PHỤ LỤC 3

HOW TO WRITE THESIS CHAPTERS

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study (Preliminary Literature Review, context, gaps)
Write a preliminary review of the existing literature (with proper citations) on the area
of your research then identify gaps or the areas that have not been addressed in
previous studies leading up to your research topic.
1.2 Aims of the Study
Clearly describe what your intentions are and what you hope to achieve.
1.3 Research Questions
State the specific research problem that your paper will focus on (1-3 questions)
1.4 Significance of the Study
State the contributions of your research, such as its importance to society, your
university, your faculty or individuals.
1.5 Thesis Outline
Write a detailed description of the major parts of your thesis.
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
Read books, scholarly articles, and any other sources relevant to your particular area
of research, then provide a description, summary, and critical evaluation of these
works in relation to the research problem being investigated.
2.1 Theoretical Framework
Define key concepts; discuss theories that are most relevant to your research and your
research question(s) (This part of your thesis lays the foundations that will support
your analysis. Your questionnaires or interviews questions are written based on what
you write here).
2.3 Previous studies
Properly cite the findings of previous studies and then identify research gaps.
CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research Methods
Explain what you did and how you did it.
 Quantitative methods: are suitable if you want to understand the general
characteristics or opinions of a group of people (e.g. questionnaire surveys) or
manipulate variables and measure their effects on others (experiments).
Quantitative data is described using numbers and graphs and is analyzed
throughstatistical methods.
 Qualitative methods: are suitable if you want to gain in-depth insight into
specific concepts or phenomena (e.g. interviews) or understand something in its

1
 natural setting (observations). Qualitative data is described using words and
analyzed through interpretations and categorizations.
 Mixed methods: a combination of numerical measurement (quantitative
methods) and in-depth exploration (qualitative methods).
3.2 Population and Sampling
 A population is the entire group that you want to draw conclusions about.
 A sample is the specific group that you will collect data from. Explain clearly
the reasons why you chose that particular group.
3.3 Research Instruments
Research instruments are tools that you use to collect your data. They can be tests,
questionnaires, interview questions or checklists.
3.4 Data Collection Procedures
Describe the important steps you follow when you collect your data.
3.5 Data Analysis Methods
Explain the methods you use for analyzing your data.
CHAPTER 4: FINDINGS/RESULTS
Report your results: Present your data in tables and figures then give an overall description
of what you found.
CHAPTER 5: DISCUSSION
 Discuss whether the results are expected or unexpected.
 Interpret/explain the results, and show how your results are similar or different
from what have been found in previously published works.
CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSION
6.1 Summary of the Main Findings
Provide a very brief summary of the results based on your research question(s).
6.2. Limitations and Future Directions
Clearly acknowledge the potential shortcomings or any limitations of your research
paper (constraints on research design or methodology) and recommend directions for
further studies.
 Common Methodological Limitations:
- Insufficient sample size
- Lack of previous research studies on the topic
- Methods/instruments/techniques used to collect the data
 Common Limitations of the Researcher
- Limited access to data
- Time constraints
6.3 Recommendations

2
Write recommendations based on the research problems you found.
- For teachers
- For students
- Others
6.4 Implications (optional)
Discuss the theoretical implications of your work as well as practical applications.
Explain how the work is significant.
APPENDIX/APPENDICES
- Questionnaires
- Interview questions
- Tests
- Photos
- Other supplementary materials
REFERENCES
Provide an alphabetical listing of all the published work you cited in the text of the
paper following APA styles.
Only include the works you actually cited in the text of your paper.