How to Outline and Write a Thesis Paper

Hello. This is the outline for a basic thesis paper. This outline is fine for coursework which is less demanding, or high school work.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• time
• computer access

1. Review the directions from your instructor.

2. Read all materials.

3. Sit down in a quiet place at a computer. Most teachers require computer formatted papers now.

4. Write the basic outline.
   
   Paragraph 1 Introduction
   Paragraph 2 (body) Supporting Argument A
   Paragraph 3 (body) Supporting Argument B
   Paragraph 4 (body) Supporting Argument C
   Paragraph 5 Conclusion

5. Write Paragraph 1, using this outline.
   
   (Sentence 1) Introduces general subject area. (Sentence 2) Specify area of topic in subject area. (Sentence 3) Thesis statement. (Sentence 4) Wrap up and lead in to Paragraph 2.
   
   For example, the teacher's directions are to write a paper about why you think European colonists were able to conquer Latin American native cultures.
   
   (Sentence 1)European conquistadoras came to Latin America and swiftly conquered the native peoples. (Sentence 2)Historians have wondered why the European conquistadoras were able to conquer Latin America. (Sentence 3 THESIS)The European peoples were able to conquer native Latin American people because of their technology, their germs, and their agricultural culture. (Sentence 4)These combined resources enabled the European conquistadoras to ride into Latin America in triumph on their horses.
   
   The thesis statement can include the three supporting arguments which you will expand on in the three body paragraphs, as illustrated above. This is fairly effective.
   
   You can omit the supporting arguments from the thesis, and include them below the thesis statement. You can work them in as the concluding statement, introducing the first supporting body paragraph.

6. Write Body Paragraphs(2,3,& 4), using this outline.
   
   (Sentence 1) Intro to body paragraph topic. (Sentence 2) Mini-thesis, the supporting argument. (Sentence 3) Quote or information backing argument. (Sentence 4) Integration of quote or information into argument. (Sentence 5) Another quote or information backing argument. (Sentence 6) Integration of quote or information into argument. (Sentence 7) Ending statement and lead in to next body paragraph.

7. Write the Paragraph 5 Conclusion, using this outline.
   
   (Sentence 1)Introduction into conclusion. (Sentence 2)Recap of thesis. (Sentence 3)Integration and Summarization. (Sentence 4)Concluding statement.

8. Run a spell check. Take a break. Come back and read your paper. This is the second draft. Smooth out the verbal flow, make sure the logic is consistent from paragraph to paragraph. Touch it up.

9. Print your paper, put it away, and you are done. You've slammed out a thesis paper.

Tips & Warnings

• Schedule yourself time to review the material, and to review the paper for the second draft. Making time to do this will get you higher grades. Second draft papers get higher grades
• If the professor wants works cited, APA or other formats, footnotes, or other elements, include them. The first time learning this format takes time.
• Be consistant in your tenses and conjugation. Present tense usually is better.
• Try to tighten your writing. Instead of "I am going to assert...", use "I assert..."
• Make sure you save as you write. You don't want a power loss or system glitch making your work disappear.

Resources

• APA format assistance at the OWL

[PBreech]

on 1/31/2010 Great tips on how to outline and write a Thesis Paper.

[MyJB]

on 7/31/2009 These are really good tips and instruction. 5* and a recommend. Keep up the good work and keep on writing.