How to Write a Thesis Proposal Presentation (Three Steps to Writing a Good Thesis Proposal)

A thesis proposal is an explanatory report written by graduate students after completing a literature review, concerning the topic selection of their degree thesis and how to implement it. For graduate students, the thesis proposal is an unavoidable “heavy topic.” A good thesis proposal is not only a prerequisite for the smooth implementation of the project but also provides a writing思路 for the subsequent thesis writing.

So the question is—how exactly do you write a thesis proposal?

I. Format of the Thesis Proposal

A clear topic often implies the basic conclusions of the thesis. Comments on the shortcomings of existing literature also basically暗示 the direction for improvement. The thesis proposal is meant to clearly present these implied conclusions and the logical reasoning that论证 them. The basic content of a thesis proposal includes:

Basic Content of the Thesis Proposal

1. Topic Title
2. Background of the Topic and the Main Problems to Be Solved
3. Current Status and Trends in the Same Research Field Domestically and Abroad, and the Connection and Differences with This Topic
4. Practical Significance and Theoretical Value of the Topic Research
5. Feasibility Analysis of Completing the Topic Research
6. Topic Definition and Supporting Theories
7. Research Objectives, Content, Process, and Method Design
8. Measures to Ensure the Completion of This Topic Research
9. Expected Research Results

II. Steps for Writing the Thesis Proposal

Step 1: Research Background (Literature Review)
The research background involves raising questions and explaining the reasons for studying the topic. The research background includes theoretical background and practical needs. It also requires reviewing the current status of similar research domestically and abroad:
① What are others researching, and to what extent?
② Identify issues you want to research that others have not yet addressed.
③ If others have already done it, but you believe it is insufficient (or has defects), propose ideas or measures for improvement.
④ If others have already done it, you can redo the experiment to verify it.

Step 2: Purpose and Significance
The purpose and significance refer to what problem will be solved (or what conclusion will be drawn) through the research on this topic, and what the significance of solving this problem (or drawing this conclusion) is. Sometimes the research background and purpose are combined into one.

Step 3: Implementation Plan
The implementation plan is the core part of the topic plan and mainly includes research content, research methods, and time安排.
Research content refers to operable elements, generally including several levels:
① Research direction.
② Sub-topics (number and titles).
③ Content related to the research plan, i.e., what to achieve through what means, etc.
Research methods should specify whether it is literature research, experimentation, or investigation research. If it is investigation research, indicate whether it is a general survey or a sample survey. If it is experimental research, note whether there is a control experiment and repeat experiments.
The implementation plan should详细 write out the time安排, location, tasks and goals, and responsible person for each stage. If going out for investigation, list the investigators, investigation objects, investigation content, transportation tools, and investigation tools. If it is experimental research, write the experimental content, experimental location, and equipment. The more specific the implementation plan, the easier it is to operate.

Step 4: Feasibility Argumentation
Feasibility argumentation refers to the conditions required for the topic research, i.e., the information资料, experimental equipment, research funding, students’ knowledge level and skills, and teachers’ guidance ability. In addition, it should also提出 what work has been done on the topic so far, what difficulties and problems still exist, and in what aspects help from the school and teachers is needed.

Step 5: Expected Results and Their Forms of Expression
The expected results are generally in the form of a thesis or investigation (experiment) report. The results are expressed through the final report.

In addition, when writing the thesis proposal, everything starts from the topic and revolves around discussing and researching the topic. So you need to make sure that anyone who sees your topic can understand after reading your thesis proposal why you are writing this thesis and how you will prove the point you want to prove through experiments or practice.

III. Tips for Writing the Thesis Proposal

1. Pay Attention to the “Level” When Raising Questions
Topic selection is the first step in writing an academic thesis. Whether the topic is appropriate directly affects the quality of the thesis and even the success of the thesis writing. Unlike policy research reports, academic articles focus on the theoretical level and solve theoretical problems. Some students choose topics that are not novel, and the content is not innovative, merely summarizing previous work or repeating前人 work. When selecting a topic, adhere to the principles of advancement,科学性, practicality, and feasibility. When raising questions, use terms that “insiders” can understand and clear logic to express them.
Sources of topics include:
① Issues related to your actual work or research work that you are relatively familiar with;
② Rapid development in a certain problem in your major requires comprehensive evaluation;
③ Choose topics reflecting new theories, new technologies, or new trends in the discipline from a large amount of mastered literature.
The chosen topic should not be too broad; the more specific it is, the easier it is to collect data. Starting from a certain aspect makes it easy to深入.

2. Aim at Mainstream Literature and Organize随时
Literature资料 are the foundation for writing a good academic thesis. The more literature there is, the easier it is to write. When selecting literature, choose core journals and classic works in the discipline, and pay attention to the representativeness, reliability, and科学性 of the selected literature; when selecting literature, first look at recent ones (last 3~5 years), then look at older ones. Read materials widely, and if necessary, find the original text cited by the relevant literature to read. When reading, pay attention to making reading cards or reading notes. When organizing materials, pay attention to organizing literature资料 according to problems. When writing the literature review, do not list and state all the materials you have read, but refine them according to a certain思路. Only in this way can you write a good literature review and also write a good thesis proposal, thereby laying the foundation for writing a good thesis.