TOPIC: STATES THE THESIS STATEMENT OF AN ACADEMIC TEXT.

CS_EN11/12A-EAPP-IA-C-6

ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES

GUILLERMO S. ALVAREZ
WEEK 5 LESSON 5 (NOVEMBER 3-7, 2020)
Quote for the day :

John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said,

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will
never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Learning Objectives:
At the end of the lesson, you will be able to:
1. States the thesis statement of an academic text,
CS_EN11/12A-EAPP-Ia-c-7
2. Comprehend the thesis statement each component
parts; and
3. Write a thesis statement of an academic text.
What is a thesis statement?
• A thesis statement is the main idea of an essay
• It is often a point you want to argue or support in
an essay.
• SO
• The thesis statement explains to a reader the main
idea of the essay, and the writer’s opinion on that
idea.
• A thesis statement is usually one sentence.
• It is often placed in the introductory paragraph of
an essay.
What is thesis statement?

 A thesis statement is a claim that could be

argued.
 The essay will contain evidence and opinions
that support the argument.
Thesis statements should avoid the following:

 the first person (I believe, In my opinion, etc.)

 unclear language (It seems, etc.)
 attempting two topics at once (even if they seem
related). Pick one and stick with it.
 just stating a fact - A thesis is something you plan to
make an argument about.
A thesis statement should

 contain a topic (main idea of what you are writing

about)
 contain an opinion about the topic (what your attitude
is toward the topic)
A thesis statement should not be too broad.

Too Broad
The world is a magnificent place to live.

Better
Good teachers make Mountain City Elementary a
fantastic school.
Which sentence is too broad to be a good thesis statement?

A. One reason to live in Mountain City is access to many

wonderful places to fish.
B. Mountain City is a great place to live.

Too Broad
Mountain City is a great place to live.
A thesis statement should not be too wordy.
Wordy
Some problems with Mountain City Elementary School is that it
needs a larger playground, an air conditioned gym, an auditorium,
restrooms connected to each classroom, running water in the
classrooms, and a number of other physical changes to the
building.
Better
Mountain City Elementary needs several changes to its facility to
make it a better school.
Which sentence is too wordy to be a good thesis statement?
A. Abe Lincoln was one of the best presidents the United States
has ever known.

B. Abe Lincoln was an excellent speaker, the 16th President of

the United States, a liberator of slaves, and united the North and
South at the end of the American Civil War.

Learner-centered Activity
Too Wordy

B. Abe Lincoln was an excellent speaker, the 16th

President of the United States, a liberator of slaves, and
united the North and South at the end of the American
Civil War.
A thesis statement should not be too general.

Too general
Mountain City Elementary is a good school.

Better
Daily writing practice has led to improved
writing skills for the students at Mountain
City Elementary.
Which sentence is too general to be a good thesis statement?

A. Music makes people happy.

B. Music therapy is useful in relieving stress and other conditions.

Too general
Music makes people happy.
A thesis statement should not be a title.

A title
Cost of Living

Better
The cost of living in Mountain City is lower than in most other
cities in the United States.
Which sentence would not be a good thesis statement
because it is a title?

A. Good teaching has led to an increase in

TCAP scores at Mountain City Elementary.

B. Rising TCAP Scores at Mountain City

Elementary

A Title
B. Rising TCAP Scores at Mountain City
Elementary
A thesis statement should not be a fact.

• A fact
The average temperature for Mountain
City in winter is 34 and in summer is 75
degrees.

• Better
The climate in Mountain City is ideal
for outdoor sports.
Which sentence would not be a good thesis statement
because it is a fact?
A. The recycling of one aluminum can saves
enough energy to run a TV for three hours.

B. Recycling is one of the most important jobs

a person can do to protect our environment.

A Fact
The recycling of one aluminum can saves
enough energy to run a TV for three hours.
Short Activity for 10 points
Directions: 1. Although most people believe otherwise, bats
1. Find the opinion are harmless and highly beneficial.
words in the 2. In this essay I will discuss the crime rate in
statement. If there Mountain City.
are no opinion 3. Energetic exercise is a good way to help
words, it is not a relieve stress.
thesis statement. 4. Mountain City and Boone differ in many
2. Tell if the ways.
statement is a good 5. This paper will consider the advantages and
thesis statement. disadvantages of students having nightly
homework.
Take out a piece of notebook paper and number from 1 to 10.

Direction: In each of the following sentences, tell whether the

sentence is a good or bad thesis statement.
1. Many people do not like to watch violent horror movies.
2. Today’s movies do not have the emotional impact of the classic
horror movies of the 1940’s.
3. Rap music is the best music ever.
4. Although many people find rap music offensive, it has had a
positive impact on today’s youth.
5. I enjoy white water rafting.
Take out a piece of notebook paper and number from 1 to 10.
6. The first white water rafting trip can challenge a person both in
body and spirit.
7. Sixth grade students are busy.
8. The life of a typical sixth grade student is challenging due to the
need to succeed in extracurricular activities.
9. Community service projects include building shelter for the
homeless, servicing meals to the hungry, providing transportation
for the sick, distributing clothes, and a large number of other
helpful activities.
10. Students should help others who are less fortunate.
Now you write a Thesis Statement
Step 1: TOPIC
State the topic under consideration: cats
Step 2: ISSUE
State the specific issue in the form of a debating proposition (for
something). The issue usually answers the question “what?” What
about cats? – Cats should be subject to leash laws.
Step 3: Position + Rationale ( because- clause)
Your topic and issue = your position. Now, using a because-clause.
– Cats should be subject to leash laws because they are natural
wanderers.
Now for your assignment, write a Thesis Statement

Directions:
1. Use the Thesis paper formula page to write your thesis
statement.
2. Then copy your thesis statement on to the Research Paper
Graphic Organizer.
Thank you for watching the presentation!

Have a fruitful day!