The key to writing a successful thesis paper is to first get your subject approved and this begins with the thesis proposal. A thesis proposal is basically an outline of what you ‘propose’ your thesis to be about. There are some institutions that want you to conduct an oral proposal, but most thesis proposals will come in the form a written format.

It is extremely important to be sure that your thesis proposal is well written and submitted in the proper format because it will go in front of a thesis committee that will be made up of some of the sharpest minds known to man. The idea behind your thesis proposal is to sort of wet the appetites of the thesis committee so that they approve your subject and you can then get to work writing your actual thesis paper.

With a thesis proposal there are 13 basic sections that should be included. Before you ever get to the first section you will want to come up with a strong title for your thesis proposal. Make it something that will reach out and grab the attention of the thesis committee and make them want to read the entire proposal.

The 13 sections of your thesis proposal break down as follows:

1.    Introduction: The introduction should capture or peak the interest of the reader. The best methods for this section are to write it last after you see how the rest of the proposal will shape up.
2.    Problem Statement: This is simply your research question that you will then restate in the form of a statement.
3.    Background: This is your chance to prove to the readers that your problem statement is a worthwhile endeavor. Use examples here and be sure to cite your sources.
4.    Purpose: What is the purpose of your study? In this section you will need to address an analysis, a change, or an interpretation of your problem.
5.    Significance: Focus on the benefits that will be derived from your study in this section instead of the problem itself. This is the section that answers the question of why you are doing this research.
6.    Methodology: Find three methodologies that will be fitting for you to use in your thesis paper and go over all of your possible points of view.
7.    Literature Review: If there has been any other studies conducted or books and papers written in regards to your thesis then give a general overview of them.
8.    Hypothesis: What do you expect to achieve as a result of this study? In this section you should be focusing on what you think you will find out and not how you think you will find it out.
9.    Definition of Terms: Some terms that you use in the problem, purpose, and methodology sections may be unclear or confusing to the reader. If you feel that there is any chance that a word or term will not be clear then this is the section that you will address such concerns by listing synonyms and descriptions so that the reader gets a clear understanding of what you are talking about.
10.    Assumptions: How do you feel about the subject of your thesis? Make your feelings and your beliefs in regards to the subject matter known in this section.
11.    Scope and Limitations: What are the limitations both practical and abstract in regards to your study? List all your answers and then tell how far off they are from your own expectations.
12.    Procedure: Go into in depth detail describing all the steps you will take in order to achieve or prove the overall goal of your thesis paper. Once this is complete, look it over and see if anyone could replicate the results by looking at this section. If the answer is no then you have to rework this section until the answer is yes.
13.    Long-Range Consequences: Finally you need to give what you feel the consequences of your study will be going out into the future. Will you hypothesis be proven or will it be inconclusive?  Answer and explain why you feel one way of the other.

Above all else you need to be sure to allow yourself adequate time to prepare your thesis proposal. By taking your time and following the proper format of the thesis proposal you will be able to be sure that your thesis proposal will shine and impress all on the thesis review board.