Thesis and Essay Writing

1.1 Evaluate Your Sources:

• The sources you have found are valid (use library databases and other reliable sources in your work).
• The sources you have found are up-to-date (if current trends matter to your research topics).
• The sources you have found are relevant to your research topic.

1.2 Read Critically:

• You can identify the main ideas.
• You can identify the underlying theories and models.
• You can identify the connections between text and context.
• You have paid attention to the solutions of works by other scholars.
• You have already taken notes and prepared for further research.

1.3 Formulate a Research Question:

• Think of a question that you can answer with your current knowledge.
• Develop an open-ended question that cannot be answered simply with a “yes” or “no” response. 
• Elaborate the question in a clear and focused manner.

2.1 Structure:

• The primary argument has been introduced and is debatable.
• The argument and counter arguments are well presented in the body of the essay.
• The significance of your argument has been highlighted in the concluding statement.

2.2 Support by Reference:

• Your argument is supported by evidence, facts, and definitions with citations.
• Your essay is enhanced by relevant tables, figures, graphs, charts, and/or other important information.

2.3 Logical Flow:

• You address one point at a time in a reader-friendly, logical sequence.
• You use transition words and phrases naturally to connect paragraphs.
• Your ideas are unified to create a more in-depth understanding/ message.

3.1 Formatting:

• Your essay meets general formatting requirements, e.g. font style, size, and spacing.
• Your essay is easy to read – it has a clear structure with a consistent format of description and presentation for all headings, paragraphs, lists, tables, etc.
• Your essay follows the appropriate citation style.

3.2 In-text Citation (APA 7th style):

• You use “&” within parentheses instead of “and”, e.g. (Smith & Jones, 2012).
• You use double spacing instead of single spacing.
• You use “(n.d.)” if the source is not dated.

3.3 Reference List (APA 7th style):

• List what you have used, not what you have read.
• Do not use quotation marks “ ” for article titles.
• Italicize journal titles and volume numbers.
• List the middle names and first names of authors as initials.
• Organize all references according to the alphabetical order of authors’ last names/ surnames/ family names.
• Do not use numbering/ bullet in the reference list.

Note: More information can be found in the referencing and citation guide.