A thesis is a document presented by a degree candidate which details the author’s research, findings, and conclusions. The word thesis usually refers to research results used as part of a bachelor’s or master’s degree, while dissertation normally refers to the work done as part of a doctorate degree. A thesis can be lengthy, require supervision by university faculty, and must be focused on a certain area of knowledge.

What is a thesis statement?
A thesis statement lets the reader know how the author interprets the importance of the subject. It also defines the theme of the paper and lets the reader know what to expect from the paper to follow. A thesis is an interpretation of a question or subject, not the subject itself.  A thesis statement states a claim that is arguable. It is not clear before research is done whether the statement is true or not. Of course the author should have some grounds for making the statement – presumably from prior research. The statement is usually a single sentence somewhere in the first paragraph that presents the author’s argument to the reader. The function of the thesis paper to follow is to gathers and organizes evidence in support of this statement.

What is a thesis paper?
All universities have strict requirements about how to format a thesis paper. The text font, spacing, margins, and other elements of the paper have to be exactly as specified in order to be approved by the university. A great way to make sure your paper is properly formatted is to begin with a sample thesis paper. All thesis papers from the same department should be formatted identically. Students should therefore be able to begin writing their own thesis by using a sample thesis paper of a former student.

Another reason to use a sample thesis paper is to study the writing style of a well written thesis. Students can learn how a thesis presents its content, defends its claims, and articulates its ideas. A model thesis will present a clear, interesting, and original idea and address every aspect of that idea from a thorough, scholarly perspective.

What is a thesis proposal?
The proposal for a thesis or dissertation is essentially an outline of the research – kind of like an architectural blueprint for building a house. The clearer the plan, the more timely and successful the completion of the house. And the clearer the plan, the more likely it is that it will be approved by your advisor or dissertation committee, with a high probability that the final paper will also be accepted. A well – done, acceptable proposal, therefore, is a kind of personal contract between you the candidate, and your committee.
The challenge lies – as usual – in deciding exactly what topic you want to propose! It is true that some fortunate students may be offered a specific topic or problem to pursue by a mentor whose preferences agree with the student’s own. But more often, your job is to come up with a specific topic or research question that shows promise for extended study. Do not worry if a topic does not suggest itself to you immediately. Be ready and willing to try out a number of possibilities to see how they develop. How do you “try out” a topic? – by doing a topic analysis. #p#分頁標題#e#