Final Thesis Checklist

ü The thesis is specific and contends of one point.

What is your papers focus is and what about it you are trying to communicate?

ü The thesis approaches a topic from a certain point of view.

There are always two (or more) sides to any argument analysis. To keep your topic specific you will choose a single angle from which to view your topic: Do you agree with the information you have found about your topic? Do you disagree with it? Is there a better way to approach the issue than what you gathered from research? What point of view will you take?

ü The thesis is a concrete assertion about the topic.

It is not just a fact or a casual observation. Anyone who reads your paper could disagree with the point you are making. Your purpose is top convince anyone who is skeptical of your claim by supporting your thesis with legitimate research and detailed, objective, sensible information.

ü The thesis is a one-to-two sentence statement usually placed somewhere near or at the end of the research paper’s introductory paragraphs.

This thesis statement will tell the reader, explicitly, the point you intend to convey through your writing.

ü The thesis is a sort of miniature outline of each specific point to be made throughout the paper.

Your thesis statement will serve to guide your reader along through your arguments course of development. This will give the reader and idea of the issues your paper will cover.

ü Finally, and most importantly, the thesis is interesting and informative, using powerful language to evoke attention in the reader.

When you put forth all the effort to research, organize, and write a paper, make sure the topic is presented in a way that will spark the reader interesting.

Information adapted from:

Hamid, Sarah. Writing a Research Paper. OWL at Purdue University. 12 Mar. 2004

<http://owl.english.purdue.edu/workshops/hypertext/researchW/index.htm>