How to Write Thesis or Dissertation: Get Effective Tips for Improvements

Steps to Write a Thesis

Now that you know a thesis and how to structure it properly, let’s explore the step-by-step guide to writing one effectively.

1. Research

The first and foremost thing while writing a thesis is research. Conducting research through proper channels is essential. Accuracy and authenticity are the essence of a thesis or dissertation.

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In-depth research helps form ideas and arguments. Research can be conducted through online educational resources. The main research sources are books, magazines, encyclopedias, newspapers, relevant websites, and journals. Surveys or one-to-one interviews can also be important sources of data.

2. Planning

Research and planning go hand in hand. Planning the whole thesis ahead of time will keep you ahead of time. Each section’s length, structure, and time must be planned before writing. Supportive arguments can also be decided beforehand.

In the planning stage, divide the content into different segments: purpose, review, methodology, findings, and discussion. Find out how your research can solve a problem in your field. Manage your time so that after writing, you still have time to proofread the whole thing.

3. Write a Compelling Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is the main argument of the research and depicts your stance on the topic. It is a common component of a thesis or an academic essay. It is usually added in the introduction paragraph, but it can also be added at the end, to sum up the discussion.

A thesis statement is a short introduction to the thesis, usually 1 to 2 sentences. It must effectively show the central point of the research and be compelling and logical. A thesis statement can be divided into 3 parts: the topic, claim, and main point.

4. Create Format & Outline

Crafting a format in the early stages is necessary. The font, line spacing, and referencing formats must be selected before starting. Create the title page first. It contains your name, department, supervisor’s name, and thesis title.

After you create a format, start outlining. The outline helps you understand what you are about to write better. Add all the key headings that need to be discussed in different chapters. You can also write key points and major details in the headings or subheadings.

5. Write the Main Content

At this stage, you have already created an outline. Use this outline as a guide to write the main content. This part is time-consuming and quite lengthy, so take your time to get it perfectly done. Don’t copy anything from resource material; write in your own words.

Focus on one chapter at a time. You can divide the chapters into parts while writing. Don’t rush the process; write one module at a time. This way, you can focus on the topic and write precisely. Make sure that the text is plagiarism-free. You can use a plagiarism remover to remove accidental plagiarism.

6. Abstract

An abstract is a concise summary of the whole thesis or dissertation. It is a 150 – 250-word text that describes the whole thesis. It contains all the major elements of your work but in a condensed version.

An abstract depicts the details of the whole thesis. It contains the purpose of the research, the methodology used to conduct it, the key findings, and the implications. So, write the abstract after completing the thesis.

7. Introduction and Conclusion

The introduction must be logical and engaging. It is the first thing (after the abstract) that attracts the reader. Use an engaging but professional writing style when writing the introduction. It must engage the reader and urge them to read the whole thing.

The conclusion is as important as the introduction. While summing up the thesis, encourage discussion.

8. Add Indexes

Adding indexes gives the thesis a professional touch. The table of contents, list of figures, and list of tables must be added in the right format. 

9. Add References

This is an important part of any academic document. Adding references and citations to the research material validates the idea. It supports the idea of the writer. Add all the references at the end of the document.

10. Acknowledgements & appendices

Acknowledgements or appendices is an additional section. It is not directly related to the research. Acknowledgment is a credit given to all the contributors: classmates, group members, supervisors, teachers, etc.

11. Proofread & Edit

The last but most important part is proofreading. It allows the writer to improve any mistakes that were overlooked while writing. Grammar or spelling mistakes can be corrected during proofreading.