Department of Education
SHS
Reading Academic Texts: Stating the Thesis
Statement of an Academic Text
First Quarter: Module 4
Rosalia J. Gaddi
Writer
Glendle L. Lunar
Dr. Ma. Carmen D. Solayao
Validators
Schools Division Office – Muntinlupa City
Student Center for Life Skills Bldg., Centennial Ave., Brgy. Tunasan, Muntinlupa City
(02) 8805-9935 / (02) 8805-9940
0
This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is
here to help you state the thesis statement of an academic text. The
scope of this module permits it to be used in many different learning
situations. The language used recognizes the diverse vocabulary level of
students.
After going through this module, you are expected to:
1. define “thesis statement”;
2. identify the parts of a thesis statement;
3. determine the type of a thesis statement;
4. distinguish between a strong thesis statement and a weak thesis
statement;
5. explain the basic steps in writing a thesis statement; and
6. write a thesis statement and topic sentences for an article or
essay.
Directions: Write the letter of the correct answer on the blank provided.
1. In academic writing, a _____________ summarizes the main point or claim
of an academic essay or research paper.
a. thesis statement
c. sentence
b. paragraph
d. report
2. Thesis statement is developed, supported, and explained in the text by
means of examples and __________________.
a. direct
c. evidences
b. explanatory
d. answerable
3. Usually a thesis statement is placed at the end of an essay’s ______________
but sometimes it is not directly stated.
a. conclusion
c. topic sentence
b. explanation
d. introduction
1
4. The three parts of a thesis statement include a specific topic, a __________
and a blueprint of reasons.
a. statement
c. phrase
b. valid claim
d. conclusion
5. A thesis statement tells readers what an essay/article is trying to
argue, ____________ or demonstrate.
a. prove
c. elaborate
b. explain
d. discuss
6. A thesis statement should be ________, arguable and supportable.
a. direct
c. simple
b. explanatory
d. answerable
7. An explanatory thesis statement is also known as a/an
________________ thesis statement.
a. argumentative
c. expository
b. declarative
d. analytical
8. A thesis statement should present the __________or opinion in relation
to the topic of an essay/article.
a. declaration
c. assertion
b. opinion
d. debate
9. The first strategy in writing a thesis statement is stating the ______or
presenting your argument.
a. topic
c. conclusion
b. statement
d. assertion
10.
A
thesis
statement
can
be explanatory, argumentative,
or _____________.
a. narrative
c. informative
b. analytical
d. declarative
11. An ___________ thesis statement is based on factual information.
a. analytical
c. explanatory
b. argumentative
d. declarative
12. An _______________ thesis statement enables a writer to take a
position about the subject of his/her academic essay or article.
a. analytical
c. explanatory
b. argumentative
d. declarative
13. An _______ thesis statement analyzes, or elaborate an issue or idea
into its different parts.
a. analytical
c. explanatory
b. argumentative
d. declarative
14. A strong thesis statement justifies discussion and expresses one
_________.
a. sentence
c. paragraph
b. main idea
d. argument
2
15. Which of the following statements is an example of a strong thesis
statement.
a. The symptoms of covid-19 infections are fever, tiredness and dry
cough.
b. History is an interesting subject.
c. Death penalty should be implemented.
d. The covid-19 pandemic affects the world economy.
EAPP
MODULE
4
Reading Academic Text: Stating the Thesis
Statement of an Academic Text
In this lesson, you will discover the importance of a thesis statement in
writing an essay. It will also help you determine the parts of a thesis.
statement and the characteristics of a good thesis statement.
A good thesis statement helps you identify the specific purpose of
an article. The effective strategies in writing a good thesis statement are also
discussed in this lesson.
1. Define summarizing.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
2. Using the graphic organizer below, write the steps in summarizing.
3
STEPS IN SUMMARIZING
4
Activity 1
Motivation Questions
You may use additional papers for your answer.
1. How do you determine the topic or purpose of an academic essay
or article?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
2. What is the purpose of a thesis statement in an article/essay?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
3. What is a thesis statement?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Activity 2: Vocabulary Words
You will encounter the terms in Column A in the succeeding activities.
Directions: Match the term in Column A with its definition in Column
B. Write only the letter of the correct answer on the line provided.
COLUMN A
B
1. thesis statement ________
C
2. analytical thesis statement ______
3. explanatory thesis statement
E
_________
4. argumentative thesis statement
D
__________
A
5. main idea _________
COLUMN B
A. It is the central thought of a
paragraph or larger section
of a text.
B. It summarizes the main
ideas of an academic essay
or article.
C. It is based on factual
information.
D. It enables a writer to take a
position about the subject
of his/her academic essay
or article.
E. It analyzes, or elaborate an
issue or idea into its
different parts.
5
What is a thesis statement?
In academic writing, a thesis statement is a short statement, usually one
sentence that summarizes the main point or claim of an academic essay or
research paper. It is developed, supported, and explained in the text by means
of examples and evidence. Usually a thesis statement is placed at the end of an
essay’s introduction but sometimes it is not directly stated.
Three parts of a thesis statement:
1. A specific topic
2. A valid claim (assertion/opinion)
3. Reasons/explanations
A thesis statement tells readers what an essay/article is trying to argue, prove
or demonstrate.
A thesis statement should be:
1. Direct and limited in scope
2. Arguable: People can agree or disagree with the assertion/opinion.
3. Supportable: There are evidences to support the assertion/opinion.
A thesis statement should present the assertion/opinion in relation to the topic
of an essay/article.
Strategies in writing a thesis statement
1. State the topic or present your argument.
2. Summarize the main idea of each of your details.
3. Write a thesis statement in one or two sentences.
Sources:
How
Do
I
Write
a
Thesis
Statement
(n.d.).
Retrieved
https://www.dictionary.com/e/how-do-i-write-a-thesis-statement/
Thesis
Statement
(n.d.).
Retrieved
https://www.dictionary.com/browse/thesis-statement
from
from
6
What are the different types of thesis statement?
A thesis statement can be explanatory, argumentative, or analytical. The type
of paper/essay determines the type of the thesis statement.
1. Explanatory thesis statement
An explanatory thesis statement is based on factual information.
An explanatory thesis statement is also known as an expository thesis
statement.
For example: The core components of a healthy living include a healthy
balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep.
Topic: healthy living
2. Argumentative thesis statement
Key aspects: a healthy balanced
diet, regular exercise, and
adequate sleep.
An argumentative thesis statement enables a writer to take a position about the
subject of his/her academic essay or article.
For example: Technology has lessened our level of social connectedness to other
people because it enables us to disconnect from others in our society and it does
not show socialization skills necessary for us to maintain our good relationships
with others.
TOPIC: TECHNOLOGY
POSITION: has lessened our level of social
connectedness to other people
REASONS: enables us to disconnect from other people in our
society and does not show socialization skills necessary for us to
maintain our good social relationships with others.
7
3. Analytical thesis statement
An analytical thesis statement analyzes, or elaborate an issue or idea into its
different parts.
For example: An analysis of the Department of Education’s policy to start
school hours an hour later revealed three related benefits which include
students’ more attentiveness in class, positive thinking about schooling and
better academic performance.
What is analyzed: The
Department of Education’s policy
Topic: to start school hours an hour
later
Conclusion: three related benefits which include
students’ more attentiveness in class, positive
thinking about schooling and better academic
performance.
Reference:
What Are The Different Types Of Thesis Statements? (n.d.).Retrieved from
https://www.dictionary.com/e/whats-a-thesis-statement/
8
A strong thesis statement justifies discussion and expresses one main idea.
It is specific and narrows the subject to a specific topic.
Example of a strong thesis statement
Imelda R. Marcos became one of the most influential women in the
Philippines because of her position as the first lady that influenced former
President Ferdinand E. Marcos' political career and supported her
extravagant lifestyles.
1
This thesis statement presents an arguable claim about how former first
lady Imelda R. Marcos became one of the most influential women in the
Philippines.
2
Activity 1.
Directions:
1. Determine the type of the following thesis statements
2. Identify the parts of the thesis statement.
3. Use a separate sheet of paper for your answer.
Sample Activity:
Thesis Statement:
Imelda R. Marcos became one of the most influential women in the
Philippines because of her position as the first lady that influenced former
President Ferdinand E. Marcos' political career and supported her
extravagant lifestyles.
Type of thesis statement: argumentative thesis statement
9
Parts of the thesis statement
Topic: Imelda R. Marcos
Position: became one of the most influential women in the Philippines
Reasons: because of her position as the first lady that influenced former
President Ferdinand E. Marcos' political career and supported her
extravagant lifestyles.
Activity Sheet 1
Thesis Statement:
1. The symptoms of covid-19 infections are fever, tiredness and dry
cough.
Type of thesis statement:
__________________________
Parts of the thesis statement:
__________________________
___________________________
Thesis statement:
2. Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao is considered by many boxing
historians as one of the greatest professional boxers of all time
because he won major world titles in four of the eight glamour
divisions of boxing including flyweight, featherweight, lightweight
and welterweight.
Type of thesis statement:
__________________________
Parts of the thesis statement:
_______________________________
__________________________________
_______________________________
Thesis statement:
3. An evaluation of the social distancing measures during the covid-19
pandemic in the Philippines to lessen the covid-19 cases reveals that
social distancing measures are not enough to significantly reduce the
number of daily new covid-19 cases.
10
Type of thesis statement:
__________________________
Parts of the thesis statement:
_______________________________
__________________________________
_______________________________
Activity 2
Directions:
1. State if the following thesis statements are weak or strong.
2. Explain your answer.
3. Use a separate sheet of paper for your answer.
Example: Crime must be prevented.
Answer: Weak because it is a general statement. The sentence does not
identify the type of crime and other relevant information to make the
thesis statement clear.
1. Socialism is the best form of government for Kenya because it will
provide equal opportunity for employees.
Answer: _________________________________________________________
2. If the government takes over the mining industry in the Philippines,
it will become more efficient through regulation and standardization.
Answer: _______________________________________________________
11
3. Sigmund Freud is one of the best psychologists in medical history.
Answer: _____________________________________________
4. History is an interesting subject.
Answer: _____________________________________________
5. The Supreme Court needs to implement stronger punishments.
Answer: _____________________________________________
Activity 3
Directions:
1. Create a thesis statement based on the following information.
2. Use a separate sheet of paper for your answers.
Sample Activity:
Topic: Playing video games has negative effects on children’s well-being.
Supporting statements:
1. It contribute to modifications in visual selective attention.
2. It contributes to less positive parental relations.
3. It leads to detrimental school performance
Thesis Statement: Playing video games has negative effects on children’s
well-being because it contributes to modification in visual selective
attention,
less
positive
parental
relations
and
detrimental
school
performance.
12
Topic 1: Quality education has economic benefits.
Supporting statements:
1. It helps a person to attain a good standard of living.
2. It enables a person to secure social progress.
3. It enables a person to get a high paying job.
Thesis Statement: __________________________________________________
Topic 2: Basketball is a good sport that provides many health benefits.
Supporting statements:
1. It develops endurance.
2. It develops concentration and self-discipline.
3. It improves balance and coordination.
Thesis Statement: _____________________________________________________
Topic 3: There are basic needs to be met for the senior citizens to
experience healthy ageing.
Supporting statement:
1. They need financial security.
2. They need quality health care.
3. They need personal security and safety.
Thesis statement: ____________________________________________________
Holistic Rubric for Activity 3. (This rubric will be used by the teacher
in evaluating the thesis statement of the student for every topic.)
3 points- The student wrote an effective thesis statement and followed the
rules of correct grammar and sentence construction.
13
2 points--The student wrote a weak thesis statement and followed the rules
of correct grammar and sentence construction.
1 point-The student did not write the thesis statement correctly and did not
follow the rules of correct grammar and sentence construction.
Legend:
3-Excellent
2-Fair
1-Needs Improvement
Activity 4
Directions:
1. Create an effective thesis statement using the given information.
2. Write three supporting statements for the given topic.
3. Analyze the given situation carefully.
4. Use a separate sheet of paper for your answer.
Topic: Some teenagers consider politicians including senators, barangay
captains, mayors and governors as role models. Do you think that
politicians are good role models? Explain why or why not.
Supporting statements:
1.
2.
3.
Thesis statement____________________________________.
Holistic Rubric for Activity 4.
5 points- The student wrote an effective thesis statement and appropriate
supporting statements for the topic. The student followed the rules of
correct grammar and sentence construction.
3 points--The student wrote a weak thesis statement due to the lack of
appropriate supporting statements for the topic. The student followed the
rules of correct grammar and sentence construction.
14
1 point-The student did not write the thesis statement correctly due to
incorrect supporting statements for the topic. The student did not follow
the rules of correct grammar and sentence construction.
Legend:
5-Excellent
3-Fair
1-Needs Improvement
Activity 5: Writing a three-part thesis statement and topic sentences
for an academic text/essay.
Sample Activity:
Question: What are the primary causes of air pollution?
Step 1. Make a claim, or state your opinion (without using the personal
pronoun “I”). Write your answer in a complete sentence, not a question or
phrase.
Answer: Air pollution is caused primarily by human activities.
Step 2. Write down the three main points (pieces of evidence) that you will
discuss in your paper. These will become topic sentences in the body of your
essay.
Answers:
Topic sentences:
1. The burning of fossil fuels, such as natural gas and petroleum, releases
carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
2. Cigarette smoking is a common type of air pollution inside the house.
3. Farming contributes to air pollution because farm animals produce
methane, a greenhouse gas.
Combine the claim and the three main points to create a thesis
statement.
Thesis statement: Air pollution is caused primarily by human activities,
such as burning of fossil fuels, cigarette smoking and farming.
15
Activity 5 Worksheet
Directions: Write a three-part thesis statement and topic sentences for an
academic text/essay. Follow the procedures given in the sample activity.
Use a separate sheet of paper for your answers.
Question: What are the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on your mental
and emotional health?
Topic Sentences:
1.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
2.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
3.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Thesis Statement
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Holistic Rubric for the Activity
5 points--The student wrote an effective thesis statement and appropriate
supporting statements for the topic. The student followed the rules of
correct grammar and sentence construction.
3 points--The student wrote a weak thesis statement due to the lack of
appropriate supporting statements for the topic. The student followed the
rules of correct grammar and sentence construction.
16
1 point--The student did not write the thesis statement correctly due to
incorrect supporting statements for the topic. The student did not follow
the rules of correct grammar and sentence construction.
Legend:
5-Excellent
3-Fair
1-Needs Improvement
Directions: Complete the following statements. Use a separate sheet of
paper for your answers.
1. In this lesson, I have learned that a thesis statement
_____________________________________________________________.
2. The three parts of a thesis statement are
____________________,
__________ and _________________,
3. A thesis statement tells readers what an essay/article is trying to
________________, ___________ or demonstrate.
4. The three steps in writing an effective thesis statement include
________________, _______________________ and__________________.
Write a 250-word essay using the three-part thesis statement and topic
sentences your made for Activity 5 of the What’s More section about
the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on your mental and emotional
health. Use a separate sheet of paper for your answer.
Essay Rubric
Legend
Content:
50%
Language and style: 20%
95-100% Excellent
85-94% Proficient
17
Structure:
20%
75-84% Fair
Mechanics:
10%
60-74% Needs Improvement
Total =
100%
TEST 1: Multiple Choice
Directions: Read each question and encircle the letter of the correct
thesis statement.
1. Should cigarettes be made illegal?
A. Although smoking has many negative effects, making smoking illegal
would not solve the problem.
B. Teenagers should not be allowed to smoke if they choose to.
C. Smoking is a leading cause of death in other countries.
D. Smoking is dangerous to your health.
2. What is the best way to teach the public about healthy lifestyles?
A. People should be able to decide what kind of lifestyle they want to
have even if it is unhealthy.
B. I disagree that laws can help people stay healthy.
C. Advertising is an effective medium for selling many things, and I
believe it can sell good health too.
D. People should prepare their own meal plans.
3. Packaged foods contribute to poor health. Agree or disagree?
A. Packaged foods in supermarkets are much more expensive than their
counterparts in local markets.
B. People are overweight because of over-processed, high fat packaged
foods.
C. Elimination of poverty is not the best way to improve health around
the world.
D. Poverty is the main cause of poor health.
18
4. Compare your lifestyle with the life of people fifty years ago.
A. Life was very different fifty years ago.
B. Some people think that modern life is easier, but I believe that our
lives are much more stressful than the lives of our great-grandparents.
C. I have two jobs, a wife, a child, and I go to school full time.
D. Life was very happy and comfortable fifty years ago.
5. Is dieting good for you?
A. After years of telling us to diet, scientists are now telling us that
restricting one’s eating is not always a good thing.
B. It seems that women are always dieting, but men rarely have to.
C. Dieting makes you thinner and healthier.
D. Dieting has many health benefits.
TEST II: What are the characteristics of a good thesis statement?
Encircle the number for all the statements that apply.
1. It makes a claim/opinion that other people may argue, prove or
demonstrate.
2. It is a simple statement.
3. It tells a reader about the topic and purpose of an academic text.
4. Usually a thesis statement is placed at the end of an essay’s
introduction but sometimes it is not directly stated.
5. It is a question in response to an inquiry.
6. A thesis statement has three parts which include a specific topic, a
claim/opinion and reasons or explanations.
7. A strong thesis statement justifies discussion and expresses one main
idea.
19
Test III: Create a thesis statement based on the following information. Write
three supporting statements for the given topic. Analyze the given situation
carefully.
Topic 1: Community service is a volunteer work which aims to help people
in a particular area. It could be a one-month feeding program for the
malnourished children, a clean-up drive and a summer reading camp.
Among the three options, what would be the best choice and why. Explain
your answer in three sentences.
Supporting statements:
1.
2.
3.
Thesis Statement:
Holistic Rubric for the Activity
5 points- The student wrote an effective thesis statement and appropriate
supporting statements for the topic. The student followed the rules of
correct grammar and sentence construction.
3 points--The student wrote a weak thesis statement due to the lack of
appropriate supporting statements for the topic. The student followed the
rules of correct grammar and sentence construction.
1 point-The student did not write the thesis statement correctly due to
incorrect supporting statements for the topic. The student did not follow the
rules of correct grammar and sentence construction.
Legend:
5-Excellent
3-Fair
1-Needs Improvement
20
The students are tasked to copy two academic essays from
research journals and publications and determine the thesis
statement of the essays/articles.
Write your answer here:
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
21
Answers may vary
TEST III
Sentence: # 1, 3, 4, 6,7
Correct Answers
TEST II
5. A
4. B
3.B
2.C
Answers May Vary
1.A
What’s More
Assessment
1. A
2. C
3. D
4. B
5. A
6. A
7. C
8. C
9. A
10. B
11. C
12. B
13. A
14. B
15. A
What I Know
References
Tibar, Clarissa P. (2019, February 6). Pre-test in English for Academic
and Professional Purposes. Retrieved from
https://lrmds.deped.gov.ph/detail/15343
How Do I Write a Thesis Statement (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.dictionary.com/e/how-do-i-write-a-thesis-statement/
Thesis Statement (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.dictionary.com/browse/thesis-statement
What Are The Different Types Of Thesis Statements? (n.d.). Retrieved
from https://www.dictionary.com/e/whats-a-thesis-statement/
22