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How do I Write an Informative Thesis?

Tameka McSpadden
Tameka McSpadden

To write an informative thesis requires a willingness to research and explain a predetermined topic. An informative thesis is a well-researched paper aiming at educating an audience, as opposed to arguing a point or persuading a reader to a particular opinion. To increase effectiveness, informative thesis papers should have a strong opening paragraph, a factually accurate body, a clear conclusion, and credible references.

Before beginning to write an informative thesis, a thesis statement — the focal point of the paper — should be written. The statement should briefly, but clearly, describe what topic the thesis paper will cover. The thesis statement may be altered once the paper is underway — it is not uncommon for the focus of the thesis to shift away from the initial statement during the research stage. Choosing a subject that you are interested in or have knowledge of can be a good way to increase the effectiveness of your paper.

A doctoral candidate may be required to defend his thesis before the completion of his program.
A doctoral candidate may be required to defend his thesis before the completion of his program.

After creating a thesis statement to work with, the next step is to write an outline. A good outline can help you get through the research stage of writing an informative thesis. The outline should include questions that will interest the thesis paper's target audience. Having an outline available during the research phase of writing can also help keep information organized, making it easier to write an informative thesis.

A good first paragraph of an informative thesis captures the attention of the reader and introduces them to the topic of the thesis paper. The body of the thesis should contain the information discovered during the research phase of the outline. A clearly-written thesis paper will answer most, if not all, of the readers’ questions in the body paragraphs.

The informative thesis should be closed with a concise final paragraph. The final paragraph should give the reader closure by briefly summarizing the most important points of the thesis. You don't want to write an informative thesis that introduces new information to a reader in the final paragraph.

Once written, the thesis should be proofread to verify the information is presented an in objective manner. When writing an informative thesis it is important to remember that the paper is meant to educate, not to defend or disprove the thesis statement. The final paper should present facts in a clear, detailed, manner.

A completed informative thesis paper should also include a page of references. An available list of references gives the reader a chance to further research the topic of the thesis. References also show the reader that the paper was written using information provided by verifiable sources. Having credible references can show the reader that the thesis was written based on fact and not opinion or speculation.

Discussion Comments

Rundocuri

That is a good point Heavanet. It is also important to focus on conducting thorough research when writing an informative thesis. Since the goal is to provide the readers with information that helps them learn about your subject, accurate research will help you achieve this. Looking at some thesis examples is also a good way to get some ideas before you start writing your paper.

Heavanet

I think that the best way to begin writing an informative thesis is to start with an outline of your subject. By writing a thesis outline first, you will be able to follow your ideas step by step as you do your research. The outline will also help you keep a nice flow of information as you write your thesis.

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    • A doctoral candidate may be required to defend his thesis before the completion of his program.
      By: Dmitry Goygel-Sokol
      A doctoral candidate may be required to defend his thesis before the completion of his program.