How to Come Up With a Thesis Statement

By eHow Education Editor

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Writing a thesis can be challenging, frustrating and a seemingly impossible task. But all is not lost. Many people have written their thesis before you and you can write yours too. With the write research, planning and following these steps you’ll have your thesis written and with few gray hairs to show for it. Follow these steps to find out how.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Step1
Choose an interesting and challenging topic for your thesis that isn’t so common anyone would be writing about it but not so obscure that you would have a hard time finding enough information to complete your paper.
Step2
Research your topic thoroughly. You will know when you’re through with your research when new books or essays you’re reading start referencing things you have already read.
Step3
Write the quotes you want to use from your research on the back of index cards. If its information you want to use but not quote, paraphrase the information on the back of index cards as well.
Step4
Site your sources on the front of the corresponding index cards.
Step5
Write your bibliography and works sited pages as you conduct your research. If you write them as you go you don’t have to worry about it when you finish writing your paper.
Step6
Place the index cards you’ve created in the order the information is to appear in your thesis and proceed to write the body of your thesis.
Step7
Write your title page. Your title page should be descriptive, catchy and follow whatever rules the style guide you’re following sets.
Step8
Construct a concise summary of your paper that will act as your abstract. Each style guide has different rules about abstracts but typically they run between 70-120 words.

Tips & Warnings

  • If the index cards seem a little confusing, write a thorough outline that covers all the sections of your thesis and then write your thesis based on that outline. The idea is that if you do the bulk of your research and planning in advance then the actual writing will be a breeze.

Comments

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mbsan4 said

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on 11/12/2007 Thank you for the information, it seems really helpful. This article explains more of how to write an essay or party of a research instead of explaining the thesis more.

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eHow Article:  How to Come Up With a Thesis Statement

eHow Education Editor

eHow Education Editor

Category: Education

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