Punjab University Thesis writing procedure

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 PU THESIS WRITING STEP BY STEP GUIDANCE:

1. Choose a Topic ThatMatches With Your Passion:

  • Brainstorm: Not down ideas that genuinely interest you. What books, authors, literary movements, or periods fascinate you?
  • Consider Your Interests: What aspects of English literature do you enjoy most? (e.g., poetry, drama, fiction, literary criticism, linguistics)
  • Narrow Down: Your topic should be specific and manageable. Instead of "Shakespeare," try "Shakespeare's Use of Sonnets to Explore Love and Loss."
  • Check Availability: Ensure your chosen topic hasn't been extensively explored (unless you have a unique angle).

2. Conduct Thorough Research

  • Library Databases: Utilize online resources like JSTOR, Project MUSE, and Google Scholar for academic articles, books, and primary sources.  
  • Primary Sources: Engage with the original texts! Read the novels, poems, or plays you're analyzing closely and critically.
  • Note-Taking: Develop a consistent system (e.g., index cards, digital notes) to organize your research.
  • Avoid Plagiarism: Paraphrase and summarize in your own words. If you must use direct quotes, cite them properly using a recognized style guide (MLA, APA, Chicago).  

3. Craft a Compelling Thesis Statement

  • The Heart of Your Argument: Your thesis statement is the central claim of your entire paper. It should be:
    • Clear and Concise: Easily understood and to the point.
    • Arguable: Not a simple observation but a debatable point.
    • Specific: Focus on a particular aspect of your topic.
     
  • Examples:
    • Weak: "Shakespeare's plays are important."
    • Strong: "Shakespeare's use of soliloquies in Hamlet effectively reveals the psychological complexities of the protagonist."

4. Structure Your Argument Logically

  • Outline: Create a detailed outline that maps out the flow of your argument.
  • Introduction:
    • Hook: Begin with an engaging opening line (a quote, a question, a surprising fact).
    • Background: Briefly introduce the topic and relevant context.
    • Thesis Statement: Clearly state your main argument.
  • Body Paragraphs:
    • Develop Each Point: Each paragraph should focus on one main supporting idea.
    • Evidence: Support your claims with evidence from the text (quotes, textual analysis).
    • Analysis: Explain how the evidence supports your thesis.
  • Conclusion:
    • Restate Thesis: Briefly restate your main argument.
    • Summarize Key Points: Briefly summarize the main points of your paper.
    • Broader Implications: Briefly discuss the broader significance of your findings.

5. Write, Revise, and Edit

  • Drafting: Write a first draft without worrying too much about perfection.
  • Revision:
    • Get Feedback: Share your draft with peers, professors, or writing center tutors.
    • Revise for Content: Evaluate the strength of your argument, the quality of your evidence, and the clarity of your ideas.
  • Editing:
    • Proofread Carefully: Check for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and typographical errors.
    • Consider Style: Ensure your writing is clear, concise, and engaging.

6. Cite Your Sources Properly

  • Consistency: Use a consistent citation style throughout your paper.
  • Accuracy: Double-check the accuracy and completeness of all your citations.
  • Avoid Plagiarism: Always give credit to the original authors of the ideas and information you use.  

Tips for Avoiding Plagiarism

  • Paraphrase Effectively: Put the information into your own words while maintaining the original meaning.  
  • Summarize Key Points: Condense the main ideas of a source into a brief overview.  
  • Use Quotations Sparingly: Only use direct quotes when they are essential to your argument.
  • Cite Everything: Cite all sources you use, including books, articles, websites, and even lectures.

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