Attributes of a Good Thesis

Specially dedicated to :-
My beloved son, Aizat, who's currently preparing his thesis proposal; (Pic on your right)

My dearest students who are under my supervision :
PhD (Kenny Chong, Mahmood Olayly, Adli Juwaidah, Hadi al Kathairi and Wan Faridah)
Masters (Saras, Hashim, Rosli, Noryati, Sekam, Aman, Chuk Li, Tan, Din, Mapijan and Shikh Ayub)
Undergraduates (Sze Sze, Irene, Lee, Lynn, Putri and Pei Lin)

Me with my undergrad's supervisees : Sitting next to me; Irene, Standing (L-R): Lee and Sze Sze


What is a thesis?

A thesis statement 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.. It is something specific and highly focused, not a vague generalization. It is unified, not just a list of unrelated items.

What makes a good thesis?

1. Focus your search for information. Do a lot of background reading before you know enough about a subject to identify the key or essential questions. Decide on what topic you’ll be writing about. This is usually your own decision so think about what interests you the most.
2. Start your research immediately because delaying it may mean you miss the deadline. The final deadline for submission may be too far. You should leave plenty of time for re-writes and the correction of mistakes.
3. 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.
4. It is specific and focused.
5. It clearly asserts your own conclusion based on evidence.
6. It provides the reader with a map to guide him/her through your work.
7. It anticipates and refutes the counter-arguments
8. It avoids vague language (like "it seems").
9. It avoids the first person. ("I believe," "In my opinion")
10. It should pass the So what? or Who cares? test

What is a thesis text supposes to look like?

Your paper should be presented in the best way possible and should demonstrate your academic ability. Ensure your work is at the standard expected of a research paper and has excellent grammar, spelling, sources and that all credit is cited.

A good thesis will be that which shows how much the author understands about the subject matter. So, all the best, guys! Give your best shot! For Masters Project, your presentation is just round the corner (13 - 17 April, 2009). Submission Deadline : 30 March, 2009. Best Wishes and Good Luck to all of you!