what is a working thesis

The Writing Center • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Thesis Statements

What this handout is about.

This handout describes what a thesis statement is, how thesis statements work in your writing, and how you can craft or refine one for your draft.

Introduction

Writing in college often takes the form of persuasion—convincing others that you have an interesting, logical point of view on the subject you are studying. Persuasion is a skill you practice regularly in your daily life. You persuade your roommate to clean up, your parents to let you borrow the car, your friend to vote for your favorite candidate or policy. In college, course assignments often ask you to make a persuasive case in writing. You are asked to convince your reader of your point of view. This form of persuasion, often called academic argument, follows a predictable pattern in writing. After a brief introduction of your topic, you state your point of view on the topic directly and often in one sentence. This sentence is the thesis statement, and it serves as a summary of the argument you’ll make in the rest of your paper.

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement:

tells the reader how you will interpret the significance of the subject matter under discussion.
is a road map for the paper; in other words, it tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper.
directly answers the question asked of you. A thesis is an interpretation of a question or subject, not the subject itself. The subject, or topic, of an essay might be World War II or Moby Dick; a thesis must then offer a way to understand the war or the novel.
makes a claim that others might dispute.
is usually a single sentence near the beginning of your paper (most often, at the end of the first paragraph) that presents your argument to the reader. The rest of the paper, the body of the essay, gathers and organizes evidence that will persuade the reader of the logic of your interpretation.

If your assignment asks you to take a position or develop a claim about a subject, you may need to convey that position or claim in a thesis statement near the beginning of your draft. The assignment may not explicitly state that you need a thesis statement because your instructor may assume you will include one. When in doubt, ask your instructor if the assignment requires a thesis statement. When an assignment asks you to analyze, to interpret, to compare and contrast, to demonstrate cause and effect, or to take a stand on an issue, it is likely that you are being asked to develop a thesis and to support it persuasively. (Check out our handout on understanding assignments for more information.)

How do I create a thesis?

A thesis is the result of a lengthy thinking process. Formulating a thesis is not the first thing you do after reading an essay assignment. Before you develop an argument on any topic, you have to collect and organize evidence, look for possible relationships between known facts (such as surprising contrasts or similarities), and think about the significance of these relationships. Once you do this thinking, you will probably have a “working thesis” that presents a basic or main idea and an argument that you think you can support with evidence. Both the argument and your thesis are likely to need adjustment along the way.

Writers use all kinds of techniques to stimulate their thinking and to help them clarify relationships or comprehend the broader significance of a topic and arrive at a thesis statement. For more ideas on how to get started, see our handout on brainstorming .

How do I know if my thesis is strong?

If there’s time, run it by your instructor or make an appointment at the Writing Center to get some feedback. Even if you do not have time to get advice elsewhere, you can do some thesis evaluation of your own. When reviewing your first draft and its working thesis, ask yourself the following :

Do I answer the question? Re-reading the question prompt after constructing a working thesis can help you fix an argument that misses the focus of the question. If the prompt isn’t phrased as a question, try to rephrase it. For example, “Discuss the effect of X on Y” can be rephrased as “What is the effect of X on Y?”
Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? If your thesis simply states facts that no one would, or even could, disagree with, it’s possible that you are simply providing a summary, rather than making an argument.
Is my thesis statement specific enough? Thesis statements that are too vague often do not have a strong argument. If your thesis contains words like “good” or “successful,” see if you could be more specific: why is something “good”; what specifically makes something “successful”?
Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? If a reader’s first response is likely to be “So what?” then you need to clarify, to forge a relationship, or to connect to a larger issue.
Does my essay support my thesis specifically and without wandering? If your thesis and the body of your essay do not seem to go together, one of them has to change. It’s okay to change your working thesis to reflect things you have figured out in the course of writing your paper. Remember, always reassess and revise your writing as necessary.
Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? If a reader’s first response is “how?” or “why?” your thesis may be too open-ended and lack guidance for the reader. See what you can add to give the reader a better take on your position right from the beginning.

Suppose you are taking a course on contemporary communication, and the instructor hands out the following essay assignment: “Discuss the impact of social media on public awareness.” Looking back at your notes, you might start with this working thesis:

Social media impacts public awareness in both positive and negative ways.

You can use the questions above to help you revise this general statement into a stronger thesis.

Do I answer the question? You can analyze this if you rephrase “discuss the impact” as “what is the impact?” This way, you can see that you’ve answered the question only very generally with the vague “positive and negative ways.”
Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? Not likely. Only people who maintain that social media has a solely positive or solely negative impact could disagree.
Is my thesis statement specific enough? No. What are the positive effects? What are the negative effects?
Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? No. Why are they positive? How are they positive? What are their causes? Why are they negative? How are they negative? What are their causes?
Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? No. Why should anyone care about the positive and/or negative impact of social media?

After thinking about your answers to these questions, you decide to focus on the one impact you feel strongly about and have strong evidence for:

Because not every voice on social media is reliable, people have become much more critical consumers of information, and thus, more informed voters.

This version is a much stronger thesis! It answers the question, takes a specific position that others can challenge, and it gives a sense of why it matters.

Let’s try another. Suppose your literature professor hands out the following assignment in a class on the American novel: Write an analysis of some aspect of Mark Twain’s novel Huckleberry Finn. “This will be easy,” you think. “I loved Huckleberry Finn!” You grab a pad of paper and write:

Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn is a great American novel.

You begin to analyze your thesis:

Do I answer the question? No. The prompt asks you to analyze some aspect of the novel. Your working thesis is a statement of general appreciation for the entire novel.

Think about aspects of the novel that are important to its structure or meaning—for example, the role of storytelling, the contrasting scenes between the shore and the river, or the relationships between adults and children. Now you write:

In Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain develops a contrast between life on the river and life on the shore.

Do I answer the question? Yes!
Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? Not really. This contrast is well-known and accepted.
Is my thesis statement specific enough? It’s getting there–you have highlighted an important aspect of the novel for investigation. However, it’s still not clear what your analysis will reveal.
Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? Not yet. Compare scenes from the book and see what you discover. Free write, make lists, jot down Huck’s actions and reactions and anything else that seems interesting.
Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? What’s the point of this contrast? What does it signify?”

After examining the evidence and considering your own insights, you write:

Through its contrasting river and shore scenes, Twain’s Huckleberry Finn suggests that to find the true expression of American democratic ideals, one must leave “civilized” society and go back to nature.

This final thesis statement presents an interpretation of a literary work based on an analysis of its content. Of course, for the essay itself to be successful, you must now present evidence from the novel that will convince the reader of your interpretation.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Anson, Chris M., and Robert A. Schwegler. 2010. The Longman Handbook for Writers and Readers , 6th ed. New York: Longman.

Lunsford, Andrea A. 2015. The St. Martin’s Handbook , 8th ed. Boston: Bedford/St Martin’s.

Ramage, John D., John C. Bean, and June Johnson. 2018. The Allyn & Bacon Guide to Writing , 8th ed. New York: Pearson.

Ruszkiewicz, John J., Christy Friend, Daniel Seward, and Maxine Hairston. 2010. The Scott, Foresman Handbook for Writers , 9th ed. Boston: Pearson Education.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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What Is a Thesis? | Ultimate Guide & Examples

What Is a Thesis? | Ultimate Guide & Examples

Published on September 14, 2022 by Tegan George . Revised on April 16, 2024.

A thesis is a type of research paper based on your original research. It is usually submitted as the final step of a master’s program or a capstone to a bachelor’s degree.

Writing a thesis can be a daunting experience. Other than a dissertation , it is one of the longest pieces of writing students typically complete. It relies on your ability to conduct research from start to finish: choosing a relevant topic , crafting a proposal , designing your research , collecting data , developing a robust analysis, drawing strong conclusions , and writing concisely .

Thesis template

You can also download our full thesis template in the format of your choice below. Our template includes a ready-made table of contents , as well as guidance for what each chapter should include. It’s easy to make it your own, and can help you get started.

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Thesis vs. thesis statement, how to structure a thesis, acknowledgements or preface, list of figures and tables, list of abbreviations, introduction, literature review, methodology, reference list, proofreading and editing, defending your thesis, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about theses.

You may have heard the word thesis as a standalone term or as a component of academic writing called a thesis statement . Keep in mind that these are two very different things.

A thesis statement is a very common component of an essay, particularly in the humanities. It usually comprises 1 or 2 sentences in the introduction of your essay , and should clearly and concisely summarize the central points of your academic essay .
A thesis is a long-form piece of academic writing, often taking more than a full semester to complete. It is generally a degree requirement for Master’s programs, and is also sometimes required to complete a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts colleges.
In the US, a dissertation is generally written as a final step toward obtaining a PhD.
In other countries (particularly the UK), a dissertation is generally written at the bachelor’s or master’s level.

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The final structure of your thesis depends on a variety of components, such as:

Your discipline
Your theoretical approach

Humanities theses are often structured more like a longer-form essay . Just like in an essay, you build an argument to support a central thesis.

In both hard and social sciences, theses typically include an introduction , literature review , methodology section , results section , discussion section , and conclusion section . These are each presented in their own dedicated section or chapter. In some cases, you might want to add an appendix .

Thesis examples

We’ve compiled a short list of thesis examples to help you get started.

Example thesis #1: “Abolition, Africans, and Abstraction: the Influence of the ‘Noble Savage’ on British and French Antislavery Thought, 1787-1807” by Suchait Kahlon.
Example thesis #2: “’A Starving Man Helping Another Starving Man’: UNRRA, India, and the Genesis of Global Relief, 1943-1947″ by Julian Saint Reiman.

The very first page of your thesis contains all necessary identifying information, including:

Your full title
Your full name
Your department
Your institution and degree program
Your submission date.

Sometimes the title page also includes your student ID, the name of your supervisor, or the university’s logo. Check out your university’s guidelines if you’re not sure.

Theoretical framework

Your literature review can often form the basis for your theoretical framework, but these are not the same thing. A theoretical framework defines and analyzes the concepts and theories that your research hinges on.

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While Sandel argues that pursuing perfection through genetic engineering would decrease our sense of humility, he claims that the sense of solidarity we would lose is also important.

This thesis summarizes several points in Sandel’s argument, but it does not make a claim about how we should understand his argument. A reader who read Sandel’s argument would not also need to read an essay based on this descriptive thesis.

Broad thesis (arguable, but difficult to support with evidence)

Michael Sandel’s arguments about genetic engineering do not take into consideration all the relevant issues.

This is an arguable claim because it would be possible to argue against it by saying that Michael Sandel’s arguments do take all of the relevant issues into consideration. But the claim is too broad. Because the thesis does not specify which “issues” it is focused on—or why it matters if they are considered—readers won’t know what the rest of the essay will argue, and the writer won’t know what to focus on. If there is a particular issue that Sandel does not address, then a more specific version of the thesis would include that issue—hand an explanation of why it is important.

Arguable thesis with analytical claim

While Sandel argues persuasively that our instinct to “remake” (54) ourselves into something ever more perfect is a problem, his belief that we can always draw a line between what is medically necessary and what makes us simply “better than well” (51) is less convincing.

This is an arguable analytical claim. To argue for this claim, the essay writer will need to show how evidence from the article itself points to this interpretation. It’s also a reasonable scope for a thesis because it can be supported with evidence available in the text and is neither too broad nor too narrow.

Arguable thesis with normative claim

Given Sandel’s argument against genetic enhancement, we should not allow parents to decide on using Human Growth Hormone for their children.

This thesis tells us what we should do about a particular issue discussed in Sandel’s article, but it does not tell us how we should understand Sandel’s argument.

Questions to ask about your thesis

Is the thesis truly arguable? Does it speak to a genuine dilemma in the source, or would most readers automatically agree with it?
Is the thesis too obvious? Again, would most or all readers agree with it without needing to see your argument?
Is the thesis complex enough to require a whole essay's worth of argument?
Is the thesis supportable with evidence from the text rather than with generalizations or outside research?
Would anyone want to read a paper in which this thesis was developed? That is, can you explain what this paper is adding to our understanding of a problem, question, or topic?
picture_as_pdf Thesis

A sentence, typically appearing in the introduction of the essay, that states the writer’s position or argument regarding the topic of the essay. The statement is usually in the form of a claim that could be disputed by others. The thesis statement prepares the reader for the arguments and information that will follow in the essay. It typically provides a succinct response to the question the writer wishes to answer with the essay.

A working thesis statement is a thesis statement that the writer adopts tentatively during the writing process as a means of guiding his or her research, reading and writing. A writer is likely to modify the working thesis statement based on insights and information gained in the writing process. As the writer develops the essay, the working thesis statement evolves into the definitive thesis statement of the final draft.

Questions a writer develops and keeps in mind while finding and reading sources in the early stages of developing a working thesis statement. These questions will help focus attention on relevant features of sources, such as books or journals.

Reference management. Clean and simple.

How to write a thesis statement + examples

What is a thesis statement?

Is a thesis statement a question, how do you write a good thesis statement, how do i know if my thesis statement is good, examples of thesis statements, helpful resources on how to write a thesis statement, frequently asked questions about writing a thesis statement, related articles.

A thesis statement is the main argument of your paper or thesis.

The thesis statement is one of the most important elements of any piece of academic writing . It is a brief statement of your paper’s main argument. Essentially, you are stating what you will be writing about.

You can see your thesis statement as an answer to a question. While it also contains the question, it should really give an answer to the question with new information and not just restate or reiterate it.

Your thesis statement is part of your introduction. Learn more about how to write a good thesis introduction in our introduction guide .

A thesis statement is not a question. A statement must be arguable and provable through evidence and analysis. While your thesis might stem from a research question, it should be in the form of a statement.

Tip: A thesis statement is typically 1-2 sentences. For a longer project like a thesis, the statement may be several sentences or a paragraph.

A good thesis statement needs to do the following:

Condense the main idea of your thesis into one or two sentences.
Answer your project’s main research question.
Clearly state your position in relation to the topic .
Make an argument that requires support or evidence.

Once you have written down a thesis statement, check if it fulfills the following criteria:

Your statement needs to be provable by evidence. As an argument, a thesis statement needs to be debatable.
Your statement needs to be precise. Do not give away too much information in the thesis statement and do not load it with unnecessary information.
Your statement cannot say that one solution is simply right or simply wrong as a matter of fact. You should draw upon verified facts to persuade the reader of your solution, but you cannot just declare something as right or wrong.

As previously mentioned, your thesis statement should answer a question.

If the question is:

What do you think the City of New York should do to reduce traffic congestion?

A good thesis statement restates the question and answers it:

In this paper, I will argue that the City of New York should focus on providing exclusive lanes for public transport and adaptive traffic signals to reduce traffic congestion by the year 2035.

Here is another example. If the question is:

How can we end poverty?

A good thesis statement should give more than one solution to the problem in question:

In this paper, I will argue that introducing universal basic income can help reduce poverty and positively impact the way we work.

The Writing Center of the University of North Carolina has a list of questions to ask to see if your thesis is strong .

A thesis statement is part of the introduction of your paper. It is usually found in the first or second paragraph to let the reader know your research purpose from the beginning.

In general, a thesis statement should have one or two sentences. But the length really depends on the overall length of your project. Take a look at our guide about the length of thesis statements for more insight on this topic.

Here is a list of Thesis Statement Examples that will help you understand better how to write them.

Every good essay should include a thesis statement as part of its introduction, no matter the academic level. Of course, if you are a high school student you are not expected to have the same type of thesis as a PhD student.

Here is a great YouTube tutorial showing How To Write An Essay: Thesis Statements .

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What is a thesis | A Complete Guide with Examples

A thesis is a comprehensive academic paper based on your original research that presents new findings, arguments, and ideas of your study. It’s typically submitted at the end of your master’s degree or as a capstone of your bachelor’s degree.

However, writing a thesis can be laborious, especially for beginners. From the initial challenge of pinpointing a compelling research topic to organizing and presenting findings, the process is filled with potential pitfalls.

Therefore, to help you, this guide talks about what is a thesis. Additionally, it offers revelations and methodologies to transform it from an overwhelming task to a manageable and rewarding academic milestone.

What is a thesis?

A thesis is an in-depth research study that identifies a particular topic of inquiry and presents a clear argument or perspective about that topic using evidence and logic.

Writing a thesis showcases your ability of critical thinking, gathering evidence, and making a compelling argument. Integral to these competencies is thorough research, which not only fortifies your propositions but also confers credibility to your entire study.

Furthermore, there's another phenomenon you might often confuse with the thesis: the ' working thesis .' However, they aren't similar and shouldn't be used interchangeably.

A working thesis, often referred to as a preliminary or tentative thesis, is an initial version of your thesis statement. It serves as a draft or a starting point that guides your research in its early stages.

As you research more and gather more evidence, your initial thesis (aka working thesis) might change. It's like a starting point that can be adjusted as you learn more. It's normal for your main topic to change a few times before you finalize it.

While a thesis identifies and provides an overarching argument, the key to clearly communicating the central point of that argument lies in writing a strong thesis statement.

What is a thesis statement?

A strong thesis statement (aka thesis sentence) is a concise summary of the main argument or claim of the paper. It serves as a critical anchor in any academic work, succinctly encapsulating the primary argument or main idea of the entire paper.

Typically found within the introductory section, a strong thesis statement acts as a roadmap of your thesis, directing readers through your arguments and findings. By delineating the core focus of your investigation, it offers readers an immediate understanding of the context and the gravity of your study.

Furthermore, an effectively crafted thesis statement can set forth the boundaries of your research, helping readers anticipate the specific areas of inquiry you are addressing.

Different types of thesis statements

A good thesis statement is clear, specific, and arguable. Therefore, it is necessary for you to choose the right type of thesis statement for your academic papers.

Thesis statements can be classified based on their purpose and structure. Here are the primary types of thesis statements:

Argumentative (or Persuasive) thesis statement

Purpose : To convince the reader of a particular stance or point of view by presenting evidence and formulating a compelling argument.

Example : Reducing plastic use in daily life is essential for environmental health.

Analytical thesis statement

Purpose : To break down an idea or issue into its components and evaluate it.

Example : By examining the long-term effects, social implications, and economic impact of climate change, it becomes evident that immediate global action is necessary.

Expository (or Descriptive) thesis statement

Purpose : To explain a topic or subject to the reader.

Example : The Great Depression, spanning the 1930s, was a severe worldwide economic downturn triggered by a stock market crash, bank failures, and reduced consumer spending.

Cause and effect thesis statement

Purpose : To demonstrate a cause and its resulting effect.

Example : Overuse of smartphones can lead to impaired sleep patterns, reduced face-to-face social interactions, and increased levels of anxiety.

Compare and contrast thesis statement

Purpose : To highlight similarities and differences between two subjects.

Example : "While both novels '1984' and 'Brave New World' delve into dystopian futures, they differ in their portrayal of individual freedom, societal control, and the role of technology."

When you write a thesis statement , it's important to ensure clarity and precision, so the reader immediately understands the central focus of your work.

What is the difference between a thesis and a thesis statement?

While both terms are frequently used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings.

A thesis refers to the entire research document, encompassing all its chapters and sections. In contrast, a thesis statement is a brief assertion that encapsulates the central argument of the research.

Here’s an in-depth differentiation table of a thesis and a thesis statement.

Aspect	Thesis	Thesis Statement
Definition	An extensive document presenting the author's research and findings, typically for a degree or professional qualification.	A concise sentence or two in an essay or research paper that outlines the main idea or argument.
Position	It’s the entire document on its own.	Typically found at the end of the introduction of an essay, research paper, or thesis.
Components	Introduction, methodology, results, conclusions, and bibliography or references.	Doesn't include any specific components
Purpose	Provides detailed research, presents findings, and contributes to a field of study.	To guide the reader about the main point or argument of the paper or essay.

Now, to craft a compelling thesis, it's crucial to adhere to a specific structure. Let’s break down these essential components that make up a thesis structure

15 components of a thesis structure

Navigating a thesis can be daunting. However, understanding its structure can make the process more manageable.

Here are the key components or different sections of a thesis structure:

Your thesis begins with the title page. It's not just a formality but the gateway to your research.

Here, you'll prominently display the necessary information about you (the author) and your institutional details.

Title of your thesis
Your full name
Your department
Your institution and degree program
Your submission date
Your Supervisor's name (in some cases)
Your Department or faculty (in some cases)
Your University's logo (in some cases)
Your Student ID (in some cases)

In a concise manner, you'll have to summarize the critical aspects of your research in typically no more than 200-300 words.

This includes the problem statement, methodology, key findings, and conclusions. For many, the abstract will determine if they delve deeper into your work, so ensure it's clear and compelling.

Acknowledgments

Research is rarely a solitary endeavor. In the acknowledgments section, you have the chance to express gratitude to those who've supported your journey.

This might include advisors, peers, institutions, or even personal sources of inspiration and support. It's a personal touch, reflecting the humanity behind the academic rigor.

A roadmap for your readers, the table of contents lists the chapters, sections, and subsections of your thesis.

By providing page numbers, you allow readers to navigate your work easily, jumping to sections that pique their interest.

List of figures and tables

Research often involves data, and presenting this data visually can enhance understanding. This section provides an organized listing of all figures and tables in your thesis.

It's a visual index, ensuring that readers can quickly locate and reference your graphical data.

Introduction

Here's where you introduce your research topic, articulate the research question or objective, and outline the significance of your study.

Present the research topic : Clearly articulate the central theme or subject of your research.
Background information : Ground your research topic, providing any necessary context or background information your readers might need to understand the significance of your study.
Define the scope : Clearly delineate the boundaries of your research, indicating what will and won't be covered.
Literature review : Introduce any relevant existing research on your topic, situating your work within the broader academic conversation and highlighting where your research fits in.
State the research Question(s) or objective(s) : Clearly articulate the primary questions or objectives your research aims to address.
Outline the study's structure : Give a brief overview of how the subsequent sections of your work will unfold, guiding your readers through the journey ahead.

The introduction should captivate your readers, making them eager to delve deeper into your research journey.

Literature review section

Your study correlates with existing research. Therefore, in the literature review section, you'll engage in a dialogue with existing knowledge, highlighting relevant studies, theories, and findings.

It's here that you identify gaps in the current knowledge, positioning your research as a bridge to new insights.

To streamline this process, consider leveraging AI tools. For example, the SciSpace literature review tool enables you to efficiently explore and delve into research papers, simplifying your literature review journey.

Methodology

In the research methodology section, you’ll detail the tools, techniques, and processes you employed to gather and analyze data. This section will inform the readers about how you approached your research questions and ensures the reproducibility of your study.

Here's a breakdown of what it should encompass:

Research Design : Describe the overall structure and approach of your research. Are you conducting a qualitative study with in-depth interviews? Or is it a quantitative study using statistical analysis? Perhaps it's a mixed-methods approach?
Data Collection : Detail the methods you used to gather data. This could include surveys, experiments, observations, interviews, archival research, etc. Mention where you sourced your data, the duration of data collection, and any tools or instruments used.
Sampling : If applicable, explain how you selected participants or data sources for your study. Discuss the size of your sample and the rationale behind choosing it.
Data Analysis : Describe the techniques and tools you used to process and analyze the data. This could range from statistical tests in quantitative research to thematic analysis in qualitative research.
Validity and Reliability : Address the steps you took to ensure the validity and reliability of your findings to ensure that your results are both accurate and consistent.
Ethical Considerations : Highlight any ethical issues related to your research and the measures you took to address them, including — informed consent, confidentiality, and data storage and protection measures.

Moreover, different research questions necessitate different types of methodologies. For instance:

Experimental methodology : Often used in sciences, this involves a controlled experiment to discern causality.
Qualitative methodology : Employed when exploring patterns or phenomena without numerical data. Methods can include interviews, focus groups, or content analysis.
Quantitative methodology : Concerned with measurable data and often involves statistical analysis. Surveys and structured observations are common tools here.
Mixed methods : As the name implies, this combines both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.

The Methodology section isn’t just about detailing the methods but also justifying why they were chosen. The appropriateness of the methods in addressing your research question can significantly impact the credibility of your findings.

Results (or Findings)

This section presents the outcomes of your research. It's crucial to note that the nature of your results may vary; they could be quantitative, qualitative, or a mix of both.

Quantitative results often present statistical data, showcasing measurable outcomes, and they benefit from tables, graphs, and figures to depict these data points.

Qualitative results , on the other hand, might delve into patterns, themes, or narratives derived from non-numerical data, such as interviews or observations.

Regardless of the nature of your results, clarity is essential. This section is purely about presenting the data without offering interpretations — that comes later in the discussion.

In the discussion section, the raw data transforms into valuable insights.

Start by revisiting your research question and contrast it with the findings. How do your results expand, constrict, or challenge current academic conversations?

Dive into the intricacies of the data, guiding the reader through its implications. Detail potential limitations transparently, signaling your awareness of the research's boundaries. This is where your academic voice should be resonant and confident.

Practical implications (Recommendation) section

Based on the insights derived from your research, this section provides actionable suggestions or proposed solutions.

Whether aimed at industry professionals or the general public, recommendations translate your academic findings into potential real-world actions. They help readers understand the practical implications of your work and how it can be applied to effect change or improvement in a given field.

When crafting recommendations, it's essential to ensure they're feasible and rooted in the evidence provided by your research. They shouldn't merely be aspirational but should offer a clear path forward, grounded in your findings.

The conclusion provides closure to your research narrative.

It's not merely a recap but a synthesis of your main findings and their broader implications. Reconnect with the research questions or hypotheses posited at the beginning, offering clear answers based on your findings.

Reflect on the broader contributions of your study, considering its impact on the academic community and potential real-world applications.

Lastly, the conclusion should leave your readers with a clear understanding of the value and impact of your study.

References (or Bibliography)

Every theory you've expounded upon, every data point you've cited, and every methodological precedent you've followed finds its acknowledgment here.

In references, it's crucial to ensure meticulous consistency in formatting, mirroring the specific guidelines of the chosen citation style .

Proper referencing helps to avoid plagiarism , gives credit to original ideas, and allows readers to explore topics of interest. Moreover, it situates your work within the continuum of academic knowledge.

To properly cite the sources used in the study, you can rely on online citation generator tools to generate accurate citations!

Here’s more on how you can cite your sources.

Often, the depth of research produces a wealth of material that, while crucial, can make the core content of the thesis cumbersome. The appendix is where you mention extra information that supports your research but isn't central to the main text.

Whether it's raw datasets, detailed procedural methodologies, extended case studies, or any other ancillary material, the appendices ensure that these elements are archived for reference without breaking the main narrative's flow.

For thorough researchers and readers keen on meticulous details, the appendices provide a treasure trove of insights.

Glossary (optional)

In academics, specialized terminologies, and jargon are inevitable. However, not every reader is versed in every term.

The glossary, while optional, is a critical tool for accessibility. It's a bridge ensuring that even readers from outside the discipline can access, understand, and appreciate your work.

By defining complex terms and providing context, you're inviting a wider audience to engage with your research, enhancing its reach and impact.

Remember, while these components provide a structured framework, the essence of your thesis lies in the originality of your ideas, the rigor of your research, and the clarity of your presentation.

As you craft each section, keep your readers in mind, ensuring that your passion and dedication shine through every page.

Thesis examples

To further elucidate the concept of a thesis, here are illustrative examples from various fields:

Example 1 (History): Abolition, Africans, and Abstraction: the Influence of the ‘Noble Savage’ on British and French Antislavery Thought, 1787-1807 by Suchait Kahlon.

Example 2 (Climate Dynamics): Influence of external forcings on abrupt millennial-scale climate changes: a statistical modelling study by Takahito Mitsui · Michel Crucifix

Checklist for your thesis evaluation

Evaluating your thesis ensures that your research meets the standards of academia. Here's an elaborate checklist to guide you through this critical process.

Content and structure

Is the thesis statement clear, concise, and debatable?
Does the introduction provide sufficient background and context?
Is the literature review comprehensive, relevant, and well-organized?
Does the methodology section clearly describe and justify the research methods?
Are the results/findings presented clearly and logically?
Does the discussion interpret the results in light of the research question and existing literature?
Is the conclusion summarizing the research and suggesting future directions or implications?

Clarity and coherence

Is the writing clear and free of jargon?
Are ideas and sections logically connected and flowing?
Is there a clear narrative or argument throughout the thesis?

Research quality

Is the research question significant and relevant?
Are the research methods appropriate for the question?
Is the sample size (if applicable) adequate?
Are the data analysis techniques appropriate and correctly applied?
Are potential biases or limitations addressed?

Originality and significance

Does the thesis contribute new knowledge or insights to the field?
Is the research grounded in existing literature while offering fresh perspectives?

Formatting and presentation

Is the thesis formatted according to institutional guidelines?
Are figures, tables, and charts clear, labeled, and referenced in the text?
Is the bibliography or reference list complete and consistently formatted?
Are appendices relevant and appropriately referenced in the main text?

Grammar and language

Is the thesis free of grammatical and spelling errors?
Is the language professional, consistent, and appropriate for an academic audience?
Are quotations and paraphrased material correctly cited?

Feedback and revision

Have you sought feedback from peers, advisors, or experts in the field?
Have you addressed the feedback and made the necessary revisions?

Overall assessment

Does the thesis as a whole feel cohesive and comprehensive?
Would the thesis be understandable and valuable to someone in your field?

Ensure to use this checklist to leave no ground for doubt or missed information in your thesis.

After writing your thesis, the next step is to discuss and defend your findings verbally in front of a knowledgeable panel. You’ve to be well prepared as your professors may grade your presentation abilities.

Preparing your thesis defense

A thesis defense, also known as "defending the thesis," is the culmination of a scholar's research journey. It's the final frontier, where you’ll present their findings and face scrutiny from a panel of experts.

Typically, the defense involves a public presentation where you’ll have to outline your study, followed by a question-and-answer session with a committee of experts. This committee assesses the validity, originality, and significance of the research.

The defense serves as a rite of passage for scholars. It's an opportunity to showcase expertise, address criticisms, and refine arguments. A successful defense not only validates the research but also establishes your authority as a researcher in your field.

Here’s how you can effectively prepare for your thesis defense .

Now, having touched upon the process of defending a thesis, it's worth noting that scholarly work can take various forms, depending on academic and regional practices.

One such form, often paralleled with the thesis, is the 'dissertation.' But what differentiates the two?

Dissertation vs. Thesis

Often used interchangeably in casual discourse, they refer to distinct research projects undertaken at different levels of higher education.

To the uninitiated, understanding their meaning might be elusive. So, let's demystify these terms and delve into their core differences.

Here's a table differentiating between the two.

Aspect	Thesis	Dissertation
Purpose	Often for a master's degree, showcasing a grasp of existing research	Primarily for a doctoral degree, contributing new knowledge to the field
Length	100 pages, focusing on a specific topic or question.	400-500 pages, involving deep research and comprehensive findings
Research Depth	Builds upon existing research	Involves original and groundbreaking research
Advisor's Role	Guides the research process	Acts more as a consultant, allowing the student to take the lead
Outcome	Demonstrates understanding of the subject	Proves capability to conduct independent and original research

Wrapping up

From understanding the foundational concept of a thesis to navigating its various components, differentiating it from a dissertation, and recognizing the importance of proper citation — this guide covers it all.

As scholars and readers, understanding these nuances not only aids in academic pursuits but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the relentless quest for knowledge that drives academia.

It’s important to remember that every thesis is a testament to curiosity, dedication, and the indomitable spirit of discovery.

Good luck with your thesis writing!

Frequently Asked Questions

A thesis typically ranges between 40-80 pages, but its length can vary based on the research topic, institution guidelines, and level of study.

A PhD thesis usually spans 200-300 pages, though this can vary based on the discipline, complexity of the research, and institutional requirements.

To identify a thesis topic, consider current trends in your field, gaps in existing literature, personal interests, and discussions with advisors or mentors. Additionally, reviewing related journals and conference proceedings can provide insights into potential areas of exploration.

The conceptual framework is often situated in the literature review or theoretical framework section of a thesis. It helps set the stage by providing the context, defining key concepts, and explaining the relationships between variables.

A thesis statement should be concise, clear, and specific. It should state the main argument or point of your research. Start by pinpointing the central question or issue your research addresses, then condense that into a single statement, ensuring it reflects the essence of your paper.

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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

Working Thesis Statements

Thesis Statement Basics

The following video offers a writing instructor’s perspective about how fundamental a thesis statement is to organizing an effective persuasive, researched essay. While he talks about many aspects of a thesis, it particularly stresses the flexibility you’re allowed while writing, revising, and revisiting a thesis many times as you build an essay.

Thesis Analysis

The Writing Center at The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill offers these questions to consider as you examine the effectiveness of a thesis statement. It’s effective strategy to revisit these questions several times throughout the writing process, to measure how well your thesis serves your project as it continues to grow and evolve.

What is your general topic or what problem area are you interested in? How would you express it in a few words?
What central question are you trying to answer about your topic?
What do you think is the best answer to your central question? From your research so far, what have you concluded? What is your main point about your topic?
In one sentence, how would you describe your findings to someone who asked you about your research?
How does your idea differ from other views you have read? What do you have to say about your topic that is new?
Ask why? And how? Of what seems like a thesis statement when it begins to emerge. What relationship exists between the ideas you are describing? For example, are you suggesting that one idea causes another? Contradicts another? Subsumes another?
Introduction to Thesis Statement Basics. Provided by : Lumen Learning. License : CC BY: Attribution
Thesis Analysis. Provided by : The Writing Center at UNC-Chapel Hill. Located at : http://writingcenter.unc.edu/faculty-resources/classroom-handouts/thesis-analysis/ . License : CC BY-NC-ND: Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives
Thesis Statement Basics. Authored by : mttje1999. Located at : https://youtu.be/SOCxXv7aqXw . License : All Rights Reserved . License Terms : Standard YouTube License
Table of Contents

Instructor Resources (available upon sign-in)

Overview of Instructor Resources
Quiz Survey

Reading: Types of Reading Material

Introduction to Reading
Outcome: Types of Reading Material
Characteristics of Texts, Part 1
Characteristics of Texts, Part 2
Characteristics of Texts, Part 3
Characteristics of Texts, Conclusion
Self Check: Types of Writing

Reading: Reading Strategies

Outcome: Reading Strategies
The Rhetorical Situation
Academic Reading Strategies
Self Check: Reading Strategies

Reading: Specialized Reading Strategies

Outcome: Specialized Reading Strategies
Online Reading Comprehension
How to Read Effectively in Math
How to Read Effectively in the Social Sciences
How to Read Effectively in the Sciences
5 Step Approach for Reading Charts and Graphs
Self Check: Specialized Reading Strategies

Reading: Vocabulary

Outcome: Vocabulary
Strategies to Improve Your Vocabulary
Using Context Clues
The Relationship Between Reading and Vocabulary
Self Check: Vocabulary

Reading: Thesis

Outcome: Thesis
Locating and Evaluating Thesis Statements
The Organizational Statement
Self Check: Thesis

Reading: Supporting Claims

Outcome: Supporting Claims
Types of Support
Supporting Claims
Self Check: Supporting Claims

Reading: Logic and Structure

Outcome: Logic and Structure
Rhetorical Modes
Inductive and Deductive Reasoning
Diagramming and Evaluating Arguments
Logical Fallacies
Evaluating Appeals to Ethos, Logos, and Pathos
Self Check: Logic and Structure

Reading: Summary Skills

Outcome: Summary Skills
How to Annotate
Paraphrasing
Quote Bombs
Summary Writing
Self Check: Summary Skills
Conclusion to Reading

Writing Process: Topic Selection

Introduction to Writing Process
Outcome: Topic Selection
Starting a Paper
Choosing and Developing Topics
Back to the Future of Topics
Developing Your Topic
Self Check: Topic Selection

Writing Process: Prewriting

Outcome: Prewriting
Prewriting Strategies for Diverse Learners
Rhetorical Context
Self Check: Prewriting

Writing Process: Finding Evidence

Outcome: Finding Evidence
Using Personal Examples
Performing Background Research
Listening to Sources, Talking to Sources
Self Check: Finding Evidence

Writing Process: Organizing

Outcome: Organizing
Moving Beyond the Five-Paragraph Theme
Introduction to Argument
The Three-Story Thesis
Organically Structured Arguments
Logic and Structure
The Perfect Paragraph
Introductions and Conclusions
Self Check: Organizing

Writing Process: Drafting

Outcome: Drafting
From Outlining to Drafting
Flash Drafts
Self Check: Drafting

Writing Process: Revising

Outcome: Revising
Seeking Input from Others
Responding to Input from Others
The Art of Re-Seeing
Higher Order Concerns
Self Check: Revising

Writing Process: Proofreading

Outcome: Proofreading
Lower Order Concerns
Proofreading Advice
"Correctness" in Writing
The Importance of Spelling
Punctuation Concerns
Self Check: Proofreading
Conclusion to Writing Process

Research Process: Finding Sources

Introduction to Research Process
Outcome: Finding Sources
The Research Process
Finding Sources
What are Scholarly Articles?
Finding Scholarly Articles and Using Databases
Database Searching
Advanced Search Strategies
Preliminary Research Strategies
Reading and Using Scholarly Sources
Self Check: Finding Sources

Research Process: Source Analysis

Outcome: Source Analysis
Evaluating Sources
CRAAP Analysis
Evaluating Websites
Synthesizing Sources
Self Check: Source Analysis

Research Process: Writing Ethically

Outcome: Writing Ethically
Academic Integrity
Defining Plagiarism
Avoiding Plagiarism
Using Sources in Your Writing
Self Check: Writing Ethically

Research Process: MLA Documentation

Introduction to MLA Documentation
Outcome: MLA Documentation
MLA Document Formatting
MLA Works Cited
Creating MLA Citations
MLA In-Text Citations
Self Check: MLA Documentation
Conclusion to Research Process

Grammar: Nouns and Pronouns

Introduction to Grammar
Outcome: Nouns and Pronouns
Pronoun Cases and Types
Pronoun Antecedents
Try It: Nouns and Pronouns
Self Check: Nouns and Pronouns

Grammar: Verbs

Outcome: Verbs
Verb Tenses and Agreement
Non-Finite Verbs
Complex Verb Tenses
Try It: Verbs
Self Check: Verbs

Grammar: Other Parts of Speech

Outcome: Other Parts of Speech
Comparing Adjectives and Adverbs
Adjectives and Adverbs
Conjunctions
Prepositions
Try It: Other Parts of Speech
Self Check: Other Parts of Speech

Grammar: Punctuation

Outcome: Punctuation
End Punctuation
Hyphens and Dashes
Apostrophes and Quotation Marks
Brackets, Parentheses, and Ellipses
Semicolons and Colons
Try It: Punctuation
Self Check: Punctuation

Grammar: Sentence Structure

Outcome: Sentence Structure
Parts of a Sentence
Common Sentence Structures
Run-on Sentences
Sentence Fragments
Parallel Structure
Try It: Sentence Structure
Self Check: Sentence Structure

Grammar: Voice

Outcome: Voice
Active and Passive Voice
Using the Passive Voice
Conclusion to Grammar
Try It: Voice
Self Check: Voice

Success Skills

Introduction to Success Skills
Habits for Success
Critical Thinking
Time Management
Writing in College
Computer-Based Writing
Conclusion to Success Skills

Working Thesis Statement

Ai generator.

Navigating the academic waters often starts with a working thesis – a preliminary statement guiding your research direction. As the bedrock of your argument, it’s vital to get it right from the outset. Whether you’re a budding researcher or an established academic, our comprehensive guide brimming with thesis Statement examples and pro-tips will illuminate the process of crafting an impactful working thesis. Dive in and set the tone for a compelling research journey!

What is a Working Thesis Statement?

A working thesis statement is a temporary or initial statement that reflects a writer’s argument or focus in the early stages of essay or research paper writing. It is considered “working” because it can undergo transformations as the writer delves deeper into research, gathers more information, and refines their perspective. Essentially, it serves as a starting point and may evolve as the research progresses and the writer gains a clearer understanding of the subject. In addition, you should review our problem thesis statement .

What is an example of a Working thesis statement?

Example: “Social media platforms have a significant impact on teenagers’ mental health.” As the writer proceeds with the research, this statement might be refined to specify the type of impact or narrow down which social media platforms are most influential.”

100 Working Thesis Statement Examples

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Starting your research with a working thesis can guide your exploration and analysis. These provisional statements allow you to focus on different angles and will likely be revised as you dive deeper. The following are 100 working thesis statement examples to kickstart your brainstorming and research.

“Eating organic foods leads to better health.”
“Online learning has as much educational value as traditional classroom settings.”
“Video games have both negative and positive effects on the cognitive development of children.”
“Globalization has reshaped cultural identities worldwide.”
“Artificial intelligence will redefine the job market in the next decade.”
“Meditation has quantifiable benefits for mental health.”
“Climate change has accelerated due to industrial practices.”
“Remote work will become the norm for many industries post-pandemic.”
“Music therapy can be an effective treatment for certain mental disorders.”
“The gig economy has both pros and cons for the workforce.”
“Childhood exposure to multiple languages enhances cognitive abilities.”
“Modern architecture is influenced significantly by environmental considerations.”
“E-sports will soon rival traditional sports in viewership and revenue.”
“The feminist movement has evolved significantly in the 21st century.”
“Consumer behavior has been largely influenced by social media marketing.”
“The rise of streaming platforms is reshaping the music industry.”
“Mental health issues among teenagers have risen with the proliferation of smartphones.”
“Urban farming can be a sustainable solution for food deserts.”
“The future of transportation will be dominated by electric vehicles.”
“Renewable energy sources are now more economically viable than fossil fuels.”
“Telemedicine will revolutionize healthcare access in remote areas.”
“Digital currencies will change the dynamics of global trade.”
“Coral reefs are under imminent threat due to ocean acidification.”
“Space tourism will become a reality within this decade.”
“Virtual reality will transform education and training methodologies.”
“Bioplastics are a potential solution to the plastic waste crisis.”
“Plant-based diets can significantly reduce carbon footprints.”
“Mental health should be integrated into school curriculums.”
“Urban planning needs to prioritize pedestrian-friendly designs.”
“Modern parenting styles differ significantly from those of the previous generation.”
“Personalized learning will redefine educational outcomes.”
“Augmented reality will have varied applications beyond gaming.”
“Online privacy concerns will dictate future tech regulations.”
“Gene editing can revolutionize medical treatments but poses ethical dilemmas.”
“Ancient civilizations had advanced knowledge of astronomy.”
“Colonial histories have long-term impacts on national identities.”
“Alternative medicine practices need more rigorous scientific validation.”
“Artificial sweeteners may have unforeseen health implications.”
“Stress in modern societies originates from multiple sources.”
“The modern art movement is heavily influenced by global events.”
“Subscription models are becoming predominant in various industries.”
“Dietary choices are more influenced by cultural factors than health considerations.”
“Intermittent fasting has potential benefits beyond weight loss.”
“Personalized marketing will reshape consumer behaviors.”
“The sharing economy is transforming traditional business models.”
“Blockchain technology has applications beyond cryptocurrencies.”
“Animal-assisted therapies have notable success in various treatments.”
“The future of print media is in niche and localized publications.”
“Microfinance can be a tool for economic upliftment in developing countries.”
“Modern cinema is increasingly addressing global issues.”
“Digital detox is becoming necessary for mental well-being.”
“Resilience training should be a component of employee wellness programs.”
“Local tourism will see a boost in the post-pandemic world.”
“Public transportation systems need to adapt to post-COVID realities.”
“Elderly populations are facing increased isolation in the digital age.”
“Upcycling is becoming a significant trend in the fashion industry.”
“Holistic education emphasizes more than just academic achievement.”
“Water scarcity will be a leading global issue in the coming years.”
“The role of influencers is evolving in the digital marketing landscape.”
“The circadian rhythm has a profound effect on productivity.”
“Migratory patterns of animals are being altered by climate change.”
“Alternative protein sources will dominate future diets.”
“Nano-technology has the potential to revolutionize medicine.”
“Cultural appropriation in fashion needs a deeper understanding and sensitivity.”
“Digital literacy is becoming as essential as traditional literacy.”
“Robotics in surgery can enhance precision but requires ethical considerations.”
“The tradition of oral storytelling is being revived through modern platforms.”
“The notion of work-life balance is evolving with the rise of digital nomadism.”
“The digital divide can exacerbate educational inequalities.”
“Biodiversity conservation is crucial for ecosystem stability.”
“Personal branding is becoming essential in the modern job market.”
“Ethical consumerism can drive corporate responsibility.”
“Mindfulness practices can enhance workplace productivity.”
“The dynamics of international politics are shifting with the rise of regional powers.”
“Food preservation techniques are evolving with technology.”
“Historical fiction plays a role in shaping perceptions of the past.”
“Indigenous knowledge systems can complement modern science.”
“Commuter culture has significant environmental and health impacts.”
“Craftsmanship is finding its value in the age of mass production.”
“The role of museums is evolving to be more interactive and inclusive.”
“Edutainment platforms are making learning more accessible and enjoyable.”
“Youth activism is reshaping global policy discussions.”
“Multi-disciplinary approaches are the future of academic research.”
“Ecotourism can benefit local communities and conservation efforts.”
“Freelancing is challenging traditional employment norms.”
“Nature-based solutions can mitigate urban environmental challenges.”
“The gaming industry is becoming a leader in technological innovation.”
“Epigenetics is unlocking the mysteries of gene expression.”
“Digital archiving is essential for preserving cultural heritages.”
“Remote and flexible working models can have societal benefits.”
“Self-care routines are integral to holistic health.”
“Digital nomad visas are reshaping immigration policies.”
“Adaptive learning technologies cater to individual student needs.”
“Eco-friendly packaging is more than just a marketing trend.”
“Quantum computing holds the key to future tech innovations.”
“Multi-generational households have socio-economic benefits.”
“The revival of traditional arts can boost local economies.”
“Precision agriculture can optimize yields and reduce resource wastage.”
“Local languages are gaining prominence in digital content creation.”
“Human-centered design is the future of product innovation.”

Each of these working thesis statements can be further refined based on specific research, perspectives, and findings as one delves deeper into their chosen topic.

Working Thesis Statement Examples for Research Paper

Research papers demand precision, clarity, and a strong foundation. A working thesis statement for such a paper typically suggests a hypothesis or a primary point that will later be validated or disproved through evidence.

“Genetically modified foods present more benefits than potential harm.”
“Ocean acidification significantly impacts marine biodiversity.”
“Quantum computing will revolutionize data encryption methods.”
“Renewable energy solutions are more cost-effective than conventional fossil fuels.”
“The gut-brain connection plays a crucial role in mental health.”
“Childhood vaccinations have no proven links to autism.”
“Microplastics in water sources influence human health outcomes.”
“Historical art movements reflect the socio-political events of their times.”
“AI-driven diagnostic tools can predict diseases more accurately.”
“The frequency of extreme weather events correlates with global warming.”

Working from Home Thesis Statement Examples

The concept of working from home has grown exponentially in recent years. Thesis statements on this topic can explore the various facets, benefits, challenges, and implications of this trend.

“Working from home enhances employee productivity levels.”
“Remote work culture can lead to professional isolation and mental health challenges.”
“Flexible work schedules cater to global clientele more effectively.”
“Home-based work can reduce urban traffic congestion.”
“Technological infrastructure dictates the efficiency of remote work.”
“Work-life balance can be skewed in a prolonged work-from-home setup.”
“Virtual collaboration tools are reshaping corporate communication.”
“Remote work could impact urban real estate demands.”
“Cybersecurity challenges increase in decentralized work environments.”
“Training and orientation programs must evolve for remote work success.”

Working Thesis Statement Examples for Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay thesis statement that takes a strong position, which will then be supported or countered with evidence and arguments.

“Universities should make attendance optional for students.”
“Plant-based diets are more environmentally sustainable.”
“Compulsory military service strengthens national unity.”
“Social media platforms should be held accountable for user-generated content.”
“Single-gender schools do not offer educational benefits over co-ed institutions.”
“Animal testing for cosmetics should be banned globally.”
“Nuclear energy is essential for a carbon-free future.”
“Euthanasia should be legalized under strict conditions.”
“Organic farming can sustain global food demands.”
“Mandatory voting ensures true democratic representation.”

Working Thesis Statement Examples for Speech

For speeches, a working thesis should be compelling and captivating, giving audiences an idea of what to expect and why they should listen.

“Space exploration benefits humanity in unforeseen ways.”
“Digital detox weekends can rejuvenate the mind.”
“Public libraries remain essential in the digital age.”
“Sports foster essential life skills beyond physical fitness.”
“Mental health education should be integrated into school systems.”
“Consumerism drives ecological degradation.”
“Local tourism promotes cultural preservation.”
“Continuous learning is the key to professional success.”
“Ethical fashion is not a trend but a necessity.”
“The future of mobility is electric.”

Working Thesis Statement Examples for Essay

Essays can cover a broad spectrum of subjects, and the thesis will set the tone and direction of the content.

“Urban green spaces contribute to societal well-being.”
“Bilingualism offers cognitive and cultural advantages.”
“Digital privacy is a modern-day human right.”
“Classical literature provides insights into contemporary issues.”
“Embracing failures can lead to unexpected successes.”
“Community engagement is pivotal for sustainable development.”
“Ancient medical practices have relevance in modern treatments.”
“Creativity thrives under limitations.”
“Cultural festivals foster global unity.”
“Technology reshapes human interactions.”

Working Thesis Statement Examples for Technology Topics

In the rapidly evolving world of technology, a thesis statement can pinpoint specific trends, challenges, innovations, or implications.

“Augmented reality will revolutionize retail experiences.”
“Blockchain technology extends beyond the realm of finance.”
“Cybersecurity threats challenge global geopolitical dynamics.”
“5G technology will redefine connectivity standards.”
“Machine learning algorithms can perpetuate societal biases.”
“Quantum encryption may render current security protocols obsolete.”
“E-waste is the environmental challenge of the digital era.”
“Telehealth bridges the accessibility gap in medical services.”
“Smart cities prioritize sustainability and urban well-being.”
“Bioinformatics accelerates personalized medical treatments.”

Working Thesis Statement Examples for Film Analysis

Analyzing films requires a deep dive into themes, motifs, cinematography, character development, and cultural contexts. A thesis provides a lens through which the film will be reviewed.

“Hitchcock’s ‘Vertigo’ explores the intricacies of obsession and identity.”
“Cinematography in ‘Blade Runner 2049’ reflects the dystopian themes of the narrative.”
“Disney’s ‘Mulan’ navigates the terrain of gender roles and societal expectations.”
“Satire in ‘Get Out’ addresses racial dynamics in contemporary society.”
“Sound design in ‘A Quiet Place’ intensifies the narrative’s suspense.”
“The nonlinear storyline of ‘Pulp Fiction’ challenges traditional narrative structures.”
“‘The Shape of Water’ delves into themes of love and otherness.”
“Cultural representations in ‘Coco’ underline the significance of family and traditions.”
“‘The Revenant’ showcases the rawness of human survival instincts.”
“Character development in ‘The Godfather’ mirrors societal power dynamics.

How do you start a working thesis statement?

Starting a working thesis statement is about identifying the primary point or argument you wish to convey in your paper. It often begins with understanding your topic, conducting preliminary research, and formulating an initial perspective. Here are the steps to get you started:

Understand Your Assignment: Read the guidelines provided for your essay or research paper. Understand the requirements and what is expected of you.
Choose a Specific Topic: A narrow, focused topic helps in forming a more precise thesis.
Conduct Preliminary Research: Before making your statement, get a general overview of your topic through initial research.
Ask Questions: Ponder over your topic. For instance, if you’re writing about “climate change,” you might ask, “What are the major contributors to climate change in urban areas?”
Draft a Provisional Statement: Write down your initial perspective based on your understanding. This doesn’t need to be perfect; it’s just a starting point.

How to Write a Working Thesis Statement? – Step by Step Guide

Start with a Question: Often, assignments come in the form of questions. For example, “How did the civil rights movement of the 1960s affect racial dynamics in the US?” Your thesis will be the answer to this question.
Be Specific: Avoid vague words and make sure your statement can’t be interpreted in multiple ways. For instance, instead of saying “Pollution is harmful,” you might say, “Industrial waste contributes significantly to ocean pollution.”
Stay Relevant: Ensure that your statement aligns with the content of your essay or research.
State an Argument: A thesis should not be a mere observation. It should present an arguable point which can be supported or opposed.
One Sentence: Try to condense your statement into one clear sentence. However, if necessary, it can be two sentences.
Refine and Revise: As you continue your research, keep refining your thesis. It’s called a “working” thesis for a reason – it’s subject to change.
Seek Feedback: Before finalizing, it’s beneficial to get feedback from peers, instructors, or mentors. They can offer a fresh perspective.

Tips for Writing a Working Thesis Statement

Keep It Debatable: A good thesis will always have an opposing side. If there’s no counter-argument to your statement, it might be too straightforward or a fact.
Avoid First-Person Pronouns: Phrases like “I believe” or “I think” make your statement seem more like an opinion than an arguable point.
Stay Clear of Generic Statements: Avoid clichés and general observations. Make sure your thesis offers a fresh and precise perspective on the topic.
Position Strategically: Place your thesis statement at the end of the introduction. It acts as a gateway to the rest of your work.
Ensure It’s Provable: Be sure that you can provide evidence to support your claim. If your statement is based on personal beliefs or values, it might not be suitable as a thesis.
Use Online Tools: There are online thesis generators that can help you refine your statement. They aren’t foolproof, but they can provide a good starting point.

Remember, a working thesis is called “working” because it can evolve. As you delve deeper into your research or writing, you might find more compelling ways to frame your argument. Always be open to revision – that’s the essence of great academic writing!

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University writing center, university writing center blog, the working thesis.

by Alexandra Makris, Peer Consultant, University Writing Center

One of my favorite conventions in writing that I have learned in college is the concept of the working thesis.

What is a thesis, you ask?

I will explain, happily (is there any other emotion to have when explaining a thesis statement? Considering it is about 30% of my job as a writing consultant, no).

A thesis statement is a claim that you are going to back up throughout your paper. It should be something with which someone else can plausibly disagree without sounding silly. For instance, if you begin an argumentative essay with the sentence “Chicago is located in Illinois, which is a state in the United States of America,” the main response you would get is “Yes, yes it is.”

The claim is something other than mere facts. It is a stance, a view, a flag upheld in a battlefield of contrary forces.

A working thesis is a beautiful concept that should find a comfortable place in your academic vocabulary. Properly considered, it will save you both time and stress. It is essentially a work-in-progress thesis, which is helpful because often we do not know exactly what we want to say until we have gotten further into the research and the writing process.

It is perfectly acceptable to have your working thesis loose, with imprecise and general language. I often find in a tutoring session that one of the first steps is reassuring the student that getting a perfect thesis statement the first time you write it is utterly unrealistic. It does not happen to us mere mortals, and revision is a necessary part of improving your writing.

The purpose of the working thesis is to give structure to your writing as you begin, rather than trying to create a unifying thesis after finishing your paper entirely. This way, as you write, you can constantly return to the thesis and ask yourself, “Does it fit with the purpose of my paper?” Writing, whether academic or not, has specific purposes, and all details and support ought to relate to that purpose. If you are writing a persuasive paper on the topic of gun control on school campuses in Indiana, including commentary on rising school tuition or the lack of parking on campuses does not help your cause. Those topics could potentially overlap, but you would have to make that overlap an intentional action rather than a tangential detour. If, as you are writing, a brilliant point of analysis comes to fruition that is not covered by your working thesis, consider reworking the thesis to include it.

Happy writing, and feel free to come see us in the writing center any time.

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As a graduate student, you may need to complete a thesis or dissertation as part of your program's graduation requirements. While theses are common among master’s students and dissertations among doctoral students, this may not apply universally across all programs. We encourage you to reach out to your program adviser to determine the specific requirements for your culminating project.

Office of Theses and Dissertations

The Office of Theses and Dissertations is the unit of the Graduate School responsible for certifying that theses and dissertations have been prepared in accordance with formatting requirements established by the Graduate School, the University Libraries, and the graduate faculty of Penn State. We are here to help you navigate the review and approval process to ensure you are able to graduate on time.

Cover of the 2023-2024 Penn State Graduate School Thesis and Dissertation Handbook

The Thesis and Dissertation Handbook explains Penn State formatting requirements for all master’s theses and doctoral dissertations. It covers the submission process and approval deadlines, the responsibilities of each student, and provides page examples. We highly recommend all students doing theses or dissertations to carefully review the handbook.

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Questions about theses, dissertations, or Graduate School commencement should be directed to the Graduate School Office of Theses and Dissertations (OTD) .

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814-865-1795

Among these resources, you can get help from the Graduate Writing Center and the Statistical Counseling Center, notify the University of your intent to graduate, and prepare for Commencement.

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Properties of Cyclic Graphical Models or Why the way up and the way down are one

The work contained in this MS thesis seeks to extend the theory of causal models that is elaborated in Spirtes, Glymour and Schemes’, Causation, Prediction and Search. Spirtes et. al., develop a theory of causal models, under the assumption that causation was anti?symmetric, i.e. that if A is a cause of B, then B is not a cause of A. Though many causal systems are of this kind, as the authors acknowledge in their final chapter, in many situations one must allow for the possibility of feedback - i.e A is a cause of B, while B itself is also a cause of A. In Chapter 1 we consider causal systems with feedback. Traditional models of systems with feedback often assume that the system is in equilibrium, but no account is given of how the system arrived at this state. We give a sketch of how one might attempt to give a causal account of the process of equilibration, by interpreting an equilibrium model, as the limit (with regard to time) of a dynamic process. In Chapter 2 we give the main result of this thesis: a computationally feasible characterization of the conditional independencies entailed by a linear causal model with feedback. Such a characterization will greatly facilitate the construction of efficient ‘discovery’ algorithms, that will, under various assumptions, output an equivalence class of cyclic causal models compatible with conditional independencies present in data taken as input. Since the characterization itself is quite involved we try to give some insight into the intuitions that are driving them. In addition we show how the characterization leads to a (correct) polynomial equivalence algorithm that will decide whether two cyclic causal models entail the same sets of conditional independencies. In Chapter 3 we prove the Cyclic Equivalence Theorem, which characterizes the cyclic equivalence classes. Both Chapter 2 and 3 are intended to be fairly self-contained; Chapter 2 provides the level of detail necessary to understand the statement of the result, while Chapter 3 of necessity is more involved. Since there are a large number of technical defintions we provide a Glossary is provided at the end.

Degree Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

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Alumna Makes Archaeology Dream Come True

Like any good ‘90s kid, Stephanie Soder ‘14 learned about archaeology from The Mummy . She imagined herself traveling to faraway places like Evy, the film’s clumsy but brilliant Egyptologist, digging up long-lost secrets. But when she shared her dreams with teachers and peers, she got the same response countless other ‘90s kids got when they told their folks they wanted to be archaeologists: “That’s not a real job. There aren’t any jobs like that out there.”

“Well, that wasn’t true,” says Soder. “Because I am one now.”

Soder works as a research archaeologist for the Maryland Historical Trust, but it was an unexpected journey that brought her there. After graduating from Kennard-Dale High School in Fawn Grove, PA, Soder came to York College to study Criminal Justice . “It felt a bit more realistic at the time,” she says. “I wanted to help people, and I was always interested in the anthropology of crime—why people do the things they do.” Soder worked as a student officer and dispatcher for Campus Safety but didn’t quite feel the spark or sense of fulfillment she was looking for.

That all changed when she took an anthropology class during her junior year. “I ended up absolutely loving it,” she says, “and I began to pivot away from criminal justice.” In her remaining semesters as a York College student, Soder loaded her schedule with anthropology and archaeology classes. “Anything the College could offer, I took,” she says. She began taking diving classes as well, which eventually led to her traveling to Cambodia to participate in a scientific diving project as a student.

Studying Maritime Archaeology

She was hooked—on history and on travel. When she graduated and found herself unable to find interesting jobs in the criminal justice field, Soder decided to go all-in on her rediscovered passion and applied to study maritime archaeology at East Carolina University in Greenville, NC.

Getting in was no easy feat. Because she had graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice , Soder relied heavily on letters of recommendation from her York College professors. “I give them a lot of credit,” she says. “Archaeology is a small, niche thing, and I decided to go into the maritime program, which is even smaller. To see someone who’s got a criminal justice degree get a spot is rare. They wrote me wonderful letters, and I am so grateful to them.”

The field school for archaeology at East Carolina University provided Soder with ample opportunities to travel, and she took advantage whenever possible, following professors to places like Bermuda for fieldwork. “It’s no guarantee that you’ll get to travel in grad school, but I was very fortunate that all of our professors wanted to drag us along,” she says. During the summer of 2018, Soder traveled to Saipan, a U.S. Commonwealth in the Western Pacific, where Dr. Jennifer McKinnon, Soder’s thesis advisor, was running a field school. McKinnon encouraged her students to be curious about their own interests in their off-time. “She’d say, ‘Hey, we have a day off, go do your own research,’ ” says Soder.

Like many islands in the Pacific, Saipan saw its share of violent conflict during World War II, an event that has interested Soder since childhood, when she and her father shared a fascination with the period. Unlike her father, however, it wasn’t the big battles and the vast military campaigns that interested her but rather the often-overlooked events on the periphery. “I think it's fascinating,” she says. “So many people focus on the war aspects: the soldiers and their movements, the battle itself. But I kept thinking about the peripheral. Who's impacted by this? Who didn't get a voice? Who got stuck cleaning up the mess, and how were they impacted by that?” All of a sudden, Soder found herself in a position to explore these questions deeply. “I really wanted to make sure some of those voices were heard instead of continuously disregarded,” she says.

Senior Thesis Project: The Indigenous Experience

This fascination led to Soder’s thesis project, “‘The Japanese and U.S. Fought the War, We Ended up Paying the Price’: The Indigenous Experience on Saipan During World War II,” which recounts the experiences of the indigenous population in the wake of a 1944 battle between Japanese and U.S. forces that left the island and many indigenous families devastated. The project required close collaboration with the indigenous community, many of whom were less than enthusiastic about digging up a traumatic past.

“The community was so welcoming, but it wasn’t like everyone wanted to talk to me,” says Soder. “It was actually very difficult to get people to speak with us. There is still a stigma around talking about the war, and many don’t want to keep dredging up the past.” Soder found encouragement in the younger people she spoke with, many of whom longed to hear their elders’ stories. “I spoke to a lot of the younger generation over there, and they want to know, but they know talking about it means bringing up a lot of trauma,” she says.

Soder credits much of the project’s success and the willingness of the indigenous community to speak with her to her Chamorro translator, Fred. “He was awesome,” she says. “He was the one who went out and started talking to people to try to get them to talk to me. We did a radio show and made social media posts, but no one reached out to talk to us through those means. Fred did everything.” For Soder, it was an important lesson in community archaeology. “You often have to reach out through people the community already knows. You have to build that trust up. Fred was with me for every single interview unless people requested otherwise.”

These interactions with the indigenous communities on Saipan remain some of the most rewarding experiences of Soder’s career. She recalls an interview with a woman named Auntie Chailang, whose first language is Chamorro, the language of indigenous Mariana Islanders that borrows words from both French and Spanish. “She was struggling to think of the word she wanted, so she turned to Fred and said ‘ bacalao, ’ and I was able to translate it faster than Fred could. So I said to her, ‘Cod—codfish oil,’ and her face just lit up. Those moments of connection, where people invited me into their homes, were so rewarding,” she says.

This kind of work, which Soder and her colleagues call “conflict archaeology,” can have a strong emotional effect on both the researchers and the community, especially when the events being studied have touched the lives of people who are still living. “There were days when I was doing the oral histories that I would come home and just collapse,” she says. “It takes an emotional toll on you. For those working on ancient civilizations, it can be easier to separate yourself. You can be a bit withdrawn. The more recent you get, the more likely you will have that social aspect, that human element. There’s a push now to get various communities involved [in archaeology], especially with African American history and Indigenous Native American History, which is great. Any push toward community archaeology is great.”

Soder published her thesis in 2019.

Going to Work as an Archaeologist

After graduating from East University, she took a job in the Cultural Resources Management field working as an archaeological technician. There she performed survey work to make sure proposed construction projects would not impact archaeological sites. She then went to work for the Delaware State Preservation Office, making sure federal agencies were complying with preservation laws. “It was a nice overlap of my criminal justice and archaeology backgrounds,” she says. “But it was draining. I am not meant to sit behind a computer all day.”

In 2022, Soder accepted a position as a research archaeologist at the Maryland Historical Trust and settled in Cecil County along with her fiancé of ten years and their two rescue dogs. “I’m happy to be here,” she says. “It means I get to go out and play in the dirt again.” The job also affords Soder the chance to pursue some of her own research. “I’d really like to get back into the conflict archaeology side of things, but that can be difficult in Maryland. Not impossible, but difficult.” And though Soder hasn’t been diving since before COVID, she’s hoping that the underwater archaeology program in Maryland will afford her some opportunities to get back out on the water. “I think they’re gearing up for some survey work in May or June,” she says. “I’m hoping they’ll pull me out for some of that.”

Until then, Soder is still working on finding her “land legs.” Right now, the Maryland Historical Trust has a grant with the American Battlefield Protection Program, looking at local Revolutionary War sites like those of French General Rochambeau, whose armies had encampments in the Hartford and Cecil area. “It’s conflict archaeology, and it’s not about the battle, it’s about what happened on the periphery, which I like,” she says. “These encampment sites were short-term. The people were down and then back up the next day. Seeing all the archaeological material from that is what’s really scratching my itch right now. I’m excited for that one.”

Soder knows that her life right now would be completely surprising to her college-age self. “I think I’d be surprised that I settled down, that I managed to find someone to put up with me and my desire to travel,” she says. “I never would have thought this is where I’d be, that this is what I’d be doing, even when I was taking those anthropology classes. It just didn’t feel like this was an attainable thing. So, looking back, I think, ‘Wow, you made it.’ ”

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What Is a Thesis? | Ultimate Guide & Examples

What Is a Thesis? | Ultimate Guide & Examples

Published on 15 September 2022 by Tegan George . Revised on 5 December 2023.

A thesis is a type of research paper based on your original research. It is usually submitted as the final step of a PhD program in the UK.

Writing a thesis can be a daunting experience. Indeed, alongside a dissertation , it is the longest piece of writing students typically complete. It relies on your ability to conduct research from start to finish: designing your research , collecting data , developing a robust analysis, drawing strong conclusions , and writing concisely .

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You may have heard the word thesis as a standalone term or as a component of academic writing called a thesis statement . Keep in mind that these are two very different things.

A thesis statement is a very common component of an essay, particularly in the humanities. It usually comprises 1 or 2 sentences in the introduction of your essay , and should clearly and concisely summarise the central points of your academic essay .
A thesis is a long-form piece of academic writing, often taking more than a full semester to complete. It is generally a degree requirement to complete a PhD program.
In many countries, particularly the UK, a dissertation is generally written at the bachelor’s or master’s level.
In the US, a dissertation is generally written as a final step toward obtaining a PhD.

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The final structure of your thesis depends on a variety of components, such as:

Your discipline
Your theoretical approach

Humanities theses are often structured more like a longer-form essay . Just like in an essay, you build an argument to support a central thesis.

Thesis examples

We’ve compiled a short list of thesis examples to help you get started.

Example thesis #1: ‘Abolition, Africans, and Abstraction: the Influence of the “Noble Savage” on British and French Antislavery Thought, 1787-1807’ by Suchait Kahlon.
Example thesis #2: ‘”A Starving Man Helping Another Starving Man”: UNRRA, India, and the Genesis of Global Relief, 1943-1947’ by Julian Saint Reiman.

The very first page of your thesis contains all necessary identifying information, including:

Your full title
Your full name
Your department
Your institution and degree program
Your submission date.

Sometimes the title page also includes your student ID, the name of your supervisor, or the university’s logo. Check out your university’s guidelines if you’re not sure.

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Theoretical framework

Your literature review can often form the basis for your theoretical framework, but these are not the same thing. A theoretical framework defines and analyses the concepts and theories that your research hinges on.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the ‘Cite this Scribbr article’ button to automatically add the citation to our free Reference Generator.

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Career Preparedness for High School Students with Intellectual Disabilities

Students with an intellectual disability along with their family are constantly working on learning and building skills to be successful in the next stage of their life. The planning for “the rest of their lives” starts as early as 14-16 years old. This research will explore the difficulties of transition and skills that are required for the student to be a self-determined adult and have a smooth transition from school into their postsecondary adult life.

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Master of Science in Education
Educational Studies

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Sustainable, Resilient Sanitation Systems Focus of CHDS Alum’s Work, Thesis

For Ryan Smith, human excreta is a homeland security issue.

The Center for Homeland Defense and Security Master’s Program alum (MA 2020) has made sustainable and resilient treatment systems central to both his academic and professional work, more recently focusing primarily on waterless, container-based sanitation (commonly referred to as compost toilets), including a groundbreaking pilot project.

This issue is a prime example of how CHDS research can be ahead of its time as sustainable and resilient alternatives to traditional wastewater systems in general has little research associated with it, and existing regulations and standards are insufficient. Smith maintains that waterless sanitation systems will become a more common method of treatment in the future.

“It all ties back to homeland security, providing safe sanitation, being self-reliant, and relying on what we have here instead of relying on massive amounts of energy and materials, not to mention a reliable source of water to flush with in the first place,” Smith said. “What I’m proposing is a completely new type of infrastructure that can scale rapidly and is vastly cheaper to implement.”

Most recently, Smith was invited to join the California State Water Board’s Wastewater Needs Assessment (WWNA) Advisory Group for 2024-2026. The advisory group will advise the WWNA project team to develop a statewide assessment for Californians’ “equal and human right to sanitation and safe wastewater management and critical wastewater infrastructure needs.”

And he says his CHDS educational experience played a key role in his work.

Smith, who currently serves as Wastewater Division Manager for the City of Watsonville, CA, applied for the CHDS Master’s Program while working on earthquake disaster planning with the City of Richmond, CA, in the East Bay, with a focus on severely at-risk wastewater systems identified by the USGS. He then studied the wastewater resiliency issue at CHDS and ultimately published a master’s thesis entitled “Disasters, Finances, Nutrients, and Climate Change: A Case for Waterless Sanitation Systems.”

He said the CHDS Master’s Program application process itself was helpful because it required him to evaluate his reasons for wanting to attend in the first place, ultimately leading him to the conclusion that his primary objective was to “explore this problem space that is the modern wastewater paradigm.”

Ryan Smith’s thesis

Disasters, Finances, Nutrients, and Climate Change: A Case for Waterless Sanitation Systems

Smith also noted the concept of the mission model canvas and lean startup from the Strategic Planning class taught by Profs. Rodrigo Nieto Gomez and Nick Dew was “incredibly helpful” during the development phase of the pilot project and would continue to be during a planned implementation.

He also mentioned other CHDS Master’s classes including Comparative Government and Multi Discipline Approaches as particularly helpful, including a review of examples outside of the U.S. as well as analyzing discourse around treatment systems.

After graduating from CHDS, Smith accepted his current position with Watsonville, where he is responsible for the city’s wastewater conveyance, treatment, and reuse systems, and the city’s stormwater drainage systems.

He also began working as a technical advisor for the GiveLove non-profit organization run by Alisa Keesey, who lives nearby in Santa Cruz, CA, and was one of the subjects Smith interviewed for his thesis research.

Formed in 2010, GiveLove started in response to a major earthquake in Haiti, building toilets and providing container-based sanitation (CBS) for people living in tent camps, Smith said, adding that Keesey has also worked in six other countries around the globe, including Uganda where she currently operates in the Kamwokya slum in Kampala and where Smith visited in September 2022 to see Keesey’s ongoing community CBS project in action.

Keesey and her non-profit also successfully implemented a CBS project at the Standing Rock protest during the harsh winter months in the Dakotas.

“I can’t think of more hostile conditions, both climatically and politically,” Smith said. “If you can implement container-based sanitation there, you can do it anywhere.”

Smith said he primarily works with Keesey and her non-profit on a compost toilet pilot project she was asked to help facilitate for the County of Santa Cruz, CA, which he said was “still very conceptual, didn’t have well-defined parameters, and had not progressed in any significant way for a variety of reasons.” 

He said he was brought on board to “help navigate the regulatory hurdles associated with such a novel project because many of the activities associated with it reside in grey areas of the law and regulations.”

Smith said he and Keesey started narrowing the boundaries of the pilot project to focus on assisting rebuilding efforts for survivors of the 2020 CZU Lightning Fire Complex in the Santa Cruz mountains because the County Planning Division confirmed that the top impediment to rebuilding was the cost of septic systems.

In October 2022, Smith and Keesey presented a final, 16-page proposal to the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, which unanimously approved moving forward with the project.

Initially, he said the plan was to provide County-identified eligible households a toilet kit with Smith and Keesey driving a weekly collection route and performing composting of the toilet material on a constructed site at the Crest Ranch Christmas Tree Farm in the Santa Cruz mountains and spreading the finished compost around the trees at the end of the project. 

But Smith said that idea “quickly became impractical” after meeting with County Environmental Health staff, and the plan has pivoted multiple times since encountering “immovable obstacles and untenable situations.” 

Currently, he said the project has been reduced to serving a maximum of 25 households and transporting the toilet material to the Watsonville city wastewater treatment facility for composting. 

One of the project deliverables, he noted, will be a technical report of findings, which will help inform the first-of-its-kind disaster preparedness, response, and recovery plans relative to safe waterless sanitation.

However, Smith cautioned that the project continues to experience delays for a couple of reasons, including the difficulty of securing insurance for the project.

Although Smith said he recently accepted a job offer from the City of Pleasanton, CA, to become Assistant Director of Public Works – Utilities and Environmental Services, and will be leaving the area sometime soon, he will remain on board as technical advisor to GiveLove.

Still, Smith said sustainable and resilient wastewater systems will inevitably be part of the future, citing a few examples.

He noted the imperative of being able to provide safe wastewater service even in disasters such as the 2023 flooding that threatened to swamp the Watsonville treatment plant and render it inoperable for months; the presentation by Nate Hagens at APEX 2023 on the Great Simplification including the end of cheap energy and increasingly fragile supply chains making the use of CBS essentially inevitable; and, the emergence and growth of the regenerative agriculture movement focused on recirculating nutrients back into the soil.

Besides regulatory hurdles, Smith said a major impediment to implementation of sustainable and resilient wastewater systems remains resistance from regulators.

“Over and over, I run up against unconscious biases and knee-jerk reactions,” he said. “But this work is a labor of love. I want to do a little bit of good in the world and help change it from the bottom up. After all, it’s only human waste if we waste it.”

CHDS Alum Supports U.S. Border Patrol’s EMS System During Massive Migrant Surge

Master’s Cohort Members Representing Fire Service Discuss Fire-Related Theses

CHDS Master’s, ELP Alum Publishing New Book on Personal, Professional Trauma

Emergence Alumna Making a Difference: Meng Plants Seeds of Change in CBP

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Joe Patria uses microscopy to observe chicken macrophage cells.

Graduate student Joe Patria applies his molecular biology expertise to combat the viral evolution of Marek’s disease

July 09, 2024 Written by Nya Wynn | Photos by Jeremy Wayman

When Joe Patria first came to UD for his Ph.D. in molecular biology, he never thought he would end up doing research involving chickens. But, when he came across Mark Parcells , professor of molecular virology, and his lab, Patria ended up doing just that.

His main interests were molecular and cell biology — how changes within them affect the overall physiology of an entire system.

“Those contributions of everything that goes on down on a molecular level,” said Patria, who was named a Hiram Lasher Fellow. “When I met Prof. Parcells and did a rotation in his lab, I saw how it all came together by studying viruses and pathogens and how they kind of affect those pathways to cause systemic disease.”

As a molecular biology student doing research in CANR, Patria researches the mechanisms behind Marek’s disease virus. For his work in the field, Patria won top research poster at a graduate symposium at the Wistar Institute this past February.

Marek’s disease virus primarily causes cancer in immune cells, which usually results in fatality in chickens. It is highly contagious and transmissive, so it poses a large threat to the poultry industry.

“With Marek’s, you put it into chickens, and if they're not vaccinated, like 95 percent of them will die of cancer within four to six weeks, so it’s an incredibly penetrant virus,” Parcells said. “Every chicken that is exposed to Marek’s in the field, carries that virus for their entire life, just like if you got chickenpox as a kid, you have that virus for your whole life.”

To combat this extremely infectious virus, scientists developed an effective vaccine to protect chickens against it; however, the virus has evolved.

“Over the course of several decades, Marek’s disease virus has shown to break through the protection afforded by those vaccines,” Patria said. “So that is the focus of my work, and studying how the virus actually overcomes the protection from these vaccines.”

As the viruses evolve to evade vaccines, they also evolve with their hosts and learn to target areas that would be most detrimental to the host, such as DNA repair and damage response.

“By studying how viruses evolve, to evade the host immune responses and overcome protection from vaccines, it gives us a better understanding of how we can develop improved vaccines to target those pathways that the viruses have evolved to be dependent on,” Patria said.

Patria cultures T-cell lines derived from tumors of chickens infected with Marek’s disease virus to study the virus-host interactions regulating the infection.

Not only can Patria’s work impact the poultry industry, there is also an application to human health. Patria explained that Marek’s disease virus causes cancer of the lymphocytes, which can be compared to Hodgkins and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects humans.

“There are a lot of parallels between chickens and humans, which you might not expect. On the basis of immunology, we are very similar,” Patria explained. “There’s some parallels there.”

According to Parcells, more than 95 percent of all humans are positive for Epstein Barr virus, another herpes virus like Marek’s disease virus.

“When that goes latent, which it does, a small percentage of people within 20 years develop Hodgkin's lymphoma or another type of cancer associated with that virus,” Parcells said. “It’s not a high frequency, and you can’t really study it in humans.”

This is where our similarities with chickens really come into play.

“Because Marek’s disease virus’ natural host is a chicken, we’re able to study it in its natural reservoir host, which is a unique thing that you can't really do with other viruses,” Patria said. “Especially for viruses that infect humans.”

“It's a way in which you can kind of study these different interactions with the virus in the context of something where it normally causes cancer,” Parcells added. “That may inform how things are working with the development in Hodgkin’s lymphoma.”

Patria continues to work alongside Parcells, other graduate students, and undergraduate students in the Parcells Lab to make more discoveries in the field of molecular biology and with Marek’s disease virus specifically.

In addition to his own development as a researcher, Patria values his opportunities to work with other graduate students and mentor UD undergraduates.

“I hold the worth of science advocacy in high regard,” Patria said. “It was great to see that their contribution to this work has made an impact.”

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COMMENTS

What is a Working Thesis?
A working thesis is a flexible statement that asserts your topic and argument or analysis and outlines your supporting details. Learn how to use a working thesis to draft and revise your paper, and see an example of a working thesis and its revision.
How to Write a Thesis Statement
A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay. Learn how to write a thesis statement by following four simple steps: start with a question, write your initial answer, develop your answer, and refine your thesis statement.
PDF Essay Planning: How to Develop a Working Thesis Statement
For a Writer When drafting your own paper, a thesis statement can help clarify your focus and help organize your paper. Your claim should be referred to throughout the paper, and your points can help structure the body paragraphs. In this manner, a thesis statement acts as a planning tool to organize your ideas. Keep in mind that while drafting your paper, your claim or supporting points can ...
Developing A Thesis
A thesis is a definite, arguable claim that tells what you plan to argue and how you plan to argue it in your academic essay. Learn how to construct a working thesis by analyzing your sources, anticipating counterarguments, and avoiding common pitfalls.
Thesis Statements
A thesis statement is a claim that answers a question or interprets a topic in an academic paper. Learn how to create, evaluate, and revise a thesis statement with examples and tips.
What Is a Thesis?
A thesis is a type of research paper based on your original research. It is usually submitted as the final step of a master's program or a capstone to a bachelor's degree. Learn how to structure, write, and defend your thesis with this guide and examples.
6.9: Developing a Working Thesis Statement
A working thesis is a sentence that states the main idea and angle of a writing assignment. Learn how to create, evaluate, and revise a working thesis with examples, tips, and interactive elements.
Thesis
A thesis is the central claim in your essay that you support with evidence and analysis. Learn how to write an arguable thesis that responds to an analytical or normative question or problem.
Thesis Statements
Thesis Statements A thesis is the main claim you are making in an argument, similar to the hypothesis in a scientific experiment. It is what you are trying to prove or persuade your audience to believe or do. It's helpful to develop a working thesis to guide your composition process. "Working" is the operative word here; your ideas are likely to change during research and the composing ...
Creating a Working Thesis
A working thesis is a tentative statement that guides your research, reading and writing. Learn how to generate driving questions and evolve your working thesis into a definitive one.
Tentative Thesis Statement
What is a Tentative Thesis Statement? A tentative thesis statement, also known as a working thesis, is an initial statement regarding the topic of your research or essay, indicating your perspective and direction, but remaining open to modification as you gather more evidence or shift your focus during the writing process. It provides a preliminary stand on an issue, offering direction for ...
How to write a thesis statement + examples
How do you write a good thesis statement? Learn all you need to know about thesis statements in our guide with examples.
What is a thesis
Learn the difference between a thesis and a working thesis, and how to write a strong thesis statement for your academic paper. Explore the types, structure, and components of a thesis with examples and tips.
Developing a Thesis Statement
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.
6.5: Writing a Working Thesis
Now, a working thesis is more or less a temporary thesis you devise in the beginning of the research process in order to set some direction in your research. However, as I wrote in the beginning of this chapter, you should remember: Your working thesis is temporary and should change as you research, write, and learn more about your topic.
Working Thesis Statements
Thesis Statement Basics. The following video offers a writing instructor's perspective about how fundamental a thesis statement is to organizing an effective persuasive, researched essay. While he talks about many aspects of a thesis, it particularly stresses the flexibility you're allowed while writing, revising, and revisiting a thesis ...
Working Thesis Statement
Working Thesis Statement Navigating the academic waters often starts with a working thesis - a preliminary statement guiding your research direction. As the bedrock of your argument, it's vital to get it right from the outset. Whether you're a budding researcher or an established academic, our comprehensive guide brimming with thesis Statement examples and pro-tips will illuminate the ...
PDF Q: What is the difference between a working thesis and a final thesis?
al thesis. Working:-First attempt at an assertion of your position.-Valuable in the early stages of the writing process because it helps you read selectiv. ly in the same way that your issue-based question guides your inquiry. nce of violence, make urgent the need for change"(Greene,100)Final:-This is the refined statement th.
The Working Thesis
A working thesis is a claim that you are going to back up throughout your paper. It is a work-in-progress thesis that gives structure to your writing as you begin, rather than trying to create a unifying thesis after finishing your paper entirely.
PDF CREATING A WORKING THESIS STATEMENT Developing a Working Thesis
CREATING A WORKING THESIS STATEMENT Every piece of writing requires a central idea and a demonstrated path from point A to point B. To stay on topic and give your writing a direction, you must develop a thesis. Thesis statements clarify the main idea/point/argument of your piece. Typically the final sentence(s) of your introduction, the thesis, generally informs the audience of the "argument ...
PDF How to Develop a Working Thesis
A working thesis gives you enough focus and enough direction to proceed with your essay, critical analysis, or research paper, but also freedom to change as you go.
Theses and Dissertations
As a graduate student, you may need to complete a thesis or dissertation as part of your program's graduation requirements. While theses are common among master's students and dissertations among doctoral students, this may not apply universally across all programs.
Properties of Cyclic Graphical Models or Why the way up and the way
The work contained in this MS thesis seeks to extend the theory of causal models that is elaborated in Spirtes, Glymour and Schemes', Causation, Prediction and Search. Spirtes et. al., develop a theory of causal models, under the assumption that causation was anti?symmetric, i.e. that if A is a cause of B, then B is not a cause of A. Though many causal systems are of this kind, as the ...
Alumna Makes Archaeology Dream Come True
Soder published her thesis in 2019. Going to Work as an Archaeologist. After graduating from East University, she took a job in the Cultural Resources Management field working as an archaeological technician. There she performed survey work to make sure proposed construction projects would not impact archaeological sites.
What Is a Thesis?
A thesis is a type of research paper based on your original research. It is usually submitted as the final step of a PhD program in the UK. Writing a thesis can be a daunting experience. Indeed, alongside a dissertation, it is the longest piece of writing students typically complete. It relies on your ability to conduct research from start to ...
Career Preparedness for High School Students with Intellectual Disabilities
Students with an intellectual disability along with their family are constantly working on learning and building skills to be successful in the next stage of their life. The planning for "the rest of their lives" starts as early as 14-16 years old. This research will explore the difficulties of transition and skills that are required for the student to be a self-determined adult and have a ...
Sustainable, Resilient Sanitation Systems Focus of CHDS Alum's Work, Thesis
CHDS master's alum Ryan Smith. For Ryan Smith, human excreta is a homeland security issue. The Center for Homeland Defense and Security Master's Program alum (MA 2020) has made sustainable and resilient treatment systems central to both his academic and professional work, more recently focusing primarily on waterless, container-based sanitation (commonly referred to as compost toilets ...
Joe Patria applies his molecular biology expertise to combat the viral
Joe Patria, a molecular biology Ph.D. student at UD, unexpectedly pursued poultry research under Professor Mark Parcells, focusing on Marek's disease virus (MDV). He is exploring the molecular virology of MDV and its evolution to become more virulent over time. His work has implications for both poultry and human health, as the virus causes a lymphoma that is similar to some human lymphomas.

Thesis Statements

Introduction

What is a thesis statement?

How do I create a thesis?

How do I know if my thesis is strong?

Works consulted

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Thesis examples

Theoretical framework

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Broad thesis (arguable, but difficult to support with evidence)

Arguable thesis with analytical claim

Arguable thesis with normative claim

Questions to ask about your thesis

How to write a thesis statement + examples

What is a thesis statement?

What is a thesis | A Complete Guide with Examples

Table of Contents

What is a thesis?

What is a thesis statement?

Different types of thesis statements

Argumentative (or Persuasive) thesis statement

Analytical thesis statement

Expository (or Descriptive) thesis statement

Cause and effect thesis statement

Compare and contrast thesis statement

What is the difference between a thesis and a thesis statement?

15 components of a thesis structure

Acknowledgments

Table of contents

List of figures and tables

Introduction

Literature review section

Methodology

Results (or Findings)

Practical implications (Recommendation) section

References (or Bibliography)

Glossary (optional)

Thesis examples

Checklist for your thesis evaluation

Preparing your thesis defense

Dissertation vs. Thesis

Wrapping up

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is a thesis statement?

Identify a topic

Consider what your assignment asks you to do

Sample assignment 1

Sample assignment 2

Developing a Thesis Statement–Additional information

Derive a main point from topic

Look for patterns in your evidence

Purpose statement

Derive purpose statement from topic

Compose a draft thesis statement

Question-to-Assertion

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

Refine and polish the thesis statement

Sample Assignment

Complete the final thesis statement

Writing Process and Structure

Getting Started with Your Paper

Creating an Argument

Working with Sources

Drafting Your Paper

Revising Your Paper

Finishing Your Paper

Writing Collaboratively

Thesis Statement Basics