Sample Thesis

Papers
Your thesis paper will follow the five (5) Chapter format mentioned below:
1. Statement of your hypothesis.
2. Review of your literature.
3. Methodology.
4. Analysis of the problems(s) or significant issues(s)
5. Summary of your findings and your
conclusions/recommendations.

involved.

Your final paper is comprised of two efforts: The Final Paper Proposal (Chapters 1 - 3) and
the Final Paper (Chapters 1 - 5)

CHAPTER 1:
An introduction, which includes a statement of the problem, an overview of the study along with its significance
[including its purpose and applications] and its importance. It states the argument and the scope of the study and
describes in detail what your thesis wishes to prove or demonstrate.
CHAPTER 2:
This chapter consists of a review of related literature, which might include past research and writings and their
impact on the study. Work of renowned or unknown authors, who have written on similar subjects, has been
researched with both the negative and positive perspectives.
CHAPTER 3:
The method and the research design are explained in this chapter whereas special tools, statistical procedures or
techniques used are described extensively. For historical methodologies and case study, a description of current
events associated with the review of related literature / information as discussed in Chapter 2 is provided.

1.
2.
3.
4.

Title Page
Contents
First three chapters (completed)
References or Bibliography

Remember - your first three chapters are not yet final. These chapters are open to revision while the final paper is
being completed.

Final
Paper:
Completion of your final paper finalizes the process begun with the proposal by writing the last two chapters.
CHAPTER 4:
The Data Analysis Section:
Analyze your findings; the factors that could limit your data, where possible omission / errors could occur and the
reliability of your data.
Required Heading: Data Analysis
Present an overview of your analysis
CHAPTER 5:
Summary, Discussion and Recommendations.
The results of your study are stated.
Also presents any significant findings directly while states conclusions drawn.
Remember, the required heading should be: Summary, Conclusions & Recommendations

1
2
3
4
5

Title Page
Table of Contents
Abstract
Chapters 1-5
References or bibliography

THE FIVE-PARAGRAPH
ESSAY

A classic format for compositions is the five-paragraph essay. It is

not the only format for writing an essay, of course, but it is a useful
model for you to keep in mind, especially as you begin to develop
your composition skills. The following material is adapted from a
handout prepared by Harry Livermore for his high school English
classes at Cook High School in Adel, Georgia. It is used here with
his permission.

Introduction:
Introductory Paragraph
See, first, Writing Introductory Paragraphs for different ways of getting your reader
involved in your essay. The introductory paragraph should also include the thesis
statement, a kind of mini-outline for the paper: it tells the reader what the essay is
about. The last sentence of this paragraph must also contain a transitional "hook"
which moves the reader to the first paragraph of the body of the paper.

Body:
Body First paragraph:
The first paragraph of the body should contain the strongest argument, most
significant example, cleverest illustration, or an obvious beginning point. The first
sentence of this paragraph should include the "reverse hook" which ties in with
the transitional hook at the end of the introductory paragraph. The topic for this
paragraph should be in the first or second sentence. This topic should relate to the
thesis statement in the introductory paragraph. The last sentence in this
paragraph should include a transitional hook to tie into the second paragraph of
the body.

Body Second paragraph:

The second paragraph of the body should contain the second strongest argument,
second most significant example, second cleverest illustration, or an obvious
follow up the first paragraph in the body. The first sentence of this paragraph
should include the reverse hook which ties in with the transitional hook at the end
of the first paragraph of the body. The topic for this paragraph should be in the
first or second sentence. This topic should relate to the thesis statement in the

introductory paragraph. The last sentence in this paragraph should include a

transitional hook to tie into the third paragraph of the body.

Body Third paragraph:

The third paragraph of the body should contain the weakest argument, weakest
example, weakest illustration, or an obvious follow up to the second paragraph in
the body. The first sentence of this paragraph should include the reverse hook
which ties in with the transitional hook at the end of the second paragraph. The
topic for this paragraph should be in the first or second sentence. This topic
should relate to the thesis statement in the introductory paragraph. The last
sentence in this paragraph should include a transitional concluding hook that
signals the reader that this is the final major point being made in this paper. This
hook also leads into the last, or concluding, paragraph.

Conclusion:
Concluding paragraph:
This paragraph should include the following:
1. anallusiontothepatternusedintheintroductoryparagraph,
2. arestatementofthethesisstatement,usingsomeoftheoriginallanguageor
languagethat"echoes"theoriginallanguage.(Therestatement,however,
mustnotbeaduplicatethesisstatement.)
3. asummaryofthethreemainpointsfromthebodyofthepaper.
4. afinalstatementthatgivesthereadersignalsthatthediscussionhascome
toanend.(Thisfinalstatementmaybea"calltoaction"inanpersuasive
paper.)