How to Make a Final Paper in Three Months

Thesis or final paper writing can be a devastating project for most university students. Many think that thesis writing always takes more time than needed. Some students spend nearly 1 - 1½ year (2-3 semesters) doing this exhausting final project before they are permitted to graduate.

Nevertheless, for some who knows the trick, thesis writing can be easily done in much shorter time: three months. Three months only! That’s half a semester. And you can spend the other half relaxing and preparing for graduation.

The key is to plan your thesis long before you sign up for thesis writing project with your advisor. And, here are the tips:

• Start thinking about writing your thesis as early as the fourth semester – if you are enrolled in a university in Indonesia. By this time, you’ve acquired all the general subjects and known the majors-and-minors of your field of study. Find out which of the subjects interest you most. Your thesis must be about one or two topics that draw most of your attention, because if you are not interested in your topic, there’s a big chance you’ll lose the willingness to write it down half-way doing it.
• When you have selected your subjects of interest, try browsing in the university library to find out if there are other students who had written about them. Study their ideas and the focus of their analysis.
• After knowing what others have written and have not written about the topic you’re interested in, you will be able to come up with a brand new idea or argument concerning the very topic to write in your final paper. It’s time to search for titles!
• You may come up with two or three ideas on the topic, thus allowing you to write in your agenda two or three titles for the final paper. In the course of time, your idea will crystallize, so as to determine which will suit most.
• When your idea has crystallized (this might happen during the fifth or sixth semester), it is best to start collecting data from the library and websites to support the topic you’re discussing. You will need detailed information on the topic, theories to support your argument, and inputs (such as critics and opinions) from other sources. Remember also to keep your data valid and up-to-date. It will not be appropriate to discuss (for instance) the literature of the 21^st century using theories from books written in 1920’s (except if the theories are still applicable for the very topic). Keep in mind that your professors and lecturers are critical people with sharp brains who always demand their students to keep in tune with the latest trend of ideas – because they are the kind that do.
• It is also important to discuss your topic with people more experienced than you, to ask their opinions and inputs. Seniors who already graduated can be a valuable source of information. They’ve been through the steps you’re undertaking, and should be able to advise you on things you ought and ought not do. Sometimes, they can also suggest which professor you should choose as your thesis advisor, in regards to the topic you’re discussing. Nevertheless, if you are not allowed to choose an advisor personally, your academic department will choose one that is most suitable and eligible for your thesis writing project.
• When eventually you do take your thesis writing project (this might take place on your seventh or eighth semester in college), it’s a good idea to have a proof-reader. This is especially necessary when you are to write a thesis in English while English is not your first language. You will need an experienced proof-reader to check your grammar and writing composition. Sometimes, having a professional proof-reader is not free of charge. A proof-reader is like a second (informal) thesis advisor: they correct your writing and grammar, plus give you their opinions and advices on the ideas you’re stating on your thesis. They help sharpen your argument so you’ll come up with a smooth and convincing exposition to submit to your true thesis advisor. This is really helpful to boost the project and speed your thesis writing.

I share you the above tips since I myself used to be a proof-reader. I know the above tips work. I hope it will work for you as well. Good luck!