How to Make a Thesis for a Research Report

Thesis statements are crucial parts of research reports.

The thesis of a research report is the statement in the introductory paragraph that proposes your main research question. The thesis statement usually falls toward the end of the introductory paragraph. The purpose of the thesis statement is to inform the readers what they are going to read in the subsequent paragraphs. To write a proper thesis statement for your research report, you must have a fully developed research question to write about.

Instructions

1. Type your introduction to create the correct flow. Since the thesis statement is found at the end of the introduction, it must flow with the entire paragraph.

2. Create a thesis statement that inhabits both the research question/point you are trying to prove, as well as the reasons why you have taken that side. For example, a research report question, such as "Are cats better pets than dogs?," could use a thesis statement like: "Cats are better pets than dogs, they do not have to go to the bathroom outside, they do not chew on your shoes and they are relaxed animals."

3. Be sure to make your thesis statement as focused and straight to the point as possible. Do not throw in unnecessary words and do not overexaggerate a point that you do not truly feel that strongly about.

4. Reread your entire introductory paragraph with the thesis statement to be sure that it conveys the research question, your perspective on the topic and explanation as to what the readers can expect from the report overall.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not make the thesis statement a question. It should be a "side" or outcome that you have already decided on for your report.

References

• Developing a Research Thesis: Home