Writing a Research Thesis: 5 Helpful Note-Taking Tips



Developing an effective thesis requires a large amount of research, brainstorming, and analysis. It is highly recommended that you take notes throughout the thesis-creation process. Structured notes keep your thoughts in order. They also serve as a guide that you can constantly review to stay on track. If you are about to develop and write a research thesis, take a look at our tips for how to take better notes below.

1. Create a detailed list of possible topic options.

Before you write a successful research thesis, you must decide what you want to write about. There are many topics and issues you may choose to write about. Researching and taking notes on topics that interest you is the first step of writing a thesis. Organize your notes neatly so you can easily compare and contrast the topics. Make a bulleted list or a compare/contrast diagram to arrange your thoughts.

2. Consider arguments you could make.

A research thesis displays how you feel about a certain issue or topic. After you have chosen the topic of your research paper, it is time to select your paper’s angle. The angle is your idea on a certain topic. Your research thesis should have an angle that the reader can easily identify. You should be able to formulate a strong argument about the research subject in your thesis. Take notes of expert’s opinions on the topic you picked. Do you agree or disagree with them? Taking notes will help refine your opinion on the topic or issue.

3. Outline your research paper.

Each part of your research paper should point back to your thesis statement. Outlining a paper is an essential note-taking process to make sure you are supporting your point throughout your paper. Create a basic outline of your research paper that describes the flow of information to connect each of your paper’s sections to your research thesis.

4. Organize your notes.

Your research notes and outlines should be extensive. Your research thesis will likely require an in-depth argument where you will need many examples to prove your point. More detailed notes will support you when it’s time to make your argument. While there is much to be researched and noted, it will help you greatly to do it in an organized way. This way you can refer to your notes and find the information you need easily.

To stay organized, highlight central ideas that are associated with your thesis. Color coding is an effective way to make sure important notes stand out and that details are easy to find. Utilize a type of note-taking method that you find easy to read. You will find yourself often referring back to your notes while writing your thesis and paper.

4. Write a rough draft and continuously revise the thesis.

After conducting research and making an outline, you may think your thesis will be perfect. However, this is rarely the case. Write a rough draft and see if your thesis is explored sufficiently throughout the paper. You’ll likely need to modify and revise. Take notes on each paragraph of your rough draft. Mark up the page and fill the margins with ways you can improve your writing. Keep revising until your thesis is finished.

Lightmap is a modern note-taking app that allows you to manage your ideas on a simplistic digital platform. It is one of the best note-taking apps you can find, with cutting-edge smart note capabilities. If you’re wondering the best way to take notes for yourself, visit our website to sign up for a free account. You can begin creating your personal knowledge base today. Write your research thesis notes in the most efficient way possible on Lightmap.