WRITING A THESIS STATEMENT ON AN ACADEMIC TEXT
Background Information for Learners
Thesis statement usually appears at the conclusion of the introductory paragraph of a paper. It offers a concise summary of the main point or claim of the essay, concept paper, reaction paper, position paper, reports, and research paper. Thesis statement is usually expressed in one sentence, and statement may be reiterated elsewhere. It contains the topic and the controlling idea.
Moreover, thesis statement is developed, supported, and explained in the course of the paper by means of examples and evidence. Thesis statements help organize and develop the body of the writing piece. They let readers know what the writer’s statement is and what it is aiming to prove.
This topic covers the important concepts of Thesis Statement’s Dos and Don’ts as basis for an impressive discourse.
DOs: What do I have to know when writing thesis statement?
Academic writing is clear, concise, focused, structured and backed up by evidence. Its purpose is to aid the reader’s understanding. It has a formal tone and style, nut it is not complex and does not require the use of long sentences and complicated vocabulary.
1. A thesis statement should consist of three parts: a context, subject and a claim.
2. A thesis statement should be objectively proven.
3. A thesis statement should be debatable.
4. A thesis statement should reveal a perspective point.
DON’Ts: What do I have to avoid when writing thesis statement?
1. A thesis statement must be a complete sentence, not a fragment.
2. A thesis statement should not be worded as a question.
3. A thesis statement neither be too broad nor too specific.
4. A thesis statement should not contain elements which are extraneous or irrelevant to your paper.
5. A thesis statement should avoid phrases like I think and, in my opinion, because they weaken the writer’s argument.
6. A thesis statement should not be a self-evident statement.
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Learning Competency:
MELC: States the thesis statement on an academic text (CS_EN11/12A-EAPP-Iac-6)
Directions and Instructions:
Good morning, everyone! In this time of global crisis, everything has changed a lot and I know that this crisis gives us burdens and challenges, but we are all united to fight for this battle. And for the new normal that we have right now, it is expected to have some adjustments regarding with the teaching and learning process. Anyways, I have made different activities for you to enjoy and to answer. First activity is the LOAD wherein you have to load your armors with the terms and define them through your own interpretations. Second activity is what we call ENGAGE wherein you will be reading the two thesis statements, then you will choose the best thesis statement. Third activity is the ADVANCE wherein you will be advancing to recognize the better thesis statement and explain it afterwards. Fourth activity is the REFINE wherein you will be reading and analyzing the given speeches and identify the thesis statement. The last activity is the NURTURE wherein you will be nurturing your knowledge by writing an exact thesis statement.
So, prepare yourselves to Load, Engage, Advance, Refine and Nurture with the different tasks given to you.
LOAD
Load up your armors with terms!
Directions: Dear learner, look for the words which are associated to thesis statement and define them after extracting them from the crossword puzzle. Write the key terms in the box below.
Engage and gear up!
Directions: Read the following situations and the two thesis statements given for each. Choose the better thesis statement by encircling the letter of your answer.
1. Early on in life, people develop an admiration for heroes. In a well-developed essay, discuss a person you admire and why you chose this person.
A. One person I admire is Babe Ruth, who played baseball from 1914 until 1935.
B. One person I admire is Babe Ruth, the greatest baseball player at all time.
2. Discuss the social, political, and economic effects of World War II on the United States.
A. World War II was a costly war that had a major impact on the economy of the United States.
B. World War II not only affected the economy of the United States, but also altered the role of American government and the American people forever.
3. Discuss the effect of climate change and the vegetation on Sub-Saharan Africa. Be sure to discuss the factors contributing to climate, and the impact human activity has on the vegetation.
A. Human activity is altering the vegetation of Sub-Saharan Africa and causing desertification, which will have devastating effects on the people of the region.
B. Even though the climate and vegetation of Sub-Saharan Africa varies as a result of latitude and human activity, they are still the two most important factors in determining the quality of life.
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4. In South Asia, globalization has played a big role in the developing economies of the region. Discuss the positive and negative effects of globalization in one South Asian country.
A. Globalization in India has offered solutions to poverty for some and created more severe poverty for others.
B. In India, globalization has meant new jobs for India’s emerging middle class.
5. 5. Discuss three physical features of Latin America and their importance to the region.
A. The Andes Mountains, the Amazon River and Yucatan Peninsula are the three most significant physical features of Latin America.
B. Three physical features found in Latin America are the Andes Mountains, the Amazon river, and the Yucatan Peninsula.
ADVANCE
Advance your stance by recognizing differences!
Directions: To be an effective writer, one should organize his/her thoughts in a writing thesis for an academic essay. Just keep in mind that an effective thesis statement should be more focused and specific, not a general statement of fact. Read the following statements carefully and choose the better thesis statement for each item. Write the letter of your answer on the space provided and explain your answer briefly afterwards.
______ 1. A. There are several steps that teachers can take to encourage academic integrity
and curtail cheating in their classes.
B. There is an epidemic of cheating in America’s schools and colleges, and there are no easy solutions to this problem.
Explanation: ________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
______ 2. A. J. Robert Oppenheimer, the American physicist who directed the building of the
first atomic bombs during World War II, had technical, moral, and political reasons for opposing the development of the hydrogen bomb.
B. J. Robert Oppenheimer often referred to as “the father of the atomic bomb,” was born in New York City in 1904.
Explanation: ________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
______ 3. A. The iPad has revolutionized the mobile-computing landscape and created a
huge profit stream for Apple.
B. The iPad, with its relatively large high-definition screen, has helped to revitalize the comic book industry.
Explanation: ________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
______ 4. A. Like other addictive behaviors, internet addiction may have serious negative
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consequences, including academic failure, job loss and a breakdown in personal relationships.
B. Drug and alcohol addiction is a major problem in the world today, and many people suffer from it.
Explanation: ________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
______ 5. A. When I was a child, I used to visit my grandmother in Moline every Sunday.
B. Every Sunday we visited my grandmother, who lived in a tiny house that was undeniably haunted.
Explanation: ________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
REFINE
Refine your analysis skills!
Directions: At this point, read and analyze the different speech excerpts from notable speakers below. After analyzing them, identify and explain the thesis statement for each speech on the second column.
5TH STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS OF RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE
Good Morning.
We live in a troubled time. Our dream of prosperity for our country was suddenly snuffed by a pandemic virulent virus. No nation was spared. Neither rich nor poor were exempt from the onslaught of this deadly disease.
But let us not despair. The vaccine is around the corner. Sooner or later, the virus that gobbled up thousands of lives will itself be laid to rest.
In the meantime, let us express the nation’s gratitude to those who courageously and willingly put their lives on the line to serve the people and country. We share the griefs of their families and no amount of tears can compensate their great losses.
The dealers and purveyors of illegal drugs, hiding in the shadow of COVID-19, have stepped up their activities. The amount of shabu valued at millions of pesos seized during police operations speak volumes of the enormity and weight of the problem that we bear.
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SPEECH OF SENATOR MIRIAM DEFENSOR-SANTIAGO EXPLAINING GER VERDICT ON CHIEF JUSTICE RENATO CORONA, MAY 29, 2012
The Constitution provides that in all criminal prosecutors, the accused shall be presumed innocent until the contrary is proved. The burden of proof is on the Prosecution. How much proof is necessary? In other words, what is that standard of proof?
I have adopted the very high standard of overwhelming preponderance of evidence pursuant to the recommendation of Prof. Charles Black of Yale University, author of The Impeachment, considered the bible for the whole world on impeachment process in a democracy.
My standard is very high because removal by conviction on impeachment is a stunning penalty, the ruin of a life.
The Defendant admitted that he did not declare his dollar accounts and certain commingled peso accounts in his SALN. Let us begin with this threshold question: Did this omission amount to an impeachable offense? No.
The Constitution simply provides that the public officer shall submit a declaration under oath of his assets, liabilities, and net worth. I am quoting the Constitution. That is all. There are no details. The Constitution is a brief declaration of fundamental principles. Many constitutional provisions are not self-executory. Hindi naman puwede na basahin mo ang Constitution na para ka bang nagbasa ng diyaryo, tapos kanya-kanya kayo ng interpretasyon. Hindi ganuon iyon. Kaya nga mayroon tayong constitutional law, which is said to be the most difficult subject to pass in the entire college of law.
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NURTURE
Nurture your knowledge!
Directions: One the of the best practices of an effective writer is to write an exact thesis statement that leads to a good composition. In this activity, you are given five examples of academic texts. Your final task is to state the thesis statement of each text. Write your answer on the space provided.
1. On March 12, hours before Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte announced a community quarantine would be implemented in Metro Manila due to the coronavirus outbreak, an informal settlement in the city was demolished, leaving the vast majority of its more than 1,000 residents homeless. Days later, the quarantine was made into an island-wide lockdown of Luzon, where Manila is located, and many municipalities implemented curfews and other restrictions on movement. Within a week, the settlement’s impoverished residents had lost their shelter and, stranded on the streets, become de facto curfew violators in the midst of a global pandemic.
Answer:
2. MANILA- A leading media network in the Philippines was forced off the air on Tuesday, making it the first major broadcaster to have met such a fate during the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, which is cracking down on news outlets that have been critical of his leadership.
Answer:
3. ABS-CBN is known for its prime-time flagship news program, TV Patrol, as well as soaps and variety TV shows. Its offerings also include coverage of popular sports such as basketball and boxing.
Answer:
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4. Mr. Duterte’s administration has created a difficult and at times hostile environment for reporters. He has leveled death threats against some reporters and said that none should be “exempted from assassination.”
Answer:
5. “The Filipino people should reject this despotic move to harass and silence a media organization known not only for its reach but also for its competence and dedication to deliver the news,” said Phil Robertson, the rights group’s deputy Asia director.
Answer:
Reflection:
What have you learned about this lesson and how would you apply it in the near future?
.
.
References:
• Aspinwall, Nick. (2020, April 03). The Philippines’ Coronavirus Lockdown Is Becoming a Crackdown. Retrieved from https://www.thediplomat.com
• Anna Malindog-Uy. (2020, May 24). The ABS-CBN Shutdown Controversy. Retrieved from https://www.theasianpost.com
• (2020, July 27). Posted under Historical Papers & Documents, Speeches, State of the nation Address Tagged Rodrigo Roa Duterte, SONA 2020, speeches, State of the nation Address. Retrieved from https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph
• (2012, May 29). Posted under Impeachment Trial, Senate. Bookmark the permalink. Retrieved from https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph
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ANSWER KEY:
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Definitions: Answers may vary
ENGAGE
1. Early on in life, people develop an admiration for heroes. In a well-developed essay, discuss a person you admire and why you chose this person.
A.
One person I admire is Babe Ruth, who played baseball from 1914 until 1935.
Although this does address the writing prompt, this is a factual statement. A thesis statement should be something you can argue for or against.
√
B.
One person I admire is Babe Ruth, the greatest baseball player at all time.
This statement addresses the prompt, and presents an opinion that can be argued.
2. Discuss the social, political, and economic effects of World War II on the United States.
A.
World War II was a costly war that had a major impact on the economy of the United States.
Although this meets all the criteria for a thesis statement, it only addresses part of the writing prompt.
√
B.
World War II not only affected the economy of the United States, but also altered the role of American government and the American people forever.
This is correct because it addresses the social, economic and political effects as stated in the prompt.
Practice personal hygiene protocols at all times 55
3. Discuss the effect of climate change and the vegetation on Sub-Saharan Africa. Be sure to discuss the factors contributing to climate, and the impact human activity has on the vegetation.
A.
Human activity is altering the vegetation of Sub-Saharan Africa and causing desertification, which will have devastating effects on the people of the region.
This one would be perfect for a thesis but there is one thing wrong with it. It does not address all of the writing prompt. It only addresses the vegetation, but not the climate or the factors for climate.
√
B.
Even though the climate and vegetation of Sub-Saharan Africa varies as a result of latitude and human activity, they are still the two most important factors in determining the quality of life.
This statement gives an argument and addresses all the aspects of the writing prompt (topic, effect, factors).
4. In South Asia, globalization has played a big role in the developing economies of the region. Discuss the positive and negative effects of globalization in one South Asian country.
√
A.
Globalization in India has offered solutions to poverty for some and created more severe poverty for others.
There is an opinion (it has offered solutions; it has created more severe poverty). It addresses the positive (solutions) and negative (poverty) effects.
B.
In India, globalization has meant new jobs for India’s emerging middle class.
This would be a perfect thesis statement if the prompt only asked for the effects of globalization.
5. Discuss three physical features of Latin America and their importance to the region.
√
A.
The Andes Mountains, the Amazon River and Yucatan Peninsula are the three most significant physical features of Latin America.
This statement gives an argument, it presents the three physical features asked for the prompt, and makes reference to the importance (significance).
B.
Three physical features found in Latin America are the Andes Mountains, the Amazon river, and the Yucatan Peninsula.
This is a topic sentence. The reason why it is nit a good thesis is because it does not present an argument or address the whole prompt. This is a factual statement.
ADVANCE
1. B
2. A
3. A
4. A
5. B
Explanations:
Answers may vary
REFINE
1. 5TH STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS OF RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE
Thesis Statement: We live in a troubled time. Our dream of prosperity for our country was suddenly snuffed by a pandemic virulent virus.
2. SPEECH OF SENATOR MIRIAM DEFENSOR-SANTIAGO EXPLAINING GER VERDICT ON CHIEF JUSTICE RENATO CORONA, MAY 29, 2012
Thesis Statement: The Constitution provides that in all criminal prosecutors, the accused shall be presumed innocent until the contrary is proved.
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NURTURE
1. On March 12, hours before Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte announced a community quarantine would be implemented in Metro Manila due to the coronavirus outbreak, an informal settlement in the city was demolished, leaving the vast majority of its more than 1,000 residents homeless.
2. MANILA- A leading media network in the Philippines was forced off the air on Tuesday.
3. ABS-CBN is known for its prime-time flagship news program, TV Patrol, as well as soaps and variety TV shows.
4. Mr. Duterte’s administration has created a difficult and at times hostile environment for reporters.
5. “The Filipino people should reject this despotic move to harass and silence a media organization known not only for its reach but also for its competence and dedication to deliver the news,”
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