MAKING AN OUTLINE SESSION 3

FUNDAMENTALS OF THESIS WRITING 1

Professor Sarah Lou Ysmael Arriola

HOW SHOULD YOU DIVIDE YOUR THESIS?

FOLLOW THE 30-40-20 RULE

30% is the Introduction

40% is the Body of the Thesis (it would help to have a chapter analysis in each chapter)

20% is the Conclusion and Recommendation

OR

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HOW SHOULD YOU DIVIDE YOUR THESIS?

Follow the 30-30-20-20 Rule

30% is the Introduction

30% is the Review of Related Literature

20% is the Analysis

20% is the Conclusion and Recommendation

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Making an OUTLINE

Chapter 1 sets the framework of the Thesis.

Chapter 1 is always the Introduction. It consists of:

1. Background of the Study

2. Problem Statement (Thesis Statement)

3. Definition of Terms

4. Objectives

5. Significance of the Study

6. Scope and Limitation

7. Organization of the Thesis

8. Methodology

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How long is the Introduction?

A good Introduction consists of 15-20 pages. Some even go as far as 30 pages.

If it is not in the Introduction, it should not be anywhere in the Thesis. No surprises.

Since it is your framework, it should contain all the salient points. The body should just expound on those points.

A good Introduction is complete but succinct.

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What is the Background?

It introduces the topic. It gives a brief overview of what the Thesis topic

is all about. It sets the mood of the whole Study. By reading the Background, the reader should be

able to get an idea of what are the surrounding circumstances behind the thesis and why it is written.

For example, you are talking about campaign finance, the Background tells you what it is and how it fits in Philippine political society.

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What is the Problem Statement?

It is the Thesis Statement. It states your legal issue. It tells the reader what are the issues which you

wish to prove or disprove in your thesis. You may have only one legal issue but some

would venture to more than two issues. For example, if you want to ban premature

campaigning, your thesis statement should say that there is nothing in the law that bans premature campaigning although in truth its practice goes against the equal protection clause of the Constitution.

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What is the Definition of Terms?

It should define the major terms in your thesis. The definition can be your own, from the law, an

international instrument, a case or a legal scholar. It can also use the definition of a pending bill or Resolution.

You need not define all legal terms in your thesis. But you have to define major, significant and key legal terms.

For example, you are doing a thesis on cyberbullying. You have to define bullying, cyberspace, and cybercrime.

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WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES? They are the goals that you wish to achieve in your

thesis.

Most theses have at least two objectives. However, some can have as many as five. It all depends on how extensive and complicated your topic is.

For example, your thesis deals with gender based corruption, you may have these objectives:

1. To show the loopholes in Philippine law regarding corruption that are related to gender issues; and

2. To propose law reform to address gender-based corruption.

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WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY?

It is how important your study is in Philippine domestic law or in International Law.

It says how it will improve legal scholarship.

It indicates how it can alleviate the present situation.

It is important to state that the evil you seek to suppress is greater than the possible evil that you might create in your proposal.

Significance talks about three things: IMPORTANCE, IMPACT and RELEVANCE.

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What is the Organization of the Thesis?

It discusses the contents of each Chapter.

You should be able to give a brief overview of what can be found in each part of the thesis.

The challenge in the Organization of the Thesis is that there should be no surprises in the succeeding Chapters.

If it is not in the Organization, it should not be in the body.

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What is covered by the Scope and Limitations?

The Scope and Limitations mentions the parameters of your thesis. It gives your assumptions that you no longer need to prove. It also says what you will not discuss in your thesis that are matters that may be seen intimately related to your topic.

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WHAT IS THE METHODOLOGY?

The Methodology is the way you will conduct your research.

You will mention if you are going to go through a survey of laws and cases. You can also say if you are going to interview personalities as well as if you will attend a certain forum related to your topic.

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CHAPTER 2

It is always the Review of Related Literature.

It may be:

1. Case Law

2. Discussion of different concepts of law.

3. Discussion of previous works done on the matter.

4. Discussion of relevant laws.

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Succeeding Chapters

These are still part of the Review of Related Literature.

These Chapters are the most substantive part of the thesis.

They are ALMOST ALWAYS legal.

They serve as the substantive support of your Analysis or Conclusion and Recommendations.

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ANALYSIS

It is the proponent’s stand based on his or her research.

It is the heart of the thesis.

It is the dissection of the basis for the conclusion and recommendation.

It is the basis of the conclusion recommendation.

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What can be found in the Conclusion and Recommendation?

Contains the findings of the Thesis.

Contains any of the following:

1. Proposed law reform

2. Reconciliation of conflicting cases

3. Upholding of a certain legal theory

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THANK YOU

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