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ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC

AND PROFESSIONAL
PURPOSES

Quarter 3 - Week 3

Thesis Statements
 LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET (LAS)
English for Academic and Professional Purposes 11

Third Quarter – Week 3

Thesis Statements

Introduction

The thesis is the main idea or main point of an informational text. It serves as a
roadmap of the text you are reading. Simply, the thesis statement provides
direction or purpose to the text. It can be expressed anywhere in the selection or
passage you are reading. It can be seen at the beginning, middle or end of the text.

If the thesis is stated at the beginning, then the reader may expect that the
following sentences support or develop it. The ideas are said to be organized in
deductive order. However, if the thesis is stated at the latter part of the text, then
the preceding statements are the details or the specifics. This follows the inductive
order. Remember that, thesis statements require proof or evidences to make your
stand more convincing and effective.

After going through this lesson, you will be able to state the thesis
statement of an academic text. CS_EN11/12A-EAPP-Ia-c-6

Specifically, at the end of this module, you will be able to:

1. Identify what a thesis statement is;
2. Distinguish weak and strong thesis statements; and
3. Develop a thesis statement for a given text

Directions: Write the letter of your choice on a separate sheet of paper.

1. What is a thesis statement?

A. It expresses the author’s opinion in a text.
B. It is the author’s comment on an issue.
C. It is one’s claim on a given topic.
D. All of the above.

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2. Which is NOT true about thesis statement?
A. A thesis statement can be a quote from a famous person.
B. It states the main idea about the topic or issue.
C. A thesis statement requires evidence or proof.
D. It serves as a roadmap of your paper.

3. How long should a thesis statement be? One _______

A. paragraph
B. sentence
C. text
D. word

4. Which is true about thesis statement? It is _________.

A. a fact
B. an announcement
C. arguable.
D. a question.

5. Where is thesis statement located in an academic text?

A. anywhere in the text
B. second paragraph
C. first paragraph
D. last paragraph

6. Which of the following is a thesis statement about Angel Locsin?

A. Not just a film and television actress, Angel Locsin is also a commercial
model and fashion designer.
B. Angel Locsin should receive an award for her charity and humanitarian
efforts.
C. Angel Locsin is a respected actress in showbiz.
D. What makes Angel Locsin a real-life Darna?

7. Which among the following is true about thesis statement?

A. Thesis statements are found in every paragraph of an academic text.
B. There could be one or more thesis statements found in an academic text.
C. It tells the reader what the academic text is about.
D. Thesis statements and topic sentences are similar.

8. Which of the following is a thesis statement?

A. Most Filipino students prefer modular learning to online learning.
B. The key to defeat this pandemic is discipline and self-control.
C. The Advantages and Disadvantages of Distance Education
D. Which is better, desktops or laptops?

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9. Which among the following is a strong thesis statement?
A. Corporal punishment is harmful as it only worsens children’s behavior.
B. Pollution and mining in the Philippines should be stopped.
C. J.K. Rowling, the author of Harry Potter, is a good writer.
D. Research is an essential subject in Senior High School.

10. Which is the most appropriate thesis statement on the use ofeducational
technology in schools?
A. Educational technology includes computers and other software
application to aid classroom learning.
B. This paper discusses the uses and benefits of educational technology in
the classroom.
C. Educational technology is a helpful tool that improves students’
academic performance.
D. What is educational technology?

For numbers 11-15, write T if the statement is correct. Write F if the statement is
false.

11. A thesis statement should not be an argument about an issue to avoid

confusion among readers.
12. A thesis statement should be supported with facts to make it more effective and
convincing.
13. Third person point of view is used in making thesis statements.
14. A thesis statement should be specific, not broad or general.
15. A thesis statement provides direction of your paper.

Please read the academic text below and answer the Comprehension Guide
Questions that follow:

Competition and Cooperation

(1) Explanations of the interrelation between competition and cooperation

have evolved over the time. Early research into competition and cooperation defined
each of them in terms of the distribution of rewards related to each. Competition
was defined as a situation in which rewards are distributed unequally on the basis
of performance, cooperation on the other hand, was defined as a situation in which
rewards are distributed equally on the basis of mutual interactive behavior among
individuals. By this definition, a competitive situation requires at least on
competitor to fail for each competitor that wins, while a cooperative situation offers
a reward only if all members of the group receive it.

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 (2) Researchers have found definitions of competition and cooperation based
upon rewards inadequate primarily because definitions of these two concepts based
upon rewards depict them as opposite. In current understanding, competition is
not viewed as opposite of cooperation, instead, cooperation is viewed as integral
component of competition. Cooperation is necessary among team members,
perhaps in a sporting event or in a political race, in order to win the competition, it
is equally important to understand that cooperation is of great importance between
teams in that same sporting event or ground rules of the game or election in order
to compete.

(3) Interestingly, the word competition is derived from a Latin verb which
means “to seek together.” An understanding of the derivation of the word
competition supports the understanding that cooperation, rather than evoking a
characteristic at the opposite extreme of human nature from competition, is in
reality a necessary factor in competition.

Guide Questions:

1. What is the topic of the text?

________________________________________________________________________
2. What is the author’s comment or claim about the topic?
_________________________________________________________________________
3. Do you agree with the author’s comment on the topic? Why or why not?
_________________________________________________________________________

Thesis statements can be explicit or implicit. Implicit thesis statements do not

clearly express the main idea of a text. The reader has to infer from all the details
stated in the text. On the other hand, explicit thesis statements express the main
idea clearly and directly in the text read.

The following are the key elements for a strong thesis statement:

1. It is not a fact.
A fact is irrefutable. Writing a fact as a thesis makes no argument.
Weak: Cats spend most of their time sleeping.
Strong: Cats are better than dogs because they keep pests at bay and they
require less work than puppies.

2. It is not a question.
A question simply does not express one’s claim or comment about a topic.
Weak: What are the advantages of keeping a pet at home?
Strong: A person who wants to live happily in life should own a pet because of
their ability to help decrease depression, stress and anxiety.

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3. It is not an announcement.
Avoid saying what you will discuss in the text.
Weak: This paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of owning a pet.
Strong: Owning a pet brings good than burden because they can lower stress
levels, make one feels safe and teach their owners responsibility.

4. It is not too broad.

Avoid making vague and confusing thesis statements by making specific and
focused thesis.

Weak: Too much alcohol consumption is not good for the health.
Strong: Excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk to health problems as
it may cause liver damage, stomach distress and even cancer.

5. It is a complete sentence.
A phrase does not convey complete ideas or thought. Stating the thesis in
complete sentence makes it easier for the reader to understand the main idea of
the text.

6. It requires support.
To make your thesis statement persuasive, facts, surveys, reports etc.
should be used as proof or evidences to support your claim or opinion on the
topic.

7. It takes a stand.
The thesis should clearly show your claim about a subject/topic.

8. It is arguable.
The thesis should be contestable, debatable or argumentative. Again, the
thesis statement should never be a factual statement.

Activity 1

Directions: Choose the most appropriate thesis statement on the following

topics. Write the letter of your choice on a separate sheet of paper.

1. On ABS-CBN Shutdown
A. ABS-CBN should not be stopped from operating as many employees may
lose their job during this pandemic.
B. I think ABS-CBN shutdown is a major blow to press freedom in the country.
C. This paper will explore the reasons why ABS-CBN should be shut down.
D. What are the reasons of ABS-CBN shutdown?

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2. On Reopening of Classes
A. The schools, both public and private, must prioritize health safety protocols
for learners and teachers by ensuring that vaccines are available in the
country before school opening.
B. Pros and cons of resumption of classes amidst this COVID 19 pandemic.
C. I know a lot of parents are against the reopening of classes this August.
D. It is not safe for students and teachers to attend classes this August.

3. On Reinstatement of Death Penalty in the Philippines

A. Death penalty does not only serve justice to the victims and their family, but
it also helps decrease the number of heinous crime in the Philippines.
B. This passage talks about why death penalty should be reinstated in the
Philippines.
C. I believe that death penalty will only violate the human rights of every
Filipino.
D. Surveys show that Filipinos would like death penalty to be reinstated in the
country.

4. On Wearing of School Uniforms

A. Wearing school uniforms promotes not just self-respect but also respect to
learning and educational institutions.
B. “It’s not about the dress you wear, but the life you lead in the dress” Diana
Vreeland.
C. Wearing of school uniforms have advantages and disadvantages.
D. In this paper, I will explore the benefits of school uniform policy.

5. On the Use of Gadgets

A. Negative effects of gadget use include vision problems, lack of sleep,
confusion, and even violence.
B. Gadget use should be in moderation as it may negatively affect physical and
psychological health.
C. I guess gadget use does more harm than good.
D. Any type of gadget is bad for children.

Activity 2
Directions: Read the academic text below and answer the Comprehension
Guide Questions on the spaces provided:

FOUR VALUES IN FILIPINO DRAMA AND FILM

Nicanor G. Tiongson

(1) THERE IS NO doubt that cinema has risen as one of the most popular
means of mass communication in contemporary Philippines. Movie theaters dot
cities, towns and other important commercial centers from Aparri to Jolo. Through
these theaters, Nora Aunor has truly become a national figure and tagalog has
risen to the status of a real national language. Indeed, movie theaters have become
as important to us today as churches were in the last century.

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 (2) Because movies have become one of the most important means of
communication, it is high time that the Filipinos examined the values encountered
in and propagated by, the movies. These values at the general worldview arising
from them inevitably mold the Filipino’s consciousness for better or for worse, in an
effective, if insidious, manner through stories that entertain.

(3) Sad to say, the principal values encountered in most Filipino movies today
are the same negative values they have inherited from the traditional dramas which
migrated, so to speak, from stage to screen, and provided the latter, for the longest
time, with both form, content and most of all, world-view. Four of these values
which we must single out for their prevalence, perseverance and perniciousness
may encapsulated in the following statements: 1) Maganda ang Maputi (White is
beautiful), 2) Masaya ang may Palabas (Shows are the best), 3) Mabuti ang Inaapi
(Hurrah for the Underdog!), and 4) Maganda pa ang Daigdig (All is Right with the
world)

Comprehension Guide Questions:

1. What is the topic of the text?

_______________________________________________________________________________
2. What is the thesis or main idea of the text?
______________________________________________________________________________
3. Was the thesis explicitly stated, or implicitly stated by the author?
______________________________________________________________________________
4. Was the text written in deductive order, or inductive order?
______________________________________________________________________________
5. Do you agree with the author’s claim or thesis? Why or why not?
______________________________________________________________________________

Activity 3
Directions: In this activity, identify which thesis statement is weak and which
one is strong. Write W if the statement is weak and S if the
statement is strong. Then, explain why the statement is weak or
strong. If you think it is weak, improve the statement. If it’s a
strong thesis statement, just leave the Improved Thesis Statement
blank.

1. Internet usage has a negative effect to people, especially to children.

Answer: ___________________________________________________________________
Explanation: _______________________________________________________________
Improved Thesis Statement: _________________________________________

2. The minimum wage in the country should be raised as it is beneficial not just to
Filipino wage-earners but also to the Philippine economy.

Answer: ___________________________________________________________________
Explanation: _______________________________________________________________
Improved Thesis Statement: _________________________________________

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3. In this paper, I will explore the different effects, both positive and negative, of
wearing school uniforms in universities and colleges.

Answer: ____________________________________________________________
Explanation: _______________________________________________________
Improved Thesis Statement: _________________________________________

4. President Rodrigo Duterte is the best president in Philippine history.

Answer: ____________________________________________________________
Explanation: _______________________________________________________
Improved Thesis Statement: _________________________________________

5. As of April 2020, there were more than 125,000 Filipinos who violated the
enhanced community quarantine in the Philippines.

Answer: ____________________________________________________________
Explanation: _______________________________________________________
Improved Thesis Statement: _________________________________________

Activity 4
Direction: Write your own thesis statement on the topic below. Make sure that
the thesis statement is strong following the key elements of an
effective thesis statement.

Topic: Ban on Motorcycle Back Riding

Thesis Statement: _____________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Activity 5
Direction: Answer these few questions to check whether you have learned the
essential ideas about thesis statements. Write your answer in
the spaces below.

1. What is thesis statement? _____________________________________________

2. What makes a strong thesis statement? ________________________________

Activity 6
Direction: Make a strong thesis statement based on the given situation and
supports. Kindly check the sample below:

Example:

Situation: You won in a raffle draw and you were given a chance to choose any
tourist destination you would like to visit. Write about your dream
place and explain why you would like to go there.

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Supports:
a. Palawan is a home to beautiful coral reefs and stunning beaches.
b. It is the best place for scuba diving and snorkeling.
c. The people in Palawan are friendly.

Thesis Statement: With stunning beaches and coral reefs, friendly people and a
place for exciting water activities, Palawan is the best place to
relieve stress from the bustling noise of a city.

1. Situation: Your friend from South Korea is looking for a place where he can
spend his summer vacation with his family.
Supports:
a. Philippines has many pristine beaches, and hot and cold springs.
b. Filipinos are warm, hospitable, and generous.
c. The travel and food expenses in the country are affordable.

Thesis Statement: __________________________________________________________

2. Situation: Your little brother is asking for help in his report on the positive and
negative effects of smartphones on children.
Supports:
a. Smartphones can be used for communication, anywhere, anytime.
b. Smartphones may cause mental health such as depression.
c. Smartphones may damage eyes and natural sleep cycle.

Thesis Statement: ___________________________________________________________

Activity 7
Direction: Below is a graphic organizer that will help you present your ideas
and thesis on an issue. Using this hamburger chart, please provide
three evidences/supports and develop a thesis statement about any
timely issue around you.

Topic:
_______________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
___
Evidence:
____________________________________________
_________

Evidence:
_________________________________________
____
______________________________________

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 Evidence: ____________________________________________
______________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
Thesis Statement:
_______________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
__

Directions: Supply the correct word from the Word Bank to complete the
statements below.

Road Map Strong Thesis Anywhere

Main idea Weak Stand Deductive
Inductive Specific Broad Explicit
Implicit Evidence Fact

1.) A thesis statement serves as a ___________ of a paper.

2.) A thesis statement is located __________ in an academic text.
3.) A strong thesis statement should take a __________ on a topic.
4.) Without a ________, an academic text is unfocused and unclear.
5.) A thesis statement expresses the ___________ of an academic text.
6.) A ________ thesis statement is arguable, debatable or argumentative.
7.) To keep the paper manageable, the thesis statement should be _________.
8.) A thesis statement should not be too __________ to avoid vague and confusing
claims.
9.) A _________ thesis statement is written in a form of phrase, question or
announcement.
10.) To support the author’s claim, the writer must provide __________ in a form of
surveys or reports.
11.) However, if a thesis statement is presented after its supporting details, then
ideas are arranged in ___________ order.
12.) __________ thesis statements clearly and directly express the main idea of a text
while (13.) __________ thesis statements do not.
14.) Thesis statements should never be a/an __________ because it’s not debatable
and does not clearly state the author’s claim on an issue.
15.) If a thesis statement is stated at the beginning of an academic text, followed
by supporting details, it is said that ideas are organized in ___________ order.

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 15. Deductive 10. Evidence 5. Main Idea
T 15. 10. C A 5. 5. W 5. B 14. Fact 9. Weak 4. Thesis
T 14. 9. A C 4. 4. W 4. D
F 13. 8. B B 3. 3. W 3. A
13. Implicit 8. Broad 3. Stand
T 12. 7. C A 2. 2. S 2. A 12. Explicit 7. Specific 2. Anywhere
11. F 1. D 6. B 1. W 1. A 11. Inductive 6. Strong 1. Road Map
Pre-Test Activity 3 Activity 1 Post-Test

References

Laurel, M. M., Lucero, A.F, Bumatay –Cruz, R.T (2016). English for Academic and
Professional Purposes Reader. Quezon City, Philippines. Department of
Education.
Saqueton, G. and Uychoco M.T. (2016) English for Academic and Professional
Purposes. Rex Bookstore. pp. 23-28
DEPED SOCCSKSARGEN (2020). Thesis Statement

Prepared by:

JANE ELLA F. ABUGAN Checked and Reviewed by:

SHS Teacher III
SASHS
DODELLE D. GOMEZ
Principal I
SASHS

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