society.
13.Discussion
Allocate good time for this part since it is considered to be the most important. It is a chance to show that you have clearly gotten the importance of your research and you can apply the theory independently once you conduct it. This part of a thesis does not repeat the results explained in the results part but it explains them. One ought to signify their results here. Discussion enables you to question what you will find in your research.
14.Biography
This part aims at providing proof to the reader that you are well able to conduct the research or project proposed. Do not include footnotes. If you had any people who helped you out with coming up with this thesis proposal, mention them here, not forgetting to indicate what they have achieved. Include any data that is not yours and back it up with your data. Your biography should be able to persuade your readers to accept your thesis proposal.
15.Conclusion
This is the last part of your thesis proposal. The most important and strongest points should be made here. This enables the readers to take away those points such that he or she will remember even after a long time. A conclusion should reflect your introduction. It is a wrap of your whole message. Give a summary of the advantages and make it clear that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Remember to appreciate your readers for their time and consideration. When you feel you need to add any other information, you can include an appendix.
16.Edit your work
Once you are done composing your thesis proposal, make sure you revise and make everything clear. Make sure that the presentation and formatting is attractive. It should capture the readers attention. If a short simple word can make sense in your sentence, do not go for a long difficult word. Make sure that there are no clichés used. Your sentences should not be too long. The language you use should not be vague or too formal. Ensure the language that you use will be understood by everyone who comes across your thesis proposal. Make sure that your paragraphs are not too long. Long paragraphs make it hard for one to read. Focus on the main point; do not beat around the bush. Make sure that your sentences are clear. Keep your thesis proposal simple.
17.Proofread your work
Ensure that that your work does not have mistakes like spelling mistakes or errors revolving punctuation and grammar. Proofreading your work ensures that the formatting is well done. Read aloud your proposal to spot any grammatical problems. Allow a second party to proofread your thesis proposal. It is advisable not to proofread immediately after you are done writing. This is to allow your brain to rest so that you can look at it later with a fresh mind. Try as much as possible to exclude all grammatical mistakes. This will definitely earn you points and increase the chance of your proposal thesis to be accepted. Have in mind that this proposal thesis determines your future.