Page 63 - THBI Student Handbook - 2020

Writing assignments are required for all THBI students in all Degree Study Programs.

There are two types of papers that are part of every study program, assigned and elective. The elective
papers are those that may be found in a particular course that will be clearly identified as “voluntary” or
“extra”, which are totally at the student’s discretion as to whether or not he/she submits such a paper, and
elective papers do not affect a student’s grade or credits - - however, elective papers are reviewed for
commentary by the student’s Live Study Consultant (“LSC”) and favorable reviews may give the student
the recognition of “Graduate with Honors” when the degree certificate is awarded.
Purpose of General Writing Assignments

Writing Assignments throughout the Degree Study Programs are intended to prepare the student to
achieve success for two key levels: First - Submitting degree level written papers that show the student’s
understanding; Second - More importantly these assignments develop the student’s abilities to give or
impart practical life application of the student’s gained knowledge to other people - - which is the true
goal for effective, practical ministry!
➔ And, Effective, Practical Ministry is the aim of the True Hope Bible Institute!

Now frankly, there’s not a lot of difference between:

1. An Essay - - An essay is a "short formal piece of writing dealing with a single subject". It
is typically written to try to persuade the reader using selected research evidence
2. A Treatise - - A formal, systematic article or book on some subject, one in which the conclusions are
based on a detailed consideration of factual evidence or governing principles and explained to a point
of understanding.
3. A Thesis - - A treatise advancing an original point of view as a result of research: Beginning with a
statement to be proven or supported by the research presented therein. You are expected only to use
the research of others and provide your own analysis on your discoveries. It demonstrates your level
of critical and analytical thinking and defines the subject that you are most interested in pursuing
within your field.
4. A Dissertation - - A treatise advancing a new point of view resulting from research; a requirement
for an advanced academic degree. With a dissertation, you are expected to use the research of others
only to guide you in your own research to come up with a completely new hypothesis.
➢ DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DISSERTATION AND A THESIS - Example:
Thesis on Prayer: A student begins with a proposition that his or her research shall support.
Beginning with the THESIS STATEMENT: “Without prayer, Fellowship with God is not
possible.” This statement is then followed by the research presented in the personal style of the
student which includes the references to the research material used.
Dissertation on Prayer: A student presents a teaching on prayer from personal experience that
has developed his/her original point of view, for instance presenting “I have found that prayer is
an effective way by which to experience intimate fellowship with God because of …”

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