Some final tips on writing thesis papers:
1 – Headings/Spacing – make the headings in your paper (title, works cited) the same font size and type, no extra space in between paragraphs, just indent. Don’t use headers in your paper, just type your name, the assignment, my name and the period in upper left hand corner:
Joe Student
Thesis Paper
Mrs. Bernardini
Period 1
2 – IntegratingQuotes – Lead into the quote using a transition method (things like “in the text in says…” “the text states…” “the author says…” then give credit using the author’s last name and page number using parentheses (Johnson 52) and finally explain how the quote proves or relates to your point using analysis (“this proves that…” “this statement shows…” “Clearly this shows…” “This statement is evidence that…”
Only quote what is essential to quote – is it a primary source or a person who is an authority on the subject? If not, then just paraphrase instead and make sure to cite!
Example: As Civil Rights activist W.E.B. DuBois poignantly stated, “The problem of the twentieth century is the problem of the color line” (Johnson 52). This “color line” becomes apparent in segregation policies of the period.
3 – Introduction/Conclusion – these are two of the most important parts of the paper, make sure you spend solid time on them – at least 5-9 sentences each! Make sure the introduction provides some background information and sets up your thesis. The conclusion should wrap up your argument, restate thesis in a different form and possibly comment on how it relates to today or some “lessons to learn.”
4 – Citations/Works Cited – Use Easybib.com to get the correct format for your works cited, remember: ABC order, double space, second line indented. In text citations should always be (author’s last name and pg #) if given OR (just author’s last name) if no page OR (“title of article”) if no author – you do not need both author’s name and article title - not both.
5 – Thesis Papers– A thesis driven research paper is one that is making an argument, presenting evidence, defending a position…make sure you are doing more than just reporting on an event, you are also analyzing, evaluating and making conclusions about what has happened in history. Think of it as your chance to decide for yourself how to interpret the past and get a taste of what historians (and you) can do!
6 – Vary sentence structure/word choice – use a variety of TRANSITIONAL WORDS to your essay:
Suggestions for introduction:
Most importantTo begin with
To start withFirst of all
Suggestions for body paragraphs:
Most important LastlyLikewise
To start withEqually importantIn addition
FurthermoreTo begin withOn the other hand
AlsoAnother reasonOf course
Suggestions for conclusion:
In conclusionAll in all
Because of all theseThere are other reasons
In summaryTo summarize
Many other factors played a roleTherefore
Final Paper Checklist :
□ Is my name, thesis paper, Mrs. Bernardini, and Period___ typed on the top left of the first page?
□Does my introduction start with a quote or an interesting point to “hook the reader”?
□Does my introduction give necessary background information needed to understand the paper?
□Is my thesis statement clearly stated in the last sentence of my introduction?
□Is my thesis statement a clear argument with three prongs? (Could someone disagree?)
□Do each one of my topic sentences set up the main idea of each paragraph?
□Do each one of my paragraphs end with a conclusive last sentence that sums up the paragraph and presents NO NEW information related to my thesis?
□Do I use a variety of transitional phrases? (See list for ideas )
□Do I reference at least one primary source and one quote in the body of my paper?
□Does my conclusion clearly wrap up the main ideas of my paper?
□Doesmy conclusion restate my thesis but in a different way?
□Does my conclusion highlight a “lesson to learn” or show how this topic relates to today?
□Did I use the correct format for my parenthetical citations?
□Do I have citations for all quoted information, paraphrasedinfo that heavily relied upon the source, and statistics/numerical data?
□Do I cite each source in my works cited at least once?
□Do I have at least one citation in each body paragraph?
□Is the format for my works cited correct? (ABC order, double space, second line indented)
□Do I have website evaluations for each website from the open web? (Excludes databases)
□Do I have the correct number of resources? (see guidelines)
□Is the format for my note cards correct? (Ex: Part II…P/Q…Source A…Page #)
□Is my paper double spaced, Times New Roman, size 12 font, no extra space between paragraphs?
□Have I read my paper OUTLOUD to catch awkward wording?
□Has my paper been proofread a second time by an adult or older brother/sister?
□Have I stapled/clipped together my paper in this order : Good copy, works cited, website evaluations, and rough copy?
□Have you bound your note cards in some way to turn in and put my name on them? (Rubber band, plastic bag)
□CELEBRATE! You are finally done your research paper!