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A thesis or a
dissertation declares what you believe and what you intend to
prove. A good thesis statement makes the difference between a
thoughtful research project and a simple retelling of facts. A
good tentative thesis will help you focus your search for
information. But don't rush! You must do a lot of background
reading before you know enough about a subject to identify key or
essential questions. because in case if you do not know the
subject well then you will not be able to do any type of research
in it. You may not know how you stand on an issue until you have
examined the evidence. You will likely begin your research work
with a working, preliminary or tentative thesis which you will
continue to refine until you are certain of where the evidence
leads.
The thesis statement is typically located at the end of your
opening paragraph. (The opening paragraph serves to set the
context for the thesis.)
Remember, your reader will be looking for your thesis. Make it
clear, strong, and easy to find. Here are few attributes your
thesis or dissertation must have.
Attributes of a good thesis:
It should be contestable, proposing an arguable point with
which people could reasonably disagree. A strong thesis is
provocative; it takes a stand and justifies the discussion you
will present. If you do not make your thesis arguable then it will
not lead to another thesis which is expected. A thesis should be
leading to another one.
It tackles a subject that could be adequately covered in the
format of the project assigned.
It is specific and focused. A strong thesis proves a point without
discussing anything beyond that subject.
It clearly asserts your own conclusion based on evidence.
It provides the reader with a map to guide him/her through your
work. The reader must know how did you work and collect the data
using which methods.
It anticipates and refutes the counter-arguments
It avoids vague language (like "it seems").
It avoids the first person. ("I believe," "In my opinion")
It should pass the following tests.
How do you know if you've got a solid tentative thesis? Try
these tests:
Does the thesis inspire a reasonable reader to ask, "How?" or
Why?"
Would a reasonable reader NOT respond with "Duh!" or "So what?" or
"Gee, no kidding!" or "Who cares?"
Does the thesis avoid general phrasing and/or sweeping words such
as "all" or "none" or "every"?
Does the thesis lead the reader toward the topic sentences (the
subtopics needed to prove the thesis)?
Can the thesis be adequately developed in the required length of
the paper or project?
If you cannot answer "YES" to these questions, Then you need to
make some changes in your Thesis.
Hope it helps!
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