Introduction
Writing a thesis can be a daunting task, especially if you’ve never done it before. But with the right guidance and a clear plan of action, starting a thesis doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This article will provide an overview of how to start a thesis, including researching and selecting a topic, developing an argument, creating a thesis statement, writing and editing the finished product, understanding the elements of a thesis statement, offering examples, sharing tips and tricks, and highlighting resources.
Outline a Plan of Action
The first step in starting a thesis is outlining a plan of action. This plan should include the following steps:
Step 1: Research and select a topic.
Step 2: Develop an argument.
Step 3: Create a thesis statement.
Step 4: Write and edit the finished product.
Explain the Elements
Before beginning to write a thesis, it is important to understand the elements that make up a thesis statement. These elements are:
Topic: The topic is the subject matter of the thesis. It should be specific and narrow enough so that the writer can adequately cover the material in the allotted space.
Argument: The argument is the main point of the thesis. It is what the writer is trying to prove or disprove. The argument should be supported by evidence.
Evidence: Evidence is the facts, data, and research used to support the argument. Evidence should be relevant and reliable.
Offer Examples
Once the elements of a thesis statement are understood, it can be helpful to look at examples of thesis statements to get an idea of how to craft one. Here are some examples of thesis statements:
“The death penalty is an ineffective and unjust form of punishment that fails to deter crime.”
“Climate change is a direct result of human activities and is having devastating effects on the environment.”
“Schools should eliminate standardized testing in favor of more comprehensive assessments of student learning.”
Share Tips and Tricks
When writing a thesis statement, there are several tips and tricks that can help ensure success. These include:
Make it specific: The thesis statement should be specific and clearly state the writer’s position on the topic. Vague language should be avoided.
Keep it concise: The thesis statement should be concise, typically no more than one sentence. Longer sentences may be necessary depending on the complexity of the topic.
Avoid using phrases like “I think”: The thesis statement should be written from a third-person perspective. Using phrases like “I think” weakens the argument.
Use active voice: The thesis statement should be written in active voice. Passive voice should be avoided as it makes the statement less direct and more difficult to understand.
Highlight Resources
In addition to the tips and tricks mentioned above, there are many other resources available to help with writing a thesis. These include books, websites, and other materials. Some of these resources include:
Books: Books such as How To Write a Thesis by Umberto Eco and Writing Your Dissertation in Fifteen Minutes a Day by Joan Bolker provide helpful advice and guidance for those starting a thesis.
Websites: Websites such as Purdue OWL and The Writing Center offer detailed information about thesis writing and provide helpful resources.
Other materials: Other materials such as videos, podcasts, and blogs can provide additional insight into the process of writing a thesis.
Conclusion
Starting a thesis can be intimidating, but with the right guidance and a clear plan of action, it doesn’t have to be. This article has provided an overview of how to start a thesis, including researching and selecting a topic, developing an argument, creating a thesis statement, writing and editing the finished product, understanding the elements of a thesis statement, offering examples, sharing tips and tricks, and highlighting resources. With this information, readers should feel more confident in taking the first steps towards writing their thesis.
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