Thesis Research Proposal

A thesis research proposal is a structured, formal document that explains what you plan to research including your research topic, your justification, and your practical approach or methodology. The purpose of the research proposal is to convince your supervisor, your professor, your reader, and panelist that your research proposal is suitable for the requirements and needs of your audience and manageable for the given time and resource constraints. In other words, your thesis research proposal needs to sell your research idea to whoever will approve it.

A good thesis research proposal should answer the what, how, and why of the research. What will answer the research topic. It should be specific and not ambiguous Who will answer the people who will be involved in the project. Include also the purpose of your research thesis proposal and justify why your topic is original and it should be unique. It should also provide methods on how to undertake your research such as the research design and plan manageable


A formal research proposal at the Master’s level often ranges between 2000 to 3000 words, while a Ph.D. level proposal can be ranging from 5000 to 8000 words.

A structured thesis research proposal includes a descriptive title or title page, an introduction and background to the proposed research, a discussion of the scope of the research, literature review, methodology, or proposed research design

Difference between Thesis and Articles

Thesis and Journal Article are both important parts of reports in academic field. Some researchers find it the same but it has many differences so it is necessary to know what is thesis and what is article.

A thesis is a theory or statement needs to be proved while an article is a piece of writing that can be found in the newspaper, magazine, or other publication.

In terms of word length, there is no particular word limit in thesis writing which is approximately 25,000 words, while in article writing there is a word limit based on the journal approximately 5000 words. Also, thesis abstract is longer than a journal paper and article abstract is smaller in length. In addition, thesis literature is much longer than article literature.

A thesis is an academic requirement while an article meets journal standards. Thesis has a table of contents while an article follows a manuscript format.

Thesis also needs to discussed detailed research methodology carried but an article discussed specific methodology as well as experiments conducted.

Others differences includes the way it is written, a thesis needs a detailed introduction while an article needs a concise introduction. All findings presented as in the thesis but an article only selected finding.

Writing a Good Thesis Introduction

Getting started with the thesis introduction is believe to be the most complicated part of thesis writing. It is said to be complicated because it should create a good impression to your reader. A good introduction should provide the setup for the entire thesis paper.

The length of your thesis introduction is depending on the length of your whole thesis. Usually it is estimated to have at least 10% of the total word count.

Here are some things to consider when writing an Introduction:

• Identify your readers or audience

It is very important to know your reader or audience so that you can use the right words for them since they are not specialized in the field. In this way, your thesis may understandable and enjoyable for your audience or reader.

• Catch your reader’s attention

The first sentence of your introduction should be catchy in order to get the attention of your reader. If you hook the attention of your reader, he or she may read the entire paper. Think something that you can grab the attention of your reader. List a topic of what is interesting about your topic, it maybe the latest news and trending topic. Begin with the broad and then narrow down to the specific topic and thesis statement.

• Give bigger picture about your thesis paper

It should provide the purpose of your study as well as the topic and scope of your research. Also, it should explain the relevance of your research.

• Provide relevant background for your study

The readers should know enough background information to understand your thesis statement and arguments.

• Show key points and lead to thesis statement

Contains the summary of your ideas and lead to thesis statement by including the few supporting details

Types of Thesis Writing

Thesis is heard when you are on master’s or a bachelor’s degree while dissertation is used for doctorate degrees. One of most common problems for graduating students is how to write. Thesis writing is a more complex and challenging area. Student should be aware of main topic and prove it to be true by showing evidence through research.

There are three (3) types of thesis writing

  1. Analytical thesis
    It has a constructive writing method that includes a thorough explanation of the topic to its depth. Students may concentrate on the main topic with question such as how, why and when.
  2. Argumentative thesis
    This time of writing includes arguments as the names argumentative. The students need to discuss the topic and prove their respective point of views so that the reader may take action. It needs thoroughly explained papers, constructive reasoning and evaluations. Students should give strong supporting evidence and claims.
  3. Expository thesis
    This types of thesis should be organized and outlined. It explain its idea and goals of the topic. Expository thesis is the most organized types of thesis writing because the structure is very important with related sections and students should have strong facts to prove what they are written.

What is Thesis Statement

What is Thesis Statement


Thesis statement is usually one sentence that summarizes the main point or claim of a research paper or essay which supported and explained by means of examples or evidence. It tells the main point of the piece of writing. It also clearly identified the topic being discussed in the paper. In addition, it should generate the interest of the audience to encourage the audience to continue reading.

A good thesis statement should be argumentative, specific and should attract interest to the audience. Argumentative means that your thesis statement should not be started with the fact. Specific means that your thesis statement should indicate what the research is all about. Compose an statement that is direct to the point.


Here are some tips in regards with thesis statement writing:


• Narrow down the topic to a specific focus of investigation
• Make sure to be as clear and specific
• Indicate the point in your thesis paper
• Make sure to establish a direction in your entire paper
• Take a stand and justify further discussion


Here are some steps on writing a thesis statement:

  1. You can make statement or topic into question like for example: How pollution affects to the environment.
  2. Brainstorming. Write down many ideas you may think such as writing down the causes of pollution and how affects it to the environment such as burning of fossils fuel
  3. Choose an answer based on your brainstorming.
  4. Pick up the best reasons for your answer on your questionnaire.
  5. Develop a thesis statement and justify it

Tips to Finish your Dissertation

Many students starting writing their thesis or dissertation but they are having a hard time of finishing it. A thesis or dissertation awaits completion in order to graduate to a masteral or doctoral degree. Writing can be boring but if your give time, effort and more focus, you can be have a successful dissertation. Remember, a completion of your dissertation is the get way in order to finish what you have started.

Here are some tips to finish your dissertation:

1. Knows the rules and regulations of your school

Prepare all the list of requirements such as papers and documents that will be needed . In this way, you can prevent from the rush and you can make your work organize. Ensure that you meet all the Masteral or PhD requirements sets by your institution or university. Never assume anything without checking with your adviser or institution.

2. Act fast

Time is so precious at this time. You have to create an action plan to optimize the time you have left and preventing yourself to be overwhelmed by all the things that you have to do. Knows your priorities by determining the things you want to finish first and stick to it. You can break down your task into smaller task and prioritize it.

3. Gather data and information

Know if there is enough resources for your topic. Make sure to resources for your research

4. Start writing

Write and at the same time continue to study, research and take notes. Remember to work to move on your project.

5. Keep writing

Write and in order to re write. Do not be discourage if your work is not perfect. It is important to get your thoughts on paper and plan to go back and fix awkward sentences and unnecessary words or subjects. Rewriting is a part of a writing process so do not afraid to make mistake. There always time to look forward and fixing things later.

6. Get rest

It is important to get adequate sleep and exercise as well as eat good food. If you are not giving personal attention to your bodies, your productivity suffers and lack of energy.

7. Stay on Task

Discipline is required to stay on task. You will accomplished more that what you expected if your are not undistracted for about 60 to 90 minutes to something.

8. Learn to Read

Writing thesis or dissertation requires a huge amount of reading. You must know to understand argument from different sources such as journals, magazines, books, articles, reviews and other thesis.

9. Talk with others

It is a good idea to talk your ideas to others because it can stimulate your thinking and have an opportunities to learn from them.

10. Set deadlines

It is necessary to have dead;lines. Setting deadlines force you to produce results. Set realistic deadlines and stick to them.

Thesis Conclusion

Conclusion is one of most important part of a thesis or research paper. Some thinks that conclusion is place to relax and write whatever you want even though it is not related to your studies. On the contrary, a conclusion should give importance same as the introduction. It is a reminder what you have done and what to expect on your studies. It should not be underestimated after all it is the last part that the reader will remember. Introduction and conclusion is one of the most difficult time to write.

Conclusion is the last part of your thesis which restate of your thesis and summarize the main points of evidence for your reader. It can be done with one paragraph.

Here are some points when writing a conclusion:

  • Conclusion is a section of your paper in which you restate and expand your thesis. It not a repetition but a restatement of what you have presented
  • It a writing about what you have done and why you have done before moving to the next stage
  • It should have recommendations and justification of your research study
  • It should also include a limitations of your research.
  • It also explain if your research needs future studies
  • Conclusion should be clear and brief
  • It is the final say on the issues being raised in your thesis.

Effective Thesis and Dissertation Writing Tips

Most students do not know what to expect when writing a thesis or dissertation most especially during the process. Writing thesis or dissertation became simple when you know the steps to be taken.

The following are some thesis or dissertation writing tips:

1. Know your interest

It is best to know what topics that interest you. When you define the research interest, you can now work into possible thesis topic and develop your thesis statement. If the topic is not your interest, you will eventually preventing to work on your thesis.

2. Select a topic

Invest time and effort by restricting the research problem. Narrow down the topic and get help from your adviser.Make sure to choose or select a topic that really love.

3. Choose your mentor or adviser wisely.

When choosing a mentor or adviser, it is nice to have someone with a reputation and engaging with graduate students and graduate education. Additionally, your adviser or mentor should be knowledgeable about the topic you choose and understands the process of writing a thesis.

4. Regular meetings with your adviser or mentor

Make sure to always keep in touch with your adviser to monitor your progress regarding your thesis or dissertation. Get advise or counsel to your adviser because he/she knows the best for your thesis/dissertation since your adviser has the broad understanding of the process and he/she will help you to focus on what you are doing.

5. Ask for help and assistance

Do not afraid to ask for help from your adviser or mentor. Always seek help so that you are always on the right track.

Master Thesis Acknowledgment Sample

Acknowledgement page on the thesis is the opportunity to thanks those people who help and contribute to your thesis writing. It is way of displaying appreciation for support and assistance in public.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to thank my thesis advisor, Dra. Zenaida R. Velasco of Engineering Department at Pilar State Universiy. She always accomodating and have a helping hands if I had question about my research or writing. She shows support in everything I do and teach me the right direction for my thesis writing.

I would also like to than Mr. Jauruz Abas who was involved in the validation survey for this research project. Without his help, the validation survey could not have been successfully conducted.

Also, I would like to acknowledge Engr. Janus R. Matento, professor at Pilar State University as the second reader of this thesis. I really appreciate your valuable comments on this thesis coz it helps a lot to improve my thesis writing.

Finally, I express my gratitude to my parents and sisters for providing me with unfailing support and continuous encouragement throughout my years of study and through the process of researching and writing this thesis. This accomplishment would not have been possible without them.

Angelica D. Valencia

Types of Thesis

Thesis is a written document submitted as candidate for an academic degree or professional qualification. It a paper that proving something with evidence and facts. It can be a long essay or dissertation which involves personal research.

Types of Thesis

1. Traditional Thesis

A clear document which provides a complete and systematic account of the research. A traditional thesis contains the following contents including introduction, main body, footnotes, bibliography and appendices.

2. Manuscript-based Thesis

A document that is written based on one or more manuscript. The thesis based on manuscript should be required to have introductory chapter of the manuscript. It contains introduction, literature review, thesis theme, hypothesis to be tested. Each chapter should provide contents of the manuscript which have been published.

3. Administrative Thesis

It is defines, describes, analyzes, and interprets actual administrative. It contains definition of the problem, description of settings and structure as well as function and relationship, process outcome and assessment of the administrative solution.

4. Investigative thesis

It is usually written to investigate at specific health issues describing the public health importance. It includes definition of the problems, presentation of data and methods, analysis of the results, implication of the results, and recommendations.

5. Portfolio thesis

This type of thesis contains of a number of small written presentations and a final written presentation of larger scope.

6. Product thesis

It contains a product presentation with documentation.