8 Tips for ESL Students Who Are Writing Dissertation

Numerous ESL students undertake degrees throughout the world where they are required to write a thesis or dissertation in English. Most students often find it difficult to meet the demands of the kind of writing required of them at this particular level.It is essential for the students to learn ways to construct a clear thesis statement and develop their argument as effectively as possible.

Listed below are some tips which will help ESL students prepare for thesis and dissertation writing:

The thesis statement should be written early in the essay

Provide a thesis early in your essay –preferably in the introduction, in order to establish your position and give your reader a sense of direction. Do not use vague words. Avoid burying a great thesis statement in the middle of a paragraph or late in the paper. Clearly indicate the point of your paper.

The thesis statement should be clear and specific

The thesis statement should be as clear and specific as possible. Normally the student will continue to refine his thesis as he revises his arguments, so the thesis will evolve and gain definition as the student obtains a better sense of where his argument is taking him.

The thesis must include a comment about your position on the issue at hand

The thesis must reveal what stance you will take in relation to that topic, how you plan to examine and assess the subject or the issue. Instead of just stating a general fact or a simple statement, you must decide what it is you have to say. Do not merely announce the topic.

“In this paper, I will highlight the relationship between fables and my early childhood” (Not a thesis statement)

”Not merely as stories for kids, fables shed light on the psychology of young children”. (Thesis statement)

The thesis statement should be written in a complete sentence rather than a phrase

Avoid phrases: “My interest in western music”. (Not a thesis statement.)

”Western music enables critical thinking and deepens relaxation.”(Thesis statement)

Present an idea that needs to be developed or proved to your reader, rather than merely stating a general idea that is too indefinite

“There are several benefits and disadvantages of living in a city” (Not a thesis statement)

“As the socio-economic scenario has brought forth many problems these days, I strongly believe that the advantages of living in a city outweigh the drawbacks”. (A thesis statement)

Express a clear point of view rather than stating just a fact that everybody is already aware of

“Eating fruits is beneficial for our health” (Not a thesis statement)

“Although eating fruits can be beneficial for our health, studies highlight that overeating fruits can also result in serious implications to our health”. (Thesis Statement)

Express only a single idea on a single topic in your thesis statement

“Conversing with your friends during studies is important, and I have realized that studying in a cafeteria rather than a library is a better option”. (Not a thesis statement)

“This paper looks into the benefits of studying in a cafeteria based on my personal experience as well as published studies”. (Thesis statement)

Avoid quoting

Crafting an original, intuitive and catchy thesis makes a distinct impression on a reader. You will lose credibility as a writer if you become only an emulator; you will gain reliability by gaining the attention of the reader with your own ideas and words.