A graduate-level thesis in English demands original research, not just a reworking of work previously done by others. Background research in the thesis must be thoroughly and correctly sourced, with a wide variety of credible sources. A graduate-level writer must not rely too heavily on quotes, but must use quotes to support his own ideas.
The English department graduate-level thesis must be organized so as to make it clear how the evidence presented supports the fundamental idea of the thesis. It should present the thesis statement, review existing research regarding the ideas to be defended, then present the analysis that proves the thesis statement.
English departments in universities may rely on existing manuals of writing style such as the "Modern Language Association (MLA) Style Manual," or the "Chicago Manual of Style," or they may state style requirements of their own. Style requirements will determine choices of pagination, fonts, title pages and references.