SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

English for Academic

and Professional
Purposes
Quarter 1 – Module 4
Stating the Thesis Statement
of an Academic Text

Department of Education – Region IV-A CALABARZON

English for Academic and Professional Purposes – Senior High School
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 1 – Module 4: Stating the Thesis Statement of an Academic Text
First Edition, 2020

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 SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

English for Academic

and Professional
Purposes
Quarter 1 – Module 4

Stating the Thesis Statement

of an Academic Text

Department of Education ● Republic of the Philippines

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.
Guide in Using PIVOT Learners Material Module iv
What I need to know? 1
What I know? 2
What is in? 3
What is new? 3
What is it? 5
What is more 11
What I have learned? 13
What I can do? 14
What can I achieve? 15
References 18

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Guide in Using PIVOT Learners Material Module
For the facilitator:

Welcome to the English for Academic and Professional Purposes Alternative Delivery Mode
(ADM) Module on Stating the Thesis Statement of an Academic Text!

This module was collaboratively designed, developed and reviewed by educators both from
public and private institutions to assist you, the teacher or facilitator in helping the
learners meet the standards set by the K to 12 Curriculum while overcoming their
personal, social, and economic constraints in schooling.

This learning resource hopes to engage the learners into guided and independent learning
activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore, this also aims to help learners acquire
the needed 21st century skills while taking into consideration their needs and
circumstances.

In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the body of the
module:

Notes to the Teacher

This contains helpful tips or strategies that
will help you in guiding the learners.

As a facilitator you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this module. You
also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them to manage their own
learning. Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and assist the learners as they do
the tasks included in the module.

For the learner:

Welcome to the SHS English for Academic and Professional Purposes Alternative Delivery
Mode (ADM) Module on Stating the Thesis Statement of an Academic Text!

The hand is one of the most symbolized parts of the human body. It is often used to depict
skill, action, and purpose. Through our hands we may learn, create, and accomplish.
Hence, the hand in this learning resource signifies that you as a learner are capable and
empowered to successfully achieve the relevant competencies and skills at your own pace
and time. Your academic success lies in your own hands!

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful opportunities for
guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You will be enabled to
process the contents of the learning resource while being an active learner.

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The following are some reminders in using this module:

1. Use the module with care.

2. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of the module.
3. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises.
4. Do not forget to answer What I Know before moving on to the other activities
included in the module.
5. Read the instructions carefully before doing each task.
6. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and in checking your answers.
7. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
8. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with it.
9. If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not hesitate
to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you are not alone.

We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning and gain
deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You can do it!

GOOD LUCK AS YOU BEGIN MODULE 4!

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 I What I need to know?

Writing is an activity that truly requires organization. One may say it is a confusing
process, that is why one needs to do preparation. In this module, one important
component needs to be considered—the thesis statement.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. state the thesis statement of an academic text

2. differentiate between a topic sentence and a thesis statement

3. use thesis statement as a writing strategy

4. formulate an arguable thesis statement

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 D What I know?
Directions. Let us first check your background knowledge on stating thesis statements.
Choose the letter of the correct answer. Take note of the items that you were not able to
answer correctly and find the right answer as you go through this module.

1. It refers to the main idea of your paper that is usually conveyed in one declarative
sentence.
a. topic sentence c. thesis statement
b. main topic d. title

2. How does thesis statement help in your writing?

a. It helps you determine what significant ideas to emphasize in your writing.
b. It presents detailed statement that leads the reader.
c. It supports your main topic and what else needs to be summarized.
d. None of the choices

3. Which of the following is not a part of a thesis statement?

a. claim c. objective
b. expression d. position

4. Which of the following does NOT make a strong thesis statement?

a. It gives direction to the paper.
b. It functions to inform your readers of what you will discuss.
c. Some paragraphs of the essay should explain, support, or argue with your
thesis.
d. It should be disputable, focused and relevant.

5. A thesis statement is different from a topic sentence.

a. True
b. False

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 D What is in?
In the previous module, you learned about summarizing. You had learned that
summary writing gives you an overview of the text’s whole meaning. And so, you are now
skilled to write good summary. Now in this module, you will learn how to state the thesis
statement of an academic text. As you go along in this lesson, you will learn how to use
thesis statement as a writing strategy.

D What is new?
Read the editorial and decide which of the following statements reflects the writer’s
main argument.

1. “The government, particularly local units, can design incentives to encourage

proper waste disposal and recycling at the community or household level.”
2. “Better incentives combined with the certainty of being penalized for littering can
improve the chances of success.”
3. “People must be made to understand that there’s a price to pay for filthy habits.”

A PRICE TO PAY

The Canis Majoris Journal / February 6, 2018

It seems like such a small thing, a sachet. These little packets of packaging material are
useful for holding anything—from coffee and sugar, to shampoo and toothpaste—in
quantities that are affordable particularly to those on a tight household budget. Small as
it is, the sachet actually comes with a big tag price on the deterioration of our
environment.

Sachets, made of materials so durable that they can last for literally centuries after their
purpose is done, are actually big pollutants. They are so small that they can be scattered
or thrown away haphazardly, causing clogged drains that lead to flooding. But sachets
aren’t the only items that pollute our surroundings. Plastic bags are also used everywhere

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to carry groceries and other foodstuff. The plastic that pollutes the sea can suffocate fish,
leaving fishermen with smaller catches, which would result in less food and thus, more
hunger. The plastic could also turn into toxic chemicals within an animal’s body and
poison the person eating its flesh.

When plastic bags were banned in the Philippines in an attempt to reduce plastic
pollution, these were replaced by thick paper bags—paper bags made from trees cut down
to make the paper. Replacing plastic bags resulted in a greater demand for cut-down
trees, which is also hazardous to our ecosystem. We all know how deforestation can affect
the ecological balance, destroying natural habitats and causing destructive floods. This
only goes to show how protecting the environment isn’t a straightforward matter.

Where ocean pollution is concerned, plastic isn’t the only pollutant. Tin cans, bottles and
discarded paper are also found in the sea, and just about all of the garbage that finds its
way to our oceans comes from the rivers, streams and other waterways running along the
land, picking up the waste from the land’s inhabitants. Tissue paper, candy wrappers,
cigarette butts, plastic-wrapped feces—all have been thrown by an uncaring public that
sees nothing wrong with indiscriminate disposal of garbage.

Filipinos need to get serious about waste disposal and understand that what goes around
does, eventually, come around. The Philippine government and its local units have tried
before to change Filipinos’ habits around waste disposal. Maybe it should try again by
designing incentives to encourage recycling at the household or barangay level, and
impose stricter penalties for indiscriminate dumping of waste. People should be made to
realize that, if they litter, if they throw that cigarette butt on the ground, if they toss that
empty sachet into an empty lot, if they shove that candy wrapper into the storm drain,
these small acts can lead to irreversible damage to the environment for years to come.

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 D What is it?
Thesis Statement Defined

In the sample editorial, you probably caught a particular sentence that captures the
writer’s conviction about the issue. This sentence that gives the reader particular focus
on the writer’s perspective is called the thesis statement.

The thesis statement is the main idea of your paper that is usually conveyed in one
declarative sentence. It serves as a summary of your writing and gives your viewpoint
about a particular topic. It is like a signpost that tells your readers what to expect from
your essay. Through the thesis statement, you guide your readers by briefly explaining
your argument, giving clues on how you will defend your claim.

As a writing strategy, the thesis statement helps you determine what significant ideas to
emphasize in your writing. You may evaluate your essay using your thesis to see if it is
consistent with the ideas you have expressed. If your essay contains other useful
information not reflected in your thesis, you might wish to revise it to include the
information you have left out.

Although usually found at the start of the essay, it is not unusual to find the thesis
statement in the concluding paragraph. But whether it is placed in the introduction or
conclusion, the thesis statement serves as the basis for your outline.

PARTS OF A THESIS STATEMENT

The thesis statement should be concise enough to include only the essential parts. An
arguable thesis statement consists of the following: the claim or conviction, objective,
position, and issue. An important element of an arguable thesis statement is the issue or
problem that the writer wants to tackle. This may be linked with the claim or conviction,
which reflects the writer’s argument. The claim may be a short phrase that expresses
what the writer wants to prove. Although the thesis statement is usually expressed in one
or two sentences, it should be able to accommodate the objective, which reflects what the
writer wants to accomplish. The position is an expression of what the writer believes
should be done about the issue.

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D What is it?
POSITION
(What do
OBJECTIVE
CLAIM/CONVICTION you believe ISSUE/S (What
(What do you
(What do you want and what are the
want to
to prove?) shall be problems?)
accomplish?)
done about
it?)

The
That the
proliferation of
government
junk food; the
That school should
deception
authorities impose
That junk food committed by
should ban stricter
contains carcinogenic food
junk food from regulations
substances that manufacturers
food concerning
jeopardize a person's to lure school
establishments foods that
health children to buy
within and near are made
junk food
schools available to
packaged in
school
attractive
children
containers

Thesis: Due to the health risks posed by attractively packaged junk food
containing harmful substances, authorities should ban those zero-nutrient
food items within and near schools.

Or:

Thesis: Attractively packaged foods containing toxic substances pose health o

school children; thus, authorities should ban those zero-nutrient within and
near schools.

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 D What is it?
What makes a strong thesis statement?

• A strong thesis statement gives direction to the paper and limits what you
need to write about.
• It also functions to inform your readers of what you will discuss in the body of
the paper.
• All paragraphs of the essay should explain, support, or argue with your
thesis.
• It should be disputable, focused and relevant.

A thesis statement should:

• answer the questions ‘how’ and/or ‘why’;
• provide the logic of the paper;
• cover the entire paper.

The rest of the paper should:

• echo a thesis statement in every sentence;
• prove that the thesis statement is correct;
• repeat a rephrased thesis statement in the conclusion.

5 Groups of Never-Use Words:

• Personal pronouns – I, you, we

• Uncertainty qualifiers – might, maybe, perhaps
• Extremism symptoms – everything, all, none, always, never
• Vague formulations – some, kind of, somewhat
• Obvious exaggerations – life-saving, best of the best

6 Groups of Must-Use Words:

• Sources of information: studies reveal, research shows

• Realistic views: many, significant, most
• Characteristics: primarily, frequently
• Clear explanations: because, thus, for, due to, since
• Relationships: impact, influence, tendency, contribute to
• Active verbs: demonstrate, illustrate, identify, elucidate, present, inform

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 D What is it?
10 Common Mistakes in Thesis Statements:

1) Declaration of Topic: Similarities of Societies.

2) Questions: Are there similarities between cultures?
3) Captain Obvious: Overeating is bad for health.
4) Falling between 2 stools: Sometimes this can happen, but sometimes it can’t.
5) Too many words – keep it brief (up to 25 words).
6) Making vows: I am going to discuss, this paper will analyze, the purpose of my paper
is…
7) Random list: Argument 1; argument 2; argument 3
8) “I don’t care that you don’t care” – Birds can divorce.
9) Random sentence – The origin of this concept dates back to 1487.
10) Ambiguity overload – This concept may have a number of practical implications,
even though this theory has certain limitations.

EXAMPLES:

1. Is your thesis statement too general?

Original thesis:
There are serious objections to today's horror movies.
Revised theses:
• Because modern cinematic techniques have allowed filmmakers to
get more graphic, horror flicks have desensitized young American
viewers to violence.
• The pornographic violence in "bloodbath" slasher movies degrades
both men and women.
• Today's slasher movies fail to deliver the emotional catharsis that
1930s horror films did

1. Is your thesis statement clear?

Original thesis: Although the timber wolf is a timid and gentle animal, it is
being systematically exterminated. [if it's so timid and gentle -- why is it being
exterminated?]
Revised thesis: Although the timber wolf is actually a timid and gentle animal,
it is being systematically exterminated because people wrongfully believe it to be
a fierce and cold-blooded killer.

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 D What is it?
2. Does your thesis include a comment about your position on the issue at
hand?
Avoid merely announcing the topic; your original and specific "angle" should be
clear. In this way you will tell your reader why your take on the issue matters.
• A. Original thesis: In this paper, I will discuss the relationship
between fairy tales and early childhood.
• B. Revised thesis: Not just empty stories for kids, fairy tales shed
light on the psychology of young children.

Avoid making universal or pro/con judgments that oversimplify complex issues

• Original thesis: We must save the whales.
• Revised thesis: Because our planet's health may depend upon biological
diversity, we should save the whales.

When you make a (subjective) judgment call, specify and justify your reasoning.
“Just because” is not a good reason for an argument.

• Original thesis: Socialism is the best form of government for Kenya.

• Revised thesis: If the government takes over industry in Kenya, the
industry will become more efficient.

Avoid merely reporting a fact.

• Original thesis: Hoover's administration was rocked by scandal.

• Revised thesis: The many scandals of Hoover's administration revealed
basic problems with the Republican Party's nominating process.

3. Is your thesis statement original?

Avoid, avoid, avoid generic arguments and formula statements.

• Original thesis:
• There are advantages and disadvantages to using statistics. (a fill-in-
the-blank formula)
• Revised theses:
• Careful manipulation of data allows a researcher to use statistics to
support any claim she desires.
• In order to ensure accurate reporting, journalists must understand
the real significance of the statistics they report.
• Because advertisers consciously and unconsciously manipulate data,
every consumer should learn how to evaluate statistical claims.
Avoid formula and generic words.

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 D What is it?
• Original: “Society is...” [who is this "society" and what exactly is it doing?]
• Revised: "Men and women will learn how to...," "writers can generate...,"
"television addicts may chip away at...," "American educators must
decide...," "taxpayers and legislators alike can help fix..."
• Original: "the media"
• Revised: "the new breed of television reporters," "advertisers," "hard-hitting
print journalists," "horror flicks," "TV movies of the week," "sitcoms,"
"national public radio," "Top 40 bop-til-you-drop..."
• Original: "is, are, was, to be" or "to do, to make"
• Revised: any great action verb you can concoct: "to generate," "to demolish,"
"to batter," "to revolt," "to discover," "to flip," "to signify," "to endure..."

DIFFERENTIATING BETWEEN A THESIS STATEMENT AND A TOPIC SENTENCE

The thesis statement and topic sentence have similarities, but they differ in several
aspects. The topic sentence gives a glimpse of what the paragraph talks about, while the
thesis statement contains the writer’s conviction. The topic sentence connects to the
thesis statement; the thesis statement encompasses all the other sentences in the essay.
Because the thesis covers the entire essay or research paper, it is broader in scope than
the topic sentence. Two or more ideas may be presented in a thesis statement, while only
one idea should be contained in a topic sentence.

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 D What is more?
Activity 1
Directions. Make the partially completed thesis statements debatable by adding valid
explanations. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

1. The main reasons for the poverty in the Philippines are _________,
_________, and _________.
2. Getting pregnant before graduating from college results in_________ and
_________.
3. Having OFW parents has its advantages such as __________________ and
__________________.
4. People should be allowed to carry guns because __________________ and
__________________.
5. The Anti-Distracted Driving Law must be amended because
____________________________________.
6. There must be a tougher law against cyberbullying because
____________________________________.
7. The main reason for the popularity of social media is
____________________________________.
8. A stricter penalty in plagiarism will result in
____________________________________.
9. In order to alleviate poverty, the government must
____________________________________.
10. The ban of junk food in school cafeterias has resulted in
____________________________________.

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 D What is more?
Activity 2

Directions. Craft a suitable thesis statement for the following words and supporting
points to develop. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

1. Recycle Bags- Problematic Production- Added Resources Needed-Increased Cost

_______________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________.

2. Political Dynasties- Stifles Deelopment- Monopolizes Resources- Limits People’s

Choices
_______________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________.

3. Cycling- Cheap Method of Travel- Sustainable Transport- Health Benefits

_______________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________.

Activity 3

Directions. Read the following statements and write THS on the line if the sentence is a
thesis statement, and TOS if the statement is a topic sentence.

_____1. Automated elections should be improved to minimize fraud, facilitate faster

turnout, and maximize voter participation.
_____2. The lakes of Laguna are grand spectacles worth seeing.
_____3. Creating comics involves several steps.
_____4. Despite some risks, online businesses can be sustainable models for doing
business since they minimize operating costs and provide greater options for
consumers.
_____5. Writing requires careful planning.

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A What I have learned?
1. The thesis statement is the main idea of your paper that is usually conveyed in
one declarative sentence.
2. The thesis statement helps you determine what significant ideas to emphasize in
your writing.
3. An arguable thesis statement consists of the following: the claim or conviction,
objective, position, and issue.
4. A strong thesis statement gives direction to the paper and limits what you need
to write about.
5. Thesis statement is broader in scope than the topic sentence.

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 A What I can do?
A good thesis statement has several qualities:

✓ A thesis statement is always framed as a declarative statement.

✓ A good thesis statement is focused, meaning it provides supporting points that
strengthen the claim.
✓ A good thesis statement has clear boundaries. It sets limits as to what the essay
intends to explore.

Directions. Read the following excerpts from essays and identify the thesis statement.
Then with the criteria presented above, decide if it is a good thesis statement or not.
Justify your answer. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

1. A person who organizes, manages, and assumes the risks of an enterprise is called
an entrepreneur. The entrepreneur starts a business, willing to take risks in order
to make money and they are the ones involve in entrepreneurship.
Entrepreneurship started as early as 17,000 B.C.E. where the first known instance
of humans trading comes from New Guinea when local exchanged obsidian used
to make hunting arrowheads for other needed goods. The original entrepreneurs
were traders and merchants until the development of the market system and the
invention of money. In modern society, entrepreneurship continues to become a
major factor affecting our economy since every organization had an entrepreneurial
beginning of the organization. As modern society continues to develop the range of
entrepreneurship also increased as it was already possible to have young
entrepreneurs. Furthermore, students are already studying entrepreneurship that
can help them determine the importance and benefits of being into business even
at such a young age and its benefits to graduating students (Chico, 2014)

2. Batman. Captain America. Superman. Wonder Woman. These are famous

superheroes that have kept their worlds safe, but they have also helped our world.
The idea of superheroes has greatly benefited society by giving them creativity,
confidence, and courage. Children usually dress up as superheroes during
Halloween, or even on a regular basis. They do not do this because they find their
costumes, gadgets, and superpowers cool, but also because they look up to these
superheroes as role models. There must be something more than gadgets for these
kids to admire superheroes and not super villains. The reason is because these
superheroes are good. Not only do they fight bad guys, but they also have the
capability of bringing out the best in us. This essay will discuss the history of
superheroes, the difference between superheroes and other fictional characters,
and how all these things have positively affected society. (Suarez, 2012)

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 A What can I achieve?
Directions. Read the statements carefully. Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write
your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

1. Which of the following is NOT true about a thesis statement?

a. It is the main idea of your paper.
b. It is usually conveyed in one declarative sentence.
c. It helps you determine what significant ideas to emphasize in your writing
d. Through the thesis statement, you guide your readers by wordily
explaining your argument.
2. Which of the following part of a thesis statement reflects the writer’s argument?
a. objective c. position
b. claim d. issue

3. This refers to an expression of what the writer believes should be done about the
issue.
a. objective c. position
b. claim d. issue

4. The following make a strong thesis statement, except—

a. It gives direction to the paper and limits what you need to write about.
b. It functions to inform your readers of what you will discuss in the body of
the paper.
c. Some paragraphs of the essay should explain, support, or argue with your
thesis.
d. It should be disputable, focused and relevant.

5. All belongs to the never-use words, except--

a. Might c. I
b. somwehat d. it

6. There are serious objections to today's horror movies. What makes this thesis
statement weak?
a. Statement is not clear. c. Statement is not original.
b. Statement is too general. d. None of the choices.

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A What can I achieve?

7. The ASEAN region is a dynamic system because it capitalizes on cultural diversity,

rich resources, and a variety of perspectives. Which three points must be
elaborated to support this thesis statement?
a. ASEAN region, dynamic system, cultural diversity
b. cultural diversity, rich resources, a variety of perspectives
c. ASEAN region, cultural diversity, rich resources
d. All of the above

8. Which of the following is true about a topic sentence?

a. Usually has just one supporting point
b. Covers the main idea of the whole essay
c. Contains two supporting points
d. Contains the writer’s conviction

9. Choose the improved version of this thesis statement: What is plagiarism?

a. Plagiarism can be explained from cultural and socio-political perspective.
b. Plagiarism is the stealing and passing off as one’s own.
c. Plagiarism is becoming an issue to today’s world.
d. Committing literary theft is plagiarism.

10. Choose the improved version of this thesis statement: Guitar playing skills can be
improved if the player is dedicated and there are sessions devoted to technique
and investments on good equipment must be considered since these will be
influential in performing in front of an audience.
a. Guitar playing needs techniques and good equipment.
b. Guitar playing skills can be improved with dedication.
c. Superb guitar playing requires a lot of things such as dedication, techniques
and best-est equipment.
d. Excellent guitar playing requires countless hours of practice, strategic
decisions in purchasing equipment, and tireless dedication.

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Answers

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 References

Billanes, L. (2020). English for Academic and Professional Purposes: Skills and

Strategies for Academic Discourse. 1st Edition. TechFactors Inc.

Valdez, P. (2016). English for Globalized Classroom Series: English for Academic and

Professional Purposes. Phoenix Publishing House.

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For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education Region 4A CALABARZON

Office Address: Gate 2 Karangalan Village, Cainta Rizal

Landline: 02-8682-5773 local 420/421

Email Address: lrmd.calabarzon@deped.gov.ph

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