Exposition

It is the final stage in historical research and a part of the concluding operation. It is the process of the presentation of research work in the most attractive and interesting way. It represents the actual writing of the thesis. It is the presentation of historical facts in an intelligent, intelligible, interesting, and knowledgeable way. Facts must be presented in a fascinating way. Originality, clarity, and lucidity are the hallmarks of exposition. The ideas are to be arranged in a logical order, and imagination plays a key role in exposition. The presentation of sources, its analysis, and interpretation are depended on the nature of the research problem.

The Writing Plan

A well-outlined plan for presenting the thesis must be adopted. The text of the thesis is the most important section in the organization of a research report. The quality of the report is mainly examined. It is the original production of the researcher. The report of the main body serves the function of demonstrating the competence of the researcher. The whole thesis should be divided into chapters and further sub-themes. The general format in presenting the textual body is:

Introductory Part: It consists essentially of the statement of research inquiry. The main purpose of this chapter is to indicate the need and scope of the study. It is reported in the past tense form of work completed. The problem objectives, hypotheses, cauterization, and limitations of the study are to be reported precisely.

Review of Related Literature: The existing knowledge on the topic must be examined. The review chapter is devoted to the development of the problem statement or the object of the inquiry. It is the balancing chapter of the research report.

Key Chapters: Chapters can be divided into thematically, problematically, or any other method suited for the present research problem. In the chapters, subtitles can be placed to present different aspects of the study. This is the place in which the researcher raises his arguments. These chapters can provide the opportunity to analyse the available sources to reach new interpretations. It also provides the opportunity to establish historical truth regarding the present research problem. Generalization, conceptualization, and theorization can be framed in these chapters.  

Conclusion: This part concludes the study. It also posts the important findings of the study and also presents the thread for further research in the field. 

The Writing Style

A language is a tool for writing. Historians tend to write in ordinary language that ordinary people can read and understand. This is certainly a charm of the craft of history. Historians try to write in a language that captures the spirit of the historical period, event, or character, that appeals to a contemporary audience. The language of the historian is normally simple, direct, and comprehensible. However, there may be a complexity of evidence or arguments. Most people can read and enjoy history because it uses ordinary language. Using ordinary language well is, therefore, one of the historian’s most important tools. Research writing is communication between the researcher and the reader. Hence, attention should be paid to writing the research report. It should be clear in presentation, easy to read, and accurate in statements. The following points must be kept in mind at the time of writing the thesis:

• Readability and the flow of the presentation
• Clarity in arguments
• Command over language
• Avoidance of superfluous language
• Logical paragraphing
• Correct use of punctuations and quotations
• Technical terms should be explained
• Keep the lucidity of the explanation
• Avoidance of complex sentences
• Avoidance of colloquial language
• Avoidance of personal porous as I, We, You, Me, My, Our and Us

The writing must be focused on a way to find out the answers to the pre-set objectives.  

Generalisation

Generalisation is a process of framing principles, theories, and concepts by establishing the relation between facts, and it is a part of the exposition. The process of generalisation begins with the grouping of the facts. Facts must be grouped, arranged, and organised according to its similarities and dissimilarities. The next step is called serialisation, which is linking up the events according to the research plan. Reasoning and further interpretation of the facts is the next step. It helps the researcher to organise his facts in a defined manner. Interpretation promotes communication and understanding. Establishing a connection or relation between the facts is the next stage of generalisation. This factual connection enables the researcher to outline general schemes or principles. It helps the researcher to make general statements and formulates concepts and theories. A generalization must be based upon a balanced approach.