1) A thesis requires logical organization and structure to present a coherent argument based on objective evidence. It involves repeated practice and effort to master academic writing skills. 2) The logic of a thesis concerns presenting a valid relationship between the evidence and conclusions. It must avoid logical fallacies. 3) A thesis has a standard structure including preliminary sections, an introduction chapter, body chapters, and a conclusion chapter that summarizes findings and recommendations.

1. By Kevin G. Smith
The Thesis
Theological Research Seminar

2. Academic Writing
Even if you are competent and experienced in all the
other skills required to be or become a good scholar,
few people master the art of writing scientifically
overnight. To put together a coherent, logical, clear and
persuasive argument, because that is the literal
meaning of “thesis” or “dissertation,” usually involves
repeated practice, many drafts, and a great deal of
effort and even frustration (Mouton 2001, 112).

3. THE LOGIC OF THE THESIS

4. Logic
A thesis is, above all else, a logical report of the
research process and findings.

5. Logic of Validation
One aspect of the logic of the thesis concerns
the relationship between the evidence you
present and the conclusion you draw.
1) Objective evidence
2) Appropriate evidence
3) Weighty evidence

6. Logical Fallacies
1) Unsupported
generalisations
2) Appeals based on
authority
3) The bandwagon
argument
4) The “post hoc” fallacy
5) False analogy
6) Circular reasoning
7) Ad hominem reasoning
(attacking the person)
8) Non sequitur reasoning
9) Red herring arguments

7. THE STRUCTURE OF A THESIS

8. Preliminaries
• Title page
• Disclaimer
• Declaration
• Abstract
• Table of contents
• List of figures

9. First Chapter
• What? Begin with the background of the problem,
leading into the problem statement and main
research questions.
• Why? Explain the research’s motivation, aims,
objectives and significance.
• How? Present a synopsis of the research design and
methodology adopted to solve the main problem.
End with a preview of the argument to follow.

10. Last Chapter
• Summary: a review of the logical argument of the
research.
• Deductions: conclusions that have been reached
through the research (e.g., whether the research
has supported or refuted the hypothesis).
• Recommendations: practical suggestions flowing
out of the research.

11. Chapter Structure
• Introduction
• Body
• Conclusion
• Bridging sentences
and paragraphs
• Section headings

12. THE RHETORIC OF THE THESIS

13. Rhetoric (Mouton)
• Write clearly, simply and to the point.
• Use positive constructions.
• Avoid passive constructions.
• Do not use an indefinite ‘this’.
• Avoid sexist or derogatory language.
• Avoid colloquial (spoken) language.

14. Rhetoric (Mouton)
• Structure and organise your argument.
• Assess alternative perspectives and rival
points of view.
• Think through the sort of evidence that would
be convincing to a competent reader.

15. Rhetoric (Mouton)
• Use linking devices.
• Edit and rework your writing.
• Check grammar and spelling.

16. CONCLUSION