- Inappropriate choice of topic and title
The success of a thesis is largely determined by the choice of topic. Too broad topics become unmanageable in terms of the number of pages available and the deduction of a precisely formulated conclusion, while too narrow topics do not provide enough space for the development of substantive research and the verification or refutation of previously formulated hypotheses/assumptions.
So a good topic:
- specific, well-defined,
- arouses interest in the reader, and preferably in you too, ,
- is based on accessible, credible and processable sources,
- fits the specialization
- Inadequate planning and time management
Many students only start working intensively on their thesis when the deadline approaches, which often leads to rushing and superficial work. A structured process for writing a thesis includes:
- topic preparation,
- concept creation (outline, hypotheses),
- literature research, creating a bibliography,
- the exploration and processing of secondary data,
- selecting, writing and conducting the appropriate primary research form (e.g. questionnaire or in-depth interview),
- checking and correcting grammatical errors,
- editing the list of sources and figures,
- inserting attachments,
- correct editing, continuous consultation with a consultant.
- printing
These are all time-consuming phases, so it's a good idea to create a schedule from the beginning. If you're writing your first thesis, you should expect an average of about 2-3 months.
- Inappropriate use of resources
A common mistake when reviewing literature is to use non-scientific or unreliable sources (e.g. Wikipedia, educational blogs). In a scientific paper, only:
- technical articles,
- books,
- sources from scientific databases (e.g. EBSCO, Google Scholar),
- or the use of authentic statistical data is recommended.
When handling sources, special attention must be paid to professional adherence to citation rules (e.g. APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.).
- Plagiarism and improper referencing
Inappropriately citing content or attributing the ideas of other authors or thesis writers as your own is a serious professional and ethical offense that will certainly lead to the rejection of the thesis. Methods for avoiding plagiarism:
- using accurate referencing techniques – based on your university’s guidelines
- distinguishing quotes from your own text,
- source citation even in the case of paraphrasing.
+ It is worth using some plagiarism software (e.g. Turnitin) to check your work.
- Lack of consultation and inadequate communication
The role of the advisor is crucial in shaping the quality of the thesis. However, many thesis writers:
- seeks contact with him late or irregularly,
- does not take into account its guidelines,
- or not agreeing on the concept until it is too late.
Regular consultation provides an opportunity to incorporate feedback, fine-tune the professional direction, and increase the quality of the thesis. It is advisable to request feedback after each major stage.
✅ Final thought
A thesis is not just a mandatory task, but a complex, independent work that develops research and writing skills. With proper preparation, conscious time management and continuous consultation, the most common mistakes can be avoided. The key to success therefore lies not only in writing skills, but also in conscious preparation and continuous professional control.
If you feel that you need help at any point in writing your thesis and would like to submit professional material, send me an email, call me or find me on the korrepkristóf Facebook page.
Kristof Molnar
Mobile: +36 30 335 9094
Email: korrepcristof@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KorrepKristof
