Our thesis checklist for the perfect thesis

Our thesis checklist

Of course, it is crucial that all parts of your thesis are processed correctly. However, to ensure that your thesis is complete and of high quality, it is also advisable to submit it following the checklist below.

Is your thesis complete?

Make sure that your thesis contains all mandatory components. Are all required parts of the thesis present, such as the introduction, theoretical framework, methodology, results, discussion, conclusion and recommendations?

Below you will find an extensive list:

• Title page
• Preface
• Summary/Abstract
• Table of contents
• Optional: list of figures and tables, list of terms, list of abbreviations
• Introduction
• Theoretical framework
  
• Methodology
• Results
• Conclusion
• Discussion
• Optional: advisory report/recommendations
• Epilogue/reflection
• Bibliography
• Attachments (appendix)

Is the structure and layout in order?

A well-structured thesis is both easy to follow and understand. Before the reader begins delving into the main content of the thesis, which typically includes the theoretical framework, the methodology, the results, and the discussion, it is essential that they have a clear understanding of the thesis’s purpose. Additionally, it is important to ensure logical chapter divisions and coherence within each chapter. Incorporating bridges and connecting words will enhance the overall coherence between different sections of the thesis.

Also check the following parts:

• Is the structure of the thesis logical and clear?
• Is the layout consistent and uncluttered, including headings, subheadings, paragraphs, etc.?
• Are all pages numbered, and are the appendices added correctly and easily located within the main text?

Language use and style

It is important to ensure that the writing style of your thesis meets the expectations of your intended readers. Remember that a thesis is a formal report, so it is best to avoid using informal language, except in the foreword where a personal touch is appreciated. Utilize active verbs and select precise nouns. Keep your paragraphs short and consider using subheadings, bullet points, and numbered steps for organization. Providing clear figures and tables can help clarify and support your written content.

Tip! It is important to remember that many individuals are visual learners and can be prone to distractions. As a result, it is crucial for readers to comprehend the content merely by perusing the headings, subheadings, figures, and tables. Furthermore, the summary should be comprehensive enough for readers to grasp the essence of the thesis.

Also check the following parts:

• Are there no spelling errors, grammatical errors or typographical errors?
• Is a consistent and professional writing style being used? Also, avoid excessive jargon.
• Is there enough coherence between the different parts of the thesis?

Are your sources and references correct?

Ensure that all sources used are accurately cited in the text and align with the entries in the bibliography or reference section. Be vigilant for any spelling mistakes in author names, book or magazine titles, years, and page numbers.

Also check the following parts:

• Are all sources cited correctly and included in the bibliography?
• Is the appropriate reference style used, such as APA, Guidelines for Legal Authors, MLA, or Chicago?
• Are all sources relevant and up to date? Are the illustrations and appendices clear and relevant? Are all illustrations, tables, and graphs clear and relevant to the text?
• Are all attachments included and labeled correctly?

Check and implement all feedback

It is important to have your thesis checked before submitting it. This can be done by fellow students, teachers, or other experts in the field, or you can hire an external proofreader. An external review will identify any errors, inconsistencies, or areas for improvement that you may have overlooked. Ideally, you should ask for at least one, or preferably two, others to review your thesis. Since they often have a fresh perspective and are not as deeply involved in the process, they can provide an objective overview of your document. Ask them to leave comments in the margins and collaborate in a single document, if possible, to maintain an overview. Additionally, ensure that any feedback and suggestions have been incorporated into the final version of your thesis before submitting it.

Tip! Always make sure to review the regulations of your course, as not all theses include the same elements. For instance, design-oriented research frequently does not necessitate a separate theoretical framework.

Would you rather have your thesis checked by a proofreader?

If you want to ensure that your document is linguistically correct, it is helpful to have your thesis reviewed by a linguistic consulting firm. At Jouw Scriptiecoach, we can check your thesis for content, structure, language, spelling errors, and references. Our thesis coaches are experienced in various referencing styles, including APA and the Guidelines for Legal Authors, so we can assist you with both. We offer thesis checking services for both Dutch and English theses. For more information, please visit our thesis checking page.

Would you like to have your thesis checked? Then quickly schedule an appointment for a free consultation.