writing a thesis step by step

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Step-by-step guide to crafting an effective thesis essay.

Writing a thesis essay is an essential part of academic writing that requires careful planning and execution. It involves presenting a clear argument supported by evidence and analysis. Whether you are a student working on your thesis or a writer crafting a persuasive essay, following a step-by-step guide can help you navigate the process effectively.

In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to write a thesis essay. From choosing a topic to crafting a compelling conclusion, each step is crucial in creating a well-structured and coherent piece of writing that conveys your ideas effectively.

By following these steps and incorporating your unique perspective and voice, you can create a thesis essay that engages readers and contributes to academic discourse. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of writing a thesis essay:

Prepare for Your Thesis Essay

Writing a thesis essay is a significant academic task that requires careful preparation. To ensure you produce a well-researched and well-written thesis, follow these steps:

Choose a Topic and Research

When writing a thesis essay, the first step is to choose a topic that interests you and is relevant to your field of study. Take the time to do thorough research on potential topics to ensure that there is enough information available to support your thesis. Researching different sources such as books, articles, and academic journals can help you gain a deeper understanding of the topic and develop a strong argument.

Evaluate Your Sources Critically

When writing a thesis essay, it is crucial to ensure that the sources you use are reliable and credible. Here are some tips to help you evaluate your sources critically:

• Check the author’s credentials: Look for information about the author’s expertise and qualifications in the subject matter.
• Examine the publication date: Make sure the source is current and up-to-date to ensure the information is relevant.
• Consider the source’s bias: Be aware of any potential biases in the source and how they may impact the information presented.
• Verify the information: Cross-reference the information with other reputable sources to confirm its accuracy.
• Assess the methodology: Evaluate how the information was gathered and whether the research methods used are valid.

By critically evaluating your sources, you can ensure that your thesis essay is based on reliable and high-quality information.

Start Writing Your Thesis Essay

Writing a thesis essay can be a daunting task, but with a step-by-step approach, it becomes more manageable. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Create an Outline and Thesis Statement

Before you start writing your thesis essay, it’s essential to create an outline and formulate a clear thesis statement. An outline will help you organize your ideas and ensure that your essay has a logical structure. A thesis statement, on the other hand, is a concise summary of the main point or claim of your essay.

Creating an Outline:

Start by brainstorming ideas and jotting down key points that you want to cover in your thesis essay. Then, organize these points into a logical sequence that flows smoothly from one to the next. Your outline should include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Formulating a Thesis Statement:

Your thesis statement should clearly state the main argument or position you will be defending in your essay. It should be specific, debatable, and concise. Your thesis statement will guide the direction of your essay and help you stay focused on your main argument throughout the writing process.

By creating an outline and formulating a strong thesis statement, you will set yourself up for a successful and well-structured thesis essay.

Conclude Your Thesis Essay

Finally, it is crucial to conclude your thesis essay effectively to leave a lasting impression on your readers. Your conclusion should summarize the main points of your argument and restate your thesis statement. Make sure to avoid introducing any new information in the conclusion and instead focus on reinforcing the key points you have made throughout your essay.

You can also use the conclusion to reflect on the broader implications of your research and discuss any possible future developments or areas for further study. This will show your readers that you have thought critically about your topic and have considered its significance in a larger context.

Remember to end your thesis essay on a strong note that leaves a final thought or idea with your readers. This could be a thought-provoking question, a call to action, or a powerful statement that reinforces the importance of your argument. By crafting a compelling conclusion, you can effectively tie together all the elements of your thesis essay and leave a lasting impact on your audience.

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Think of yourself as a member of a jury, listening to a lawyer who is presenting an opening argument. You'll want to know very soon whether the lawyer believes the accused to be guilty or not guilty, and how the lawyer plans to convince you. Readers of academic essays are like jury members: before they have read too far, they want to know what the essay argues as well as how the writer plans to make the argument. After reading your thesis statement, the reader should think, "This essay is going to try to convince me of something. I'm not convinced yet, but I'm interested to see how I might be."

An effective thesis cannot be answered with a simple "yes" or "no." A thesis is not a topic; nor is it a fact; nor is it an opinion. "Reasons for the fall of communism" is a topic. "Communism collapsed in Eastern Europe" is a fact known by educated people. "The fall of communism is the best thing that ever happened in Europe" is an opinion. (Superlatives like "the best" almost always lead to trouble. It's impossible to weigh every "thing" that ever happened in Europe. And what about the fall of Hitler? Couldn't that be "the best thing"?)

A good thesis has two parts. It should tell what you plan to argue, and it should "telegraph" how you plan to argue—that is, what particular support for your claim is going where in your essay.

Steps in Constructing a Thesis

First, analyze your primary sources.  Look for tension, interest, ambiguity, controversy, and/or complication. Does the author contradict himself or herself? Is a point made and later reversed? What are the deeper implications of the author's argument? Figuring out the why to one or more of these questions, or to related questions, will put you on the path to developing a working thesis. (Without the why, you probably have only come up with an observation—that there are, for instance, many different metaphors in such-and-such a poem—which is not a thesis.)

Once you have a working thesis, write it down.  There is nothing as frustrating as hitting on a great idea for a thesis, then forgetting it when you lose concentration. And by writing down your thesis you will be forced to think of it clearly, logically, and concisely. You probably will not be able to write out a final-draft version of your thesis the first time you try, but you'll get yourself on the right track by writing down what you have.

Keep your thesis prominent in your introduction.  A good, standard place for your thesis statement is at the end of an introductory paragraph, especially in shorter (5-15 page) essays. Readers are used to finding theses there, so they automatically pay more attention when they read the last sentence of your introduction. Although this is not required in all academic essays, it is a good rule of thumb.

Anticipate the counterarguments.  Once you have a working thesis, you should think about what might be said against it. This will help you to refine your thesis, and it will also make you think of the arguments that you'll need to refute later on in your essay. (Every argument has a counterargument. If yours doesn't, then it's not an argument—it may be a fact, or an opinion, but it is not an argument.)

This statement is on its way to being a thesis. However, it is too easy to imagine possible counterarguments. For example, a political observer might believe that Dukakis lost because he suffered from a "soft-on-crime" image. If you complicate your thesis by anticipating the counterargument, you'll strengthen your argument, as shown in the sentence below.

Some Caveats and Some Examples

A thesis is never a question.  Readers of academic essays expect to have questions discussed, explored, or even answered. A question ("Why did communism collapse in Eastern Europe?") is not an argument, and without an argument, a thesis is dead in the water.

A thesis is never a list.  "For political, economic, social and cultural reasons, communism collapsed in Eastern Europe" does a good job of "telegraphing" the reader what to expect in the essay—a section about political reasons, a section about economic reasons, a section about social reasons, and a section about cultural reasons. However, political, economic, social and cultural reasons are pretty much the only possible reasons why communism could collapse. This sentence lacks tension and doesn't advance an argument. Everyone knows that politics, economics, and culture are important.

A thesis should never be vague, combative or confrontational.  An ineffective thesis would be, "Communism collapsed in Eastern Europe because communism is evil." This is hard to argue (evil from whose perspective? what does evil mean?) and it is likely to mark you as moralistic and judgmental rather than rational and thorough. It also may spark a defensive reaction from readers sympathetic to communism. If readers strongly disagree with you right off the bat, they may stop reading.

An effective thesis has a definable, arguable claim.  "While cultural forces contributed to the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe, the disintegration of economies played the key role in driving its decline" is an effective thesis sentence that "telegraphs," so that the reader expects the essay to have a section about cultural forces and another about the disintegration of economies. This thesis makes a definite, arguable claim: that the disintegration of economies played a more important role than cultural forces in defeating communism in Eastern Europe. The reader would react to this statement by thinking, "Perhaps what the author says is true, but I am not convinced. I want to read further to see how the author argues this claim."

A thesis should be as clear and specific as possible.  Avoid overused, general terms and abstractions. For example, "Communism collapsed in Eastern Europe because of the ruling elite's inability to address the economic concerns of the people" is more powerful than "Communism collapsed due to societal discontent."

Copyright 1999, Maxine Rodburg and The Tutors of the Writing Center at Harvard University

How To Write A Dissertation Or Thesis

8 straightforward steps to craft an a-grade dissertation.

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) Expert Reviewed By: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | June 2020

Writing a dissertation or thesis is not a simple task. It takes time, energy and a lot of will power to get you across the finish line. It’s not easy – but it doesn’t necessarily need to be a painful process. If you understand the big-picture process of how to write a dissertation or thesis, your research journey will be a lot smoother.  

In this post, I’m going to outline the big-picture process of how to write a high-quality dissertation or thesis, without losing your mind along the way. If you’re just starting your research, this post is perfect for you. Alternatively, if you’ve already submitted your proposal, this article which covers how to structure a dissertation might be more helpful.

How To Write A Dissertation: 8 Steps

• Clearly understand what a dissertation (or thesis) is
• Find a unique and valuable research topic
• Craft a convincing research proposal
• Write up a strong introduction chapter
• Review the existing literature and compile a literature review
• Design a rigorous research strategy and undertake your own research
• Present the findings of your research
• Draw a conclusion and discuss the implications

Step 1: Understand exactly what a dissertation is

This probably sounds like a no-brainer, but all too often, students come to us for help with their research and the underlying issue is that they don’t fully understand what a dissertation (or thesis) actually is.

So, what is a dissertation?

At its simplest, a dissertation or thesis is a formal piece of research , reflecting the standard research process . But what is the standard research process, you ask? The research process involves 4 key steps:

• Ask a very specific, well-articulated question (s) (your research topic)
• See what other researchers have said about it (if they’ve already answered it)
• If they haven’t answered it adequately, undertake your own data collection and analysis in a scientifically rigorous fashion
• Answer your original question(s), based on your analysis findings

In short, the research process is simply about asking and answering questions in a systematic fashion . This probably sounds pretty obvious, but people often think they’ve done “research”, when in fact what they have done is:

• Started with a vague, poorly articulated question
• Not taken the time to see what research has already been done regarding the question
• Collected data and opinions that support their gut and undertaken a flimsy analysis
• Drawn a shaky conclusion, based on that analysis

If you want to see the perfect example of this in action, look out for the next Facebook post where someone claims they’ve done “research”… All too often, people consider reading a few blog posts to constitute research. Its no surprise then that what they end up with is an opinion piece, not research. Okay, okay – I’ll climb off my soapbox now.

The key takeaway here is that a dissertation (or thesis) is a formal piece of research, reflecting the research process. It’s not an opinion piece , nor a place to push your agenda or try to convince someone of your position. Writing a good dissertation involves asking a question and taking a systematic, rigorous approach to answering it.

If you understand this and are comfortable leaving your opinions or preconceived ideas at the door, you’re already off to a good start!

Step 2: Find a unique, valuable research topic

As we saw, the first step of the research process is to ask a specific, well-articulated question. In other words, you need to find a research topic that asks a specific question or set of questions (these are called research questions ). Sounds easy enough, right? All you’ve got to do is identify a question or two and you’ve got a winning research topic. Well, not quite…

A good dissertation or thesis topic has a few important attributes. Specifically, a solid research topic should be:

Let’s take a closer look at these:

Attribute #1: Clear

Your research topic needs to be crystal clear about what you’re planning to research, what you want to know, and within what context. There shouldn’t be any ambiguity or vagueness about what you’ll research.

Here’s an example of a clearly articulated research topic:

An analysis of consumer-based factors influencing organisational trust in British low-cost online equity brokerage firms.

As you can see in the example, its crystal clear what will be analysed (factors impacting organisational trust), amongst who (consumers) and in what context (British low-cost equity brokerage firms, based online).

Need a helping hand?

Attribute #2:   Unique

Your research should be asking a question(s) that hasn’t been asked before, or that hasn’t been asked in a specific context (for example, in a specific country or industry).

For example, sticking organisational trust topic above, it’s quite likely that organisational trust factors in the UK have been investigated before, but the context (online low-cost equity brokerages) could make this research unique. Therefore, the context makes this research original.

One caveat when using context as the basis for originality – you need to have a good reason to suspect that your findings in this context might be different from the existing research – otherwise, there’s no reason to warrant researching it.

Attribute #3: Important

Simply asking a unique or original question is not enough – the question needs to create value. In other words, successfully answering your research questions should provide some value to the field of research or the industry. You can’t research something just to satisfy your curiosity. It needs to make some form of contribution either to research or industry.

For example, researching the factors influencing consumer trust would create value by enabling businesses to tailor their operations and marketing to leverage factors that promote trust. In other words, it would have a clear benefit to industry.

So, how do you go about finding a unique and valuable research topic? We explain that in detail in this video post – How To Find A Research Topic . Yeah, we’ve got you covered 😊

Step 3: Write a convincing research proposal

Once you’ve pinned down a high-quality research topic, the next step is to convince your university to let you research it. No matter how awesome you think your topic is, it still needs to get the rubber stamp before you can move forward with your research. The research proposal is the tool you’ll use for this job.

So, what’s in a research proposal?

The main “job” of a research proposal is to convince your university, advisor or committee that your research topic is worthy of approval. But convince them of what? Well, this varies from university to university, but generally, they want to see that:

• You have a clearly articulated, unique and important topic (this might sound familiar…)
• You’ve done some initial reading of the existing literature relevant to your topic (i.e. a literature review)
• You have a provisional plan in terms of how you will collect data and analyse it (i.e. a methodology)

At the proposal stage, it’s (generally) not expected that you’ve extensively reviewed the existing literature , but you will need to show that you’ve done enough reading to identify a clear gap for original (unique) research. Similarly, they generally don’t expect that you have a rock-solid research methodology mapped out, but you should have an idea of whether you’ll be undertaking qualitative or quantitative analysis , and how you’ll collect your data (we’ll discuss this in more detail later).

Long story short – don’t stress about having every detail of your research meticulously thought out at the proposal stage – this will develop as you progress through your research. However, you do need to show that you’ve “done your homework” and that your research is worthy of approval .

So, how do you go about crafting a high-quality, convincing proposal? We cover that in detail in this video post – How To Write A Top-Class Research Proposal . We’ve also got a video walkthrough of two proposal examples here .

Step 4: Craft a strong introduction chapter

Once your proposal’s been approved, its time to get writing your actual dissertation or thesis! The good news is that if you put the time into crafting a high-quality proposal, you’ve already got a head start on your first three chapters – introduction, literature review and methodology – as you can use your proposal as the basis for these.

Handy sidenote – our free dissertation & thesis template is a great way to speed up your dissertation writing journey.

What’s the introduction chapter all about?

The purpose of the introduction chapter is to set the scene for your research (dare I say, to introduce it…) so that the reader understands what you’ll be researching and why it’s important. In other words, it covers the same ground as the research proposal in that it justifies your research topic.

What goes into the introduction chapter?

This can vary slightly between universities and degrees, but generally, the introduction chapter will include the following:

• A brief background to the study, explaining the overall area of research
• A problem statement , explaining what the problem is with the current state of research (in other words, where the knowledge gap exists)
• Your research questions – in other words, the specific questions your study will seek to answer (based on the knowledge gap)
• The significance of your study – in other words, why it’s important and how its findings will be useful in the world

As you can see, this all about explaining the “what” and the “why” of your research (as opposed to the “how”). So, your introduction chapter is basically the salesman of your study, “selling” your research to the first-time reader and (hopefully) getting them interested to read more.

How do I write the introduction chapter, you ask? We cover that in detail in this post .

Step 5: Undertake an in-depth literature review

As I mentioned earlier, you’ll need to do some initial review of the literature in Steps 2 and 3 to find your research gap and craft a convincing research proposal – but that’s just scratching the surface. Once you reach the literature review stage of your dissertation or thesis, you need to dig a lot deeper into the existing research and write up a comprehensive literature review chapter.

What’s the literature review all about?

There are two main stages in the literature review process:

Literature Review Step 1: Reading up

The first stage is for you to deep dive into the existing literature (journal articles, textbook chapters, industry reports, etc) to gain an in-depth understanding of the current state of research regarding your topic. While you don’t need to read every single article, you do need to ensure that you cover all literature that is related to your core research questions, and create a comprehensive catalogue of that literature , which you’ll use in the next step.

Reading and digesting all the relevant literature is a time consuming and intellectually demanding process. Many students underestimate just how much work goes into this step, so make sure that you allocate a good amount of time for this when planning out your research. Thankfully, there are ways to fast track the process – be sure to check out this article covering how to read journal articles quickly .

Literature Review Step 2: Writing up

Once you’ve worked through the literature and digested it all, you’ll need to write up your literature review chapter. Many students make the mistake of thinking that the literature review chapter is simply a summary of what other researchers have said. While this is partly true, a literature review is much more than just a summary. To pull off a good literature review chapter, you’ll need to achieve at least 3 things:

• You need to synthesise the existing research , not just summarise it. In other words, you need to show how different pieces of theory fit together, what’s agreed on by researchers, what’s not.
• You need to highlight a research gap that your research is going to fill. In other words, you’ve got to outline the problem so that your research topic can provide a solution.
• You need to use the existing research to inform your methodology and approach to your own research design. For example, you might use questions or Likert scales from previous studies in your your own survey design .

As you can see, a good literature review is more than just a summary of the published research. It’s the foundation on which your own research is built, so it deserves a lot of love and attention. Take the time to craft a comprehensive literature review with a suitable structure .

But, how do I actually write the literature review chapter, you ask? We cover that in detail in this video post .

Step 6: Carry out your own research

Once you’ve completed your literature review and have a sound understanding of the existing research, its time to develop your own research (finally!). You’ll design this research specifically so that you can find the answers to your unique research question.

There are two steps here – designing your research strategy and executing on it:

1 – Design your research strategy

The first step is to design your research strategy and craft a methodology chapter . I won’t get into the technicalities of the methodology chapter here, but in simple terms, this chapter is about explaining the “how” of your research. If you recall, the introduction and literature review chapters discussed the “what” and the “why”, so it makes sense that the next point to cover is the “how” –that’s what the methodology chapter is all about.

In this section, you’ll need to make firm decisions about your research design. This includes things like:

• Your research philosophy (e.g. positivism or interpretivism )
• Your overall methodology (e.g. qualitative , quantitative or mixed methods)
• Your data collection strategy (e.g. interviews , focus groups, surveys)
• Your data analysis strategy (e.g. content analysis , correlation analysis, regression)

If these words have got your head spinning, don’t worry! We’ll explain these in plain language in other posts. It’s not essential that you understand the intricacies of research design (yet!). The key takeaway here is that you’ll need to make decisions about how you’ll design your own research, and you’ll need to describe (and justify) your decisions in your methodology chapter.

2 – Execute: Collect and analyse your data

Once you’ve worked out your research design, you’ll put it into action and start collecting your data. This might mean undertaking interviews, hosting an online survey or any other data collection method. Data collection can take quite a bit of time (especially if you host in-person interviews), so be sure to factor sufficient time into your project plan for this. Oftentimes, things don’t go 100% to plan (for example, you don’t get as many survey responses as you hoped for), so bake a little extra time into your budget here.

Once you’ve collected your data, you’ll need to do some data preparation before you can sink your teeth into the analysis. For example:

• If you carry out interviews or focus groups, you’ll need to transcribe your audio data to text (i.e. a Word document).
• If you collect quantitative survey data, you’ll need to clean up your data and get it into the right format for whichever analysis software you use (for example, SPSS, R or STATA).

Once you’ve completed your data prep, you’ll undertake your analysis, using the techniques that you described in your methodology. Depending on what you find in your analysis, you might also do some additional forms of analysis that you hadn’t planned for. For example, you might see something in the data that raises new questions or that requires clarification with further analysis.

The type(s) of analysis that you’ll use depend entirely on the nature of your research and your research questions. For example:

• If your research if exploratory in nature, you’ll often use qualitative analysis techniques .
• If your research is confirmatory in nature, you’ll often use quantitative analysis techniques
• If your research involves a mix of both, you might use a mixed methods approach

Again, if these words have got your head spinning, don’t worry! We’ll explain these concepts and techniques in other posts. The key takeaway is simply that there’s no “one size fits all” for research design and methodology – it all depends on your topic, your research questions and your data. So, don’t be surprised if your study colleagues take a completely different approach to yours.

Step 7: Present your findings

Once you’ve completed your analysis, it’s time to present your findings (finally!). In a dissertation or thesis, you’ll typically present your findings in two chapters – the results chapter and the discussion chapter .

What’s the difference between the results chapter and the discussion chapter?

While these two chapters are similar, the results chapter generally just presents the processed data neatly and clearly without interpretation, while the discussion chapter explains the story the data are telling  – in other words, it provides your interpretation of the results.

For example, if you were researching the factors that influence consumer trust, you might have used a quantitative approach to identify the relationship between potential factors (e.g. perceived integrity and competence of the organisation) and consumer trust. In this case:

• Your results chapter would just present the results of the statistical tests. For example, correlation results or differences between groups. In other words, the processed numbers.
• Your discussion chapter would explain what the numbers mean in relation to your research question(s). For example, Factor 1 has a weak relationship with consumer trust, while Factor 2 has a strong relationship.

Depending on the university and degree, these two chapters (results and discussion) are sometimes merged into one , so be sure to check with your institution what their preference is. Regardless of the chapter structure, this section is about presenting the findings of your research in a clear, easy to understand fashion.

Importantly, your discussion here needs to link back to your research questions (which you outlined in the introduction or literature review chapter). In other words, it needs to answer the key questions you asked (or at least attempt to answer them).

For example, if we look at the sample research topic:

In this case, the discussion section would clearly outline which factors seem to have a noteworthy influence on organisational trust. By doing so, they are answering the overarching question and fulfilling the purpose of the research .

For more information about the results chapter , check out this post for qualitative studies and this post for quantitative studies .

Step 8: The Final Step Draw a conclusion and discuss the implications

Last but not least, you’ll need to wrap up your research with the conclusion chapter . In this chapter, you’ll bring your research full circle by highlighting the key findings of your study and explaining what the implications of these findings are.

What exactly are key findings? The key findings are those findings which directly relate to your original research questions and overall research objectives (which you discussed in your introduction chapter). The implications, on the other hand, explain what your findings mean for industry, or for research in your area.

Sticking with the consumer trust topic example, the conclusion might look something like this:

Key findings

This study set out to identify which factors influence consumer-based trust in British low-cost online equity brokerage firms. The results suggest that the following factors have a large impact on consumer trust:

While the following factors have a very limited impact on consumer trust:

Notably, within the 25-30 age groups, Factors E had a noticeably larger impact, which may be explained by…

Implications

The findings having noteworthy implications for British low-cost online equity brokers. Specifically:

The large impact of Factors X and Y implies that brokers need to consider….

The limited impact of Factor E implies that brokers need to…

As you can see, the conclusion chapter is basically explaining the “what” (what your study found) and the “so what?” (what the findings mean for the industry or research). This brings the study full circle and closes off the document.

Let’s recap – how to write a dissertation or thesis

You’re still with me? Impressive! I know that this post was a long one, but hopefully you’ve learnt a thing or two about how to write a dissertation or thesis, and are now better equipped to start your own research.

To recap, the 8 steps to writing a quality dissertation (or thesis) are as follows:

• Understand what a dissertation (or thesis) is – a research project that follows the research process.
• Find a unique (original) and important research topic
• Craft a convincing dissertation or thesis research proposal
• Write a clear, compelling introduction chapter
• Undertake a thorough review of the existing research and write up a literature review
• Undertake your own research
• Present and interpret your findings

Once you’ve wrapped up the core chapters, all that’s typically left is the abstract , reference list and appendices. As always, be sure to check with your university if they have any additional requirements in terms of structure or content.  

Psst... there’s more!

This post was based on one of our popular Research Bootcamps . If you're working on a research project, you'll definitely want to check this out ...

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20 Comments

thankfull >>>this is very useful

Thank you, it was really helpful

unquestionably, this amazing simplified way of teaching. Really , I couldn’t find in the literature words that fully explicit my great thanks to you. However, I could only say thanks a-lot.

Great to hear that – thanks for the feedback. Good luck writing your dissertation/thesis.

This is the most comprehensive explanation of how to write a dissertation. Many thanks for sharing it free of charge.

Very rich presentation. Thank you

Thanks Derek Jansen|GRADCOACH, I find it very useful guide to arrange my activities and proceed to research!

Thank you so much for such a marvelous teaching .I am so convinced that am going to write a comprehensive and a distinct masters dissertation

It is an amazing comprehensive explanation

This was straightforward. Thank you!

I can say that your explanations are simple and enlightening – understanding what you have done here is easy for me. Could you write more about the different types of research methods specific to the three methodologies: quan, qual and MM. I look forward to interacting with this website more in the future.

Thanks for the feedback and suggestions 🙂

Hello, your write ups is quite educative. However, l have challenges in going about my research questions which is below; *Building the enablers of organisational growth through effective governance and purposeful leadership.*

Very educating.

Just listening to the name of the dissertation makes the student nervous. As writing a top-quality dissertation is a difficult task as it is a lengthy topic, requires a lot of research and understanding and is usually around 10,000 to 15000 words. Sometimes due to studies, unbalanced workload or lack of research and writing skill students look for dissertation submission from professional writers.

Thank you 💕😊 very much. I was confused but your comprehensive explanation has cleared my doubts of ever presenting a good thesis. Thank you.

thank you so much, that was so useful

Hi. Where is the excel spread sheet ark?

could you please help me look at your thesis paper to enable me to do the portion that has to do with the specification

my topic is “the impact of domestic revenue mobilization.

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Developing a Thesis Statement

Many papers you write require developing a thesis statement. In this section you’ll learn what a thesis statement is and how to write one.

Keep in mind that not all papers require thesis statements . If in doubt, please consult your instructor for assistance.

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement . . .

• Makes an argumentative assertion about a topic; it states the conclusions that you have reached about your topic.
• Makes a promise to the reader about the scope, purpose, and direction of your paper.
• Is focused and specific enough to be “proven” within the boundaries of your paper.
• Is generally located near the end of the introduction ; sometimes, in a long paper, the thesis will be expressed in several sentences or in an entire paragraph.
• Identifies the relationships between the pieces of evidence that you are using to support your argument.

Not all papers require thesis statements! Ask your instructor if you’re in doubt whether you need one.

Identify a topic

Your topic is the subject about which you will write. Your assignment may suggest several ways of looking at a topic; or it may name a fairly general concept that you will explore or analyze in your paper.

Consider what your assignment asks you to do

Inform yourself about your topic, focus on one aspect of your topic, ask yourself whether your topic is worthy of your efforts, generate a topic from an assignment.

Below are some possible topics based on sample assignments.

Sample assignment 1

Analyze Spain’s neutrality in World War II.

Identified topic

Franco’s role in the diplomatic relationships between the Allies and the Axis

This topic avoids generalities such as “Spain” and “World War II,” addressing instead on Franco’s role (a specific aspect of “Spain”) and the diplomatic relations between the Allies and Axis (a specific aspect of World War II).

Sample assignment 2

Analyze one of Homer’s epic similes in the Iliad.

The relationship between the portrayal of warfare and the epic simile about Simoisius at 4.547-64.

This topic focuses on a single simile and relates it to a single aspect of the Iliad ( warfare being a major theme in that work).

Developing a Thesis Statement–Additional information

Your assignment may suggest several ways of looking at a topic, or it may name a fairly general concept that you will explore or analyze in your paper. You’ll want to read your assignment carefully, looking for key terms that you can use to focus your topic.

Sample assignment: Analyze Spain’s neutrality in World War II Key terms: analyze, Spain’s neutrality, World War II

After you’ve identified the key words in your topic, the next step is to read about them in several sources, or generate as much information as possible through an analysis of your topic. Obviously, the more material or knowledge you have, the more possibilities will be available for a strong argument. For the sample assignment above, you’ll want to look at books and articles on World War II in general, and Spain’s neutrality in particular.

As you consider your options, you must decide to focus on one aspect of your topic. This means that you cannot include everything you’ve learned about your topic, nor should you go off in several directions. If you end up covering too many different aspects of a topic, your paper will sprawl and be unconvincing in its argument, and it most likely will not fulfull the assignment requirements.

For the sample assignment above, both Spain’s neutrality and World War II are topics far too broad to explore in a paper. You may instead decide to focus on Franco’s role in the diplomatic relationships between the Allies and the Axis , which narrows down what aspects of Spain’s neutrality and World War II you want to discuss, as well as establishes a specific link between those two aspects.

Before you go too far, however, ask yourself whether your topic is worthy of your efforts. Try to avoid topics that already have too much written about them (i.e., “eating disorders and body image among adolescent women”) or that simply are not important (i.e. “why I like ice cream”). These topics may lead to a thesis that is either dry fact or a weird claim that cannot be supported. A good thesis falls somewhere between the two extremes. To arrive at this point, ask yourself what is new, interesting, contestable, or controversial about your topic.

As you work on your thesis, remember to keep the rest of your paper in mind at all times . Sometimes your thesis needs to evolve as you develop new insights, find new evidence, or take a different approach to your topic.

Derive a main point from topic

Once you have a topic, you will have to decide what the main point of your paper will be. This point, the “controlling idea,” becomes the core of your argument (thesis statement) and it is the unifying idea to which you will relate all your sub-theses. You can then turn this “controlling idea” into a purpose statement about what you intend to do in your paper.

Look for patterns in your evidence

Compose a purpose statement.

Consult the examples below for suggestions on how to look for patterns in your evidence and construct a purpose statement.

• Franco first tried to negotiate with the Axis
• Franco turned to the Allies when he couldn’t get some concessions that he wanted from the Axis

Possible conclusion:

Spain’s neutrality in WWII occurred for an entirely personal reason: Franco’s desire to preserve his own (and Spain’s) power.

Purpose statement

This paper will analyze Franco’s diplomacy during World War II to see how it contributed to Spain’s neutrality.

• The simile compares Simoisius to a tree, which is a peaceful, natural image.
• The tree in the simile is chopped down to make wheels for a chariot, which is an object used in warfare.

At first, the simile seems to take the reader away from the world of warfare, but we end up back in that world by the end.

This paper will analyze the way the simile about Simoisius at 4.547-64 moves in and out of the world of warfare.

Derive purpose statement from topic

To find out what your “controlling idea” is, you have to examine and evaluate your evidence . As you consider your evidence, you may notice patterns emerging, data repeated in more than one source, or facts that favor one view more than another. These patterns or data may then lead you to some conclusions about your topic and suggest that you can successfully argue for one idea better than another.

For instance, you might find out that Franco first tried to negotiate with the Axis, but when he couldn’t get some concessions that he wanted from them, he turned to the Allies. As you read more about Franco’s decisions, you may conclude that Spain’s neutrality in WWII occurred for an entirely personal reason: his desire to preserve his own (and Spain’s) power. Based on this conclusion, you can then write a trial thesis statement to help you decide what material belongs in your paper.

Sometimes you won’t be able to find a focus or identify your “spin” or specific argument immediately. Like some writers, you might begin with a purpose statement just to get yourself going. A purpose statement is one or more sentences that announce your topic and indicate the structure of the paper but do not state the conclusions you have drawn . Thus, you might begin with something like this:

• This paper will look at modern language to see if it reflects male dominance or female oppression.
• I plan to analyze anger and derision in offensive language to see if they represent a challenge of society’s authority.

At some point, you can turn a purpose statement into a thesis statement. As you think and write about your topic, you can restrict, clarify, and refine your argument, crafting your thesis statement to reflect your thinking.

As you work on your thesis, remember to keep the rest of your paper in mind at all times. Sometimes your thesis needs to evolve as you develop new insights, find new evidence, or take a different approach to your topic.

Compose a draft thesis statement

If you are writing a paper that will have an argumentative thesis and are having trouble getting started, the techniques in the table below may help you develop a temporary or “working” thesis statement.

Begin with a purpose statement that you will later turn into a thesis statement.

Assignment: Discuss the history of the Reform Party and explain its influence on the 1990 presidential and Congressional election.

Purpose Statement: This paper briefly sketches the history of the grassroots, conservative, Perot-led Reform Party and analyzes how it influenced the economic and social ideologies of the two mainstream parties.

Question-to-Assertion

If your assignment asks a specific question(s), turn the question(s) into an assertion and give reasons why it is true or reasons for your opinion.

Assignment : What do Aylmer and Rappaccini have to be proud of? Why aren’t they satisfied with these things? How does pride, as demonstrated in “The Birthmark” and “Rappaccini’s Daughter,” lead to unexpected problems?

Beginning thesis statement: Alymer and Rappaccinni are proud of their great knowledge; however, they are also very greedy and are driven to use their knowledge to alter some aspect of nature as a test of their ability. Evil results when they try to “play God.”

Write a sentence that summarizes the main idea of the essay you plan to write.

Main idea: The reason some toys succeed in the market is that they appeal to the consumers’ sense of the ridiculous and their basic desire to laugh at themselves.

Make a list of the ideas that you want to include; consider the ideas and try to group them.

• nature = peaceful
• war matériel = violent (competes with 1?)
• need for time and space to mourn the dead
• war is inescapable (competes with 3?)

Use a formula to arrive at a working thesis statement (you will revise this later).

• although most readers of _______ have argued that _______, closer examination shows that _______.
• _______ uses _______ and _____ to prove that ________.
• phenomenon x is a result of the combination of __________, __________, and _________.

What to keep in mind as you draft an initial thesis statement

Beginning statements obtained through the methods illustrated above can serve as a framework for planning or drafting your paper, but remember they’re not yet the specific, argumentative thesis you want for the final version of your paper. In fact, in its first stages, a thesis statement usually is ill-formed or rough and serves only as a planning tool.

As you write, you may discover evidence that does not fit your temporary or “working” thesis. Or you may reach deeper insights about your topic as you do more research, and you will find that your thesis statement has to be more complicated to match the evidence that you want to use.

You must be willing to reject or omit some evidence in order to keep your paper cohesive and your reader focused. Or you may have to revise your thesis to match the evidence and insights that you want to discuss. Read your draft carefully, noting the conclusions you have drawn and the major ideas which support or prove those conclusions. These will be the elements of your final thesis statement.

Sometimes you will not be able to identify these elements in your early drafts, but as you consider how your argument is developing and how your evidence supports your main idea, ask yourself, “ What is the main point that I want to prove/discuss? ” and “ How will I convince the reader that this is true? ” When you can answer these questions, then you can begin to refine the thesis statement.

Refine and polish the thesis statement

To get to your final thesis, you’ll need to refine your draft thesis so that it’s specific and arguable.

• Ask if your draft thesis addresses the assignment
• Question each part of your draft thesis
• Clarify vague phrases and assertions
• Investigate alternatives to your draft thesis

Consult the example below for suggestions on how to refine your draft thesis statement.

Sample Assignment

Choose an activity and define it as a symbol of American culture. Your essay should cause the reader to think critically about the society which produces and enjoys that activity.

• Ask The phenomenon of drive-in facilities is an interesting symbol of american culture, and these facilities demonstrate significant characteristics of our society.This statement does not fulfill the assignment because it does not require the reader to think critically about society.

Drive-ins are an interesting symbol of American culture because they represent Americans’ significant creativity and business ingenuity.

Among the types of drive-in facilities familiar during the twentieth century, drive-in movie theaters best represent American creativity, not merely because they were the forerunner of later drive-ins and drive-throughs, but because of their impact on our culture: they changed our relationship to the automobile, changed the way people experienced movies, and changed movie-going into a family activity.

While drive-in facilities such as those at fast-food establishments, banks, pharmacies, and dry cleaners symbolize America’s economic ingenuity, they also have affected our personal standards.

While drive-in facilities such as those at fast- food restaurants, banks, pharmacies, and dry cleaners symbolize (1) Americans’ business ingenuity, they also have contributed (2) to an increasing homogenization of our culture, (3) a willingness to depersonalize relationships with others, and (4) a tendency to sacrifice quality for convenience.

This statement is now specific and fulfills all parts of the assignment. This version, like any good thesis, is not self-evident; its points, 1-4, will have to be proven with evidence in the body of the paper. The numbers in this statement indicate the order in which the points will be presented. Depending on the length of the paper, there could be one paragraph for each numbered item or there could be blocks of paragraph for even pages for each one.

Complete the final thesis statement

The bottom line.

As you move through the process of crafting a thesis, you’ll need to remember four things:

• Context matters! Think about your course materials and lectures. Try to relate your thesis to the ideas your instructor is discussing.
• As you go through the process described in this section, always keep your assignment in mind . You will be more successful when your thesis (and paper) responds to the assignment than if it argues a semi-related idea.
• Your thesis statement should be precise, focused, and contestable ; it should predict the sub-theses or blocks of information that you will use to prove your argument.
• Make sure that you keep the rest of your paper in mind at all times. Change your thesis as your paper evolves, because you do not want your thesis to promise more than your paper actually delivers.

In the beginning, the thesis statement was a tool to help you sharpen your focus, limit material and establish the paper’s purpose. When your paper is finished, however, the thesis statement becomes a tool for your reader. It tells the reader what you have learned about your topic and what evidence led you to your conclusion. It keeps the reader on track–well able to understand and appreciate your argument.

Writing Process and Structure

This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.

Getting Started with Your Paper

Interpreting Writing Assignments from Your Courses

Generating Ideas for

Creating an Argument

Thesis vs. Purpose Statements

Architecture of Arguments

Working with Sources

Quoting and Paraphrasing Sources

Using Literary Quotations

Citing Sources in Your Paper

Drafting Your Paper

Generating Ideas for Your Paper

Introductions

Paragraphing

Developing Strategic Transitions

Conclusions

Revising Your Paper

Peer Reviews

Reverse Outlines

Revising an Argumentative Paper

Revision Strategies for Longer Projects

Finishing Your Paper

Twelve Common Errors: An Editing Checklist

How to Proofread your Paper

Writing Collaboratively

Collaborative and Group Writing

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How to write a thesis statement, what is a thesis statement.

Almost all of us—even if we don’t do it consciously—look early in an essay for a one- or two-sentence condensation of the argument or analysis that is to follow. We refer to that condensation as a thesis statement.

Why Should Your Essay Contain a Thesis Statement?

• to test your ideas by distilling them into a sentence or two
• to better organize and develop your argument
• to provide your reader with a “guide” to your argument

In general, your thesis statement will accomplish these goals if you think of the thesis as the answer to the question your paper explores.

How Can You Write a Good Thesis Statement?

Here are some helpful hints to get you started. You can either scroll down or select a link to a specific topic.

How to Generate a Thesis Statement if the Topic is Assigned How to Generate a Thesis Statement if the Topic is not Assigned How to Tell a Strong Thesis Statement from a Weak One

How to Generate a Thesis Statement if the Topic is Assigned

Almost all assignments, no matter how complicated, can be reduced to a single question. Your first step, then, is to distill the assignment into a specific question. For example, if your assignment is, “Write a report to the local school board explaining the potential benefits of using computers in a fourth-grade class,” turn the request into a question like, “What are the potential benefits of using computers in a fourth-grade class?” After you’ve chosen the question your essay will answer, compose one or two complete sentences answering that question.

Q: “What are the potential benefits of using computers in a fourth-grade class?” A: “The potential benefits of using computers in a fourth-grade class are . . .”

A: “Using computers in a fourth-grade class promises to improve . . .”

The answer to the question is the thesis statement for the essay.

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How to Generate a Thesis Statement if the Topic is not Assigned

Even if your assignment doesn’t ask a specific question, your thesis statement still needs to answer a question about the issue you’d like to explore. In this situation, your job is to figure out what question you’d like to write about.

A good thesis statement will usually include the following four attributes:

• take on a subject upon which reasonable people could disagree
• deal with a subject that can be adequately treated given the nature of the assignment
• express one main idea
• assert your conclusions about a subject

Let’s see how to generate a thesis statement for a social policy paper.

Brainstorm the topic . Let’s say that your class focuses upon the problems posed by changes in the dietary habits of Americans. You find that you are interested in the amount of sugar Americans consume.

You start out with a thesis statement like this:

Sugar consumption.

This fragment isn’t a thesis statement. Instead, it simply indicates a general subject. Furthermore, your reader doesn’t know what you want to say about sugar consumption.

Narrow the topic . Your readings about the topic, however, have led you to the conclusion that elementary school children are consuming far more sugar than is healthy.

You change your thesis to look like this:

Reducing sugar consumption by elementary school children.

This fragment not only announces your subject, but it focuses on one segment of the population: elementary school children. Furthermore, it raises a subject upon which reasonable people could disagree, because while most people might agree that children consume more sugar than they used to, not everyone would agree on what should be done or who should do it. You should note that this fragment is not a thesis statement because your reader doesn’t know your conclusions on the topic.

Take a position on the topic. After reflecting on the topic a little while longer, you decide that what you really want to say about this topic is that something should be done to reduce the amount of sugar these children consume.

You revise your thesis statement to look like this:

More attention should be paid to the food and beverage choices available to elementary school children.

This statement asserts your position, but the terms more attention and food and beverage choices are vague.

Use specific language . You decide to explain what you mean about food and beverage choices , so you write:

Experts estimate that half of elementary school children consume nine times the recommended daily allowance of sugar.

This statement is specific, but it isn’t a thesis. It merely reports a statistic instead of making an assertion.

Make an assertion based on clearly stated support. You finally revise your thesis statement one more time to look like this:

Because half of all American elementary school children consume nine times the recommended daily allowance of sugar, schools should be required to replace the beverages in soda machines with healthy alternatives.

Notice how the thesis answers the question, “What should be done to reduce sugar consumption by children, and who should do it?” When you started thinking about the paper, you may not have had a specific question in mind, but as you became more involved in the topic, your ideas became more specific. Your thesis changed to reflect your new insights.

How to Tell a Strong Thesis Statement from a Weak One

1. a strong thesis statement takes some sort of stand..

Remember that your thesis needs to show your conclusions about a subject. For example, if you are writing a paper for a class on fitness, you might be asked to choose a popular weight-loss product to evaluate. Here are two thesis statements:

There are some negative and positive aspects to the Banana Herb Tea Supplement.

This is a weak thesis statement. First, it fails to take a stand. Second, the phrase negative and positive aspects is vague.

Because Banana Herb Tea Supplement promotes rapid weight loss that results in the loss of muscle and lean body mass, it poses a potential danger to customers.

This is a strong thesis because it takes a stand, and because it's specific.

2. A strong thesis statement justifies discussion.

Your thesis should indicate the point of the discussion. If your assignment is to write a paper on kinship systems, using your own family as an example, you might come up with either of these two thesis statements:

My family is an extended family.

This is a weak thesis because it merely states an observation. Your reader won’t be able to tell the point of the statement, and will probably stop reading.

While most American families would view consanguineal marriage as a threat to the nuclear family structure, many Iranian families, like my own, believe that these marriages help reinforce kinship ties in an extended family.

This is a strong thesis because it shows how your experience contradicts a widely-accepted view. A good strategy for creating a strong thesis is to show that the topic is controversial. Readers will be interested in reading the rest of the essay to see how you support your point.

3. A strong thesis statement expresses one main idea.

Readers need to be able to see that your paper has one main point. If your thesis statement expresses more than one idea, then you might confuse your readers about the subject of your paper. For example:

Companies need to exploit the marketing potential of the Internet, and Web pages can provide both advertising and customer support.

This is a weak thesis statement because the reader can’t decide whether the paper is about marketing on the Internet or Web pages. To revise the thesis, the relationship between the two ideas needs to become more clear. One way to revise the thesis would be to write:

Because the Internet is filled with tremendous marketing potential, companies should exploit this potential by using Web pages that offer both advertising and customer support.

This is a strong thesis because it shows that the two ideas are related. Hint: a great many clear and engaging thesis statements contain words like because , since , so , although , unless , and however .

4. A strong thesis statement is specific.

A thesis statement should show exactly what your paper will be about, and will help you keep your paper to a manageable topic. For example, if you're writing a seven-to-ten page paper on hunger, you might say:

World hunger has many causes and effects.

This is a weak thesis statement for two major reasons. First, world hunger can’t be discussed thoroughly in seven to ten pages. Second, many causes and effects is vague. You should be able to identify specific causes and effects. A revised thesis might look like this:

Hunger persists in Glandelinia because jobs are scarce and farming in the infertile soil is rarely profitable.

This is a strong thesis statement because it narrows the subject to a more specific and manageable topic, and it also identifies the specific causes for the existence of hunger.

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How to Write a Strong Thesis Statement: 4 Steps + Examples

What’s Covered:

What is the purpose of a thesis statement, writing a good thesis statement: 4 steps, common pitfalls to avoid, where to get your essay edited for free.

When you set out to write an essay, there has to be some kind of point to it, right? Otherwise, your essay would just be a big jumble of word salad that makes absolutely no sense. An essay needs a central point that ties into everything else. That main point is called a thesis statement, and it’s the core of any essay or research paper.

You may hear about Master degree candidates writing a thesis, and that is an entire paper–not to be confused with the thesis statement, which is typically one sentence that contains your paper’s focus. 

Read on to learn more about thesis statements and how to write them. We’ve also included some solid examples for you to reference.

Typically the last sentence of your introductory paragraph, the thesis statement serves as the roadmap for your essay. When your reader gets to the thesis statement, they should have a clear outline of your main point, as well as the information you’ll be presenting in order to either prove or support your point. 

The thesis statement should not be confused for a topic sentence , which is the first sentence of every paragraph in your essay. If you need help writing topic sentences, numerous resources are available. Topic sentences should go along with your thesis statement, though.

Since the thesis statement is the most important sentence of your entire essay or paper, it’s imperative that you get this part right. Otherwise, your paper will not have a good flow and will seem disjointed. That’s why it’s vital not to rush through developing one. It’s a methodical process with steps that you need to follow in order to create the best thesis statement possible.

Step 1: Decide what kind of paper you’re writing

When you’re assigned an essay, there are several different types you may get. Argumentative essays are designed to get the reader to agree with you on a topic. Informative or expository essays present information to the reader. Analytical essays offer up a point and then expand on it by analyzing relevant information. Thesis statements can look and sound different based on the type of paper you’re writing. For example:

• Argumentative: The United States needs a viable third political party to decrease bipartisanship, increase options, and help reduce corruption in government.
• Informative: The Libertarian party has thrown off elections before by gaining enough support in states to get on the ballot and by taking away crucial votes from candidates.
• Analytical: An analysis of past presidential elections shows that while third party votes may have been the minority, they did affect the outcome of the elections in 2020, 2016, and beyond.

Step 2: Figure out what point you want to make

Once you know what type of paper you’re writing, you then need to figure out the point you want to make with your thesis statement, and subsequently, your paper. In other words, you need to decide to answer a question about something, such as:

• What impact did reality TV have on American society?
• How has the musical Hamilton affected perception of American history?
• Why do I want to major in [chosen major here]?

If you have an argumentative essay, then you will be writing about an opinion. To make it easier, you may want to choose an opinion that you feel passionate about so that you’re writing about something that interests you. For example, if you have an interest in preserving the environment, you may want to choose a topic that relates to that. 

If you’re writing your college essay and they ask why you want to attend that school, you may want to have a main point and back it up with information, something along the lines of:

“Attending Harvard University would benefit me both academically and professionally, as it would give me a strong knowledge base upon which to build my career, develop my network, and hopefully give me an advantage in my chosen field.”

Step 3: Determine what information you’ll use to back up your point

Once you have the point you want to make, you need to figure out how you plan to back it up throughout the rest of your essay. Without this information, it will be hard to either prove or argue the main point of your thesis statement. If you decide to write about the Hamilton example, you may decide to address any falsehoods that the writer put into the musical, such as:

“The musical Hamilton, while accurate in many ways, leaves out key parts of American history, presents a nationalist view of founding fathers, and downplays the racism of the times.”

Once you’ve written your initial working thesis statement, you’ll then need to get information to back that up. For example, the musical completely leaves out Benjamin Franklin, portrays the founding fathers in a nationalist way that is too complimentary, and shows Hamilton as a staunch abolitionist despite the fact that his family likely did own slaves. 

Step 4: Revise and refine your thesis statement before you start writing

Read through your thesis statement several times before you begin to compose your full essay. You need to make sure the statement is ironclad, since it is the foundation of the entire paper. Edit it or have a peer review it for you to make sure everything makes sense and that you feel like you can truly write a paper on the topic. Once you’ve done that, you can then begin writing your paper.

When writing a thesis statement, there are some common pitfalls you should avoid so that your paper can be as solid as possible. Make sure you always edit the thesis statement before you do anything else. You also want to ensure that the thesis statement is clear and concise. Don’t make your reader hunt for your point. Finally, put your thesis statement at the end of the first paragraph and have your introduction flow toward that statement. Your reader will expect to find your statement in its traditional spot.

If you’re having trouble getting started, or need some guidance on your essay, there are tools available that can help you. CollegeVine offers a free peer essay review tool where one of your peers can read through your essay and provide you with valuable feedback. Getting essay feedback from a peer can help you wow your instructor or college admissions officer with an impactful essay that effectively illustrates your point.

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HOW TO WRITE A THESIS: Steps by step guide

Introduction

In the academic world, one of the hallmark rites signifying mastery of a course or academic area is the writing of a thesis . Essentially a thesis is a typewritten work, usually 50 to 350 pages in length depending on institutions, discipline, and educational level which is often aimed at addressing a particular problem in a given field.

While a thesis is inadequate to address all the problems in a given field, it is succinct enough to address a specialized aspect of the problem by taking a stance or making a claim on what the resolution of the problem should be. Writing a thesis can be a very daunting task because most times it is the first complex research undertaking for the student. The lack of research and writing skills to write a thesis coupled with fear and a limited time frame are factors that makes the writing of a thesis daunting. However, commitment to excellence on the part of the student combined with some of the techniques and methods that will be discussed below gives a fair chance that the student will be able to deliver an excellent thesis regardless of the subject area, the depth of the research specialization and the daunting amount of materials that must be comprehended(RE: write a thesis or writing a thesis).

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What is a thesis?

A thesis is a statement, theory, argument, proposal or proposition, which is put forward as a premise to be maintained or proved. It explains the stand someone takes on an issue and how the person intends to justify the stand. It is always better to pick a topic that will be able to render professional help, a topic that you will be happy to talk about with anybody, a topic you have personal interest and passion for, because when writing a thesis gets frustrating personal interest, happiness and passion coupled with the professional help it will be easier to write a great thesis (see you through the thesis). One has to source for a lot of information concerning the topic one is writing a thesis on in order to know the important question, because for you to take a good stand on an issue you have to study the evidence first.

Qualities of a good thesis

A good thesis has the following qualities

• A good thesis must solve an existing problem in the society, organisation, government among others.
• A good thesis should be contestable, it should propose a point that is arguable which people can agree with or disagree.
• It is specific, clear and focused.
•   A good thesis does not use general terms and abstractions.  
• The claims of a good thesis should be definable and arguable.
• It anticipates the counter-argument s
• It does not use unclear language
• It avoids the first person. (“In my opinion”)
• A strong thesis should be able to take a stand and not just taking a stand but should be able to justify the stand that is taken, so that the reader will be tempted to ask questions like how or why.
• The thesis should be arguable, contestable, focused, specific, and clear. Make your thesis clear, strong and easy to find.
• The conclusion of a thesis should be based on evidence.

Steps in writing a Thesis

• First, think about good topics and theories that you can write before writing the thesis, then pick a topic. The topic or thesis statement is derived from a review of existing literature in the area of study that the researcher wants to explore. This route is taken when the unknowns in an area of study are not yet defined. Some areas of study have existing problems yearning to be solved and the drafting of the thesis topic or statement revolves around a selection of one of these problems.
• Once you have a good thesis, put it down and draw an outline . The outline is like a map of the whole thesis and it covers more commonly the introduction, literature review, discussion of methodology, discussion of results and the thesis’ conclusions and recommendations. The outline might differ from one institution to another but the one described in the preceding sentence is what is more commonly obtainable. It is imperative at this point to note that the outline drew still requires other mini- outlines for each of the sections mentioned. The outlines and mini- outlines provide a graphical over- view of the whole project and can also be used in allocating the word- count for each section and sub- section based on the overall word- count requirement of the thesis(RE: write a thesis or writing a thesis).
• Literature search. Remember to draw a good outline you need to do literature search to familiarize yourself with the concepts and the works of others. Similarly, to achieve this, you need to read as much material that contains necessary information as you can. There will always be a counter argument for everything so anticipate it because it will help shape your thesis. Read everything you can–academic research, trade literature, and information in the popular press and on the Internet(RE: write a thesis or writing a thesis).
• After getting all the information you need, the knowledge you gathered should help in suggesting the aim of your thesis.

Remember; a thesis is not supposed to be a question or a list, thesis should specific and as clear as possible. The claims of a thesis should be definable and also arguable.

• Then collecting and analyzing data, after data analysis, the result of the analysis should be written and discussed, followed by summary, conclusion, recommendations, list of references and the appendices
• The last step is editing of the thesis and proper spell checking.

Structure of a Thesis

A conventional thesis has five chapters – chapter 1-5 which will be discussed in detail below. However, it is important to state that a thesis is not limited to any chapter or section as the case may be. In fact, a thesis can be five, six, seven or even eight chapters.  What determines the number of chapters in a thesis includes institution rules/ guideline, researcher choice, supervisor choice, programme or educational level. In fact, most PhD thesis are usually more than 5 chapters(RE: write a thesis or writing a thesis).

Preliminaries Pages: The preliminaries are the cover page, the title page, the table of contents page, and the abstract.

The introduction: The introduction is the first section and it provides as the name implies an introduction to the thesis. The introduction contains such aspects as the background to the study which provides information on the topic in the context of what is happening in the world as related to the topic. It also discusses the relevance of the topic to society, policies formulated success and failure. The introduction also contains the statement of the problem which is essentially a succinct description of the problem that the thesis want to solve and what the trend will be if the problem is not solved. The concluding part of the statement of problem ends with an outline of the research questions. These are the questions which when answered helps in achieving the aim of the thesis. The third section is the outline of research objectives. Conventionally research objectives re a conversion the research questions into an active statement form. Other parts of the introduction are a discussion of hypotheses (if any), the significance of the study, delimitations, proposed methodology and a discussion of the structure of the study(RE: write a thesis or writing a thesis).

The main body includes the following; the literature review, methodology, research results and discussion of the result, the summary, conclusion and recommendations, the list of references and the appendices.

The literature review : The literature review is often the most voluminous aspects of a thesis because it reviews past empirical and theoretical literature about the problem being studied. This section starts by discussing the concepts relevant to the problem as indicated in the topic, the relationship between the concepts and what discoveries have being made on topic based on the choice of methodologies. The validity of the studies reviewed are questioned and findings are compared in order to get a comprehensive picture of the problem. The literature review also discusses the theories and theoretical frameworks that are relevant to the problem, the gaps that are evident in literature and how the thesis being written helps in resolving some of the gaps.

The major importance of Literature review is that it specifies the gap in the existing knowledge (gap in literature). The source of the literature that is being reviewed should be specified. For instance; ‘It has been argued that if the rural youth are to be aware of their community development role they need to be educated’ Effiong, (1992). The author’s name can be at the beginning, end or in between the literature. The literature should be discussed and not just stated (RE: write a thesis or writing a thesis).

The methodology: The third section is a discussion of the research methodology adopted in the thesis and touches on aspects such as the research design, the area, population and sample that will be considered for the study as well as the sampling procedure. These aspects are discussed in terms of choice, method and rationale. This section also covers the sub- section of data collection, data analysis and measures of ensuring validity of study. It is the chapter 3. This chapter explains the method used in data collection and data analysis. It explains the methodology adopted and why it is the best method to be used, it also explains every step of data collection and analysis. The data used could be primary data or secondary data. While analysing the data, proper statistical tool should be used in order to fit the stated objectives of the thesis. The statistical tool could be; the spearman rank order correlation, chi square, analysis of variance (ANOVA) etc (RE: write a thesis or writing a thesis).

The findings and discussion of result : The next section is a discussion of findings based on the data collection instrumentation used and the objectives or hypotheses of study if any. It is the chapter 4. It is research results. This is the part that describes the research. It shows the result gotten from data that is collected and analysed. It discusses the result and how it relates to your profession.

Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation: This is normally the chapter 5. The last section discusses the summary of the study and the conclusions arrived at based on the findings discussed in the previous section. This section also presents any policy recommendations that the researcher wants to propose (RE: write a thesis or writing a thesis).

References: It cite all ideas, concepts, text, data that are not your own. It is acceptable to put the initials of the individual authors behind their last names. The way single author is referenced is different from the way more than one author is referenced (RE: write a thesis or writing a thesis).

The appendices; it includes all data in the appendix. Reference data or materials that is not easily available. It includes tables and calculations, List of equipment used for an experiment or details of complicated procedures. If a large number of references are consulted but all are not cited, it may also be included in the appendix. The appendices also contain supportive or complementary information like the questionnaire, the interview schedule, tables and charts while the references section contain an ordered list of all literature, academic and contemporary cited in the thesis. Different schools have their own preferred referencing styles(RE: write a thesis or writing a thesis).   

Follow the following steps to achieve successful thesis writing

Start writing early. Do not delay writing until you have finished your project or research. Write complete and concise “Technical Reports” as and when you finish each nugget of work. This way, you will remember everything you did and document it accurately, when the work is still fresh in your mind. This is especially so if your work involves programming.

Spot errors early. A well-written “Technical Report” will force you to think about what you have done, before you move on to something else. If anything is amiss, you will detect it at once and can easily correct it, rather than have to re-visit the work later, when you may be pressured for time and have lost touch with it.

Write your thesis from the inside out. Begin with the chapters on your own experimental work. You will develop confidence in writing them because you know your own work better than anyone else. Once you have overcome the initial inertia, move on to the other chapters.

End with a bang, not a whimper. First things first, and save the best for last. First and last impressions persist. Arrange your chapters so that your first and last experimental chapters are sound and solid.

Write the Introduction after writing the Conclusions. The examiner will read the Introduction first, and then the Conclusions, to see if the promises made in the former are indeed fulfilled in the latter. Ensure that your introduction and Conclusions match.

“No man is an Island”. The critical review of the literature places your work in context. Usually, one third of the PhD thesis is about others’ work; two thirds, what you have done yourself. After a thorough and critical literature review, the PhD candidate must be able to identify the major researchers in the field and make a sound proposal for doctoral research. Estimate the time to write your thesis and then multiply it by three to get the correct estimate. Writing at one stretch is very demanding and it is all too easy to underestimate the time required for it; inflating your first estimate by a factor of three is more realistic.

Punctuating your thesis

Punctuation Good punctuation makes reading easy. The simplest way to find out where to punctuate is to read aloud what you have written. Each time you pause, you should add a punctuation symbol. There are four major pause symbols, arranged below in ascending order of “degree of pause”:

• Comma. Use the comma to indicate a short pause or to separate items in a list. A pair of commas may delimit the beginning and end of a subordinate clause or phrase. Sometimes, this is also done with a pair of “em dashes” which are printed like this:
• Semi-colon. The semi-colon signifies a longer pause than the comma. It separates segments of a sentence that are “further apart” in position, or meaning, but which are nevertheless related. If the ideas were “closer together”, a comma would have been used. It is also used to separate two clauses that may stand on their own but which are too closely related for a colon or full stop to intervene between them.
• Colon. The colon is used before one or more examples of a concept, and whenever items are to be listed in a visually separate fashion. The sentence that introduced the itemized list you are now reading ended in a colon. It may also be used to separate two fairly—but not totally—independent clauses in a sentence.
• Full stop or period. The full stop ends a sentence. If the sentence embodies a question or an exclamation, then, of course, it is ended with a question mark or exclamation mark, respectively. The full stop is also used to terminate abbreviations like etc., (for et cetera), e.g., (for exempli gratia), et al., (for et alia) etc., but not with abbreviations for SI units. The readability of your writing will improve greatly if you take the trouble to learn the basic rules of punctuation given above.

Don't forget to contact us for your thesis and other academic assistance

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The Research and Writing Process: A Step-by-Step Guide: Write Your Thesis

• Understand the Assignment
• Select a Topic
• Write Your Thesis
• Finding Keywords
• Search Strategies
• Locating Sources
• Evaluate Those Sources
• Draft an Outline of Your Paper
• Begin Writing
• Proofread Your Paper
• Cite Your Sources
• Paraphrasing

Writing Your Thesis

• What is a thesis?
• Characteristics of a strong thesis
• Questions to get started
• More Resources

A thesis is the central idea of a piece of writing with the entire work developing and supporting the idea.   Though sometimes unstated, a thesis should always govern a paper.  It usually appears as a thesis statement somewhere in the paper, primarily in the opening paragraph.

What's the topic you want to write about?   What's your main opinion on this topic?   (Note: use the topic somewhere in this opinion statement and maybe the word "should") What's the strongest argument supporting your opinion?   What's a second good argument that supports your opinion?   What's the main argument against your opinion?   What's a possible title for your Essay?  

• Thesis Checklist
• << Previous: Select a Topic
• Next: Gather Sources >>
• Last Updated: May 31, 2024 8:23 AM
• URL: https://libraryhelp.sfcc.edu/research-and-writing-process

Thesis And Dissertation

Thesis Writing

Last updated on: Jun 10, 2023

How To Write A Thesis - A Step by Step Guide

By: Cathy A.

15 min read

Reviewed By: Rylee W.

Published on: Nov 3, 2020

Are you at the stage in your high school where you are about to start your thesis? If yes, then below, you can find a complete step-by-step guide on how you write a thesis from the introduction to its conclusion. 

Writing a thesis is different from writing an essay like an argumentative essay or an expository essay. So a good rule of thumb is that you do proper research when writing your thesis paper and be extra careful if it is your first time writing it.

Writing in college takes students to persuade others by convincing them that you have an interesting point that makes logic as well. This form of persuasion is often known as an academic argument followed by a pattern in writing that is somehow predictable.

After introducing your topic briefly, you should state your point in only one sentence. After that, summarize the complete argument that you will make in the paper afterward. 

On this Page

How to Structure a Thesis?

It is important to note that not all theses are structured in the same way. It completely depends on the discipline, location, approach, and topic on which you are going to write. 

There are different types of a thesis, such as analytical thesis, Argumentative thesis, Expository thesis, etc., and all of these follow a different structure depending upon the guidelines provided by the instructor. 

So it is essential for you to always go through the department’s guidelines and consult them with your instructor so that you don’t end up with a weak thesis.

Here is a sample structure for your thesis paper.

• Table of Contents 
• List of Tables and Figures
• Introduction
• Discussion 
• Recommendations 
• Acknowledgments

How to Write a Thesis Paper?

Writing a thesis and dissertation is the most important task and part of academic life. Here is how you should write and describe each part.

1. Title Page

It is the first page of your paper and contains the following things:

• Thesis Title
• Author’s Name 
• Institution
• Submission date
• Degree program
• Research supervisor
• Their institutions 
• Their email addresses

2. Abstract

It is a shortened summary of your thesis. It is written to explain the importance of the thesis in one line. A good abstract is quantitative, readable, and concise. Keep in mind the following things when writing an abstract for your paper.

• An abstract should be written in a way that will explain the importance of your paper. 
• It should end in 400 words approximately, i.e., 1-2 paragraphs
• Generally, it does not contain citations
• It should not repeat the information in the title
• Use numbers when needed
• Be explicit
• Your abstract should contain the answer to a specific question or questions such as why does it matter? What did you learn? 

What are the methods that you will use? What are the significant implications? Etc.

3. Table of Contents

All parts of the thesis should be included in the section of the table of contents.

It contains:

• Headings and subheadings with page number
• Indent subheadings

You can see in the diagram; it will look something like this

APA FORMAT PAPER

4. List of Tables and Figures

If you have a lot of tables and figures in your paper. Then you should item them all in a list of numbers.

• List page numbers for all the tables/figures.
• Add a short title for each table/figure.

5. Introduction

In this part of your paper, you set the topic's purpose, relevance and eventually tell the reader what to expect in the paper. 

It is impossible for you to write a good introduction if you don't know what the body of your paper says. It is a good approach to write the introduction after completing the rest of your paper. 

Make sure to add the hook statement at the start of your introductory paragraph. It will motivate the reader to read the entire document.

The introduction must have the following things:

• Describe the research topic 
• Define the scope
• Write the statement problem that indicates why the study was undertaken. But do not repeat the abstract.
• Narrow down the paper’s focus
• Discuss the existing research paper and show how your paper is relevant to solve the problem that is discussed in the paper
• State your question and research paper’s objective
• Overview of the structure of the thesis paper
• A verbal road map to guide the reader

A good thesis introduction is very important because this section will decide the fate of your thesis paper. Divide this section into logical sections by using subheads. You can also explore our step-by-step guide to write a good thesis introduction. 

After the introduction, comes the thesis statement. It is an important part of a thesis paper.

For a strong thesis statement, it should be specific and usually found somewhere in the first paragraph of the thesis paper. 

A great thesis statement is one that should only cover what is being discussed in the paper with the help of specific evidence. 

The method section explains how you have conducted the whole research. This will let the users check the paper's validity. 

This section contains the following things:

• Type of research (qualitative, experimental, ethnographic, quantitative)
• Overall approach
• When and where the research is conducted
• Methods used in the paper to analyze the data
• Tools used in the paper
• Obstacles that you may have faced while conducting the research
• Justification or evaluation of your research

The purpose of this section is to report your findings and to convince the readers that your approach is the best one to answer the questions of your research. 

Similarly, the methods section should answer the following questions:

• Will the methods be used to easily replicate the study?
• Can another researcher easily find and reoccupy the samples?
• Is there enough information being provided?
• Is the data and information in the public domain?
• Can anyone replicate the laboratory or statistical analysis?

Now it's the part where you report the actual statements of your research. It includes tables, graphs, and statistics. 

• Show information on a range of varieties.
• Include the negative results along with the positive.
• Layout the complete case, present the required details 
• Draw the inferences and add their own explanations
• Show results in segments 
• Show key results at the start of the paragraph in clear sentences. 
• Break your results into logical sections by using subheadings

8. Discussion

This section is a brief essay. It is the point where you will have to explore the true meaning and the implication of your findings related to the questions of your research paper. 

You should interpret the results in detail and discuss whether it successfully meets the expectations or not. 

Start with a few sentences and summarize the most important results. It should be a brief essay in itself. 

The discussion should also refer to scholarly work to emphasize how your findings fit the knowledge already existing.

9. Conclusion

It should answer the research questions in a precise manner. This should be written in a way that will leave the user with a clear understanding of the main argument of the paper. 

Generalize the strongest statement that you have made in your paper. Also, include the wider implications of your work.

Go back to the problem and describe the conclusion with the help of your findings and summarize new interpretations and insights that you gathered from the present work. 

Nevertheless, avoid repeating the exact information from the abstract, introduction, or discussion.

10. Recommendations

• Include in your paper when it is appropriate
• Action to solve the particular problem
• Add further research to fill in gaps
• Direct the reader for future investigations

11. Acknowledgements

Anyone who helped you in the process. 

• Technically (include supplies, materials )
• Financially (travel grant, departmental support, etc.)
• Intellectually (advice, assistance)

12. Reference

Add the details of all the sources that you have mentioned in your paper. It is sometimes known as a bibliography or works cited list. 

• Cite all the concepts, ideas, data that does not belong to you
• Cite a single author by its surname followed by the publication date

For example: 

...according to Byrne (2000)

• Cite the references for double authors by their surname with the publication date

Alex and Byrne (2000)

• Avoid using footnotes
• List down all the references in alphabetical order
• Put the initials of the authors behind their last names, e.g., Pfirman, S.L.

13. Appendices

Documents used in your paper that generally do not fit the main body of your thesis paper can be included as Appendices. Keep in mind the following elements:

• Include all the data in the appendix
• Reference materials are not available
• Tables and Calculations
• Include a key article
• Include a list of additional materials
• List of equipment used for an analysis

Note that figures and tables with captions should be mentioned in the text and not in this section unless they are more than 1-2 pages in length. 

Once done, revise the final draft and make sure that you submit it on time.

How Long Should a Thesis Paper Be?

Wondering how long a thesis should be?

Well, the goal should be to add all the necessary information in the paper to describe the work and its supporting arguments. 

Try to avoid unnecessary and irrelevant details. For repeated information, use tables. 

Although the length of the thesis paper varies, the average length is 40 pages long. 

This total word count includes all of the text and the list of references in the paper but it does not include appendices. 

You should not take these instructions seriously. If you are a student, it is important for you to ask your instructor about the project guidelines early on. 

What To Look for In a Thesis?

We are in search of critical analysis. We will gather evidence that will allow us to make judgments and interpret the findings. All your findings should clearly display the topic’s main context. You must cite the relevant literature. 

A solid thesis paper should be a well-reasoned argument from questions to relevant findings to its implications. It should be clearly written and must follow the order mentioned below.

Order of Writing

Order might differ in different types of thesis, but this is the basic ordering that you can follow. 

1. Firstly, you need to organize your paper logically before you begin writing

2. Write down your figures to support your argument

3. Define the paper sections

• Observations
• Analysis of conclusion

4. Outline its main elements

• Sections 
• Subsections

5. Start writing in paragraphs, sentences, and words.

Editing and Proofreading

• Make sure that all the sections in your paper are in the correct place.
• It should be well written.
• Leave time for editing and proofreading it.
• Refine your thesis and make sure there are spelling and grammatical mistakes.

It is important for you to make time to write and revise drafts before focusing on typos, grammar, and language mistakes. 

Thesis Sample

Below you can find a format and sample of the thesis that you can check to clearly understand each and everything about thesis writing. However, we don't recommend you copy the work.

THESIS FORMAT

SAMPLE PAPER

Get Professional Help!

Though you can find all the important steps to write a thesis. But keep in mind writing a thesis requires a lot of hard work as it is quite different from other academic writings. 

Students usually get stuck in the process and eventually look for any thesis writing services to help them out.

So if you too are wondering “who can write my essay ?”, here is the good news!

5StarEssays.com can help you out with this. Our thesis writer can help you write a solid MS thesis. Simply, get in touch with our representative and avail services right away. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most important part of a thesis.

An abstract is the most important part of both a thesis and dissertation. It is a short section, and usually, it is no longer than one to two paragraphs.

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Cathy has been been working as an author on our platform for over five years now. She has a Masters degree in mass communication and is well-versed in the art of writing. Cathy is a professional who takes her work seriously and is widely appreciated by clients for her excellent writing skills.

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• Dissertation vs Thesis - Major Differences and Similarities

• How to Write a Dissertation - A Step-by-Step Guide

• Comprehensive Guide on Writing a Dissertation Introduction

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Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements

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Tips for Writing Your Thesis Statement

1. Determine what kind of paper you are writing:

• An analytical paper breaks down an issue or an idea into its component parts, evaluates the issue or idea, and presents this breakdown and evaluation to the audience.
• An expository (explanatory) paper explains something to the audience.
• An argumentative paper makes a claim about a topic and justifies this claim with specific evidence. The claim could be an opinion, a policy proposal, an evaluation, a cause-and-effect statement, or an interpretation. The goal of the argumentative paper is to convince the audience that the claim is true based on the evidence provided.

If you are writing a text that does not fall under these three categories (e.g., a narrative), a thesis statement somewhere in the first paragraph could still be helpful to your reader.

2. Your thesis statement should be specific—it should cover only what you will discuss in your paper and should be supported with specific evidence.

3. The thesis statement usually appears at the end of the first paragraph of a paper.

4. Your topic may change as you write, so you may need to revise your thesis statement to reflect exactly what you have discussed in the paper.

Thesis Statement Examples

Example of an analytical thesis statement:

The paper that follows should:

• Explain the analysis of the college admission process
• Explain the challenge facing admissions counselors

Example of an expository (explanatory) thesis statement:

• Explain how students spend their time studying, attending class, and socializing with peers

Example of an argumentative thesis statement:

• Present an argument and give evidence to support the claim that students should pursue community projects before entering college

How to Write a Thesis Statement – Tutorial with Examples

A thesis statement for an argumentative essay is found in the first paragraph and consists of the main point followed by several supporting points.

I’m Tutor Phil, and in this tutorial, I’ll guide you through writing a thesis statement for your essay – step by step.

Thesis vs Thesis Statement

First, I should explain the difference between a Thesis and a Thesis Statement . Let me give my simple definitions.  

A Thesis is your main point. It can usually be expressed in one sentence. 

Example of a Thesis:

A really complex main point can sometimes take up more than a sentence. But this only happens in advanced papers where the ideas are really complex. 

A Thesis Statement is a complete statement of your main point AND your supporting points put together into one paragraph.  

It’s easy to remember it this way:

Here is an example of a Thesis Statement:

As you’ll see in a moment, your thesis statement can have more than just two sentences. But this is an example of a very brief but clear and complete thesis statement. 

A long, complex paper can have a thesis statement that takes up two or more paragraphs. But again, don’t worry about it unless you are writing a PhD dissertation or some other advanced paper. 

Now that we’re done with definitions, let’s dive into our step-by-step process. I’ll teach you the steps, and then I’ll give you additional examples. 

Writing a thesis statement is a 3-step process.   

Step 1. decide on your main point and write it down..

In this first step, you need to simply state what it is that you are trying to say in your essay. In other words, you must state your main point. 

That’s how you start your thesis statement – with the thesis. 

Your thesis (main point) consists of these parts:

Subject + Verb (+ Object) 

The Subject is the thing, person, or idea that you are discussing in your essay. It’s what or whom your essay is about. 

The Verb explains what you are trying to say about your Subject in a nutshell. Very often one word explains it all. 

I don’t think an explanation is necessary. The subject is clear – it’s college life. What about it? It stinks – that’s the verb. 

The Object is optional but is often present. 

Here, “I” is the subject, “love” is the verb, and “college life” is the object. 

Your task is to write a statement in the Subject + Verb (+Object) format.

Thesis Example – About Exercise 

Let’s say that you need to write an essay about exercise or fitness. In Step 1, you simply need to decide on what position you take about exercise. 

So, just make a simple statement in this format:

Exercise + Verb (+ Object)

This thesis (main point) tells me exactly what this essay is about and what you want to say about it. 

And guess what – we’re done with Step 1. Now we need some supporting ideas, and so it’s time for Step 2. 

Step 2. Come up with three supporting ideas.

You only need three good supporting ideas to show that your main point is true or valid. This is why I teach the Power of Three.

You see, when it comes to numbers, the human brain thinks like this: “One, two, three, many…” 🙂

Any more than three, and the human mind starts to forget what this is all about. 

This makes three the ideal number of supporting ideas. It is very easy to deal with and helps you structure a great thesis statement and a well-written essay. 

Let’s first state our complete thesis, given that we know we will have three supporting points:

“ Exercise can be positively addictive because of three processes. “

And now our job is to come up with those three supporting points. One thing to keep in mind is that the supporting points must be different from one another. 

Let’s take a stab at it:

First , I’m thinking that exercise stimulates the release of endorphins which are addictive. 

Second , exercise is known to produce muscle tone which is an addictive sensation. 

Third … Hmm… what now?

Yes, you’ll find that the first two points are usually easy to find. But the third one takes a little more time and brain power. But we can do it:

Third , regular exercise creates a biological rhythm that leads to ritualized behavior. 

Note that all three of these supporting points are very different from one another. 

• Endorphins have to do with endocrinology and hormones. 
• Muscle tone is a physical sensation. 
• And ritualized behavior is about behavior, which is different from both hormones and physical sensation. 

A common mistake is to come up with supporting points that are too similar to one another. The problem with this is that when you start writing the body of the essay, you can easily get stuck.

So, make sure to keep your supporting points distinct enough from one another. 

Guess what – we’re done with Step 2!

Now we have everything we need to do the next step where we write out the entire thesis statement as a complete paragraph.

Step 3. Write your main point and the supporting ideas into one paragraph.

We wrote our thesis and supporting points very succinctly. In other words, we just wrote down the bare bones of what we wanted to say.

Now, as we write out the complete thesis statement, we will expand slightly on our ideas. This way we can write a nice, juicy paragraph that is easy to read. We also tell the reader in some detail what to expect in the body of the essay. 

Based on our thesis and supporting points, here is our complete thesis statement.

Complete Thesis Statement Example

“Exercise can be positively addictive because of three processes. First, some forms of exercise stimulate the release of endorphins which are addictive. Second, exercise can give the person a feeling of muscle tone which, when exercising discontinues, fades and makes the person crave exercise to regain it. Finally, exercising regularly creates a new rhythm within the person’s physiology that makes the person wake up at the same time and just head straight to the gym without thinking about it.”

And as soon as we finish that last sentence of the thesis statement, we should start a new paragraph and begin supporting the thesis. We should start with the first supporting point – that exercise can produce the addictive endorphins.

How many sections will the body of the essay have? You already know the answer – it’s three: about endorphins, about muscle tone, and about ritualized behavior. See how this works?

Note that your thesis statement is also your outline of the essay. It tells you exactly how many sections you have and what to write in each section. 

You can use these three easy steps to write a great thesis statement on any topic. 

Now, let’s take a look at additional examples of how to write a thesis statement from scratch. 

More Examples of Thesis Statements 

Let me walk you through the creation of several more thesis statements. This will help you get a firmer grasp of how to start a thesis statement and how to complete it.

Thesis Statement Example: “City schools vs village schools”

This essay topic came right out of a real-life assignment one subscriber sent me. 

I actually created a video based on it, and you can watch it below:

Let’s tackle this topic.

Step 1. Decide on your main point and write it down

When my subscriber sent it to me, she included the main point. Here is the actual sentence she sent me:

“City schools are more advantageous than village schools.”

So, we have Step 1 completed for us here. The author took a stand and wrote a clear, complete sentence that is our thesis. 

Step 2 – Come up with three supporting points

We’ll use the Power of Three here. All we need to do is find three ways in which city schools are better than village schools. So let’s think of them one by one.

• First , I’m thinking that city schools would probably have better technology, such as smart boards, the internet, and so on.
• Second , I’m thinking that city schools may have better libraries – for example – why not?
• And finally , city schools may have more teachers.

And we have our structure. We have the thesis. And we have our three ways in which city schools are supposedly better or more advantageous. 

And now we have everything we need to do Step 3 and write out the complete thesis statement.

Step 3. Write the complete thesis statement in one paragraph

City schools are more advantageous than village schools, in three ways. City schools have access to more advanced technology, such as the internet and smart boards. They usually boast more extensive libraries. And they often have more teachers who specialize in different subjects.

Note that this is a comparative essay. We are comparing city schools with village schools. How do we structure such an essay?

The easiest way to do it is to keep our three main sections and divide each section into two subsections. Look at this diagram:

We should first discuss city schools and then village schools in each section. We must make sure that we present city schools as better in each section. And the contrast will be clear.

See, when you’re clear about your main and supporting points, everything else becomes a lot easier. 

Thesis Statement Example: “Health vs Wealth” 

This topic was also sent to me by the same person. And this time she also wrote the actual main point, having completed Step 1:

“Health is more important than wealth.”

This is a complete thesis. So, we are ready to move on to Step 2. 

Again, let’s use the Power of Three and divide this topic into three subtopics. With a little practice, you can start doing it very quickly.

We need three reasons why health is better than wealth. So, let’s think them up.

Reason 1. Health is not as easy to earn as wealth.

Right? Because you can earn money much more easily than regain lost health.

Reason 2. The quality of life does not suffer as much when a person loses money than when he gets sick.

This one is different from Reason 1 because it’s not about earning health or wealth but it is about the quality of life when you lose one of them.

Reason 3. (I’m thinking, I’m thinking…)

Again, you will find that it’s always harder to come up with the third supporting point than it is with the first two. But you’ll also discover that you can always find it.

Reason 3. Good health is much more important for happiness than wealth is.

In other words, it is much easier to be happy when you don’t have a lot of money than when you have health issues. Do you agree?

And this is our structure:

Step 3. Write out the entire thesis statement

Health is more important than wealth for three reasons. First, health is not as easy to earn as wealth. Second, the quality of life does not suffer as much with the loss of wealth than it does with the loss of health. And finally, good health is much more important for happiness than wealth is.

Just like in the previous example, this essay is also comparative. We are contrasting health and wealth in each of the three main sections, as the diagram shows. 

Example: “My daily life”

The difference with this topic is that it’s not a complete sentence. So, let’s do Step 1 and turn it into a full main point.

Let’s do it:

“My daily life is boring.”

Hey – I’m not insinuating anything here 🙂  Just saying that – hey, a person’s daily life could be quite boring, couldn’t it? But this is how you start a thesis statement. 

Step 2. Come up with three supporting points 

Let’s use the Power of Three and find three reasons why the author’s life is boring. 

To do this, I’m thinking about the different aspects of human life. What are three domains of human activities I can use as categories?

I think I got it:

Great! Can my life be boring in each of these settings? Definitely. 

And now let’s turn each of these supporting points into a complete sentence.

• My daily life at home consists of very mundane activities, such as watching TV or taking a nap.
• All I do at the university is attend lectures and study in the library.
• And my work is just a series of repetitive tasks I do every day.

Here is our structure:

And we’re ready to write our thesis statement.

Step 3. Write out the complete thesis paragraph

My daily life is boring. At home it consists of a bunch of very mundane activities, such as watching TV or taking a nap. All I do at the university is attend lectures and study in the library. And my work is just a series of repetitive tasks I do every day.

And so we have ourselves a nice little introductory paragraph, which is a thesis statement. And was that quick or what!

A Note on Introductions

You can start your essay by getting straight to the point, just like you learned here.

You also have an option of adding a sentence or two that introduce your topic. You can learn how to do this in this article I wrote .

Both ways are fine.

Hope this was helpful. Now go ahead and write your own great thesis statement!

Tutor Phil is an e-learning professional who helps adult learners finish their degrees by teaching them academic writing skills.

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How to Write a Bachelor’s Thesis: A Step-by-Step Guide

The bachelor’s degree is an important milestone in your academic life, and creating a successful bachelor’s thesis is an essential part of this process.

Although it can be a challenge, with a structured approach and a clear timetable, a well-researched, informed, and organized bachelor’s thesis can be created.

In this article, we explain how to write a bachelor’s thesis.

11 Facts About Bachelor’s Theses

• The average length of a bachelor’s thesis is about 30-60 pages.
• Most bachelor’s theses are written in the field of economics.
• The average processing time for a bachelor’s thesis is 3-6 months.
• Typically, bachelor’s theses are supervised by a professor or lecturer.
• Most bachelor’s theses are still written and submitted on paper.
• A bachelor’s thesis is always written within the framework of a study program and is an important part of the degree completion.
• The topic selection for a bachelor’s thesis is usually free, as long as it falls within the field of study.
• Adherence to citation rules and source references is an important part of a bachelor’s thesis.
• Submission of a bachelor’s thesis is usually combined with an oral examination.
• The bachelor’s thesis is the first longer scientific work that a student writes during their studies and therefore represents an important hurdle.
• In 2021, approximately 260,000 students achieved their bachelor’s degree.

Scientific Formulations in Minutes Seconds

11 Tips for Academic Writing (Bachelor’s Theses)

• Start your bachelor’s thesis early to have enough time for research, writing, and revision.
• Choose an interesting and relevant topic that fits well with your field of study.
• Create a detailed work plan to keep track of your steps and deadlines.
• Use trustworthy and current sources to underpin your work.
• Write clearly and precisely, avoid using unnecessarily complicated sentences.
• Use a consistent citation style and pay attention to the correct source citation.
• Logically structure your bachelor’s thesis and ensure that the common thread is recognizable.
• Revise and polish your work multiple times to ensure that it is free from spelling and grammar errors.
• Have your work read by others and seek feedback to recognize areas for improvement.
• Consider publishing your bachelor’s thesis to make it accessible to others and to present your work.
• Have your text scientifically rephrased by Mimir. Sample input : Potatoes are healthy… ➔ Result : Potatoes are rich in vitamins and minerals and can contribute to a balanced diet.

The Process of Writing a Bachelor’s Thesis: Step by Step Guide

The writing process of a bachelor’s thesis is a challenge for many students. In this section, we give an overview of the most important steps and tips to successfully master the process.

• Determine the topic of the bachelor’s thesis and discuss it with the supervisor.
• Conduct comprehensive research and collect relevant sources.
• Create an outline and divide the topic into individual sections.
• Write the main part of the paper by processing and summarizing the insights gained from the research.
• Compose the concluding part, summarizing the main findings of the work and outlining possible further steps or implications.
• Proofread the work and check for formal requirements.
• Submit and defend the bachelor’s thesis.

Choosing a Topic: How to Find the Perfect Topic for Your Bachelor’s Thesis

The first step in creating a bachelor’s thesis is selecting the topic. It’s important that your topic is specific and answers a clear research question. If your topic is too general, it will be harder to achieve meaningful results.

Why is the topic important?

An interesting and relevant topic not only captivates your readers but also gives you the motivation to successfully complete the work.

The topic of your bachelor’s thesis is crucial for the success of your work.

A difficult or boring topic, on the other hand, can lead to you finding the writing process frustrating and ultimately not successfully completing the work. Therefore, it’s important to think carefully about which topic you choose for your bachelor’s thesis.

If you have difficulty finding a topic, you can turn to your supervisors and present your ideas to them.

Research & Study: The Right Way to the Perfect Bachelor’s Thesis

Once the topic is set, it’s time to collect the necessary information. This can be done by searching through libraries and databases, reading specialist literature, and interviewing experts. It’s important to carefully organize and document the collected information so that it’s easily accessible when writing the work.

It’s also important that your sources are current, as research and opinions in your subject area are constantly changing.

Possible Sources

• Academic Publications
• Professional Journals
• Reputable Websites (you should consult your supervisor beforehand)

Structure: Setup and Organization of the Bachelor Thesis

It is important to have a clear structure for your bachelor thesis. This should include an introduction, a main part, and a conclusion. Within the main part, you can divide your arguments into different sections. This helps you to structure your thought process and ensure a smooth and logical flow.

Introduction

• Summary of the research thesis
• Definition of the main terms
• Explanation of the research question and area of interest
• Conduct literature research
• Develop arguments and hypotheses
• Draw conclusions and results
• Cite sources
• Summary of the results
• Comparison of hypotheses and results
• Explanation of the implications of the results
• Recommendations for further research

Writing: Tips and Tricks for the Writing Process

After you have completed your research and established your structure, it is time to write.

It is important that you write your work in simple, academic German/English.

Avoid using too many technical terms and ensure that each sentence conveys a clear thought.

Compose a clear introduction that explains your topic and presents your argumentation. In the main part of your work, you should provide your arguments and examples to prove your thesis. Make sure that your arguments are logical and understandable.

• Write a simple and clear introduction
• Compose the main part of your work
• Ensure that each sentence conveys a clear thought
• Provide your arguments and examples to prove your thesis
• Ensure logical and understandable argumentation
• Avoid too many technical terms
• Avoid vague formulations
• Avoid subjective opinions

Tip: Let Mimir formulate your bullet point ( Example input : Running is great ➔ Result (1/3) : Running is a healthy and effective form of physical activity that can contribute to improving cardiovascular fitness, mobility, and mental health.)

Formatting: How to Properly Format Your Bachelor Thesis

It is important that you adhere to your university’s guidelines when formatting your bachelor thesis. Check the requirements for margins, line spacing, font size, and font type prescribed by your university.

It is also important to format your work consistently to achieve a professional look.

• Adhere to your university’s guidelines
• Check margins, line spacing, font size, and font type
• Consistently format your work
• Create a professional layout

Citing and Referencing: Rules for Citing and Referencing in the Bachelor Thesis

When referring to the ideas of other authors in your work, it is important to cite and reference them correctly. There are various citation styles you can use, but most universities use the Harvard or APA style.

Make sure to properly cite and reference all sources you refer to, to avoid plagiarism.

• Use the Harvard or APA style
• Cite and reference all sources you refer to
• Avoid plagiarism

Proofreading: Error Sources and Tips for a Flawless Bachelor Thesis

After you have written your bachelor thesis, it is important to thoroughly review it. Check the content for correct grammar, spelling, and structure. Also ensure that your arguments are clear and logical and that your statements are supported by your research.

It is important to proofread and edit your work several times. Make sure to correct all spelling and grammar errors so that your work looks professional.

• Read your work aloud to detect errors in grammar, sentence structure, and pronunciation.
• Use a dictionary or an online proofreading program to find errors in spelling and punctuation.
• Have someone else read your work and ask for feedback to gain additional perspectives and suggestions for improvement.
• Carefully review and revise your work to improve its quality and content. This can be done by adding examples, removing unnecessary information, or refining arguments.

Tip: Have your text checked by Mimir (Unscientific words, gender conformity, and more…)

Submission: How to Safely Submit and Defend Your Bachelor Thesis

Writing a bachelor thesis can be a challenging task, but if you follow the steps mentioned above, you will complete your work in a professional manner.

Don’t forget to adhere to the guidelines of your university.

Once you have reviewed and revised your bachelor’s thesis, it’s time to submit it. Make sure your work meets the requirements of your examiner and contains the correct information. If possible, have a friend or family member review it before you submit it.

Earning a bachelor’s degree is a great achievement, and creating a successful bachelor’s thesis is an essential part of this process. Remember, choosing a topic, conducting research, and writing a bachelor’s thesis can be a laborious process. However, if you have a clear schedule and follow the steps mentioned above, you can create a well-researched, informed, and organized bachelor’s thesis.

And last but not least: Congratulations!

Two Practical Examples of the Process

To better understand the steps and tips mentioned above, here are two examples from different academic areas:

• A psychology student writes a bachelor’s thesis on the effects of social media on the mental health of adolescents. She chooses this topic because it combines her personal interest and her expertise in psychology. She gathers information by reading textbooks and conducting interviews with adolescents and experts. She creates an outline consisting of an introduction, three main chapters, and a conclusion, and writes her paper accordingly. She makes sure to use quotes and references and to adhere to the APA formatting requirements. Finally, she carefully corrects her work and has it read by her teacher and a fellow student for improvement suggestions.
• A computer science student writes a bachelor’s thesis on the development of a new algorithm for machine learning. He chooses this topic because it reflects his expertise in computer science and his curiosity about new technologies. He gathers information by reading academic articles and communicating with other experts in his field. He creates an outline consisting of an introduction, three main chapters, a section on results, and a conclusion, and writes his paper accordingly. He makes sure to use citations and references and to adhere to the IEEE formatting requirements. Finally, he carefully corrects his work and has it read by his supervisor and a reviewer from a professional journal for improvement suggestions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you start writing a bachelor’s thesis.

Before you start writing your bachelor’s thesis, you should first plan the topic and structure of the paper. This also includes researching relevant sources and creating an outline. Once you have an overview of the structure of the paper, you can start writing.

How quickly can you write a bachelor’s thesis?

The duration of writing a bachelor’s thesis can vary greatly and depends on various factors, such as the complexity of the topic, the size of the paper, and the time spent on research. However, you should generally plan several weeks or even months for the actual writing of a bachelor’s thesis.

How do you properly write a bachelor’s thesis?

1. Start by selecting an interesting and relevant topic for your bachelor’s thesis. 2. Create a clear and detailed research plan that outlines the goals, methods, and timeline for your work. 3. Gather comprehensive and reliable sources to support your arguments and substantiate your theses. 4. Compose a clear and structured introduction that highlights the topic and significance of your work. 5. Develop your arguments in the main chapters of your bachelor’s thesis and use examples and evidence to support your statements. 6. Conclude your findings and conclusion in a conclusive and detailed section that summarizes the significance and implications of your work. 7. Thoroughly correct and revise your bachelor’s thesis to ensure it is logical, coherent, and error-free.

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How to write an 'about us' page.

Published: May 31, 2024

As a small-business owner, you have a unique story, too, and your 'About' page is the perfect place to share it. 

If someone's landed on your 'About Us' page, they're not just curious about what you do; they're likely interested in who you are. It's like walking into a room and making that first impression – you want it to count. Sharing the most integral parts of your brand story, in a voice and tone that's distinctly yours, can help you stand out to customers who share your vision and values. This isn't just about setting you apart from the competition but inviting people to join you on your journey.

My journey to founding my audience insights and marketing studio, Tote + Pears , came from a deeply personal place as my husband, Kai-Saun, and I were navigating the complexity of our daily life while caring for our premature child. This experience opened my eyes to how businesses often overlook their audience’s journeys, propelling me to start a meaningful marketing-centered agency. 

Every piece of Tote + Pears – from our website to brand identity to our recruitment strategies to our content and other marketing materials – reflects who we are, what we stand for, and how we’re different from other agencies. As a small-business owner, you have a unique story, too, and your 'About' page can be the perfect place to share it.

Building Your "About Me/Us" Page: A Step-by-Step Guide

You don’t need to follow an about me template, but there are certain elements that can give your page some pop. When considering what to include in an 'About Me' page, you can focus on highlighting your mission, journey, and vision in a voice that's authentically yours.

Define Your Mission Statement 

You can begin by defining the core purpose of your business . What impact do you wish to make? You can articulate this through a concise mission statement that captures the essence of why your business exists and the difference you aim to make in the lives of your customers or the broader world.

For example, at Tote + Pears, our mission is to get people what they need by helping companies understand, build, and connect with the audiences that need them.

Tell Your Company Story 

Sharing your company story is an opportunity to showcase your passions and perseverance by recounting the journey from inception through growth. How did you get started? What challenges have you overcome? What are you most proud of?

Was the business started in a small garage while making your child’s prom outfit or out of a passion for providing holistic medical care? Are you a leading voice in your field? Sharing your background and progress can allow new and potential customers to connect with your journey and take action.

Discuss Your Evolution

The 'About' page is an ideal place to reflect on your company's growth and the pivotal lessons learned along the way. Highlighting your adaptability and evolution can demonstrate a commitment to growth and enhance your relatability.

Share Your North Star

Identify and communicate the core motivation behind your business. For my business, it stemmed from a personal need for better, more meaningful products and services. Sharing your north star can help create emotional connections with customers.

Identify Your Target Audience 

Understanding the diverse reasons visitors come to your 'About' page can help you tailor content that addresses their specific interests and questions. You can utilize tools like Google Analytics or Qualtrics or hire experts to gather important audience insights . Different audiences may be visiting your 'About Us' page for different reasons; knowing what these reasons are can help you create a page that answers their questions.

Explain Your Unique Offer

You can leverage your understanding of your target audience to articulate what sets your product or service apart. Highlighting how your offerings align with their values and meet their needs can enhance the effectiveness of your 'About' page.

When considering what to include in an 'About Me' page, you can focus on highlighting your mission, journey, and vision in a voice that's authentically yours.

For example, if you find your market prefers local manufacturers and so do you, you can include these messages on your 'About' page.

Highlight Customer Successes with Testimonials

Testimonials highlight customer satisfaction as well as the tangible benefits of your business. Featuring these success stories on your 'About Us' page is an excellent strategy to foster trust, illustrating precisely how your business meets and exceeds customer needs. By sharing these experiences, you can show visitors the real impact of choosing your products or services.

Share Your Values

Laying out your core values can foster a sense of community and reinforce customer loyalty. This aspect of your 'About' page can distinguish your brand and solidify it as the go-to choice for customers whose values align with yours.

The Takeaway

By crafting an engaging 'About Us' page, you can connect with your audience at a deeper level. You can embrace this chance to share your journey, celebrate your successes, and extend an invitation to customers that is more than transactional.

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How to Start a Business: A Comprehensive Guide and Essential Steps

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Conducting Market Research

Crafting a business plan, reviewing funding options, understanding legal requirements, implementing marketing strategies, the bottom line.

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Starting a business in the United States involves a number of different steps spanning legal considerations, market research, creating a business plan, securing funding, and developing a marketing strategy. It also requires decisions about a business’ location, structure, name, taxation, and registration. Here are the key steps involved in starting a business, as well as important aspects of the process for entrepreneurs to consider.

Key Takeaways

• Entrepreneurs should start by conducting market research to understand their industry space, competition, and target customers.
• The next step is to write a comprehensive business plan, outlining the company’s structure, vision, and strategy.
• Securing funding in the form of grants, loans, venture capital, and/or crowdfunded money is crucial if you’re not self-funding.
• When choosing a venue, be aware of local regulations and requirements.
• Design your business structure with an eye to legal aspects, such as taxation and registration.
• Make a strategic marketing plan that addresses the specifics of the business, industry, and target market.

Before starting a business, entrepreneurs should conduct market research to determine their target audience, competition, and market trends. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) breaks down common market considerations as follows:

• Demand : Is there a need for this product or service?
• Market size : How many people might be interested?
• Economic indicators : What are the income, employment rate, and spending habits of potential customers?
• Location : Are the target market and business well situated for each other?
• Competition : What is the market saturation ? Who and how many are you going up against?
• Pricing : What might a customer be willing to pay?

Market research should also include an analysis of market opportunities, barriers to market entry, and industry trends, as well as the competition’s strengths, weaknesses, and market share .

There are various methods for conducting market research, and these will vary depending on the nature of the industry and potential business. Data can come from a variety of places, including statistical agencies, economic and financial institutions, and industry sources, as well as direct consumer research through focus groups, interviews, surveys, and questionnaires.

A comprehensive business plan is like a blueprint. It lays the foundation for business development and affects decision-making, day-to-day operations, and growth. Potential investors or partners may want to review and assess it in advance of agreeing to work together. Financial institutions often request business plans as part of an application for a loan or other forms of capital. 

Business plans will differ according to the needs and nature of the company and should only include what makes sense for the business in question. As such, they can vary in length and structure. They can generally be divided into two formats: traditional and lean start-up. The latter is less common and more useful for simple businesses or those that expect to rework their traditional business plan frequently. It provides a vivid snapshot of the company through a small number of elements.

The process of funding a business depends on its needs and the vision and financial situation of its owner.  The first step is to calculate the start-up costs . Identify a list of expenses and put a dollar amount to each of them through research and requesting quotes. The SBA has a start-up costs calculator for small businesses that includes common types of business expenses.  

The next step is to determine how to get the money. Common methods include:

• Self-funding , also known as “ bootstrapping ”
• Finding investors willing to contribute to your venture capital
• Raising money online by crowdfunding
• Securing a business loan from a bank, an online lender, or a credit union
• Winning a business grant from a donor, usually a government, foundation, charity, or corporation

Different methods suit different businesses, and it’s important to consider the obligations associated with any avenue of funding. For example, investors generally want a degree of control for their money, while self-funding puts business owners fully in charge. Of course, investors also mitigate risk; self-funding does not.

Availability is another consideration. Loans are easier to get than grants, which don’t have to be paid back. Additionally, the federal government doesn’t provide grants for the purposes of starting or growing a business, although private organizations may. However, the SBA does guarantee several categories of loans , accessing capital that may not be available through traditional lenders. No matter the funding method(s), it’s essential to detail how the money will be used and lay out a future financial plan for the business, including sales projections and loan repayments . 

Businesses operating in the U.S. are legally subject to regulations at the local, county, state, and federal level involving taxation, business IDs, registrations, and permits.

Choosing a Business Location

Where a business operates will dictate such things as taxes, zoning laws (for brick-and-mortar locations), licenses, and permits. Other considerations when choosing a location might include:

• Human factors : These include target audience and the preferences of business owners and partners regarding convenience, knowledge of the area, and commuting distance.
• Regulations : Government at every level will assert its authority.
• Regionally specific expenses : Examples are average salaries (including required minimum wages), property or rental prices, insurance rates, utilities, and government fees and licensing.
• The tax and financial environment : Tax types include income, sales, corporate, and property, as well as tax credits; available investment incentives and loan programs may also be geographically determined.

Picking a Business Structure

The structure of a business should reflect the desired number of owners, liability characteristics, and tax status. Because these have legal and tax compliance implications , it’s important to understand them fully. If necessary, consult a business counselor, a lawyer, and/or an accountant.

Common business structures include:

• Sole proprietorship : A sole proprietorship is an unincorporated business that has just one owner, who pays personal income tax on its profits.
• Partnership : Partnership options include a limited partnership (LP) and a limited liability partnership (LLP) .
• Limited liability company (LLC) : An LLC protects its owners from personal responsibility for the company’s debts and liabilities.
• Corporation : The different types of corporations include C corp , S corp , B corp , closed corporation , and nonprofit .

Getting a Tax ID Number

A tax ID number is the equivalent of a Social Security number for a business. Whether or not a state and/or federal tax ID number is required will depend on the nature of the business and the location in which it’s registered.

A federal tax ID, also known as an employer identification number (EIN) , is required if a business:

• Operates as a corporation or partnership
• Pays federal taxes
• Has employees
• Files employment, excise, alcohol, tobacco, or firearms tax returns
• Has a Keogh plan
• Withholds taxes on non-wage income to nonresident aliens
• Is involved with certain types of organizations, including trusts, estates, real estate mortgage investment conduits, nonprofits, farmers’ cooperatives, and plan administrators

An EIN can also be useful if you want to open a business bank account, offer an employer-sponsored retirement plan, or apply for federal business licenses and permits. You can get one online from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) . State websites will do the same for a state tax ID.

Registering a Business

How you register a business will depend on its location, nature, size, and business structure.  For example, a small business may not require any steps beyond registering its business name with local and state governments, and business owners whose business name is their own legal name might not need to register at all.

That said, registration can provide personal liability protection, tax-exempt status, and trademark protection, so it can be beneficial even if it’s not strictly required. Overall registration requirements, costs, and documentation will vary depending on the governing jurisdictions and business structure.  

Most LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and nonprofits are required to register at the state level and will need a registered agent to file on their behalf. Determining which state to register with can depend on factors such as:

• Whether the business has a physical presence in the state
• If the business often conducts in-person client meetings in the state
• If a large portion of business revenue comes from the state
• Whether the business has employees working in the state

If a business operates in more than one state, it may need to file for foreign qualification in other states in which it conducts business. In this case the business would register in the state in which it was formed (this would be considered the domestic state) and file for foreign qualification in any additional states.

Obtaining Permits

Filing for the applicable government licenses and permits will depend on the industry and nature of the business and might include submitting an application to a federal agency, state, county, and/or city. The SBA lists federally regulated business activities alongside the corresponding license-issuing agency, while state, county, and city regulations can be found on the official government websites for each region.

Every business should have a marketing plan that outlines an overall strategy and the day-to-day tactics used to execute it. A successful marketing plan will lay out tactics for how to connect with customers and convince them to buy what the company is selling. 

Marketing plans will vary according to the specifics of the industry, target market, and business, but they should aim to include descriptions of and strategies for the following:

• A target customer : Including market size, demographics, traits, and relevant trends
• Value propositions or business differentiators : An overview of the company’s competitive advantage with regard to employees, certifications, and offerings
• A sales and marketing plan : Including methods, channels, and a customer’s journey through interacting with the business
• Goals : Should cover different aspects of the marketing and sales strategy, such as social media follower growth, public relations opportunities, and sales targets
• An execution plan : Should detail tactics and break down higher-level goals into specific actions
• A budget : Detailing how much different marketing projects and activities will cost

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Business?

Business start-up costs will vary depending on the industry, business activity, and product or service offered. Home-based online businesses will usually cost less than those that require an office setting to meet with customers. The estimated cost can be calculated by first identifying a list of expenses and then researching and requesting quotes for each one. Use the SBA’s start-up costs calculator for common types of expenses associated with starting a small business.

What Should I Do Before Starting a Business?

Entrepreneurs seeking to start their own business should fully research and understand all the legal and funding considerations involved, conduct market research, and create marketing and business plans. They will also need to secure any necessary permits, licenses, funding, and business bank accounts.

What Types of Funding Are Available to Start a Business?

Start-up capital can come in the form of loans, grants, crowdfunding, venture capital, or self-funding. Note that the federal government does not provide grant funding for the purposes of starting a business, although some private sources do.

Do You Need to Write a Business Plan?

Business plans are comprehensive documents that lay out the most important information about a business. They reference its growth, development, and decision-making processes, and financial institutions and potential investors and partners generally request to review them in advance of agreeing to provide funding or to collaborate.

Starting a business is no easy feat, but research and preparation can help smooth the way. Having a firm understanding of your target market, competition, industry, goals, company structure, funding requirements, legal regulations, and marketing strategy, as well as conducting research and consulting experts where necessary, are all things that entrepreneurs can do to set themselves up for success.

U.S. Small Business Administration. “ Market Research and Competitive Analysis .”

U.S. Small Business Administration. “ Write Your Business Plan .”

U.S. Small Business Administration. " Calculate Your Startup Costs ."

U.S. Small Business Administration. “ Fund Your Business .”

U.S. Small Business Administration. “ Grants .”

U.S. Small Business Administration. “ Loans .”

U.S. Small Business Administration. “ Pick Your Business Location .”

U.S. Small Business Administration. “ Choose a Business Structure .”

Internal Revenue Service. “ Do You Need an EIN? ”

U.S. Small Business Administration. “ Get Federal and State Tax ID Numbers .”

U.S. Small Business Administration. “ Register Your Business .”

U.S. Small Business Administration. “ Apply for Licenses and Permits .”

U.S. Small Business Administration. “ Marketing and Sales .”

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How To Write a Perfect Grant Proposal In 8 Steps

By Colin Hunter on May 29, 2024

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Securing funding for your projects is important for many organizations, and writing a grant proposal is often a key part of that process. However, writing a strong grant proposal can be challenging. It can make the difference between getting the funds you need and missing out on valuable opportunities.

This guide will show you how to write a perfect grant proposal in 8 easy steps. We'll take you through the process, offering practical tips and insights to help you create a clear and compelling proposal. 

What Is a Grant Proposal?

A grant proposal is a formal request for financial support, typically directed to organizations that grant funds, like governments, corporations, or foundations. 

It's structured to clearly explain the need for funding and how it will be used to achieve specific outcomes. The request outlines your project's scope, goals, and plans to convince the funder that your initiative is worthy of support.

Types of Grants

• Foundation Grants: These are issued by both private and public foundations and charities.
• Corporate Grants: Businesses and corporations provide these grants to promote social responsibility and increase community involvement. 
• Federal Government Grants: These grants are provided by government bodies at the national level. 
• State Government Grants: Similar to federal grants, these are distributed by state governments and usually focus on projects that benefit residents within the state​.
• Local City Government Grants: These are smaller grants that address local community needs and are distributed by city or local government bodies.

Should I Apply For a Grant?

Deciding whether to apply for a grant should involve a few considerations. 

First, assess whether your project's goals match the grant's objectives. It's crucial to ensure that your mission and the potential grant's purpose are compatible​​. 

You should also consider the potential impact of your project, your organization's capacity to complete the project within the grant's terms, and the likelihood of sustaining the project after the grant period ends. 

Remember, applying for grants is competitive and requires a significant effort to prepare a compelling proposal that gets noticed.

A Simple Guide To Write a Grant Proposal

Step1: start with  a cover letter.

The cover letter is your first chance to make a good impression. It should be concise, on a formal header, typically no more than one page, and must include key elements to catch the funder's attention.

Start by clearly stating your name, the name of your organization, and your contact information at the top of the letter. Make sure this information is accurate to avoid any confusion.

If possible, address the cover letter to a specific person. Use a formal salutation like "Dear Mr./Mrs." followed by their name to personalize the communication.

Quickly explain what your organization does. Clearly state the purpose of your request in the first few sentences. Describe your project and why it aligns with the funder’s goals. 

Specify the amount of funding you are requesting and briefly overview how it will be used. 

End with a statement that invites further communication, such as a request for a meeting or a site visit, and express your anticipation for discussing the project in more detail.

• While it's important to be professional, avoid overly stiff language that might come across as insincere or robotic.
• Use clear language. Assume the reader is not familiar with your field and avoid using specialized terminology without explanation.
• Personalize your cover letter to each funder. Generic cover letters are easy to spot and can suggest a lack of effort or genuine interest.

Step 2: Add Executive Summary

A cover letter and an executive summary serve different purposes in a grant proposal. The cover letter is your chance to make a personal introduction, express your interest, and briefly mention what the grant will support. It's personalized and addresses the funder directly. 

On the other hand, the executive summary provides a comprehensive overview of your project. It details the problem, your solution, and the outcomes you anticipate. 

Begin with a compelling statement or statistic that highlights the urgency or importance of your project. Grab the reader's attention and set the stage for the details that follow.

Clearly define the issue your project addresses. Be specific about how this problem affects your community or field and why it needs immediate attention.

Briefly describe your proposed solution. Explain how it addresses the problem and why it is effective. Include any innovative aspects of your approach that make your project stand out.

Detail the positive changes or results your project aims to achieve. Be specific about how these outcomes will benefit the target community or field. 

End with a summary of the overall impact of the project. Emphasize how the expected outcomes will advance broader goals or align with the funder's mission.

• Provide specific information about the problem and your solution. General statements are less compelling and can make your proposal seem unfocused.
• While it's important to be thorough, the executive summary should not discuss every aspect of your project. Leave the finer details for the main body of the proposal.
• Ensure the summary is logical and flows smoothly from one section to the next. It should be easy to follow and build a strong case for your project.

Step 3: State the Need (Problem Statement)

Writing a strong problem statement is the key to capturing the essence of what your project intends to address. 

Start by clearly identifying the specific issue your project will tackle. It should be relevant and significant enough to justify the need for funding. For example, rather than broadly addressing "education," focus on a specific issue like "reducing dropout rates among high school students in underserved communities."

Next, provide context by describing the circumstances that have led to or exacerbated the problem. Include data and evidence to support the existence and impact of the problem, making it relatable and urgent. 

Detail who is affected by the problem and how, and discuss the consequences of not addressing the issue.

Propose a brief outline of your potential solution, indicating how it addresses the problem. Show that your project is not only about identifying issues but also about providing feasible solutions.

Finally, describe the impact of the problem and the positive change your project aims to achieve. This part of the statement should match the funder's objectives.

• Data or credible sources should back every statement about the problem's significance.
• Customize the problem statement to align with the funder’s interests and show how your project supports their goals.
• Focus on a specific issue rather than trying to tackle a problem that is too wide or multifaceted for the scope of a single project.

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Step 4: Describe Clear Goals and Objectives

Make sure that your goals and objectives are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. 

• Specific: Clearly define what you aim to achieve. Instead of a broad goal like "improve health," specify what aspect of health you intend to improve and in which population or community.
• Measurable: Ensure that your objectives can be quantified or have clear indicators of success. For example, instead of just aiming to "increase participation," state a specific number or percentage by which participation will increase.
• Achievable: Set objectives that are realistic and attainable within the project's timeframe and with the available resources.
• Relevant: Align your goals and objectives with both the needs identified in your problem statement and the funder’s priorities to demonstrate the impact and necessity of your project.
• Time-bound: Include specific deadlines or time frames for achieving your objectives to provide a clear timeline for project implementation and evaluation.
• Avoid generalities that make your objectives difficult to understand or measure. Be precise about what you are aiming to achieve.
• While ambition is good, setting unrealistic goals can undermine the credibility of your proposal.
• Failing to specify when each objective will be achieved can leave your proposal looking under-planned.

Step 5: Provide a Realistic Budget

Creating a realistic budget for your grant proposal is important to demonstrate your organization's financial planning and accountability. 

Begin by thoroughly understanding what the funder requires in a budget proposal. Includes the format, categories, and specific financial details they want to see. 

Break down your costs into clear, defined categories such as salaries, equipment, supplies, and overheads. Be specific about each item and ensure that all costs are justified within the context of the project. T

Make sure to include both direct costs (specific to the project) and indirect costs (general organizational overheads). Some funders allow a percentage of the total budget to cover indirect costs, but your proposal should clarify and justify this.

Use detailed, current market rates for items and services you plan to procure. Avoid approximations. Instead, use quotes and estimates from vendors to substantiate your figures. 

Ensure your budget reflects and supports the narrative of your proposal. 

• Ensure all costs are realistic and account for potential variations in market rates.
• Each budget item should be specific and clearly linked to project activities.
• Consider all aspects of project implementation, including less obvious costs like maintenance or unexpected contingencies.

Step 6: Mention Evaluation Strategy

Evaluation strategy is another key part of your grant proposal. It's essential to include both formative (process) and summative (outcome) evaluations to assess the effectiveness of your project comprehensively.

• Formative Evaluation: This ongoing evaluation helps monitor the project’s progress toward achieving its objectives. It allows for adjustments and improvements in real-time, ensuring the project stays on track.
• Summative Evaluation: Conducted at the end of the project, this evaluation assesses the overall impact and outcomes against the initial goals. It is crucial for demonstrating the project's success and value to funders.

Define what you will measure and how. Make sure these metrics connect with your project’s goals. Specify whether the focus is on direct outputs (e.g., number of people served) or broader impacts (e.g., long-term community changes).

Outline the methods for gathering and analyzing data. Decide on the tools and techniques you will use, such as statistical software for quantitative data or content analysis for qualitative data. 

Describe how the results of the evaluations will be reported and used. Include plans for internal use, such as improving the program, and external use, such as sharing successes and lessons learned with the community and stakeholders​.

• Clearly specify what will be measured and how.
• Engage those affected by or interested in the project in the evaluation process.
• Be open to adjusting your evaluation methods as the project evolves.
• Ensure your evaluation methods respect participants' rights and privacy.

Step 7: Share Strategies To Ensure Sustainability

The next step is to show funders that your project has the capacity to endure beyond the initial funding period. Funders are increasingly interested in projects that address immediate needs and demonstrate long-term viability and impact.

To ensure ongoing support, plan to diversify your funding streams. Plan to secure future grants, establish partnerships with businesses for corporate sponsorships, and initiate community fundraising efforts. 

Include a detailed projection of ongoing costs for at least five years. Cover daily operations, maintenance, potential growth, and even decommissioning if applicable. Include inflation factors, the need for specialist skills, and ongoing training to maintain project efficacy and relevance over time​.

Explain how the project will be managed in the long term. This includes establishing robust management practices, securing essential resources, and potentially increasing your organizational capacity to handle expanded operations or services as the project grows​.

• Avoid overly optimistic projections that may not be realistic or achievable.
• Avoid vague statements. Be specific about how sustainability will be achieved.
• Do not ignore potential risks or challenges that could impact long-term sustainability.

Step 8: Final Review and Submission

• Ensure that every section of your proposal meets the specific requirements set by the funder, including format, content, and length​.
• Double-check your budget calculations for accuracy and ensure they align with the project narrative. Include all required documentation and justification for the funds requested​.
• Read through the entire proposal to make sure it is clear and logical. Look for any sections that might be confusing or ambiguous and clarify them.
• Perform a thorough spell check and grammar review. It can be helpful to have another person review the proposal as well to catch any errors you might have missed​.
• Confirm that all necessary compliance forms are included and that every required section is complete. This might include conflict of interest forms, human subjects protections, and other regulatory documents.

Tips on Submitting the Proposal and Following Up with Funders

• Follow the funder's specified process for submission, which may include online submissions through portals like Grants.gov or other digital platforms. Make sure all electronic forms are filled out completely and accurately.
• After submitting, ensure you receive an acknowledgment receipt from the funder. If the submission is through an online system, you might receive an automatic notification​.
• After submission, keep track of the review timelines and be proactive in responding to any requests from the funder for additional information or clarifications​.
• Whether your proposal is accepted or rejected, request feedback from the funder. It can be invaluable for improving future proposals and understanding the funder's priorities​.
• Keep a copy of the submitted proposal and all correspondence with the funder for your records. This documentation will be helpful for future applications and may be required for institutional or compliance reasons.

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About Colin Hunter

Colin Hunter is the cofounder of BetterWorld , where he leads initiatives to expand reach and impact. Previously, he cofounded and served as CEO of luxury custom menswear brand Alton Lane. Colin’s experience as a consultant with Bain & Company, working with Global 1000 companies, shaped his approach to leadership and growth. He holds a BA from the University of Virginia and studied in Oxford, England. Colin lives in Scottsville, Virginia with his wife and three daughters.

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Will Trump Go To Prison? Here’s What Happens Now That He’s Been Found Guilty In Hush Money Case.

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Former President Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to be convicted of a crime when a Manhattan jury found him guilty Thursday, and the judge could potentially sentence him to prison—an unprecedented, and unlikely, situation that would impose significant logistical complications and a political “ripple effect,” experts say. (Update: Jury finds Trump guilty in hush-money trial.)

Former President Donald Trump with his attorney Todd Blanche at Manhattan Criminal Court on May 29, ... [+] 2024. (Photo by Jabin Botsford-Pool/Getty Images)

The 12-person jury convicted Trump of a scheme to improve his chances of winning the 2016 election by hiding hush money payments to an adult film star who claims she had an affair with Trump.

Manhattan criminal court Judge Juan Merchan is set to deliver Trump’s sentence—which ranges from a fine of up to $5,000 to four years in prison for each of the 34 felony counts—on July 11, though Trump will almost certainly appeal a conviction, which could draw out the case for months.

Given Trump’s status as a first-time offender and the nature of the charges, legal experts generally say jail time is unlikely, though Trump’s repeated violations of a gag order prohibiting him from disparaging various parties involved in the case—and the consequences of his alleged actions—could lead Merchan to impose a more severe punishment.

Since prosecutors’ theory was that Trump’s conduct may have altered the results of the 2016 election, “it’s fair to say that it should be treated differently in terms of punishment” than in a “run-of-the-mill financial fraud case,” which would typically draw no prison time for a first-time offender, former Manhattan prosecutor and criminal defense attorney Jeremy Saland told Forbes before the verdict was reached.

In New York, Class E felony sentences for offenders who have not been convicted of a felony within the past 10 years, are doled out concurrently in thirds, such as one to three years, meaning Trump would be eligible for parole after one year, Saland said.

If Trump were sentenced to a year or less, he would serve out his sentence in a city jail, such as Rikers Island, and would likely be eligible for parole after serving two-thirds of the sentence, Saland said, and if he’s sentenced to more than a year, the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision will determine which of its 44 facilities he is sent to.

Surprising Fact

Trump can still run for president—even if he’s imprisoned—as the Constitution only requires presidential candidates to be at least 35 years old and natural-born citizens who have lived in the U.S. for at least 14 years. If Trump were unable to fulfill his Constitutional duties due to imprisonment, the majority of his cabinet and the vice president could remove him from office and transfer his authority to the vice president, The New York Times noted previously .

The Secret Service has been preparing for the unlikely possibility Trump could be incarcerated since before the trial began, the New York Times reported previously , citing sources familiar with the preparations. Secret Service agents would reportedly be stationed in the facility for 24 hours a day to protect Trump, who would likely be held in an area that is closed off to other inmates.

What To Watch For

Trump could also be sentenced to community service or probation, which could introduce significant logistical complications given his travel schedule and the likely requirement he would have to routinely report to a probation office or have random drop-in visits from a probation officer, Saland said.

Saland said that while he believes Trump deserves prison since his conduct—as alleged—“potentially altered the election and the presidency,” the political fallout would be too severe to merit a prison sentence. “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should,” Saland said. “Putting him in prison will have consequences and a ripple effect none of us can fathom and understand.”

Key Background

The jury delivered the verdict Thursday after approximately nine-and-a-half hours of deliberations, marking the culmination of the six-week trial, just five months before the November election. Prosecutors indicted Trump in March 2023 on charges of fraudulently labeling business records as legal expenses, alleging the payments were actually made to reimburse his former attorney, Michael Cohen, for the $130,000 Cohen said he paid adult film star Stormy Daniels in exchange for her silence about the 2006 affair she said she had with Trump. Falsifying business records is a misdemeanor in New York, but prosecutors charged Trump with felonies by claiming he committed the crimes with the intent to commit or conceal another crime, such as illegally conspiring to influence the 2016 election. Trump pleaded not guilty to the charges, denied the affair allegations with Daniels and has repeatedly accused prosecutors and Merchan, without evidence, of working on behalf of Biden to hurt Trump’s chances of winning in November.

Further Reading

Jury Now Deliberating In Trump’s Hush Money Trial—And Trump Can’t Leave Until There’s A Verdict (Forbes)

Trump Trial Prosecutor Ends Closing Argument After Nearly 5 Hours—Jury Instructions Set For Wednesday (Forbes)

Here’s What Happens If Trump Is Convicted—As Jury Starts Deliberating (Forbes)

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