How to Format a Thesis for a Research Paper

A strong research paper needs a clear thesis statement that introduces the main topic and gives an idea of what the paper will cover. You might wonder, “How should I format my thesis?” or “What do professors expect to see?”

In this guide, we’ll explain how to write a thesis for your research paper, showing you the best format and giving examples for different kinds of papers. We’ll also go over the difference between a thesis statement, research question, and hypothesis.

What is a thesis statement in a research paper?

A thesis statement is one clear sentence in a research paper that explains the main idea the paper is trying to prove. For example, if you're researching how exercise affects stress, your thesis might be:

"Because exercise has neurological benefits, people who exercise regularly experience lower stress levels than those who don't."

This sentence gives a simple overview of the topic without going into too much detail. The thesis statement serves as an introduction, and the rest of the paper expands on the topic and provides more details.

Knowing how to write a good thesis statement is key to writing a research paper. The thesis previews what the paper will discuss, helping the reader understand what to expect. That's why the thesis statement is usually placed at the start, in the introduction.

6 tips for formatting a research paper thesis

While there are no strict rules for writing a research paper thesis statement, there are some helpful tips to guide you. Keep these best practices in mind when writing your thesis:

• Keep it simple and to the point: A good thesis statement should explain the main idea in clear, simple terms without adding too many details.

• One sentence only: A thesis statement is usually just one sentence. This helps to keep it clear and easy to understand.

• Set the boundaries: After reading the thesis, your audience should know what your paper will cover and what it won’t.

• Make a clear statement: Your thesis should make a strong claim or argument that you’ll support with evidence in your paper.

• Place it early: The thesis statement typically appears at the start of your paper, usually in the first paragraph of the introduction.

• Restate it at the end: Your thesis is often restated or rephrased in the conclusion, summarizing your main points to tie everything together.

A thesis statement can guide your entire research paper. Before you start researching, choosing a topic and turning it into a clear thesis helps focus your direction. This way, your thesis statement can also help you create an outline and organize your evidence in a way that makes your paper flow smoothly.

Example format of research paper thesis by type

Argumentative

An argumentative research paper aims to convince the reader of a particular viewpoint using facts and evidence. This style is often used when there are different opinions on a topic, but it’s not always necessary.

In an argumentative paper, the thesis statement clearly expresses the author’s position and often uses convincing language to persuade the reader.

Example of an argumentative research paper thesis:

While washing your hands is an effective way to remove germs, our study shows that washing hands too often can actually reduce certain immune defenses and make the skin more prone to new problems.

Expository

Expository writing, as the name implies, is meant to introduce new information that the reader may not know. It’s often used in journalism and research papers to educate and inform the audience.

In expository research papers, the main idea is typically stated clearly in the thesis statement, sometimes phrased in an engaging way to keep the reader interested and eager to learn more.

Example of an expository research paper thesis:

Our study shows that cyberbullies are mostly driven by fun and entertainment, unlike traditional bullies who are often motivated by anger, revenge, or a flawed sense of reward.

Analytical

An analytical research paper takes a careful, organized look at a single topic. It examines the issue from different perspectives and pays attention to even the smallest details.

The thesis for an analytical paper should touch on the main points of the topic briefly, without going into too much detail or overexplaining.

Example of an analytical research paper thesis:

Although Sigmund Freud is known as the "father of modern psychology," a review of his most famous theories today shows that many of his ideas are actually quite flawed.

Thesis statement vs. research question vs. hypothesis

Thesis statements, research questions, and hypotheses are often mixed up, but they each serve a different purpose in your paper. Here’s how they differ:

A thesis statement gives a brief summary of your paper’s main idea. It is used in research papers, essays, and other nonfiction works. It introduces the topic to the reader and gives a clear idea of what your paper will be about.

A research question asks a specific question your research will try to answer. For example, if you’re studying how different water temperatures affect boiling time, your research question could be, "What is the best temperature for boiling water quickly?" Research questions are used when your paper focuses on collecting and analyzing data.

A hypothesis is a guess or prediction about what will happen in your research. It’s made before you start your study and is tested to see if it's true or false. You can include a hypothesis along with your thesis statement or research question.

Thesis statement format FAQs

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement is a clear, single sentence in a research paper that explains the main point or argument your research is trying to prove.

What are the rules for writing a good thesis statement?

A good thesis statement should:

• Be clear and to the point

• Be one sentence long

• Define the scope of your topic

• Make a strong claim

• Appear in the introduction

• Be restated in the conclusion

What’s the difference between a thesis statement, a research question, and a hypothesis?

A thesis statement gives an overview of your research topic. A research question asks a specific question that your research will answer. A hypothesis is a prediction about what will happen in your study, made before you start your research.