Creating A Thesis Statement And Topic Sentence

Creating A Thesis Statement And Topic Sentencestatijana Jonesapusfebru

Creating A Thesis Statement and Topic Sentences Tatijana Jones APUS February 22, 2023 The topic: university students and procrastination. Thesis statement: University students often procrastinate due to a combination of stress, lack of motivation, and difficulty managing time. This thesis statement outlines the main causes of procrastination among university students. The three topic sentences that follow the thesis statement are: 1. University students are often under immense pressure to succeed, and this can lead to procrastination. 2. University students may lack motivation to complete their assignments, resulting in procrastination. 3. University students may struggle with time management and prioritization, leading to procrastination. These three topic sentences each align with the thesis statement and provide further detail on the three main causes of procrastination that university students face.

Each topic sentence can then be further developed by providing evidence and examples. This can be done through research, interviews, or personal experience. By providing evidence and examples, we can further explore the topic of university students and procrastination and how these three main causes contribute to it.

Paper For Above instruction

Procrastination among university students is a widespread issue that has garnered considerable academic attention due to its impact on academic performance, mental health, and future prospects. Understanding the underlying causes of procrastination is essential for developing effective strategies to mitigate its effects. This paper explores three primary causes of procrastination among university students: the pressure to succeed, lack of motivation, and difficulties in managing time effectively.

The Pressure to Succeed and Its Role in Procrastination

One of the prominent factors contributing to procrastination is the immense pressure students face to excel academically. With competitive admissions processes and high expectations from parents, teachers, and themselves, students often experience heightened stress levels. According to Misra and McKean (2000), increased academic stress correlates positively with procrastination behaviors. The anxiety associated with fear of failure or not meeting expectations can lead students to delay tasks as a form of avoidance. For example, a student overwhelmed by upcoming exams may choose to engage in leisure activities instead of studying, hoping that the stress will subside or that the work will become less daunting later. However, this behavior often exacerbates stress and leads to last-minute cramming, which further hampers academic performance.

Lack of Motivation and Its Impact on Procrastination

Lack of motivation is another significant factor that predisposes students to procrastinate. Motivation influences the willingness to initiate and sustain effort toward academic tasks. Deci and Ryan's Self-Determination Theory (1985) emphasizes that intrinsic motivation—arising from genuine interest or personal relevance—are more effective in promoting consistent task engagement than extrinsic motivators. When students lack intrinsic motivation, they are less inclined to prioritize academic work, opting instead for distracting activities such as social media or entertainment. For instance, a student assigned a tedious research paper might delay starting because they do not find the topic engaging or relevant. This absence of internal drive results in procrastination, which reduces the quality of work and increases stress as deadlines approach.

Time Management Difficulties and Prioritization Challenges

Effective time management is vital for academic success; however, many university students struggle with organizing their schedules and prioritizing tasks. Poor planning often leads to a cycle of delaying tasks until the last minute. According to Macan (1994), students with weak time management skills are more prone to procrastination due to underestimating the time required for assignments or overestimating their capacity to complete tasks later. For example, a student may plan to start a term paper a week before the deadline but postpones beginning until the deadline is imminent. Strategies such as creating daily to-do lists, breaking tasks into manageable parts, and setting specific deadlines are proven to reduce procrastinating behaviors. Nonetheless, lack of discipline or awareness often hampers students’ ability to implement effective time management, resulting in procrastination and compromised academic outcomes.

Conclusion

In summary, procrastination among university students stems from multiple interconnected factors. The pressure to succeed induces stress and avoidance behaviors; a lack of motivation diminishes the willingness to start or complete academic tasks; and poor time management skills hinder the ability to effectively allocate time for coursework. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach, including stress management techniques, fostering intrinsic motivation through meaningful learning experiences, and teaching effective time management skills. Recognizing these causes enables educators and students alike to develop targeted strategies to reduce procrastination, thereby improving academic performance and well-being.

References

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• Macan, T. H. (1994). Time management: Test of a process model. Journal of Applied Psychology, 79(3), 381–391.
• Misra, R., & McKean, M. (2000). College students’ academic stress and its relation to their anxiety, time management, and leisure satisfaction. American Journal of Health Studies, 16(1), 41-51.
• Steel, P. (2007). The nature of procrastination: A meta-analytic and theoretical review of quintessential self-regulatory failure. Psychological Bulletin, 133(1), 65-94.
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