Tag: thesis outline

Structure of the Thesis

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Writing a thesis is complicated if you do not know how to start with it.  The first step is to write an outline of your thesis in order to have a guide while writing your thesis.

Here is a sample thesis outline or structure for your thesis writing:

  • Title Page

It includes the thesis title, author, institution, department, date of delivery, research mentor(s) and advisor, institutions, and email address.

  • Abstract

Abstract just contains 1 to 2 paragraphs approximately 400 words. It contains the details why the paper is important as well as the summary of major results and explains the major implications of the work. It should be concise and readable.

  • Table of Contents

It contains headings and subheadings with corresponding page numbers.

  • Introduction

Introduction should catch the attention of the reader immediately. It should be interesting and motivate the reader to read the rest of the paper. It provides why the study was undertaken and why the thesis paper is written. Also, it contains background information and significance of the study as well as the scope of work.

  • Methods Used

It includes the method used in the research study such as the description of the material, procedure and theory. Also, it contains the procedures being used including the calculations, techniques and equipment.

  • Results of the Study

It provides the results of your study such as the actual statement of observation including tables, graphs and statistics.

  • Conclusions

Describe your conclusion by summarizing the new observation, interpretation and insights based on your study.

  • Recommendation

It includes recommendation if necessary such as the remedial solution to the present problem or further research for the study.

  • Acknowledgment

This section is to acknowledge all the people who help financially, technically and intellectually.

  • List of Figures and Table

It contains all figures and tables used in the thesis with page numbers

 

 

Thesis Structure

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Many students today has the hard time to write their thesis because they think that thesis is hard to do and it implies a lot of time and hard work. But, if you outline and know the format and structure thesis, then you will be seeing yourself doing it easily. Most schools and universities today provides thesis structure that to be followed by their students.

The following are the usual thesis structure.

  • Title Page. It is differ among universities and institution but share the common contains such as Title and author. Some institution provides format for the title page.
  • Abstract. It is the most read part of the thesis because it contains the accurate summary of the research described in the document.  It includes the problem, methods of investigation,  and  conclusions. It should not exceed 350 words in length. It appears at the beginning of the document but it is not an introduction of your research.
  • Table of Contents.  It contains the page number of each section so the reader helps to be able to find things easily. It has the subheadings of each chapter.
  • List of Tables. It includes the tables used in your thesis.
  • List of Figures. It provides list of figures in your document.
  • List of Illustration. It contains the illustration used in your thesis.
  • List of Symbols and Abbreviation. It includes the symbols and abbreviation used in your document.
  • Glossary.  This section is optional but it is good to have a glossary of terms so that your reader may understand all terms use during your study, It is serve as brief dictionary.
  • Acknowledgement.  It is the way of thanking those who make contribution to make your thesis possible. Also, it is optional.
  • Introduction. It contains the background of your study as well the hypothesis. Also, it provides the statement of the problem as well as the solution to the problem.
  • Review of Related Literature. It provides the published documents related to your study which provides also the substantive findings and theoretical and methodological contributions.
  • Materials and Methods Used. It contains the methods as well as the materials used to solve the problem presented in your study.
  • Results and Discussion. It provides how do your obtains the results and discussed it in the proper way using proper formulas and measurements.
  • Conclusion and Suggestion for further research.  It discussed the conclusion regarding the hypothesis presented in the introduction. Also, describe the possible future research.
  • Appendices. It includes the research related material used in your study such as survey questionnaire, interview transcripts and other supplementary data.

How Long Does it Take to Write a Thesis

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A school or university gives at least one complete term for writing the thesis. Thesis requires complete time for researching, organizing, analyzing, and computing data.  Writing a thesis is easy if you know how to do it.  Some takes one year or two terms in order to complete the thesis.  Thesis written to identified a worthwhile problem or question which is not previously answered and you have to solve d the problem or answer the question.   Then provide evidence or proof for your answer by researching and analyzing this information.  Also, it should be original contribution to knowledge.

Writing thesis requires hard work and patient so it is important that your thesis topic is interesting to you so that it may not be bored.  If you are always excited about your topic, your thesis will be completed in no time.  Always remember that a rush job has a painful consequences at the defense.

Your thesis should be also organized so that you can easily manage everything.  You can start writing an outline so that you will know all section or chapter of your thesis.  Thesis outline can be divided into three (3) parts such as introduction, arguments, and conclusion. You can write your thesis statement under introduction section while future research and summary can be included in the conclusion section.

There are different format for your thesis outline but of course just ask your mentor about it so that He can give advice regarding different formats.

Sample Thesis Format and Outline

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thesis outlineTITLE PAGE

  • This page is assigned a Roman numeral “i” although does not appear on the page
  • The date used is the month and year of commencement
  • The proponents name must appear as registered at the institution

APPROVAL PAGE

  • The names used on the approval sheet and title page must be that under which the proponents are registered at the institution
  • Black ink is required for the signatures of approving signatories
  • The number of signature lines must equal to the number of panelists
  • The approval page required counted as page “ii” but not numbered

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

  • Numbered with Roman numeral “iii”

ABSTRACT

  • Number page; Roman numeral and placed at center of heading
  • Should be a concise review of the work containing a brief summary of the problem and results of the research.
  • A short statement concerning the area of research study
  • A brief discussion of methods and procedures used in gathering data
  • A condensed summary of the findings and conclusions reached in the study

CONTENT OF ABSTRACT

  • Proponents
  • Title
  • Key concepts
  • Degree
  • Adviser/s
  • Statement of the Purpose or Problem
  • Methodology [ Research Design and Procedure]
  • Summary of Findings
  • Recommendations

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgment
Abstract
Table of Contents
List of Tables, Charts, Figures, Plates
Chapters  [with Chapter I starts as page 1
Bibliography
Appendices – include Gantt Chart of Timetable

Curriculum Vitae

TYPE FONTS and PRINT QUALITY

1.    Recommended font – Times Roman, size 12

2.    Line Spacing – standard double space

3.    Margins – the left hand margin must be 1½ inches wide to allow for binding; all other margins must be 1 inch wide. Adherence to this margin will leave a 6×9 inch area on each sheet of the text or illustrative material including page numbers. The right margins should not be justified. The only exceptions to the margin requirements are:

a)    The first page of each chapter or major section of the manuscript, where typing begins 2” down from the top rather than 1” and tables and figures maybe smaller and centered but not larger than the 6×9 area.

b)    Tables and figures must be reduced to meet margin requirements

c)    It is not permissible to leave a single line of a paragraph or other subdivision at either the bottom or top of a page.

d)    The last word on a page cannot be hyphenated.

4.    Pagination

a)    Every page of the thesis must have a page number except the title page, approval page, abstract pages and CV.

b)    Small roman numerals (ii, iii,etc) are used for the preliminary pages: acknowledgement, table of contents and list of tables

c)    Arabic numbers are used for the remainder of the document including the text and reference material. No other numbering scheme is acceptable.

d)    All page numbers must be placed 1” from the top, even with the right margin

e)    On pages with a major heading such as APPENDIX or BIBLIOGRAPHY and those beginning a CHAPTER, the page is placed in the center bottom position – 1” up from bottom

f)    Numbers of preliminary pages are placed at the center bottom in small roman numerals.