Thesis writing can be difficult and arduous. Whilst you’re passionate about your topic, structuring your argument and finding the right resources can be challenging, especially when you’re up against a tight deadline. Even coming up with the title can be difficult. However, it’s important to try to write a thesis that you’re proud of. Your thesis makes up a large percentage of your overall grade, and it’s a chance to collate everything you’ve learned so far and to write about something that interests you. So, how can you write a better thesis?
Proof-reading
A long thesis with lots of different elements is bound to have mistakes in it somewhere. Even a literary whizz with a solid understanding of English grammar will make a typo every now and then. So, during the writing process, it’s important to look over what you’ve written so far and check for any mistakes. Alternatively, you could ask a friend or relative to read it over, or you may wish to consider an online thesis proofreading service. Whatever option you choose, it’s vital to read over your thesis with a fine-tooth comb and make sure you eliminate any errors. Whilst you might not be marked down for typos, they make your work seem less credible and your marker could lose faith in your argument.
Research
There are many different things you must do before you start writing your thesis, and the most important is research. How can you form a sophisticated argument if you haven’t engaged in wider reading and explored the ideas of experienced academics? Proper research in an academic topic doesn’t just mean doing some Googling: you will need to take plenty of trips to the library and consult a plethora of different sources. Your marker will want to see that you have explored numerous avenues and been open to different opinions. If you disagree with a source that’s fine – just make sure you learn about it first before you discredit it.
Referencing
The word that every student hates to hear: referencing. Once you’ve done your research and started writing, it’s vital that you reference all your sources, and do so correctly – whether that’s through the Harvard system, MHRA or another. Your thesis advisor will tell you the correct method that your course uses. Whilst many students leave referencing to the end of their essay writing process, it’s much more productive to do it as you write. Otherwise, you will have the long and arduous task of going back over your thesis and working it all out – with the potential to lead to mistakes.
Self belief
One of the most important and underrated skills needed when writing a good thesis is believing in yourself and your argument. Unlike previous essays you may have written, your thesis is a chance to show off your own opinions and prove yourself to have academic integrity. So, instead of dancing around your argument, be clear. Tell your marker the conclusion you have come to, and own it.