It’s your last year of engineering school! Just a bit more and you’ll be walking towards the stage and receive your engineering diploma! For every graduating engineering student, this is definitely the most exciting year, and at the same time the most challenging. Why? Because other than having to pass all your final list of major subjects, you’ll have to work on your engineering thesis–and current engineers know how hard thesis writing can be (Even just searching for a topic is a struggle already!)
That’s why we have created a list of ten commandments that can guide you in writing your thesis. Here they are.
#1 Thou shall always make quality as a priority.
Source: Giphy
It’s not the number of pages, sentences or words that count. It’s the complete and precise thought that counts. When explaining your thesis, don’t beat around the bush, just go straight to the point. This isn’t a novel. The easier someone understands your thesis, the better. Remember: quality over quantity.
#2 Thou shall follow the requirements of the paper
Source: Giphy
Different universities have different requirements in thesis writing. So, make sure you have the complete requirements before your start writing your papers–and follow them. You don’t want to waste a hundred pages just because you messed up your margins, formatting, or had your content mixed up. Also, be aware of possible changes in your paper that’s given by your professor. If you’re not the type to take down notes in engineering class, now is the time to get one! Remember, this is for your diploma–keep your eyes on the prize!!!
#3 Thou shall always have a draft and a copy of a draft and a copy of a copy…
Source: Giphy
It’s very important to have a draft of your thesis, and make sure that you always have a backup of your thesis–both in hard and soft copy, in different memory devices. It doesn’t matter how many DVDs (do we still use these), flash drives, or HDDs you’re going to save your thesis paper in, just make sure you have multiple copies of it for you to easily access in case your main file goes missing or gets corrupted. Believe me, losing the only copy to your thesis 2 weeks before the defense is worse than your worst nightmare.
#4 Thou shall not pirate other’s works
Source: Giphy
This is as obvious as it gets. Never pirate academic work, this includes thesis papers.
#5 Thou shall give credit through reference to others’ work
Source: Giphy
All borrowed data, whether it be from a book, or the internet must be referenced in your paper. If you fail to do so, you could face disciplinary actions due to plagiarism.
#6 Thou shall stick to the point and provide clear arguments
Source: Giphy
This is not a reaction paper you’re writing so try not to write too much fluttery words. This type of document is not a creative piece of fancy literature, so needless expression should be avoided. Thesis writing follows a set of norms and guidelines that everyone should stick to. Keep away from superficial arguments that do nothing but waste your precious document.
#7 Thou shall not put references for your references’ reference
Source: ImgFlip
We know that having multiple citations from credible sources would make your arguments shine in the best way, but try to keep it at a minimum. Flooding your thesis with heavy references will just make it look dull and unoriginal. Your goal is to create a paper that offers your original take on a problem that needs solving. Adding too much references will only dilute your content and make it look like you just plagiarized someone’s work.
#8 Thou shall always stay within the scope of your thesis statement
Source: Giphy
Some people have the tendency to veer away from their own topic when writing a thesis paper. This is sometimes due to them finding another problem to solve while testing for a solution. Always keep close to your scope and try your best not to sway too far away from it even if the temptation to do so is very high. You’ll save yourself from wasting time doing things that aren’t really related to your statement.
#9 Thou shall always consult thy inner “grammar nazi”
Source: Giphy
Reckless mistakes should be left for book reports and pop-quizzes. There’s no room for mistakes when it comes to your thesis paper. Always be sure to check the spelling, grammar, and semantics of your work. Any error that your paper could present could come back and bite your sorry ass.
#10 Thou shall uphold honesty and integrity at all times
Source: ImgFlip
Even if this paper has your future at stake, it doesn’t mean you can step on other people and disregard ethics. Make sure that your thesis has the criteria to solve a problem or at least be useful to humanity while still upholding moral standards. If your thesis paper fails to do at least that, then it’s just another wasteful use of good paper.
Article Sources:
