Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
REGION XII
DIVISION OF SULTAN KUDARAT
LAGUILAYAN NATIONAL HGH SCHOOL

LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEETS

Name: _______________________________________ Grade & Section: _______________ Score: _________
Subject: English for Academic and Professional Purposes Teacher: ADZAL, NASSER M.
Stating Thesis Statement and Outlining Text

Defining the Thesis Statement

A Thesis statement is the central idea of an essay, around which all other ideas revolve. It is not just the
most important idea; it also controls the essay by determining what should you include in your work. In one
sentence, it reveals and summarizes the argument you intend to develop and defend.

The thesis statement reflects your purpose for writing. It is a constant reminder of your main point and
your stand, directing the entire flow of your writing. It should be clear that the thesis statement is not the subject
or topic itself, but an interpretation of the topic. A strong thesis statement usually contains an element of
uncertainty, risk, or challenge (Ramage, Bean and Johnson 2006:34). This means that your thesis statement
should offer a debatable claim that you can prove or disprove in your essay.

Formulating a Thesis Statement

The thesis statement comes as a result of pre – writing. It is the product of thinking about your ideas,
seeking evidence, and looking for relationships between these.

Example: “High school seniors who join the Reserve Officers Training Corps program develop better
leadership skills because of the discipline instilled in them by the program.”

Characteristics of an Effective Thesis Statement

How will you know if your thesis statement is strong?

Below are the characteristics of an effective thesis statement:

1. Responds to the assignment by following instructions
Going back to the instructions can assure you that your thesis statement is relevant and addresses what your
teacher has prescribed.
2. Expresses the main idea in one to two sentences A thesis statement should be comprehensive yet concise
because you will be spending the rest of the paper proving your point.
3. Focuses on a specific issue Your thesis statement should only discuss one or a few related issues.
4. States a stand on the topic It must reveal your attitude toward the topic.
5. Says something meaningful by answering the questions:” So what?” “ How?” “ why?” Your thesis statement
should be able to substantiate your claims
by providing the reader evidence, or an idea of how you intend to support your stand.
6. Previews the rest of the essay by being placed in the introduction.
7. Reflects a tone and point- of –view appropriate to the identified purpose and audience

Source: Reading and Writing Skills textbook by Tiongson, Marella Therese A., pages 42-48

More guidelines on Writing Thesis Statements

1. Avoid making an overly–opinionated stands. While a thesis statement needs to reveal your attitude toward
the topic, be careful not to go to the extremes and write a thesis statement with an exaggerated claim. This is
because you need to prove your thesis statement first, and avoid imposing your opinion on the reader. Ex. The
officers of the Reserve Officers Training Corps are merciless slave drivers who abuse their fellow students.
(Opinionated) The officers of the Reserve Officers Training Corps should exercise more responsibility toward
their authority by being sensitive to how they lead their fellow students. (correct)

2. Avoid making announcements. Sometimes, it is just easier to tell your reader what they intend to write about.
You might say, “In this essay, I will be discussing the benefits of joining the Reserve Officers Training Corps.”
The problem with this statement is that it does not specify what those benefits are or what your attitude toward
the subject is.

3. Avoid stating only facts. Do not rely on facts in your thesis statements because you will not have much room
for discussion. Remember that facts are generally not debatable as opinions. It must contain a position that your
readers can oppose.

Source: Reading and Writing Skills textbook by Tiongson, Marella Therese A., pages 42-48.

Answer the following questions:

1. What is thesis statement in academic writing?

2. How to write a thesis statement?

3. What makes a strong thesis statement?

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