Use these checklists to improve your thesis or dissertation

The essay starts with a hook grabbing the interest of your reader.

The introduction provides background and context helping your reader understand the topic.

The introduction contains a thesis statement that provides focus and signals your position on the topic.

Paragraphs and headings are used to structure the essay.

Each paragraph addresses only one idea, argument or issue.

Topic sentences are used to create smooth transitions between paragraphs.

The conclusion doesn’t just summarize, but draws connections between arguments.

The significance of the thesis statement is emphasized in the conclusion.

The conclusion doesn’t contain new ideas, arguments or evidence.

My statement of purpose clearly responds to the prompt.

I have introduced my academic, professional and/or personal background.

I have described any relevant experience and shown my development over time.

I have highlighted key achievements that demonstrate my talents.

There is a clear connection between my previous experience and my future plans.

I have explained how the program will help me achieve my goals.

I have mentioned specific aspects of the program, department and institution that appeal to me.

Every paragraph focuses on one central idea.

The paragraphs are organized in a logical order and tell a clear, coherent story.

I have thoroughly proofread the text.

The first sentence is engaging and relevant.

The topic has been introduced with necessary background information.

Any important terms have been defined.

The thesis statement clearly shows the essay’s focus.

Everything in the introduction is relevant to the main body of the essay.

I’ve followed all instructions in the assignment sheet.

I’ve followed all formatting guidelines (page numbers added, identifying information included, spacing is right, font is uniform, etc.).

At the end of the paper I have a carefully formatted reference list, which conforms to the appropriate style manual’s guidelines (e.g. APA Style).

I have provided an appropriately formatted in-text citation for every piece of information from another source.

I’ve addressed any feedback from my professor or supervisor.

I have an interesting introduction, giving a sense of what my topic is, why it’s important, and how I will discuss it.

All of the key sub-arguments or claims are briefly pointed out or outlined in the introduction.

Near the beginning of each paragraph, I’ve used a good topic sentence.

Every paragraph is unified to convey one specific idea.

The relationship between each paragraph and the preceding paragraph or section is made clear by a good transition, in or before the topic sentence.

The relationship between each paragraph and the thesis of the paper is clear.

No paragraph is unreasonably short or long, being just long enough to explain or prove the point.

The relationship between each sentence and the preceding sentence is made clear, either through continuity in the topic matter or an appropriate transitional word or phrase.

I have a conclusion that does not present any new argumentative support to the thesis, does not merely repeat the information given in the introduction, and does not leave the reader unsatisfied or confused.

I’ve revised the document carefully, keeping in mind both global concerns and fine-grained details.

Words and ideas of others are correctly cited, even if they’re quoted or paraphrased.

You’ve included both in-text citations and a full reference in the reference list.

You have not committed self-plagiarism by using (parts of) a previous paper.

You have used a reliable plagiarism checker as a final check.

The font is Times New Roman (or your supervisor approved the use of a different one) and size 12 pt

The page margins are set to one inch

The text is double spaced

There is only one space after each period

The first line of each paragraph is indented 0.5 inches from the left margin

Your surname and the page number are included in the top right corner of each page, and you have checked whether your supervisor wishes for you to include this information on the first page

You have listed your name, supervisor name, the course name and the date in the top left-hand corner of the first page

You have not included a title page, unless specifically instructed to do so

The Works Cited page is formatted correctly, with double spacing, hanging indents and the title centered at the top of the page

All sources consulted have been cited correctly in the bibliography and in the text itself

You have used the correct Chicago system as instructed by your university or as per your field of study

You have included a citation for every single idea, quote or piece of information taken from another source

If you are using footnotes, the superscript numbers included in the text matches with the relevant citations

All citations and bibliography entries are formatted correctly, according to the type of source and the Chicago system

You have included a complete, alphabetized bibliography with the full information on all sources

You have checked for plagiarism to avoid accidentally using text without citations

You have used the citation style that applies for your paper

Your own voice is dominant in the paper, including when describing other researchers’ ideas

All quotes, paraphrased content and summaries are properly cited

You have paraphrased and summarized thoroughly, ensuring the wording is completely different from the original source

You have not used too much of your own previous work (i.e. self-plagiarism)

You have included a complete list of sources in the reference list

All summarized sections are highly relevant to your research topic and it is vital that the reader has a complete overview of that source.

The summarized sections are completely rewritten in your own words.

When summarizing, you have introduced the source to the reader (and not only included the in-text citation).

Any longer summaries include multiple mentions of the source.

You have cited all your sources correctly in the text.

The sources for all summarized text are included in the reference list.

Block quotes are only used when absolutely necessary.

Quotes comprise less than 25% (or your university’s requirement) of the final text.

Any block quotes used would not be more effective as paraphrased text.

Block quotes are properly formatted with indentations, no quotation marks and spacing according to the required reference style.

Block quotes are properly cited according to the required referencing style.

All block quotes are introduced and the reason for their inclusion in the dissertation is clear.

The sources for all quotes are included in the reference list.

All quotes are highly relevant to the research topic.

Quotes are only used when absolutely necessary.

Quotes comprise no more than 5% (or your university’s requirement) of the final text.

Any quotes used would not be more effective as paraphrased text.

Quotes are properly cited according to the required referencing style.

All quotes are introduced and the reason for their inclusion in the dissertation is clear.

Shortened quotes remain in context and do not contradict the author’s original meaning.

If applicable, long quotes are correctly formatted as block quotations.

The sources for all quotes are included in the reference list.

The font is professional.

The font size is 10 of 11.

Line spacing is set to 1.15 or 1.5.

All tables and figures have a number and title.

Numbers and titles are placed above tables.

Numbers and titles are placed below figures.

Heading styles (Heading 1, Heading 2, etc.) have been used consistently.

A table of contents has been automatically generated.

Headers and footers have been added (as appropriate).

Pages are numbered.

The title page is not numbered.

Resources are cited using the correct reference style.

Name the type of document: Are you writing a bachelor’s dissertation, master’s dissertation or essay?

Title: A short, catchy title that makes the reader eager for more.

Subtitle: A subtitle often consists of 1 or 2 sentences that clarify the title.

Illustration: Illustration of the topic of your dissertation. Make sure the illustration is of a high quality.

Publication date: Note here the date that you are going to send the document to the university for final review.

First initials and last name of the author: Do you have an official title? Then don’t forget to add it (for example, BSc). It is customary not to write out your first name. You can also add the initials of any baptismal or additional names.

Student number: It is customary to note your student identification number.

Educational program: Note the name of the educational program.

Educational institution: State the name of the educational institution.

Function, title, initials and last name of supervisor: Does the supervisor have an official title? Don’t forget to state this. You can often find the official title on your supervisor’s profile on the website of your school. Next to your supervisor’s name, write also his or her function. In this case, that is ‘supervisor’.

Function, title, initials and last name of second reader/examiner: Just as with the supervisor, here you state the function, initials and last name of the second reader. If you don’t know whom your second reader or examiner is, you can ask this of your supervisor.

Name of document type: Are you writing a bachelor’s dissertation, master’s dissertation or essay?

Title: A short, catchy title that makes the reader eager for more.

Subtitle: A subtitle often consists of 1 or 2 sentences that clarify the title.

Publication date: Note here the date that you are going to send the document to the university for final review.

First initials and last name of the author: Do you have an official title? Then don’t forget to add it (for example, BSc). It is customary not to write out your first name. You can also add the initials of any baptismal or additional names.

Student number: It is customary to note your student identification number.

Educational program: Note the name of the educational program.

Educational institution: State the name of the educational institution.

Function, title, initials and last name of supervisor: Does your supervisor have an official title? Don’t forget to state this. You can often find the official title on your supervisor’s profile on the website of your school. Next to your supervisor’s name, write also his or her function. In this case, that is ‘supervisor’.

Function, title, initials and last name of second reader/examiner: Just as with the supervisor, here you state the function, initials and last name of the second reader. If you don’t know whom your second reader or examiner is, you can ask this of your supervisor.

The preface is no longer than four or five paragraphs.

Only people who have actually helped have been thanked.

The thanks follow a functional order. Those who have contributed the most are named first.

The use of first and last names is consistent.

The preface is personal but is nevertheless written in a professional style.

The preface ends with my name, place name, and the date at the time of writing.

The word count is within the required length, or a maximum of one A4 sheet of paper.

The abstract is included after the title page and/or acknowledgements and before the table of contents.

The objective, problem statement, and/or research questions are stated.

The methodology is briefly described.

The most important results are summarized.

The main conclusions are stated.

Any recommendations and/or suggestions for further research are mentioned.

The abstract can be understood by someone without prior knowledge of the topic.

Table of contents automatically generated.

Has clear titles.

Difference in headings used for chapters and sections.

Maximum of two pages.

The headings Introduction through Reference List are in the table of contents.

The heading Table of Contents is not in the table of contents.

Does each table have a number?

Does each table have a title that clarifies what the table is about?

Is each table formatted according to your program’s requirements?

Are all of the tables in your dissertation formatted consistently?

Can each table be understood without help from the text?

Have you indicated each table’s source (when applicable)?

Has each table been referenced in the surrounding text?

Have you only discussed each table’s main points in the text?

The topic and context is introduced.

The focus and scope of the research is defined.

The relevance and importance of the research is demonstrated.

The research question(s) are formulated.

The specific objectives of the research are stated.

If relevant, the conceptual framework is included and hypotheses are formulated.

The dissertation’s overall structure is outlined.

It defines what the problem is.

It explains where the problem is occurring.

It focuses on a single problem.

It is clearly and explicitly written.

It is relevant to the field (or the client, if applicable).

Key concepts mentioned in research questions and hypotheses or problem statement are defined.

The main theories and models that relate to the research have been analyzed.

Theories and models that are chosen to use to answer the research questions/ test your hypotheses have been justified.

Notable relationships between concepts are explained.

The main scientific articles on the subject have been cited.

All the descriptive research questions have been answered.

The theoretical framework has a logical structure.

Relevant and recent sources have been consulted.

Sources are cited in the right way.

Additional: An overview of existing knowledge related to the identified problem is provided.

Additional: It is made clear how the research is relevant (for example, by showing how it fills a gap in the existing knowledge).

You have completed your data collection and analyzed the results.

Only results that are relevant to your research aims and questions are included.

All tables and figures are correctly labelled and referred to in the text.

The results are supported using tables, figures or quotes (as appropriate).

If hypotheses have been formulated, they are confirmed or rejected.

No information from other studies has been presented as your research results.

There is no interpretation or speculation on the meaning of the results.

The most important findings have been concisely summarized.

The results have been discussed and interpreted in relation to the research objectives.

The discussion is logically ordered to show patterns or themes among the data.

The research questions have been answered.

Relevant literature and theory has been cited.

Alternative explanations of the results have been considered.

The practical and/or theoretical implications have been stated.

Any limitations of the research have been acknowledged and evaluated.

Relevant recommendations have been made for further research or action.

The importance of the results has been emphasized.

The client can implement the recommendations/measures in the short term.

The recommendations clearly indicate what should be done and by whom.

Each recommendation contains active verbs (and not will/want/can).

All recommendations are formulated in the same style.

Each recommendation is presented individually and briefly justified.

There are at least three and no more than seven recommendations.

The recommendations are backed by evidence that demonstrates that they will solve the problem.

There is evidence to support taking particular measures.

The arguments concerning “what a recommendation offers” and “why it should be implemented” are derived from the research.

Even if the recommendation itself is new, the rest of the information is not.

The first person voice (“I” or “we”) is not used.

The main research question has been concisely answered.

The overall argument has been summarized.

There is reflection on the aims, methods and results of the research.

Any important limitations have been mentioned.

Relevant recommendations have been discussed.

The contributions of the research have been clearly explained.

No new data or arguments have been introduced.

Afterword is a maximum of 3 to 4 paragraphs.

Afterword is put before the literature list and after the conclusion/discussion/recommendations.

In the afterword, I mention what I have learned.

The afterword is personal but written in a professional style.

I am consistent in the use of first and last names.

The afterword ends with my name and the date at the time of writing.

Determine what should be placed in an appendix (and not in the main body of your dissertation).

Start each appendix on a separate page.

Assign each appendix a number and clear title.

Assign any specific sub-components (e.g., as tables and figures) their own numbers and titles.

Make sure your appendices are easy to follow and clearly formatted.

Refer to each appendix at least once in the main text (in one of the ways described above).

I’ve followed all instructions in the assignment sheet.
Assignment sheet

I’ve followed all formatting guidelines (page numbers added, identifying information included, spacing is right, font is uniform, etc.).

At the end of the paper I have a carefully formatted reference list, which conforms the appropriate style manual’s guidelines (e.g. APA Style).
APA Style reference list

I have given an appropriately formatted in-text citation for every piece of information I got from another source.
APA Style citation in the text

I’ve addressed any feedback given from my professor or supervisor.

My paper has an interesting and informative title.

I have an interesting introduction giving a sense of what my topic is, why it’s important, and how I will discuss it.
Effective introductions

I have in my introduction a good thesis that takes the form of a declarative statement.
Thesis statement

I have in my introduction a good thesis that takes the form of a declarative statement.
Thesis statement

In my thesis, or after my thesis, all of the key sub-arguments or claims are briefly pointed out or outlined.

Near the beginning of each paragraph I’ve used a good topic sentence.
Topic sentence

Every paragraph is unified to convey one specific idea.
Paragraph structure

The relationship between each paragraph and the preceding paragraph or section is made clear by a good transition , in or before the topic sentence.
Transitions

The relationship between each paragraph and the thesis of the essay is clear.

No paragraph is unreasonably short or long.

The relationship between each sentence and the preceding sentence is made clear, either by continuity in the topic matter or an appropriate transitional word or phrase.

I have a conclusion that does not present any crucial argumentative support to the thesis, does not merely repeat the information given in the introduction, and does not leave the reader unsatisfied or confused.
Conclusion

I’ve revised the document carefully, keeping in mind both global concerns and fine-grained details.
Revision process

Use an appropriate salutation.
Example: Dear Dr. X,

Explain the purpose of your e-mail.
Example: I am writing you in follow-up to our meeting on Monday.

Be brief and clear about exactly what you want to say or ask.
Example: I have made the changes that we agreed on. Could you please check and confirm them?

Thank your supervisor in advance for his/her cooperation or answer. This shows that you are polite, as well as indicates that you expect a reply.
Example: Thanks in advance for your reply.

Use an appropriate closing.
Example: Sincerely,