UPM-CALC/LPE2501/SEM 1/2021-22/SCL/WORKSHEET 3

LPE2501 ACADEMIC WRITING

SCL WORKSHEET 3

Name: SASHWENI NANTHAGOPAL

Matric no.: 205818 Group: 32

Thesis Statement and Topic Sentences

A. Underline the best answer for the following questions.

1. A thesis statement is often the ________ sentence in the ________ paragraph.

a. first, body
b. last, concluding
c. last, introductory

2. Identify the statements that are TRUE for a thesis statement. There may be more
than one answer.

a. Contains main ideas for an essay.

b. Does not provide readers with the main ideas of an essay.
c. Body paragraphs are written with reference to the thesis statement.

3. Choose the best statements that describe a topic sentence. There may be more
than one answer.

a. Usually begins with a transition signal.

b. Must consist of a topic and controlling idea.
c. Does not need to be in a complete sentence; point form is acceptable.

4. Which of the following is NOT a transition signal used for a topic sentence.

a. Next
b. Firstly
c. In contrast

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B. Read the thesis statements below. For each thesis statement, decide if it is a
good thesis statement. Provide a reason if it is not a good thesis statement.

Topic: The Benefits of Online Learning among University Students

1. Online learning is beneficial for university students.

Not a good thesis statement. The statement is too general and it doesn’t
even provide any main points that will be discussed in the body paragraphs.

2. Online learning provides three major benefits to university students.

Acceptable thesis statement. The thesis statement states the number of

advantages that will be discussed but it still doesn’t indicate the main
points.

3. There are numerous online learning platforms such as Udemy, Skillshare,

Master Class, Coursera and many others.

Not acceptable. The thesis statement just reveals the example instead of
main points.

4. Online learning is gaining popularity in the 21st century education system.

Not acceptable. It states only general information of the topic.

5. The benefits of online learning among university students are added flexibility and
self-paced learning, improved technical skills and refined critical thinking skills.

Well written thesis statement. It provide readers with all the main points that
will be discussed in body paragraphs.

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C. Read the thesis statement below. Then based on the thesis statement, label the
topic sentences using the description given.

Thesis statement:

Travelling provides several advantages to travellers as it allows them to

explore nature, learn new cultures and build new relationships.

Topic sentence description:

Missing controlling idea Good topic sentence

Missing transition signal Missing topic

Too general

Topic sentence Description

1. Travelling allows people to build new Missing transition signal

relationships.

2. Travelling is a popular but expensive hobby. Too general

3. Next, people can also explore nature by Good topic sentence

travelling.

4. Secondly, there is opportunity to learn new Missing topic

cultures.

5. Firstly, travelling provides numerous advantages. Missing controlling idea