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Thesis / dissertation formatting manual (2024).

  • Filing Fees and Student Status
  • Submission Process Overview
  • Electronic Thesis Submission
  • Paper Thesis Submission
  • Formatting Overview
  • Fonts/Typeface
  • Pagination, Margins, Spacing
  • Paper Thesis Formatting
  • Preliminary Pages Overview
  • Copyright Page
  • Dedication Page

Table of Contents

  • List of Figures (etc.)
  • Acknowledgments
  • Text and References Overview
  • Figures and Illustrations
  • Using Your Own Previously Published Materials
  • Using Copyrighted Materials by Another Author
  • Open Access and Embargoes
  • Copyright and Creative Commons
  • Ordering Print (Bound) Copies
  • Tutorials and Assistance
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The Table of Contents should follow these guidelines:

  • ​All sections of the manuscript are listed in the Table of Contents except the Title Page, the Copyright Page, the Dedication Page, and the Table of Contents.
  • You may list subsections within chapters
  • Creative works are not exempt from the requirement to include a Table of Contents

Table of Contents example

Here is an example of a Table of Contents page from the templates . Please note that your table of contents may be longer than one page.

Screenshot of dissertation table of contents page formatting.

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Research Method

Home » APA Table of Contents – Format and Example

APA Table of Contents – Format and Example

Table of Contents

APA Table of Contents

APA Table of Contents

The APA (American Psychological Association) Table of Contents is a structured outline that provides an overview of the content of a research paper or manuscript. It is typically included in the front matter of the document and lists the major sections and subsections of the paper, along with their page numbers. The Table of Contents is an important organizational tool that helps readers navigate the document and locate specific information quickly and easily.

How to Make APA Table of Contents

Here are the steps you can follow:

  • Create a new page for the table of contents. The page number should be the Roman numeral “i”.
  • Center the title “Table of Contents” at the top of the page.
  • List all the headings and subheadings in your paper in order. Be sure to include all major sections and subsections.
  • Align the page numbers to the right margin of the page.
  • Use dot leaders to connect the headings to their respective page numbers. Dot leaders are a row of dots that help guide the reader’s eye from the heading to the page number.

I. Introduction ……………………………………………………… i

II. Literature Review ……………………………………………….. 1

A. Subheading ………………………………………………………… 2

B. Subheading ………………………………………………………… 3

III. Methodology ………………………………………………………….. 4

A. Participants ………………………………………………………… 5

B. Procedure …………………………………………………………… 6

IV. Results ……………………………………………………………………. 8

V. Discussion ……………………………………………………………… 10

VI. Conclusion …………………………………………………………….. 12

How to Make APA Table of Contents in MS Words

To create an APA table of contents in Microsoft Word, follow these steps:

  • Start by typing out your document in Microsoft Word.
  • Once you have finished typing your document, place your cursor at the beginning of your document.
  • Click on the “References” tab in the top menu bar.
  • Click on the “Table of Contents” option on the left-hand side of the menu bar.
  • Choose one of the APA table of contents styles from the drop-down menu that appears. There are two options for an APA table of contents: “APA 6th Edition” and “APA 7th Edition.”
  • Once you have chosen your preferred APA table of contents style, click on it to insert it into your document.
  • Now you need to format your headings to be included in the table of contents. Select the heading you want to include in your table of contents.
  • Click on the “Styles” option in the top menu bar.
  • Choose the appropriate heading style from the drop-down menu that appears. You can choose from “Heading 1,” “Heading 2,” “Heading 3,” etc.
  • Repeat the previous two steps for each heading you want to include in the table of contents.
  • Once you have formatted all the headings, go back to the “References” tab in the top menu bar.
  • Select the “Update Table” option from the drop-down menu that appears.
  • Choose whether you want to update the page numbers only or the entire table of contents.
  • Click “OK” to update your table of contents.

Your APA table of contents is now complete!

APA Table of Contents Format

Here’s the general format for creating a table of contents in APA style:

  • Start a new page after the title page and abstract.
  • Type “Table of Contents” at the top of the page, centered.
  • List all the major sections of your paper, including the introduction, body, and conclusion.
  • Indent each level of subheading, using either the tab key or your word processor’s formatting tools.
  • Use the same font and size for the table of contents as you did for the rest of the paper.
  • Align page numbers on the right side of the page, directly after each section and sub-section.
  • Include any appendices and references in the table of contents, if applicable.

Here is an example of an APA-formatted table of contents:

Table of Contents Format

Introduction ………………………………………. 1

Literature Review ………………………………… 2

Methods ………………………………………….. 6

Participants ……………………………………. 6

Procedure ……………………………………….. 8

Results ………………………………………….. 10

Discussion ………………………………………. 15

Appendices ………………………………………. 20

References ………………………………………. 21

APA Table of Contents Example

Here is an example of an APA-style table of contents:

I. Introduction ……………………………………………………………………. 1

II. Literature Review …………………………………………………………….. 3

A. Background………………………………………………………………… 3

B. Theoretical Framework ………………………………………………… 5

C. Empirical Studies………………………………………………………… 7

III. Methodology …………………………………………………………………. 10

A. Research Design ………………………………………………………… 10

B. Participants ……………………………………………………………….. 11

C. Materials ………………………………………………………………….. 12 ‘

D. Procedure …………………………………………………………………. 14

IV. Results …………………………………………………………………………. 16

V. Discussion ……………………………………………………………………… 19

A. Summary of Findings …………………………………………………. 19

B. Implications ………………………………………………………………. 21

C. Limitations and Future Directions ………………………………… 23

VI. Conclusion ……………………………………………………………………. 25

VII. References …………………………………………………………………… 27

VIII. Appendices ………………………………………………………………….. 31

When to use APA Table of Contents

You should use an APA TOC when:

  • You are writing a research paper or a thesis that is more than 5 pages in length.
  • Your document has multiple headings and subheadings that require organization and clarification for the reader.
  • You want to make it easy for readers to find specific sections or information within your document.
  • You want to comply with the APA style guidelines for formatting and referencing.
  • Your document contains complex information that requires a clear structure to make it more comprehensible for the reader.

Advantages of APA Table of Contents

The American Psychological Association (APA) style table of contents has several advantages, including:

  • Easy navigation: A well-organized table of contents makes it easy for readers to find the information they need quickly and easily. This is especially important in longer documents such as academic papers, theses, and dissertations.
  • Standardized formatting: The APA style table of contents follows a standardized formatting style that is familiar to many academic readers. This makes it easier for readers to understand the structure and organization of the document.
  • Consistency : By using the APA style table of contents, authors can ensure that the document is consistent and follows a clear organizational structure. This can help readers to better understand the content and stay focused on the main points.
  • Professional appearance : A well-formatted APA style table of contents can enhance the professional appearance of the document. This is particularly important in academic and research settings where a professional appearance can increase the credibility of the work.
  • Compliance with academic standards : Many academic institutions require the use of the APA style for academic papers, theses, and dissertations. By using the APA style table of contents, authors can ensure that their work complies with these academic standards.

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How to Create the Best Table of Contents for a Dissertation

Published by Owen Ingram at August 12th, 2021 , Revised On September 20, 2023

“A table of contents is an essential part of any article, book, proceedings, essay , and paper with plenty of information. It requires providing the reader’s guidance about the position of the content.”

When preparing a  dissertation , you may cram as much information into it as appropriate. The dissertation may be an extremely well-written one with a lot of valuable information to offer. Still, all that information could become perplexing if the reader cannot easily find the information.

The length of dissertations usually varies from a few pages to a few hundred pages, making it very difficult to find information that you may be after.

Instead of skimming through every page of the dissertation, there is a need for a guideline that directs the reader to the correct section of the dissertation and, more importantly, the correct page in the section.

Also read:   The List of Figures and Tables in the Dissertation .

What is the Table of Contents in the Dissertation?

The table of contents is the section of a dissertation that guides each section of the dissertation paper’s contents.

Depending on the detail level in a table of contents, the most useful headings are listed to provide the reader concerning which page the said information may be found.

The table of contents is essentially a list found at the beginning of a  dissertation , which contains names of the chapters, section titles and/or very brief descriptions, and page numbers indicated for each.

This allows the reader to look at the table of contents to locate the information needed from the dissertation. Having an effective table of contents is key to providing a seamless reading experience to the reader.

Here in this article, we will uncover every piece of information you need to know to write the dissertation’s abstract.

This article helps the readers on how to create the best table of contents for the dissertation. An important thing to note is that this guide discusses creating a table of contents in Microsoft Word.

Looking for dissertation help?

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We have expert writers on our team who are skilled at helping students with dissertations across a variety of disciplines. Guaranteeing 100% satisfaction!

quantitative dissertation

Styles for Dissertation Table of Contents

Making an effective table of contents starts with identifying headings and designating styles to those headings.

Using heading styles to format your headings can save a lot of time by automatically converting their formatting to the defined style and serves as a tool to identify the heading and its level, used later when creating a thesis table of contents .

Each heading style already has predefined sizes, fonts, colours, spacing, etc. but can be changed as per the user’s requirements. This also helps once all headings have been created and you intend to change the style of a certain type of heading.

All that is needed to change the style of a type of heading is automatically reflected on all headings that use the style.

Below is how the styles menu looks like;

Style-menus

To allocate a style to a heading, first select a heading and then click on one of the styles in the ‘Styles’ menu. Doing so converts the selected heading to the style that is selected in the Styles menu.

You can style a similar heading level in the same style by selecting each heading and then clicking on the style in the Style menu.

It is important to note that it greatly helps and saves time if you allocate styles systematically, i.e., you allocate the style as you write.

The styles are not limited to headings only but can be used for paragraphs and by selecting the whole paragraph and applying a style to it.

Changing Appearance of Pre-Defined Styles

To change the appearance of a style to one that suits you,

  • You would need to right-click on one of the styles to open a drop-down menu.

Changing-Apperance-of-Predefined-Styles

  • Select ‘Modify’ from the menu. This would display a window with various formatting and appearance options. You can select the most appropriate ones and click ‘OK.’ The change that you made to the style reflects on all headings or paragraphs that use this style.

Changing-Apperance-of-Predefined-Styles

Further changes can be made to headings, but using styles is an important step for creating the table of contents for the thesis. Once this step is completed, you can continue to create a thesis table of contents.

Also Read:  What is Appendix in Dissertation?

Things to Consider when Making APA Style Table of Contents

  • The pages before the body of the dissertation, known as the ‘Prefatory Pages,’ should not have page numbers on them but should be numbered in the Roman Numerals instead as (i, ii, iii…).
  • Table of Contents and the Abstract pages are not to contain any numbers.
  • The remaining pages would carry the standard page numbers (1,2,3…).
  • The section titles and page numbers in the dissertation table of contents should have dotted lines between them.
  • All the Prefatory pages, Sections, Chapter Titles, Headings, Sub Headings, Reference Sections, and Appendices should be listed in the contents’ thesis table. If there are a limited number of Tables or Figures, they may be listed in the dissertation’s table contents.
  • If there are many figures, tables, symbols, or abbreviations, a List of Tables, List of Figures , List of Symbols, and List of Abbreviations should be made for easy navigation. These lists, however, should not be listed in the thesis table of contents.
  • The thesis/dissertation must be divided into sections even if it is not divided into chapters, with all sections being listed in the table of contents for the thesis.

Generating Dissertation Table of Contents

First, to generate the Table of Contents, start by entering a blank page after the pages you need the table of contents to follow.

  • To do so, click on the bottom of the page you want before the Table of Contents.
  • Open the ‘Insert’ tab and select ‘Page Break’.
  • This will create a page between the top and bottom sections of the Table of Contents area.

Generating-Table-of-Contents-for-Your-Dissertation

By the time you reach this section, you would have given each heading or sub-heading a dedicated style, distinguishing between different types of headings. Microsoft Word can automatically generate a Table of Contents, but the document, particularly the headings, needs to be formatted according to styles for this feature to work. You can assign different headings levels, different styles for Microsoft Word to recognize the level of heading.

How to Insert Table of Contents

  • Place the cursor where you want to place the Table of Contents on the page you added earlier.
  • On the ‘References’ tab, open the Table of Contents group. This would open a list of different Table of Contents designs and a  table of contents sample.

Inserting-Table-of-Contents

  • You can select an option from the available Table of Contents or make a Custom Table of Contents. Although the available Table of Contents samples is appropriate, you may use a custom table of contents if it is more suitable to your needs. This allows you to modify different formatting options for the Table of Contents to satisfy your own

Inserting-Table-of-Contents-1

Updating the Table of Contents

As you proceed with editing your dissertation, the changes cause the page numbers and headings to vary. Often, people fail to incorporate those changes into the Table of Contents, which then effectively serves as an incorrect table and causes confusion.

It is thus important to update the changes into the table of contents as the final step once you have made all the necessary changes in the dissertation and are ready to print it.

These changes may alter the length of the  thesis table of contents , which may also cause the dissertation’s formatting to be altered a little, so it is best to reformat it after updating the table of contents.

To update the table of contents,

  • Select ‘Update Table’ in the References tab.
  • This would open a dialogue box. Select ‘Update Entire Table’ to ensure that all changes are reflected in the contents table and not just the page numbers. This would display all changes and additions you have made to the document (Anon., 2017).

Using this guide, you should understand how to create the best table of contents for the dissertation. The use of a Table of Contents, while being important for most written work, is even more critical for dissertations, especially when the proper methodology of creating the table of contents is followed.

This includes the guidelines that must be considered to correctly format the table of contents so that it may be shaped so that it follows the norms and is effective at helping the reader navigate through the content of the dissertation.

The use of Microsoft Word’s Table of Contents generation feature has greatly helped people worldwide create, edit, and update the table of contents of their dissertations with ease.

Here in this article, we will uncover every piece of information you need to know  how to write the dissertation’s abstract .

Are you in need of help with dissertation writing? At ResearchProspect, we have hundreds of Master’s and PhD qualified writers for all academic subjects, so you can get help with any aspect of your dissertation project. You can place your order for a proposal ,  full dissertation paper , or  individual chapters .

Is it essential to add a table of content to the dissertation?

Yes, it is important to add a table of content in a dissertation .

How to make an effective table of contents for the dissertation?

Using heading styles to format your headings can save a lot of time by automatically converting their formatting to the defined style and serves as a tool to identify the heading and its level, used later when creating a thesis table of contents.

How do I update the table of contents?

You may also like.

The list of figures and tables in dissertation help the readers find tables and figures of their interest without looking through the whole dissertation.

A literature review is a survey of theses, articles, books and other academic sources. Here are guidelines on how to write dissertation literature review.

Not sure how to write the findings of a dissertation. Here are some comprehensive guidelines for you to learn to write a flawless findings chapter.

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  • TUM School of Engineering and Design
  • Technical University of Munich

Technical University of Munich

Typical Structure of a Bachelor's or Master's Thesis

Most thesis are structured as shown below. Each part may be split into several chapter. For example, the part introduction may have two separate chapters for a the general introduction to the topic and the research question. But the parts commonly appear in the following order:

  • Acknowledgement (Optional)

Table of Contents

1. introduction, 2. literature review, 3. data collection, 4. analysis, 5. conclusions, list of references, statement of independent work.

  • Appendix (Optional)

TUM provides a template for theses that is recommended to use. You can download this template in Word or LaTeX format (login with your TUM account required to access).

There is no mandatory length of a thesis. Most well-written master's theses have between 50 and 80 pages, Bachelor's theses typically have between 40 and 60 pages. However, depending on your topic and your writing style, more or fewer pages may be appropriate. Be aware that your thesis will only be evaluated based on the written document and the defense. If you did some nice work (that you might have shown to your adviser at some point) and forget to add it to your written document, it cannot be evaluated.

table of contents bachelor thesis example

The title page should include the following information:

  • Technical University of Munich Logo
  • Title of the thesis
  • Subtitle of the thesis (optional)
  • Full author name
  • Name of advisers

It is also nice (but optional) to add a pretty graphic from your research to the title page.

Acknowledgement

In this part, you acknowledge any support you may have gotten while preparing your thesis. For example, if an agency provided you with data, you definitely should thank them here. It is also not uncommon to offer personal thank to friends and/or family who supported the thesis. You may also mention your adviser if (s)he was helpful, but that is optional of course.

If you received a scholarship that supported you during the time you wrote your thesis, you definitely should acknowledge that support here as well.

The summary is a key part of your thesis and part of what is evaluated by your thesis committee. Make sure to reserve sufficient time at the very end to write a very good summary. The summary should be about one page long and include your research question, describe the data you used, briefly describe the methodology applied and (very important) also summarize the results you found.

The table of contents lists all chapters and subchapters of your thesis and provides the page number where each chapter starts. Word and LaTeX offer automated functions to create a table of contents if you defined headers properly. Make sure to update the table of contents before you print to ensure that all page numbers are correct.

Following the table of contents, you also need to provide a list of figures and a list of tables. Likewise, these lists also provide the page number where the figures and tables can be found. Again, word and LaTeX provide automated functions for creating such lists.

The introduction shall provide the reader with an entryway to your topic. Commonly, the introduction is not too technical and provides the reader with a very general introduction why the topic of the thesis is relevant. Empirical examples are particular popular in introductions (make sure to provide citations), such as:

Thesis Topic: Managing Freight Flows to Reduce Highway Maintenance Costs

The first sentence of introduction could be: Freight flows largely define the costs for maintaining infrastructure, as the rear axles of a typical 13 ton van cause 1,000-times the structural damage of a car (Small, Winston, and Evans 1989: 11).

The introduction should also provide at least one research question that you try to answer. Last but not least, the introduction should also introduce the structure of the thesis (i.e., which chapters the reader should expect) in one paragraph.

The literature review is a core element of your thesis and shows that you are capable of working scientifically. As you explain what other researchers have found on your topic, the reader will realize that you know this topic extremely well. This will build trust that you can provide a piece of work yourself that is scientifically relevant.

Equally important, you will need to identify a gap in the literature that you intent to fill. This is how you justify your thesis, and it helps the reader to assess the importance of your work. This gap may be methodological ("I will develop a new method that is able to answer my research question, which previously applied methods cannot as well."), use new data ("Other researchers used database X, but I will use data retrieved by Y."), or a new application ("This method has never been applied to the city of Munich.").

Describe in detail which data you use and how you collect these data. This may include qualitative data ("I analyze these in-depth travel behavior surveys."), or statistics you use, or data you collect yourself. The description should be as detailed that a very good fellow student in your field would be able to more or less reproduce your work.

If you conduct a case study, the study area needs to be introduced here.

Obviously, here you describe in great detail the actual analysis you conducted. The level of detail should be sufficient to allow a very smart fellow student in your field to reproduce more or less your research.

The most important at the beginning: The chapter Conclusions does not contain a summary of your thesis! The summary is provided in the abstract of the beginning of your thesis, but not here.

Instead, the conclusions shall do what the title suggests: Synthesize your findings and conclude what we learn from that. It will be useful to refer to your research question(s) and discuss if those were confirmed or rejected by your research. You may also refer back to you literature review and compare your findings with the findings that others have published.

This is also a good place to talk about limitations of your research. By clearly stating what your research is not able to do well, your thesis becomes stronger. If you show that you understand what your methodology misses, you show the reader that you understand very well what you research has accomplished, and what may need further research.

Which brings us to another topic you should touch on in your conclusions: What are future research needs? If a fellow student of you wanted to build on your research, what would be the next logical step that (s)he should try to address?

Last but not least, you may also assess if your findings have practical implications. Examples: Should waste water engineers use an additional test to assess water quality? Should transportation planners use different data to assess the level of service?

Here you list all references that were cited in your work, and only those references. References you read but did not cite do not appear here. After all, they were not relevant enough for this thesis to be cited, so they do not belong in your list of references.

If you use a reference management system (highly recommended), the list of references is created automatically. LaTeX also nicely integrated with Bibtex to automatically create a list of references. TUM offers Citavi and Endnote for free to students (access here , log in required), and there are a number of other systems that also may work well for you (see this list on wikipedia).

Finally, you need to provide a statement that reads as follows:

In German: Ich versichere hiermit, dass ich die von mir eingereichte Abschlussarbeit selbstständig verfasst und keine anderen als die angegebenen Quellen und Hilfsmittel benutzt habe.

Or in English: I hereby confirm that this thesis was written independently by myself without the use of any sources beyond those cited, and all passages and ideas taken from other sources are cited accordingly.

Appendix (or Appendices)

You may provide additional information in appendices. Some researchers are of the opinion that if something is important it should go into the main body of the thesis; and if it doesn't deserve being in the main body of the thesis, it should not be provided at all. Others say that is may be useful to provide extensive tables, mathematical proofs or series of graphics in the appendix if they are not required to understand the main text but useful for the interested reader.

It is very uncommon to provide a single graphic or a single table in the appendix. Those usually work better in the main body of the text. Commonly, only material that covers several pages would go into the appendix, it it distracts the reader if all those materials were shown in the main body of the thesis.

Extensive appendices may be left out in the printed version and only be provided on a CD or a thumb drive. Note, however, that some advisers refuse to open any files stored on a CD or a thumb drive while evaluating your thesis. As a rule of thumb, your thesis needs to be understandable without reading any appendices.

table of contents bachelor thesis example

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  • Academic essay overview
  • The writing process
  • Structuring academic essays
  • Types of academic essays
  • Academic writing overview
  • Sentence structure
  • Academic writing process
  • Improving your academic writing
  • Stylistic devices
  • Titles and headings
  • APA style overview
  • APA citation & referencing
  • APA structure & sections
  • Citation & referencing
  • Structure and sections
  • APA examples overview
  • Commonly used citations
  • Other examples
  • British English vs. American English
  • Chicago style overview
  • Chicago citation & referencing
  • Chicago structure & sections
  • Chicago style examples
  • Citing sources overview
  • Citation format
  • Citation examples
  • College essay overview
  • Application
  • How to write a college essay
  • Types of college essays
  • Commonly confused words
  • Definitions
  • Dissertation overview
  • Dissertation structure & sections
  • Dissertation writing process
  • Graduate school overview
  • Application & admission
  • Study abroad
  • Master degree
  • Harvard referencing overview
  • Language rules overview
  • Grammatical rules & structures
  • Parts of speech
  • Punctuation
  • Methodology overview
  • Analyzing data
  • Experiments
  • Observations
  • Inductive vs. Deductive
  • Qualitative vs. Quantitative
  • Types of validity
  • Types of reliability
  • Sampling methods
  • Theories & Concepts
  • Types of research studies
  • Types of variables
  • MLA style overview
  • MLA examples
  • MLA citation & referencing
  • MLA structure & sections
  • Plagiarism overview
  • Plagiarism checker
  • Types of plagiarism
  • Printing production overview
  • Research bias overview
  • Types of research bias
  • Example sections
  • Types of research papers
  • Research process overview
  • Problem statement
  • Research proposal
  • Research topic
  • Statistics overview
  • Levels of measurment
  • Frequency distribution
  • Measures of central tendency
  • Measures of variability
  • Hypothesis testing
  • Parameters & test statistics
  • Types of distributions
  • Correlation
  • Effect size
  • Hypothesis testing assumptions
  • Types of ANOVAs
  • Types of chi-square
  • Statistical data
  • Statistical models
  • Spelling mistakes
  • Tips overview
  • Academic writing tips
  • Dissertation tips
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  • Working with sources overview
  • Evaluating sources
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APA 6th Edition Table Of Contents – Format, Explanation & Example

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APA-6th-Edition-Table-of-Contents-01

When you’re working on a research paper, organizing your work can make everything a lot easier. That’s where an APA 6th edition table of contents is helpful. If you’re using APA style , especially the APA 6th edition , there are specific rules about how to set up your table of contents. This helps everyone understand how your paper is organized. In academic writing , following a certain style can make your work look professional and easy to follow.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

  • 1 In a nutshell: APA 6th edition table of contents
  • 2 Definition: APA 6th edition table of contents
  • 3 APA 6th edition table of contents: Format
  • 4 Sections of APA 6th edition table of contents
  • 5 Exemplary table of contents

In a nutshell: APA 6th edition table of contents

  • Place the table of contents between the abstract and introduction
  • Title: “Table of Contents”, bold and centered
  • Use consistent font, double-space, list headings, subheadings, and page numbers
  • Organize the primary headings and corresponding subheadings in a manner that ensures logical coherence and promotes ease of understanding in an academic context.

Definition: APA 6th edition table of contents

A table of contents is an organized list of a paper’s headings and subheadings, placed between the abstract and introduction, which includes corresponding page numbers and follows consistent formatting and spacing rules.

APA 6th   edition table of contents: Format

  • The table of contents should be situated between the abstract and the introduction of your paper.
  • Format the heading on the page as “Table of Contents” using boldface and center alignment.
  • Employ a legible font consistently throughout your document.
  • Ensure the table of contents is double-spaced.
  • Enumerate all headings and subheadings, accompanied by their respective page numbers.
  • Adhere to a consistent formatting style for all headings and subheadings.
  • Lastly, align the page numbers to the right margin of the document.

Sections of APA 6th edition table of contents

Structuring the table of contents and the entire paper enhances readability. Employing headings and subheadings is crucial for facilitating quick location of desired information. It is imperative to ensure that both headings and subheadings are effectively utilized in the main body of the paper. In the subsequent sections, primary headings will be briefly defined.

Introduction

This section introduces the research topic, provides background information, discusses the purpose and

Literature review

This section provides an overview of previous research related to the topic, discusses relevant theories and models, identifies gaps in the literature, and summarizes the literature review.

Methodology

This section describes the research design, including the participants, measures and instruments used, procedures followed, and data analysis methods.

This section presents the findings of the study, including descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and results of hypothesis testing.

This section provides an interpretation of the results, discusses the implications and contributions of the study to the field, identifies limitations of the study, and suggests future research directions.

This section summarizes the study, provides implications for practice, and offers final thoughts.

This section lists all sources cited in the paper, following APA citation guidelines.

Includes supplementary materials related to the study, such as consent forms, survey instruments, or interview transcripts.

Exemplary table of contents

Is a table of contents required for apa 6th edition papers.

A table of contents is not typically required for shorter papers, but it can be helpful for organizing longer research papers , theses, or dissertations .

How do I format the table of contents in APA 6th edition?

It is important to use a consistent font, double-space the entire table, and format headings consistently with page numbers. Page numbers should be aligned to the right margin, and headings and subheadings should be listed with appropriate formatting (e.g., bold for main headings, italics for subheadings).

Do I need to include a table of contents for my paper if it's not required?

In this discussion, we’ll go over how to create a table of contents that fits with APA style and the APA 6th edition guidelines. We’ll look at what should be included, how to format it, and why it’s important. This will help make your academic writing project clearer and more organized.

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The Graduate College at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Table of contents.

Refer to the Basic Table of Contents Sample as you read through the following section.

  • A Table of Contents is required for all theses and dissertations.
  • All chapter titles and titles of chapter equivalents (e.g., List of Symbols, Bibliography, Appendix A, etc.) must be listed in the Table of Contents.
  • Do not include the Abstract or any other sections that are placed before the Table of Contents in the list of entries in the Table of Contents.
  • Headings from within chapters are not required to be listed in the Table of Contents by the Graduate College. (The Thesis Office strongly encourages students to keep the Table of Contents as simple as possible. The purpose of the Table of Contents is to be a quick, useful reference for the reader, not to outline the argument of the thesis in detail. If you choose to include additional headings in your Table of Contents, please refer to the Extended Table of Contents Sample .)
  • Chapter and Appendix titles (and any headings, if included) listed in the Table of Contents must exactly match the wording found in the text (abbreviations or references that appear in the text as parenthetical additions may be omitted from the Table of Contents).
  • If headings are numbered, heading numbers listed in the Table of Contents must exactly match the heading numbers found in the text.
  • Page numbers listed for headings must be correct.
  • List only the page number of the first page of the chapter or section. (Do not list a range of page numbers.)
  • Page numbers must be aligned at or near the right margin of the page.
  • Leader dots must be displayed between the final word of each title and the page number.
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Table of Contents for a Dissertation or Thesis with Examples

Published by Ellie Cross at February 16th, 2023 , Revised On February 1, 2024

An organised list of the chapters, sections, and subsections that help the reader navigate through your dissertation or thesis is called the table of content .  For the reader to jump to any part or section of their interest, the structure and the sections should clearly be labelled with the correct page numbers. 

All of the main headings, subheadings, and figures have to be added to the table of content to ensure complete correctness. A good table of contents should be easy to read, properly formatted, and finalised. While it can be created manually, Microsoft Word, however, also has an automatic formatting feature.

While doing the final touchups to your dissertation , the table of contents is one of the most important components to add to it. It aids the reader in navigating (much like a map) through your thesis and key points. 

What to add and what to avoid adding to a table of contents are going to be discussed in this article to assist you in mapping your dissertation properly.

What Should be included in the Table of Content?

The length of your document should be the determining factor before choosing a single-level, subdivided, or multi-level table of contents.

Single-level TOC

If you have decided to go for a single-level table of content, only include “level 1” headers, such as chapters.

Example of a Single-level Table of Content

Single level TOC

Subdivided TOC

To properly inform the reader of what each chapter of your dissertation or thesis will be covering, a subdivided table of content should list chapters and level-2 headings as well.

Example of a Subdivided Table of Content

A multi-level table of contents further subdivides divisions into “level 3” headings. With this choice, be cautious since things might rapidly get out of hand. The maximum length of the table of contents should not be more than two pages. 

Sub Divided TOC

Multiple-level Table of Content

Example of a multiple-level table of content.

Less is frequently more in these introductory sections. Narrow it down to only the most crucial sections as you choose which ones to include.

Multi Level TOC

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Adding Tables and Appendices

List all the appendices in your table of contents, while the tables and figures should only be added if you have added plenty of them in your dissertation or thesis.

  • If you have added more than 3-5 figures and tables to your dissertation, list them on a separate page.
  • It is okay to separately list the tables and appendices in the thesis and dissertations, but they should not be listed separately in research publications.

What Should not be included in the Table of Content?

Add all level 1 and level 2 headings in your table of content, with level 3 headings being used where necessary.

Do not add the following to your table of content.

  • The table of content.
  • The acknowledgement page
  • The abstract or exclusive summary

There is no need to include the acknowledgements and abstracts since they always come before the table of contents. Any sections that come before the table of content should not be included in it.

How to Create a Table of Content in MS Word?

Applying the appropriate heading styles consistently across the page is a requirement before Microsoft Word will automatically create a table of content for you.

Give each section a proper heading. Select the headings that are heading 1 and heading 2 or 3.

TOC-After-MS-Word

The image above demonstrates how you can set the proper headings for each section.  Select the text you want to use as a heading 1 and right-click on it. Click styles from the drop-down menu to select the style, or simply choose from the options presented in the toolbar.

Add this formatting to the first level 1 heading and use the same font, size, and bold for all level 1 headings. Use the styles section on the toolbar to automatically apply this formatting to all of your level 1 headings.

  • Select the 1 st heading.
  • Right-click on the style labelled “Heading 1.”
  • Choose “Update Heading 1 to Match Selection” 

Once you have set all your level 1 headings, it’s time to set level 2 and level 3 headings. Follow the same procedure to select all level 2 and level three headings. Each heading in your document can have its formatting assigned by selecting the desired style while the heading is highlighted.

Table of Content in MS Word - How to Guide

Now that we are done setting our headings, it’s time to put them in the table of content so that the reader can navigate through the wonderful thesis you have written.

Follow these simple and easy steps to automatically create the table of content, but before you do that, check to see if your university or citation style has laid any rules or guidelines regarding this.

Set your cursor where you want the table of contents to appear. (The table of contents (TOC) ought to come after the abstract and before the introduction chapter of your dissertation or thesis. )

Go to the reference section of the toolbar at the top of your word application. And then left click the table of content in the left corner.

Simple Steps For Creating MS Office TOC

From the drop-down menu, select the appropriate format for the table of content which matches your requirements and the guidelines to create the table of content automatically. You can add more styles or custom create the table of content to fit your requirements as well on the Custom Table of Contents menu, you can choose the levels of headings you want to use. By selecting the Modify button on each level, you may also manually alter it.

When you’re ready, click “OK,” and the table of contents will be generated automatically.

Features of TOC

The table of contents main characteristics are:

  • Clear headers and subheadings 
  • Accurate page numbers

Check with your university and the college regarding the guidelines and the rules for the table of content before you dive into it.

Frequently Asked Questions about Table of Content

What should i include in the table of content for my dissertation.

Your table of contents should include all level 1 and 2 headers. This includes the titles of your chapters as well as the key parts inside them.

All appendices and lists of tables and figures, as well as your reference list, should be included in the contents.

The acknowledgements and abstract should not be included in the table of contents.

How to create a table of content quickly and easily in Microsoft word?

  • Apply header styles to the whole document.
  • Go to Table of Contents in the references area of the toolbar
  • Select the one which fits your requirements

Where is the correct position for the table of contents of my thesis?

Acknowledgement anf abstract is  usually presented before the table of contents is added to the thesis or dissertation.

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A research question is a topic on which you base your research. It points out precisely what you want to achieve from this research. 

A dissertation or a thesis preface is your chance to reflect on your experience during the writing. A preface is similar to reflective essay writing and mainly written in the first person.

The proposal is valuable enough to warrant more time to perfect it. A clear, concise, and original idea must be developed to earn a decent grade and lay the groundwork for a strong dissertation.

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table of contents bachelor thesis example

Creating a Coherent Thesis Table of Contents

Creating a table of contents (TOC) for your thesis you should keep in mind the difference between the table of contents and the outline . Though these two are alike the outline will never become a table of contents only because of the title. Another tricky item one should pay attention to while creating a thesis table of contents is which parts of the thesis should be reflected in it. As a rule all the parts which go before the Introduction don’t appear in the table of contents. Since the thesis table of contents is the first section of your work it should expose a clear outline of the logical sequence of steps you followed to arrive at the conclusions of your thesis. Therefore, the headings of all your chapters and sub-chapters should be reflected in the table of contents , and the logic suggests that if you have sub-chapter 2.1. there should be 2.2 also. you should pay a particular attention to this item, since a reader will detect from the beginning how you organized your paper. Table of contents is designed to make your paper easier accessible for the readers, so check twice before submitting your thesis that your chapters do start on the pages indicated in outline.

Quick Navigation through the Thesis Table of Contents Page

Download free table of contents sample, sample table of contents.

  • How to Create a Thesis Table of Contents?
  • How We Can Help

Sections of Thesis Table of Contents

  • What is the Difference Between a Table of Contents and an Outline?
  • When Table of Contents Should be Used?
  • How to Create a Table of Contents Automatically?

Why Abstract and Acknowledgement should not be mentioned in TOC?

Table of contents in apa style.

Free Sample Table of Contents (Click the Image to Enlarge)

Viewing and comparing several thesis tables of contents is a good way to master writing a thesis table of contents . For instance, you may study some of the dissertations in the article collection of P rof E ssays.com. The papers you will find there are the best examples in their genre, written by the professional staff of P rof E ssays.com , who are selected on the basis of their academic achievement and writing skills.

How to create a thesis table of contents?

Practically, these are the steps you need to follow when designing a table of contents :

Insert a blank page in your Word paper;

Insert the “Table of Contents” title, with the essential words in the title written capitalized;

Write each chapter (or heading), specifying its number, and its title. Bellow each chapter insert the sub-chapter from your assignment, by providing the page numbers where they can be found;

The subheading level should be indented compared to the heading level.

The numeration of the chapters is usually written in Roman numerals, and the sub-chapters in Arabic numerals. However, this is not a rule;

Usually, it is recommended to use dot leaders to indicate the page numbers where the headings or subheadings can be found. The page numbers should be aligned to the right.

I.1. Thesis Statement………………………… 3

I.2. Objective of the Study……………………3

I.3. Hypothesis of the Study…………………4

It is mandatory that you include the chapters and the sub-chapters within your paper so that they can be easily identified after the page number provided in the table of contents.

The headings from the Table of Contents page should look precisely as they look within the text: the same font, size, style, and format.

How we can help

If you encounter difficulties in writing your thesis table of contents, you might ask the writers of P rof E ssays.com to help you out. Order your thesis at P rof E ssays.com , and the table of contents will be done free of charge. Even if you have only completed the research and first draft of your paper, it might be a convenient thing to avail of our writers’ skills and have them provide you a professional support with creating a table of contents and further research. Our customer assistance team is very transparent when discussing the details of the transaction and of the paper. Everything will be kept strictly confidential, including your personal information. Quality, originality, and punctuality are assured!

The P rof E ssays.com writers are post-graduate degree holders in their profession. They may help you not only with your thesis and the table of contents, but with all other written assignments also, including personal essays ! If you haven’t yet started working on your personal essay, its archives will also be helpful in suggesting essay topics and the possible angles for you to work on them.

The sections mentioned in the thesis table of contents may vary with different disciplines and academic institutions, but the essential ones are the following:

The items: (1) Tables, (2) Figures and (3) Abbreviations are optional, depending on whether the dissertation makes use of such aids in its main body.

Introduction . – This item refers to the page(s), which contain the introductory elements within a study, such as thesis statement, scope of the study, objective of the study, hypothesis of the study. It offers a detailed perspective of the paper, describing the chapters of the paper, the connections between them, and their contribution in reaching the results.

Materials and Methodology also called Research Framework chapter is the first chapter of any thesis. In this part of the paper one may find the description and the implementation of the specific design methodology model and the corresponding materials, used to study the given case. This section offers a detailed description how the research methods were used, and discusses the ethic context of utilizing the specific methodology. It also introduces the samples (the subjects of the utilized research methodology) and indicates the role of the particular methodology to the specific study.

Chapters of Thesis. The number of main chapters of the thesis may vary. It depends on the number of research questions indicated in the introduction . Usually there is a chapter for each of these questions. There should be at least two chapters except Research Framework chapter. However, Master’s Thesis usually contains no more than 5 chapters. It is preferable to have fewer chapters with subheadings than a lot of small chapters. The chapters may vary in size, but not significantly. You can’t have 10 pages in one chapter and 30 in another. So, perhaps you’ll need to integrate several sections of your paper into one chapter.

Discussion of the Results. This item directs the reader to the page that recorded the results of the investigation.

Conclusion. This is the pointer to the page where the results are interpreted to reach a logical conclusion about the thesis.

References . Also may be called Reference list or Bibliography. The difference between the reference list and the bibliography is the following: only cited sources are mentioned in the reference list, while all the items consulted when conducting the research are mentioned in the bibliography .

Appendices. Figures, tables, maps or any other materials important for the proper understanding of your research may be attached at the end of the thesis.

What is the difference between a table of contents and an outline? (click image to enlarge)

A table of contents indicates the structure of the paper, specifying its chapters, sub-chapters and the pages where they can be found. An outline , on the other hand, represents another form of summary, organized upon the main ideas of the paper, which describe a hierarchical or logical structuring of the information. It is recommended to write the outline before the actual paper, so that you follow the main ideas accordingly. While the table of contents points to the page numbers of chapters and sub-chapters, as they can be found in the paper, the outline does not provide such information.

When table of contents should be used?

The tables of contents are used in books, research papers , reports, or any academic or non-academic documents that need a precise organization in order to easily identify the headings and sub-headings within the given paper. The table of contents is usually inserted after the cover page and it indicates all the elements of the paper, except the “Abstract” and “Acknowledgement” pages.

How to create a table of contents automatically?

The most recommended way to include and organize a table of contents is by utilizing Microsoft Word, Headings design. Insert the number of headings (Heading 1, Heading 2, Heading 3) within your paper. Microsoft Word will identify these headings and will include them in your table of contents.

After you have identified the headings within your paper, go to the “Reference” tab and select “Table of Contents”. First, you need to go on the “Add Text” icon and select a “Level”. After clicking on the “Level” you desire, go to “Table of Contents” icon and chose a style. Should you need to include more headings, click again on the “Table of Contents” icon, and select “Insert Table of Contents”. This will open a “Table of Contents dialog box”, from which you can personalize your table of contents. You can set the needed levels, the desired Format and Style.

A table of contents should not include the Abstract and the Acknowledgement pages. The Abstract page summarizes the entire paper. The Acknowledgement page is dedicated to persons or institutions that contributed to the development of the specific paper. Both Abstract and Acknowledgement are indicative pages about the paper itself, as well as the Table of Contents page. Abstract briefly introduces the purposes, the methods, the results, the conclusions, and the recommendations of the study. Acknowledgement page is dedicated to the people who brought their contribution, or provided inspiration for the completion of the thesis. The Table of Contents follows after the Abstract and Acknowledgment pages and this is why they are not included in the Table of Contents page. The pages with abstract, acknowledgement, and TOC are indicated in small Roman numerals (iii,ii,i), with the i page being the last before the introduction.

On a new Word page, write “Table of Contents”, capitalized, not bold, not underlined and move down three lines;

Next, you need to format the Table of Contents page. Go to Format in the menu bar, select Paragraphs and Indentations. Choose indentations so that you will create two columns, one left justified, and the other right justified. (.05, 1.0, 1.5 all with left alignment and 5.5 with right alignment);

APA style allows the 5 levels of subsequent units in the table of contents, with specific format requirement to each of them.

It is recommended to organize the table of contents before you finish writing the main body of your paper, because you will have a wider view upon the entire content of the paper. Therefore, it will be much easier to structure the paper and to identify the chapters and sub-chapters. You may start to create the table of contents before you write the actual paper, but it should be a flexible table of contents, that can be changed, according to how the paper will evolve.

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Thesis

A thesis is a comprehensive research paper that presents a central argument or claim supported by evidence. Typically written by students pursuing advanced degrees, a thesis demonstrates a deep understanding of a subject. It includes a clear research question, literature review, methodology, analysis, and conclusions. The process enhances critical thinking, research skills , and subject expertise, culminating in a significant academic contribution.

Thesis paper . Many students tend to fear this word and there is a good reason as to why they do.  You may already have tried making a thesis before and at some point, you would also realize the trial and error stage of making one. 

What Is a Thesis?

A thesis a research paper writing that is made for a purpose. Thesis papers consists of a research statement , a kind of statement , a theory, a purpose. The thesis is made in order to prove your theory and make it into a fact. There are a lot of kinds of thesis, but the most common thesis kinds are analytical thesis, an argumentative thesis and an explanatory thesis.

Types of Thesis

Analytical thesis.

An analytical thesis breaks down an issue or idea into its component parts, evaluates the topic, and presents this breakdown and evaluation to the audience. It is often used in literature, history, and social sciences.

Expository Thesis

An expository thesis explains a topic to the audience. It provides a comprehensive overview of a subject, presenting facts and analysis without personal opinion. This type is common in science and technical writing.

Argumentative Thesis

An argumentative thesis makes a claim about a topic and justifies this claim with specific evidence. The goal is to persuade the reader of a particular viewpoint. This type is prevalent in fields like philosophy, political science, and law.

Narrative Thesis

A narrative thesis tells a story or recounts an event. It includes personal experiences or detailed descriptions of events to support the main argument. This type is often used in creative writing and autobiographies.

Comparative Thesis

A comparative thesis compares and contrasts two or more subjects, evaluating their similarities and differences. It is commonly used in literature, history, and social sciences to draw meaningful conclusions.

Descriptive Thesis

A descriptive thesis provides a detailed description of a topic without arguing a specific point. It paints a vivid picture of the subject, often used in fields like anthropology and sociology to explore cultural phenomena.

Empirical Thesis

An empirical thesis is based on original research and data collection. It involves experiments, surveys, or observations to answer a specific research question. This type is typical in natural and social sciences.

Examples of Thesis

Thesis examples in literature, 1: analysis of a single work.

Title: “The Use of Symbolism in ‘The Great Gatsby’ by F. Scott Fitzgerald”

Thesis Statement: In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s ‘The Great Gatsby,’ the use of symbolism, particularly through the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock, the eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg, and the Valley of Ashes, serves to illustrate the overarching themes of the American Dream, moral decay, and the quest for identity.

2: Comparative Analysis

Title: “The Role of Women in ‘Pride and Prejudice’ by Jane Austen and ‘Jane Eyre’ by Charlotte Brontë”

Thesis Statement: While both Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and Charlotte Brontë’s ‘Jane Eyre’ critique the limited roles and expectations of women in 19th-century British society, Austen’s Elizabeth Bennet and Brontë’s Jane Eyre embody different forms of rebellion against societal norms, highlighting the evolving perception of women’s independence and self-worth.

3: Thematic Analysis

Title: “Exploring the Theme of Isolation in ‘Frankenstein’ by Mary Shelley”

Thesis Statement: Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’ explores the theme of isolation through the experiences of Victor Frankenstein and his creation, the monster, demonstrating how isolation leads to destructive consequences for both individuals and society.

4: Character Analysis

Title: “The Evolution of Hamlet’s Character in William Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet'”

Thesis Statement: In William Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet,’ the protagonist undergoes a significant transformation from a grief-stricken and indecisive prince to a determined and introspective avenger, reflecting the complexities of human nature and the impact of existential contemplation.

5: Genre Analysis

Title: “Gothic Elements in ‘Wuthering Heights’ by Emily Brontë”

Thesis Statement: Emily Brontë’s ‘Wuthering Heights’ employs key elements of Gothic literature, including a brooding atmosphere, supernatural occurrences, and the exploration of human psychology, to create a haunting and timeless tale of passion and revenge.

6: Symbolic Analysis

Title: “The Symbolism of the Green Light in ‘The Great Gatsby’ by F. Scott Fitzgerald”

Thesis Statement: The green light in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s ‘The Great Gatsby’ symbolizes Gatsby’s unattainable dreams and the elusive nature of the American Dream, reflecting the broader themes of hope, disillusionment, and the pursuit of an idealized future.

7: Historical Context

Title: “Historical Influences on George Orwell’s ‘1984’”

Thesis Statement: George Orwell’s ‘1984’ draws heavily on the political climate of the early 20th century, particularly the rise of totalitarian regimes and the impact of World War II, to present a dystopian vision of a future where government surveillance and propaganda control every aspect of life.

8: Feminist Critique

Title: “Feminist Perspectives in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ by Margaret Atwood”

Thesis Statement: Margaret Atwood’s ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ critiques the patriarchal structures of contemporary society by depicting a dystopian world where women’s rights are stripped away, illustrating the extreme consequences of gender oppression and the resilience of female solidarity.

9: Psychoanalytic Criticism

Title: “Freudian Elements in ‘The Turn of the Screw’ by Henry James”

Thesis Statement: Henry James’s ‘The Turn of the Screw’ can be interpreted through a Freudian lens, where the governess’s experiences and the ambiguous nature of the ghosts reflect deep-seated psychological conflicts and repressed desires, highlighting the novella’s exploration of the human psyche.

10: Postcolonial Analysis

Title: “Postcolonial Themes in ‘Things Fall Apart’ by Chinua Achebe”

Thesis Statement: Chinua Achebe’s ‘Things Fall Apart’ addresses postcolonial themes by portraying the clash between traditional Igbo society and British colonial forces, illustrating the devastating effects of colonialism on indigenous cultures and the struggle for cultural identity and autonomy.

Thesis Examples for Essays

1: persuasive essay.

Topic: “The Importance of Renewable Energy”

Thesis Statement: Governments around the world should invest heavily in renewable energy sources like solar and wind power to reduce dependency on fossil fuels, combat climate change, and create sustainable job opportunities.

2: Analytical Essay

Topic: “The Symbolism in ‘The Great Gatsby’ by F. Scott Fitzgerald”

Thesis Statement: In ‘The Great Gatsby,’ F. Scott Fitzgerald uses the symbols of the green light, the eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg, and the Valley of Ashes to illustrate the moral and social decay of America during the Roaring Twenties.

3: Expository Essay

Topic: “The Impact of Social Media on Teenagers”

Thesis Statement: Social media has significantly impacted teenagers’ mental health, social skills, and academic performance, both positively and negatively, necessitating a balanced approach to its usage.

4: Compare and Contrast Essay

Topic: “Public vs. Private School Education”

Thesis Statement: While public schools offer a more diverse social environment and extracurricular opportunities, private schools provide smaller class sizes and specialized curriculums, making the choice dependent on individual student needs and family priorities.

5: Cause and Effect Essay

Topic: “The Causes and Effects of the Rise in Obesity Rates”

Thesis Statement: The rise in obesity rates can be attributed to poor dietary habits, sedentary lifestyles, and genetic factors, leading to serious health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and decreased life expectancy.

6: Narrative Essay

Topic: “A Life-Changing Experience”

Thesis Statement: My trip to volunteer at a rural school in Kenya was a life-changing experience that taught me the value of education, the importance of cultural exchange, and the power of empathy and compassion.

7: Argumentative Essay

Topic: “The Necessity of Free College Education”

Thesis Statement: Free college education is essential for ensuring equal opportunities for all, reducing student debt burdens, and fostering a more educated and productive workforce.

8: Descriptive Essay

Topic: “The Beauty of a Sunset”

Thesis Statement: A sunset, with its vibrant hues and serene ambiance, evokes a sense of peace and reflection, illustrating nature’s ability to inspire awe and tranquility in our daily lives.

9: Definition Essay

Topic: “What is Happiness?”

Thesis Statement: Happiness is a complex and multifaceted emotion characterized by feelings of contentment, fulfillment, and joy, influenced by both internal factors like mindset and external factors such as relationships and achievements.

10: Process Essay

Topic: “How to Bake the Perfect Chocolate Cake”

Thesis Statement: Baking the perfect chocolate cake involves selecting high-quality ingredients, precisely following the recipe, and understanding the nuances of baking techniques, from mixing to temperature control.

Thesis Examples for Argumentative Essay

1: gun control.

Topic: “Stricter Gun Control Laws”

Thesis Statement: Stricter gun control laws are necessary to reduce gun violence in the United States, as evidenced by lower rates of gun-related deaths in countries with stringent regulations.

2: Climate Change

Topic: “Addressing Climate Change”

Thesis Statement: To effectively combat climate change, governments worldwide must implement aggressive policies to reduce carbon emissions, invest in renewable energy, and promote sustainable practices.

3: Animal Testing

Topic: “Ban on Animal Testing”

Thesis Statement: Animal testing for cosmetics should be banned globally due to its ethical implications, the availability of alternative testing methods, and the questionable reliability of animal-based results for human safety.

4: Education Reform

Topic: “Standardized Testing in Schools”

Thesis Statement: Standardized testing should be eliminated in schools as it narrows the curriculum, causes undue stress to students, and fails to accurately measure a student’s potential and abilities.

5: Universal Basic Income

Topic: “Implementing Universal Basic Income”

Thesis Statement: Implementing a universal basic income would help alleviate poverty, reduce income inequality, and provide financial stability in an increasingly automated and unpredictable job market.

6: Health Care

Topic: “Universal Health Care”

Thesis Statement: Universal health care should be adopted in the United States to ensure that all citizens have access to essential medical services, reduce overall healthcare costs, and improve public health outcomes.

7: Immigration Policy

Topic: “Reforming Immigration Policies”

Thesis Statement: Comprehensive immigration reform is essential to address undocumented immigration, protect human rights, and contribute to economic growth by recognizing the contributions of immigrants to society.

8: Death Penalty

Topic: “Abolishing the Death Penalty”

Thesis Statement: The death penalty should be abolished as it is an inhumane practice, prone to judicial errors, and has not been proven to deter crime more effectively than life imprisonment.

9: Social Media Regulation

Topic: “Regulating Social Media Platforms”

Thesis Statement: Social media platforms should be regulated to prevent the spread of misinformation, protect user privacy, and reduce the negative impact on mental health, particularly among adolescents.

10: College Tuition

Topic: “Free College Tuition”

Thesis Statement: Providing free college tuition at public universities would increase access to higher education, reduce student debt, and help create a more educated and skilled workforce to meet future economic demands.

Thesis Examples for Research Papers

1: environmental science.

Topic: “Impact of Plastic Pollution on Marine Life”

Thesis Statement: Plastic pollution in the oceans is causing significant harm to marine life, leading to ingestion and entanglement of plastic debris, disruption of ecosystems, and bioaccumulation of toxic substances in the food chain.

2: Psychology

Topic: “Effects of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health”

Thesis Statement: Excessive use of social media negatively impacts adolescent mental health by increasing the risk of anxiety, depression, and poor sleep quality, while also contributing to body image issues and cyberbullying.

3: Education

Topic: “Benefits of Bilingual Education Programs”

Thesis Statement: Bilingual education programs enhance cognitive abilities, improve academic performance, and promote cultural awareness, making them a valuable approach in the increasingly globalized and multicultural society.

4: Public Health

Topic: “Addressing the Obesity Epidemic”

Thesis Statement: Addressing the obesity epidemic requires a multifaceted approach that includes implementing public health campaigns, promoting healthy eating habits, increasing physical activity, and regulating food advertising targeted at children.

5: Economics

Topic: “Universal Basic Income and Economic Stability”

Thesis Statement: Implementing a universal basic income can provide economic stability by reducing poverty, ensuring a safety net during economic downturns, and stimulating consumer spending, thereby supporting overall economic growth.

6: Political Science

Topic: “Impact of Voter ID Laws on Voter Turnout”

Thesis Statement: Voter ID laws disproportionately reduce voter turnout among minority and low-income populations, undermining the democratic process and exacerbating existing inequalities in political participation.

7: Sociology

Topic: “Gender Stereotypes in Media Representation”

Thesis Statement: Media representation perpetuates gender stereotypes by consistently portraying men and women in traditional roles, which reinforces societal norms and limits the opportunities for gender equality.

8: Technology

Topic: “Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare”

Thesis Statement: The integration of artificial intelligence in healthcare can improve patient outcomes, enhance diagnostic accuracy, and streamline administrative processes, but it also raises ethical concerns regarding data privacy and the potential for job displacement.

Topic: “Causes and Consequences of the American Civil War”

Thesis Statement: The American Civil War was primarily caused by deep-seated economic, social, and political differences between the North and South, particularly over the issue of slavery, and it resulted in significant social and political changes, including the abolition of slavery and the reconstruction of the South.

10: Environmental Policy

Topic: “Renewable Energy Policies and Their Effectiveness”

Thesis Statement: Renewable energy policies, such as subsidies for solar and wind power and carbon pricing, are effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable energy sources, but their success depends on comprehensive implementation and international cooperation.

Thesis Examples for Informative Essay

Topic: “The Water Cycle”

Thesis Statement: The water cycle, which includes processes such as evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and infiltration, is essential for distributing water across the Earth’s surface and maintaining ecological balance.

2: Health and Wellness

Topic: “The Benefits of Regular Exercise”

Thesis Statement: Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining physical health, improving mental well-being, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions.

3: Technology

Topic: “The Development of Artificial Intelligence”

Thesis Statement: The development of artificial intelligence has progressed from simple machine learning algorithms to complex neural networks capable of performing tasks such as natural language processing, image recognition, and autonomous driving.

Topic: “The Causes and Effects of the American Civil Rights Movement”

Thesis Statement: The American Civil Rights Movement was driven by factors such as racial segregation, economic disparity, and political disenfranchisement, leading to significant legislative and social changes that improved the rights and freedoms of African Americans.

5: Education

Topic: “The Montessori Method of Education”

Thesis Statement: The Montessori method of education, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, emphasizes self-directed learning, hands-on activities, and collaborative play, fostering independence and critical thinking skills in young children.

6: Sociology

Topic: “The Impact of Urbanization on Community Life”

Thesis Statement: Urbanization significantly impacts community life by altering social structures, increasing economic opportunities, and presenting challenges such as overcrowding, pollution, and loss of green spaces.

7: Environmental Policy

Topic: “The Role of Renewable Energy in Combating Climate Change”

Thesis Statement: Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, play a critical role in combating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels.

8: Business

Topic: “The Rise of Gig Economy”

Thesis Statement: The rise of the gig economy has transformed the labor market by offering flexible work opportunities, fostering entrepreneurship, and posing challenges such as job insecurity and lack of benefits for workers.

9: Psychology

Topic: “The Importance of Sleep for Cognitive Function”

Thesis Statement: Adequate sleep is essential for cognitive function, memory consolidation, and emotional regulation, with chronic sleep deprivation leading to impaired mental performance and increased risk of mental health disorders.

10: Cultural Studies

Topic: “The Influence of Japanese Anime on Global Pop Culture”

Thesis Statement: Japanese anime has significantly influenced global pop culture by shaping trends in fashion, art, and storytelling, and fostering a dedicated international fanbase that celebrates its unique aesthetic and thematic elements.

Thesis Examples for Synthesis Essay

1: climate change.

Topic: “Combating Climate Change through Policy and Innovation”

Thesis Statement: Combating climate change requires a multifaceted approach that includes stringent environmental policies, investment in renewable energy technologies, and community-based initiatives to reduce carbon footprints, integrating efforts from government, industry, and society.

2: Education

Topic: “Balancing Technology and Traditional Teaching Methods in Education”

Thesis Statement: A balanced approach to education that combines the benefits of technology, such as interactive learning tools and online resources, with traditional teaching methods, like face-to-face instruction and hands-on activities, can enhance student engagement and academic achievement.

Topic: “Addressing the Opioid Crisis through Comprehensive Strategies”

Thesis Statement: Addressing the opioid crisis requires comprehensive strategies that include better access to addiction treatment programs, stricter regulations on prescription opioids, and increased public awareness campaigns to educate communities about the risks of opioid misuse.

4: Technology

Topic: “The Impact of Social Media on Political Mobilization”

Thesis Statement: Social media has revolutionized political mobilization by providing platforms for grassroots campaigns, enabling real-time communication, and fostering civic engagement, but it also poses challenges such as the spread of misinformation and echo chambers.

5: Business

Topic: “Corporate Social Responsibility and Its Impact on Brand Loyalty”

Thesis Statement: Corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, when genuinely implemented, can significantly enhance brand loyalty by aligning company values with consumer expectations, fostering trust, and contributing positively to societal well-being.

Topic: “The Role of Gender Stereotypes in Media Representation”

Thesis Statement: Media representation perpetuates gender stereotypes by consistently depicting men and women in traditional roles, which influences societal perceptions and expectations, but progressive portrayals are gradually challenging these norms and promoting gender equality.

Topic: “Sustainable Urban Development and Green Infrastructure”

Thesis Statement: Sustainable urban development that incorporates green infrastructure, such as green roofs, urban gardens, and eco-friendly public transportation, is essential for mitigating environmental impacts, improving public health, and enhancing the quality of urban life.

8: Psychology

Topic: “The Effects of Mindfulness Practices on Mental Health”

Thesis Statement: Mindfulness practices, including meditation, yoga, and mindful breathing, have been shown to significantly improve mental health by reducing stress, enhancing emotional regulation, and promoting overall well-being, supported by a growing body of scientific research.

9: Economics

Topic: “Universal Basic Income as a Solution to Economic Inequality”

Thesis Statement: Universal Basic Income (UBI) presents a viable solution to economic inequality by providing financial security, reducing poverty, and supporting economic stability, though it requires careful consideration of funding mechanisms and potential societal impacts.

10: Public Health

Topic: “The Importance of Vaccination Programs in Preventing Epidemics”

Thesis Statement: Vaccination programs are crucial for preventing epidemics, protecting public health, and achieving herd immunity, as evidenced by the successful eradication of diseases like smallpox and the control of outbreaks such as measles and influenza.

Thesis Examples for Persuasive Essays

Thesis Statement: Stricter gun control laws are essential to reduce gun violence in the United States, as they will help prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands, decrease the number of mass shootings, and enhance public safety.

Topic: “Urgent Action on Climate Change”

Thesis Statement: Immediate and robust action is needed to combat climate change, including reducing carbon emissions, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and implementing sustainable practices to mitigate the devastating effects on our planet.

3: Animal Rights

Topic: “Ban on Animal Testing for Cosmetics”

Thesis Statement: Animal testing for cosmetics should be banned worldwide due to its ethical implications, the availability of alternative testing methods, and the questionable reliability of animal-based results for human safety.

Topic: “Abolishing Standardized Testing in Schools”

Thesis Statement: Standardized testing should be abolished in schools as it narrows the curriculum, places undue stress on students, and fails to accurately measure a student’s potential and abilities, thereby hindering educational growth.

5: Universal Health Care

Topic: “Adopting Universal Health Care in the United States”

Thesis Statement: The United States should adopt a universal health care system to ensure that all citizens have access to essential medical services, reduce overall healthcare costs, and improve public health outcomes.

6: Immigration Policy

Thesis Statement: Comprehensive immigration reform is essential to address undocumented immigration, protect human rights, and contribute to economic growth by recognizing the contributions of immigrants to society and ensuring a fair, efficient legal process.

7: Death Penalty

Thesis Statement: The death penalty should be abolished as it is an inhumane practice, prone to judicial errors, and has not been proven to deter crime more effectively than life imprisonment, while also being more costly to taxpayers.

8: Social Media Regulation

Thesis Statement: Social media platforms should be regulated to prevent the spread of misinformation, protect user privacy, and reduce the negative impact on mental health, particularly among adolescents, to create a safer online environment.

9: College Tuition

Topic: “Providing Free College Tuition”

10: Renewable Energy

Topic: “Investing in Renewable Energy Sources”

Thesis Statement: Governments should invest heavily in renewable energy sources like solar and wind power to reduce dependency on fossil fuels, combat climate change, and create sustainable job opportunities, ensuring a cleaner and healthier future.

Thesis Examples for Analysis Essays

1: literary analysis.

Topic: “Symbolism in ‘The Great Gatsby’ by F. Scott Fitzgerald”

Thesis Statement: In ‘The Great Gatsby,’ F. Scott Fitzgerald uses symbols such as the green light, the Valley of Ashes, and the eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg to critique the American Dream and explore themes of ambition, disillusionment, and moral decay.

2: Film Analysis

Topic: “Themes of Redemption in ‘The Shawshank Redemption'”

Thesis Statement: ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ explores themes of hope, friendship, and the human spirit’s resilience, using the character arcs of Andy Dufresne and Red to highlight the transformative power of hope and redemption within the confines of a corrupt prison system.

3: Rhetorical Analysis

Topic: “Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream’ Speech”

Thesis Statement: In his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech, Martin Luther King Jr. employs rhetorical strategies such as repetition, parallelism, and powerful imagery to effectively convey his vision of racial equality and galvanize the civil rights movement.

4: Historical Analysis

Topic: “Causes of the Fall of the Roman Empire”

Thesis Statement: The fall of the Roman Empire was the result of a complex interplay of factors, including political corruption, economic instability, military defeats, and the gradual erosion of civic virtue, which collectively undermined the empire’s ability to sustain itself.

5: Character Analysis

Topic: “The Complexity of Hamlet in William Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet'”

Thesis Statement: In William Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet,’ the titular character’s complexity is revealed through his introspective nature, moral ambiguity, and fluctuating resolve, which collectively illustrate the play’s exploration of existential themes and the human condition.

6: Social Analysis

Topic: “The Impact of Social Media on Modern Communication”

Thesis Statement: Social media has significantly altered modern communication by enabling instantaneous sharing of information and fostering global connectivity, while also contributing to issues such as reduced face-to-face interactions, cyberbullying, and the spread of misinformation.

7: Cultural Analysis

Topic: “Cultural Significance of Traditional Festivals”

Thesis Statement: Traditional festivals play a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage, fostering community identity, and promoting social cohesion, as they provide a platform for the transmission of customs, values, and shared history across generations.

8: Economic Analysis

Topic: “The Effects of Globalization on Local Economies”

Thesis Statement: Globalization has profoundly impacted local economies by enhancing market access, fostering economic growth, and encouraging cultural exchange, but it has also led to job displacement, wage suppression, and the erosion of local industries in some regions.

9: Psychological Analysis

Topic: “Freudian Themes in ‘The Turn of the Screw’ by Henry James”

Thesis Statement: Henry James’s ‘The Turn of the Screw’ can be analyzed through a Freudian lens, where the governess’s experiences and the ambiguous nature of the ghosts reflect deep-seated psychological conflicts, repressed desires, and the complexities of the human psyche.

10: Political Analysis

Topic: “The Effectiveness of the New Deal Programs”

Thesis Statement: The New Deal programs implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt were effective in providing immediate relief during the Great Depression, spurring economic recovery, and implementing long-term reforms that reshaped the American social and economic landscape.

Thesis Examples for Compare and Contrast Essay

1: literature.

Topic: “Comparing ‘1984’ by George Orwell and ‘Brave New World’ by Aldous Huxley”

Thesis Statement: While George Orwell’s ‘1984’ presents a dystopian future of totalitarian control through fear and oppression, Aldous Huxley’s ‘Brave New World’ explores a similar theme through a society controlled by pleasure and conditioning, highlighting different methods of societal control and their implications.

Topic: “Public School vs. Private School Education”

Thesis Statement: Public schools offer a diverse social environment and a broad curriculum, whereas private schools provide smaller class sizes and specialized programs, making the choice between the two dependent on individual educational goals and personal preferences.

Topic: “E-books vs. Printed Books”

Thesis Statement: While e-books offer convenience, portability, and interactive features, printed books provide a tactile experience, lack of screen strain, and a sense of nostalgia, demonstrating how each format caters to different reader preferences and needs.

Topic: “Traditional Medicine vs. Modern Medicine”

Thesis Statement: Traditional medicine emphasizes holistic and natural treatments based on centuries-old practices, while modern medicine focuses on scientific research and technological advancements, highlighting the strengths and limitations of each approach in addressing health issues.

5: Social Media

Topic: “Facebook vs. Instagram”

Thesis Statement: Facebook facilitates in-depth social interaction and a wide range of features for communication and information sharing, whereas Instagram focuses on visual content and a streamlined user experience, catering to different user preferences and social engagement styles.

Topic: “Traveling by Plane vs. Traveling by Train”

Thesis Statement: Traveling by plane offers speed and efficiency for long distances, while traveling by train provides scenic views and a more relaxed experience, highlighting the trade-offs between convenience and leisure in different modes of transportation.

7: Economics

Topic: “Capitalism vs. Socialism”

Thesis Statement: Capitalism promotes economic growth and individual entrepreneurship through market competition, whereas socialism emphasizes social welfare and equitable distribution of resources, reflecting contrasting ideologies on economic management and social equity.

8: Literature

Topic: “Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’ vs. Sophocles’ ‘Oedipus Rex'”

Thesis Statement: While Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’ delves into themes of indecision, revenge, and existential angst, Sophocles’ ‘Oedipus Rex’ explores fate, self-discovery, and the inevitability of destiny, illustrating different approaches to tragedy in Western literature.

9: Lifestyle

Topic: “Urban Living vs. Rural Living”

Thesis Statement: Urban living offers convenience, diverse cultural experiences, and numerous job opportunities, while rural living provides a peaceful environment, close-knit communities, and a connection to nature, demonstrating the contrasting lifestyles and priorities of each setting.

10: History

Topic: “The American Revolution vs. The French Revolution”

Thesis Statement: The American Revolution focused on independence from colonial rule and the establishment of a democratic republic, whereas the French Revolution aimed to overthrow the monarchy and address social inequalities, highlighting different motivations, outcomes, and impacts on world history.

More Thesis Samples & Examples:

1. thesis statements.

Thesis Statements

2. University Thesis Research

University Thesis Research

3. Working Thesis

Working Thesis

4. Master Thesis

Master Thesis

5. Basics About Thesis Statements

Basics About Thesis Statements

6. Thesis Sample

Thesis-Sample1

7. Thesis Format

Thesis Format

8. Thesis PDF

Thesis PDF

9. Graduate Students Thesis

Graduate Students Thesis

10. Thesis Example

Thesis Example

Tips for Writing Your Thesis

Tips for Writing Your Thesis

Start Early

  • Begin your thesis process early to allow ample time for research , writing , and revisions.

Choose a Relevant Topic

  • Select a topic that interests you and has sufficient research material available. Ensure it is specific enough to be manageable but broad enough to find sources.

Develop a Strong Thesis Statement

  • Craft a clear, concise thesis statement that outlines the main argument or focus of your paper. This will guide your research and writing.

Create an Outline

  • Plan your thesis structure with a detailed outline. Include sections for the introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion.

Conduct Thorough Research

  • Use a variety of sources, such as books, journal articles, and credible websites. Take detailed notes and organize your research to support your thesis statement.

Write in Stages

  • Break down the writing process into manageable stages. Start with the introduction, move to the literature review, then the methodology, and so on.

Maintain Consistent Formatting

  • Follow the required formatting style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) consistently throughout your thesis. Pay attention to citation rules and references.

Seek Feedback

  • Regularly consult with your advisor and seek feedback from peers. Incorporate their suggestions to improve your work.

Edit and Revise

  • Set aside time for multiple rounds of editing and revising. Check for clarity, coherence, grammar, and spelling errors.

Stay Organized

  • Keep all your research materials, notes, and drafts well-organized. Use tools like folders, labels, and reference management software.

Stay Motivated

  • Set small, achievable goals and reward yourself for meeting them. Stay positive and remember that writing a thesis is a marathon, not a sprint.

Proofread Thoroughly

  • Conduct a final proofread to catch any remaining errors. Consider using grammar checking tools or hiring a professional proofreader.

What to include in a Thesis

Writing a thesis involves several critical sections that contribute to the overall structure and argumentation of the research. Here’s a guide on what to include in a thesis:

1. Title Page

  • Title: Clear, concise, and descriptive.
  • Author’s Name
  • Institutional Affiliation
  • Date of Submission
  • Advisor’s Name

2. Abstract

  • Summary: Brief overview of the research.
  • Key Points: Main objectives, methods, results, and conclusions.
  • Word Limit: Typically 150-300 words.

3. Table of Contents

  • Sections and Subsections: With corresponding page numbers.

4. List of Figures and Tables

  • Figures/Tables: Numbered and titled with page numbers.

5. Introduction

  • Background: Context of the study.
  • Problem Statement: The issue being addressed.
  • Objectives: What the research aims to achieve.
  • Research Questions/Hypotheses: Specific questions or hypotheses the study will test.
  • Significance: Importance of the study.

6. Literature Review

  • Overview of Existing Research: Summarize previous studies.
  • Theoretical Framework: The theories guiding the research.
  • Gaps in Literature: Identify what has not been addressed.

7. Methodology

  • Research Design: Type of study (e.g., qualitative, quantitative).
  • Participants: Who was involved in the study.
  • Data Collection: How data was gathered (e.g., surveys, experiments).
  • Data Analysis: Methods used to analyze the data.
  • Ethical Considerations: How ethical issues were handled.
  • Findings: Present data and key results.
  • Visuals: Use tables, graphs, and charts for clarity.
  • Statistical Analysis: Include relevant statistical tests.

9. Discussion

  • Interpretation of Results: What the findings mean.
  • Comparison with Existing Literature: How results align or contrast with previous research.
  • Implications: Practical or theoretical implications.
  • Limitations: Discuss limitations of the study.
  • Future Research: Suggestions for future studies.

10. Conclusion

  • Summary of Findings: Recap main findings.
  • Restate Importance: Reiterate the study’s significance.
  • Final Thoughts: Concluding remarks.

11. References

  • Citations: Complete list of all sources cited in the thesis.
  • Formatting: Follow a specific citation style (e.g., APA, MLA).

12. Appendices

  • Supplementary Material: Additional data, questionnaires, or detailed descriptions.

Thesis vs. Dissertation

How do i know if my thesis is strong, clear and specific thesis statement.

  • Precision : Your thesis statement should be clear, specific, and concise. It should articulate the main argument or focus of your thesis.
  • Focus : Ensure it directly addresses the research question without being too broad or vague.

Well-Defined Research Question

  • Relevance : The research question should be significant to your field of study.
  • Feasibility : Make sure it is practical and manageable within the scope of your resources and time frame.

Comprehensive Literature Review

  • Depth : Your literature review should cover relevant research and show an understanding of key theories and findings.
  • Gaps Identification : Highlight gaps in the existing literature that your thesis aims to fill.

Solid Methodology

  • Appropriateness : The chosen methodology should be suitable for answering your research question.
  • Detail : Clearly describe your research design, data collection methods, and data analysis procedures.
  • Justification : Explain why these methods are the best fit for your study.

Strong Evidence and Analysis

  • Support : Provide ample evidence to support your thesis statement and arguments.
  • Critical Analysis : Critically analyze the data, showing how it supports or contradicts your hypothesis.
  • Consistency : Ensure that all evidence is consistently interpreted and integrated into your argument.

Coherent Structure

  • Organization : The thesis should be well-organized with a logical flow of ideas.
  • Clarity : Each section should clearly contribute to the overall argument.
  • Transitions : Use smooth transitions between sections to maintain coherence.

Original Contribution

  • Innovation : Your thesis should offer new insights or findings in your field.
  • Significance : Highlight the importance and impact of your research.

Proper Formatting and Style

  • Formatting : Follow the required formatting guidelines (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.) consistently.
  • Grammar and Spelling : Proofread your work to ensure it is free from grammatical and spelling errors.
  • Citations : Properly cite all sources and provide a comprehensive reference list.

Feedback and Revision

  • Advisor Feedback : Regularly seek feedback from your advisor and incorporate their suggestions.
  • Peer Review : Get input from peers to identify areas for improvement.
  • Multiple Revisions : Be prepared to revise your thesis multiple times to enhance its quality.

Self-Assessment

  • Alignment : Ensure that all parts of the thesis align with the thesis statement.
  • Completeness : Check that all required sections are included and thoroughly addressed.
  • Confidence : Be confident in your arguments and the quality of your research.

How to Make a Thesis

Where do you often begin when you want to make a thesis? Many may say to begin by drafting, to begin by making an outline or to start at the introduction. A lot of these answers may even confuse you and may make you think that making a thesis is difficult or confusing. Stop right there, there are answers to every question, and to show you the  thesis statement writing tips .

Step 1: Make an Outline for the Thesis

Start out by making a  thesis outline . The outline will help you as it acts as the backbone of your entire thesis. Making outlines also help you by giving you a good view of what comes first, what should be added here and what should not be added. Outlining your thesis is often the best way to begin.

Step 2: Start with a Thesis Proposal for Your Thesis Paper

Once you have a blank outline for your thesis, which you will be filling out in order to know what goes first, the next thing to do is to pick a topic or pick a thesis proposal . This is an important part of making your thesis paper. Start with thinking about what kind of thesis proposal you want to talk about.

Step 3: Write Down the Introduction of Your Thesis

Thesis introduction has an important role to play. Its role in your thesis is to give a short summary of what can be expected in your thesis. The introduction of your thesis is all about the topic or the proposal of your thesis. When you write your thesis, make sure that the introduction should be clear and concise. After the introduction, the heart of your thesis will follow.

Step 4: Finalize Your Thesis Paper

Finalizing your thesis paper may take a lot of time and effort. But not to worry. It is always necessary and understandable that finalizing your thesis paper is important. As long as you are making sure that everything that is necessary, the introduction, the proposal, the thesis problem, solution and conclusion are present.

How do I choose a thesis topic?

Choose a topic that interests you, has ample research material, is specific enough to be manageable, and aligns with your academic goals.

How long should my thesis be?

Thesis length varies by discipline and degree level; Master’s theses are usually 50-100 pages, while PhD dissertations can be 100-300+ pages.

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement is a concise summary of the main point or claim of your thesis, guiding your research and writing.

How do I structure my thesis?

A typical thesis structure includes a title page, abstract, table of contents, introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, conclusion, and references.

How important is the literature review?

The literature review is crucial as it contextualizes your research, highlights gaps, and demonstrates your understanding of existing scholarship.

What is the difference between a thesis and a dissertation?

A thesis is usually for a Master’s degree and demonstrates mastery of a topic, while a dissertation for a PhD contributes new knowledge to the field.

How do I manage my time effectively while writing my thesis?

Create a detailed timeline, break the process into manageable tasks, set deadlines, and regularly consult with your advisor.

How do I ensure my thesis is original?

Conduct thorough research, properly cite sources, use plagiarism detection tools, and contribute unique insights or findings to your field.

What should I do if I encounter writer’s block?

Take breaks, set small writing goals, change your environment, seek feedback, and stay connected with your advisor for guidance and support.

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COMMENTS

  1. Dissertation Table of Contents in Word

    Dissertation Table of Contents in Word | Instructions & Examples. Published on May 15, 2022 by Tegan George.Revised on July 18, 2023. The table of contents is where you list the chapters and major sections of your thesis, dissertation, or research paper, alongside their page numbers.A clear and well-formatted table of contents is essential, as it demonstrates to your reader that a quality ...

  2. How to Create an APA Table of Contents

    Now you can generate your table of contents. First write the title "Contents" (in the style of a level 1 heading). Then place your cursor two lines below this and go to the References tab. Click on Table of Contents and select Custom Table of Contents…. In the popup window, select how many levels of heading you wish to include (at least ...

  3. Thesis Format

    Degree program and department: This should specify the type of degree (e.g., Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral ... Here's an example of how a table of contents might look in a thesis: ... tables, graphs, data sets, sample questionnaires, or any other supplementary material that supports your thesis. Example: Here is an example of how you ...

  4. Table of Contents

    Thesis / Dissertation Formatting Manual (2024) Email this link: Home; Filing Fees and Student Status; Submitting ... Table of Contents example. Here is an example of a Table of Contents page from the templates. Please note that your table of contents may be longer than one page.

  5. PDF APA Style Table of Contents

    Click on the References tab; then select Table of Contents. 5. Click Insert Table of Contents (also called "Custom Table of Contents" on other version of Word) 6. Adjust Table of Contents to ensure the following settings: Checks next to "Show page num-bers" and "Right align page numbers."Tab leader set to dots (not dashes).

  6. Table of Contents

    In Research, A Table of Contents (TOC) is a structured list of the main sections or chapters of a research paper, Thesis and Dissertation. It provides readers with an overview of the organization and structure of the document, allowing them to quickly locate specific information and navigate through the document. ... Example: Table of Contents ...

  7. How to Structure the Table of Contents for a Research Paper

    To summarize, the following steps will help you create a clear and concise table of contents to guide readers through your research paper: 1. Insert the table of contents after the title page. 2. List all the sections and subsections in chronological order. 3. Paginate each section.

  8. APA Table of Contents

    Now you need to format your headings to be included in the table of contents. Select the heading you want to include in your table of contents. Click on the "Styles" option in the top menu bar. Choose the appropriate heading style from the drop-down menu that appears. You can choose from "Heading 1," "Heading 2," "Heading 3," etc.

  9. Table Of Contents Example

    Table of contents example: Bachelor's thesis. A bachelor's degree thesis has no set word or page limit, and will depend entirely on your university's or department's guidelines. However, you should expect a thesis under 60 pages to be between 10,000 and 15,000 words long.

  10. How to Create the Best Table of Contents for a Dissertation

    Generating Dissertation Table of Contents. First, to generate the Table of Contents, start by entering a blank page after the pages you need the table of contents to follow. To do so, click on the bottom of the page you want before the Table of Contents. Open the 'Insert' tab and select 'Page Break'.

  11. Free Table of Contents Templates (for Microsoft Word)

    Step 4: Click the arrow that is next to the TOC icon and select Custom Table of Contents. Here, select the level of heading that you would like to include in your table and also make the necessary adjustments to each level by clicking the modify button. Click on Custom table of contents.

  12. Table Of Contents

    A sample table of contents includes the title of the paper at the very top, followed by the chapter names and subtitles in chronological order. At the end of each line is the page number of the corresponding headings. Examples of chapter names can be: executive summary, introduction, project description, marketing plan, summary, and conclusion.

  13. Typical Structure of a Bachelor's or Master's Thesis

    There is no mandatory length of a thesis. Most well-written master's theses have between 50 and 80 pages, Bachelor's theses typically have between 40 and 60 pages. However, depending on your topic and your writing style, more or fewer pages may be appropriate. Be aware that your thesis will only be evaluated based on the written document and ...

  14. Dissertation & Thesis Outline

    Example 1: Passive construction. The passive voice is a common choice for outlines and overviews because the context makes it clear who is carrying out the action (e.g., you are conducting the research). However, overuse of the passive voice can make your text vague and imprecise. Example: Passive construction.

  15. APA 6th Edition Table Of Contents ~ Format & Example

    APA 6thedition table of contents: Format. The table of contents should be situated between the abstract and the introduction of your paper. Format the heading on the page as "Table of Contents" using boldface and center alignment. Employ a legible font consistently throughout your document. Ensure the table of contents is double-spaced.

  16. Table of Contents

    Table of Contents. Refer to the Basic Table of Contents Sample as you read through the following section. A Table of Contents is required for all theses and dissertations. All chapter titles and titles of chapter equivalents (e.g., List of Symbols, Bibliography, Appendix A, etc.) must be listed in the Table of Contents. Do not include the ...

  17. Table of Contents for Dissertation/ Research Paper & Example

    Apply heading 1 to your chapters, heading 2 to the subheading, and if needed heading 3 to the level 3 heading. Next, you are going to create a research paper or PhD dissertation table of contents. Open References and choose ToC. Choose the citation style for your work. For example, let's choose APL for now.

  18. Table of Contents for a Dissertation or Thesis with Examples

    A multi-level table of contents further subdivides divisions into "level 3" headings. With this choice, be cautious since things might rapidly get out of hand. The maximum length of the table of contents should not be more than two pages. Example of a Multiple-level Table of Content. Less is frequently more in these introductory sections.

  19. What should be included in a dissertation table of contents?

    In the references section in the ribbon, locate the Table of Contents group. Click the arrow next to the Table of Contents icon and select Custom Table of Contents. Select which levels of headings you would like to include in the table of contents. Click OK. Make sure to update your table of contents if you move text or change headings.

  20. Thesis Table of Contents Writing Help, Outline, Format

    Download Free Table of Contents Sample. Free Sample Table of Contents (Click the Image to Enlarge) Sample Table of Contents. Viewing and comparing several thesis tables of contents is a good way to master writing a thesis table of contents. For instance, you may study some of the dissertations in the article collection of P rof E ssays.com.

  21. Thesis

    A thesis is a comprehensive research paper that presents a central argument or claim supported by evidence. Typically written by students pursuing advanced degrees, a thesis demonstrates a deep understanding of a subject. It includes a clear research question, literature review, methodology, analysis, and conclusions.