Writing a thesis

The practical piece of work – a guidebook, device, event, training module, sculpture, work community development project etc. – related to the thesis does constitute the entire thesis, even if it meets the highest standards and comes in extremely useful. Every thesis shall be reported. The report is the piece of work which shall be bound in covers and evaluated. Therefore, it is important that all the work you have done is documented in the report as well as possible – in the body of text or in the appendices. Your thesis will be evaluated on the basis of your documentation.

The written thesis report is public; it can be evaluated and discussed – and not only when it is evaluated by the supervisor. The client is usually interested in the application, the finished product; but the student shall always write a report in which he or she describes the process leading to the outcome. Reporting skills are essential in working life.

Two basic things about writing:
1)    Your text communicates to others.
2)    Writing elaborates your thoughts: as you formulate the matter, your thinking also takes it forward.

 A GOOD THESIS

–  topic and background are sufficiently explained: read, get acquainted with the topic
–  is preferably limited and profound rather than extensive and superficial; define the topic clearly!
–  is practical and connected with working life
–  demonstrates the author’s expertise and independent thinking 
–  is preferably original and open-minded even though the topic may be ordinary – the focus is on solving a problem, which can be done in a number of ways
–  progresses towards objectives according to a plan, is analytical and logical
–  is valid and useful
–  develops the author’s professional competence
–  demonstrates information retrieval skills and a critical approach to sources
–  is reflective, justifiably outspoken and well reported (Hakala 2004, 29-37).

A well-written thesis report 
– constitutes an entity: “there is nothing missing and nothing redundant” 
– progresses logically and systematically from one chapter to another and from one sentence to the next 
– is written in clear factual language 
– is polished
   – referencing is done carefully and systematically using a consistent style
   – grammar is flawless
   – the text is not teeming with careless.

Do not let these requirements become barriers to starting, doing and finishing. Even a good thesis does not need to be “perfect”. Take it easy, but do your job well. (Hakala 2004, 29-37.)

You are dealing with your own learning. Take your situation into consideration as well: in some life situations, it may advisable to apply slightly lower standards than in others.

An essential prerequisite of a good – and acceptable – thesis is that it is finished.

See also criteria for the evaluation of a Bachelor’s thesis and Master’s thesis.