The term “thesis” is used in two different ways. In the first sense, a
thesis is a statement which can be supported or refuted by a variety of
arguments, and it is typically included at the beginning of a paper in the form
of a “thesis
statement” which prepares readers for the contents of the paper. A thesis
can also take the form of a formal written paper which is part of the
graduation requirements for advanced degrees. You may also hear this type of
thesis referred to as a dissertation.
In the first sense, a thesis is an important part of the structure of a
paper, and it can be opposed with an antithesis. Creating a strong thesis is a
very important skill in paper writing, because it is the first step in
formulating supportive arguments and material. By establishing a clear thesis,
an author can also keep a paper on track, as the thesis acts as a roadmap for
the paper.
In the second sense, a thesis is serious business. Most people who receive a
Master's or Doctorate degree have written a thesis, which is typically based in
original research in the field. A Doctoral thesis tends to be more demanding
and extensive than a Master's thesis, but both demand a high level of
professionalism and high quality research. In regions where one is expected to
get a Master's degree before pursuing a Doctorate, it is conventional to submit
a Master's thesis, although this requirement may sometimes be waived.
A typical thesis includes a title page, an abstract, the contents of the
paper, and the supporting bibliography and appendices. It is reviewed by a
thesis committee which varies in size, but typically includes at least one
person from an outside discipline. After reviewing the thesis, the committee
can accept it, reject it and demand revisions, or reject the student from
candidacy for an advanced degree altogether, although this is rare.
For people in creative disciplines, a thesis can take the form of a
performance, an art piece, or another piece of creative work, in which case it
is known as a creative thesis. Creative theses are judged by the same
challenging standards as more conventional theses, and a thesis committee may
require the creator to submit a brief paper along with the creative work. For
example, a playwright might submit a paper discussing the research and
techniques used to write the play as part of his or her thesis.
It should pass the So what? or Who cares? test (Would your most honest friend ask why he should care
or respond with "but everyone knows that"?) For instance,
"people should avoid driving under the influence of alcohol," would
be unlikely to evoke any opposition.
