Writing a thesis is a complex process that requires thorough preparation, research and writing technique. It is almost mandatory to be able to follow a consistent structure when writing a text, as a well-constructed thesis is not just about whether you substantiate your scientific research hypotheses or not. A thesis is also about your ability to convey your knowledge in writing and to articulate your ideas.
Thesis Writing Step by Step
If you find that you are often stressed about writing and find it hard to get your thoughts together, read this article to learn the step-by-step process of writing a good thesis – from the initial brainstorming to the final proofreading.
Choose the right topic
This is where many students make the biggest mistake of choosing the wrong topic. Your thesis should be exciting, but within a researchable and relevant subject area that interests you. You can choose a good topic, but if it is difficult for you to research and there is little previous research on it, you will have a very difficult time. Therefore, you should always be aware of possible literature, as you will definitely need sufficient background material. If you are unsure about the choice of topic, a thesis editor or a professional thesis correction online can help you to refine your research question and to proofread your drafts..
Research and source collection
Once you have found your topic and your thesis advisor supports the idea, the material gathering begins. At this point, it is important to use only reliable sources and to document the citations properly. Make notes on these sources, taking particular care to cite the literature accurately, so that you will have less work to do when editing the bibliography later, and so that you are sure to cite the literature accurately in the listed bibliography section.
Structure and outline of the thesis
A well-structured thesis is easy to follow and communicates your arguments clearly. Following the basic structure below will help you in your writing:
- Introduction: a statement of the objectives, research question and relevance of the thesis.
- Literature review: a description of previous research and theoretical background.
- Methodology: a detailed description of the research methods used.
- Results and analysis: the data collected and their interpretation.
- Conclusion: Summary, conclusions and recommendations for further research.
The main outline points contain sub-sketch points, which you should also discuss with your consultant teacher. A good outline gives your essay a framework to which you can stick when writing the text. As the scope of a thesis is large, it is important not to stray from the subject when writing it.
Write a “first version”
You might think that when you sit down to write on your laptop, you should have perfectly formed thoughts already written down. But that’s not the case. That’s why you should have a first version of your essay where you can freely write out your thoughts. Don’t try to get every sentence exactly right, and you can even ignore typos. The point is to give your ideas space and let them run wild.
To make this process work effectively, try to set a definite time frame – for example, decide that you will sit down at 10am every day and write for 1 hour. Although it is often recommended to take breaks while working, it is a positive thing for this type of writing if you can write for extended periods without interruption.
If you get stuck while writing, use a “free-writing technique”, i.e. write down all your thoughts on a piece of paper without concentrating on editing.
Editing and revising the text
When you have finished the first draft of your thesis, the editing part comes next. When editing, you check the logical coherence of the thesis, the correctness of the language. It is important that your sentences are clear and concise, but of course this depends on the topic you are writing on. However, whatever your subject, all your sentences should be supported, either by referring to a source or to a quotation if you are analysing a book, for example. If you have worked with people in your research, you can also quote from people. The important thing is that your essay is well structured, transparent and easy to read and interpret.
Professional proofreading and editing are key to the quality of the final version, and a professional thesis editor can help you fine-tune the language and structure of your text.
Plagiarism checking and final proofreading
Before submitting your thesis, it is a good idea to carry out a plagiarism check to ensure its originality. A number of online tools are available for this purpose. Proper proofreading and language checking are also essential. Studybay’s experts can help you with this, ensuring that your essay meets all formal and content requirements.
Final version and pre-submission checks
Before you hand in your thesis, your thesis advisor will probably review it, but you should also do your best to ensure that it is submitted in the best possible condition. Do some post-editing to minimise errors:
- Read through the text aloud to spot any errors that might disrupt the textual structure of the thesis.
- Check sources, bullet points, and other details that are specified.
- Check for professional requirements, even small things like font or page numbering.
- Check whether or not all citations have been referenced.
If you’re unsure about the finishing touches, a proofreading expert can help you ensure that your essay is flawless in every way.
Writing a thesis can be a challenging process, but with proper planning, effective research methods and careful editing, it can be done successfully. Many students have done it before you, so you’re sure to succeed. Especially if you follow the steps above, you can work with confidence and organisation, and if you enlist the help of a proofreader, you can be even more confident in the success of your thesis.
