IDENTIFYING THESIS

STATEMENT AND OUTLINING

READING TEXTS IN VARIOUS
DISCIPLINES
ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES
 BRIEF DISCUSSION OF THE LESSON
Definition of Terms:
1. Thesis Statement – A thesis statement clearly identifies the topic being
discussed, includes the points discussed in the paper, and is written for a
specific audience.
2. Academic Text – Academic text is defined as critical, objective,
specialized texts written by experts or professionals in given field using
formal language.
3. Outlining – Outlining in writing helps you define and organize your
topic and subtopics so that you bring the reader on a logical journey
from your thesis, through your supporting evidence, to your conclusion.
 THESIS STATEMENT
The thesis statement is a single, clear, focused sentence that communicates your
paper’s central focus or argument. It should give your audience a quick and easy-to
follow idea of your position on the topic of the paper. The thesis statement also
offers a guide to how your paper is organized.

Thesis Statement can also be explicit or implicit.

• Implicit thesis statements do not clearly express the main idea of a text.
• Explicit thesis statements express the main idea clearly and directly in the
text read.
There are several key elements for a thesis statement:

1 Can’t be a simple fact

2 Not an opinion

3 Must be arguable

4 Can’t be a question
WHAT MAKES A GOOD THESIS STATEMENT?
Let us look at this example:
School dress code ls result in reduced social conflict a more serious learning
environment and less peer pressure.

This sample thesis statement shows the subject and the direction of the whole
topic.

Subject=School dress codes

Direction= result in reduced social conflict, a more serious learning environment,
and less peer pressure
(The Direction gives you an idea of the purpose of the text.)
Thus, a good thesis statement can be summarized in this formula:
Thesis Statement = Subject + Direction
QUALITIES OF A GOOD THESIS STATEMENT

1. It’s declarative. 2. It completely conveys 3. It conveys something

• Never phrase your thesis the topic. interesting.
statement as a question. • The reader needs to be • The reader should want
sufficiently informed to read about the topic
• Declare your position about what you’re you’re writing about.
where you explore and going to discuss, and it
make a case for should be covered by the
throughout the duration thesis statement.
of the piece. • No more, no less.
STRATEGIES IN IDENTIFYING THESIS
STATEMENT
1 Read the title of the text and make inferences on its purpose.

If the text has no abstract or executive summary, read the first few
2 paragraphs as the thesis statement is usually loacated here.

3 Check the conclusion as the authors sum up and review their main points
 FOUR QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN
FORMULATING THESIS STATEMENT
1. Where is your thesis statement?

You should provide a thesis early in your essay—in the introduction, or in longer
essays in the second paragraph—in order to establish your position and give your reader a
sense of direction.

Tips on how to write a successful thesis statement

 Avoid burying a great thesis statement in the middle of a paragraph or late in

the paper.
 Be as clear and as specific as possible; avoid vague words.
 Indicate the point of your paper but avoid sentence structures like, “The point
of my paper is…”.
2. Is your thesis statement specific?
Your thesis statement should be as clear and specific as possible. Normally
you will continue to refine your thesis as you revise your argument, so your
thesis will evolve and gain definition as you obtain a better sense of where
your argument is taking you.
Tips on how to formulate specific thesis statement
 Are there two large statements connected loosely by a coordinating
conjunction (i.e. "and", "but", "or", "for", "nor", "so", "yet")?
 Would a subordinating conjunction help (i.e. "through", "although",
"because", "since") to signal a relationship between the two sentences?
 Or do the two statements imply a fuzzy unfocused thesis?
 If so, settle on one single focus and then proceed with further
development.
3. Is your thesis statement too general?

Your thesis should be limited to what can be accomplished in the

specified number of pages. Shape your topic so that you can get straight
to the "meat" of it. Being specific in your paper will be much more
successful than writing about general things that do not say much. Don't
settle for three pages of just skimming the surface. The opposite of a
focused, narrow, crisp thesis is a broad, sprawling, superficial thesis.

Compare this original thesis (too general) with three possible revisions
(more focused, each presenting a different approach to the same
topic):
Original thesis:

There are serious objections to today's horror movies.

Revised theses:

Because modern cinematic techniques have allowed filmakers 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 film did.
4. Is your thesis statement clear?

Your thesis statement is no exception to your writing: it needs to be

as clear as possible. By being as clear as possible in your thesis statement,
you will make sure that your reader understands exactly what you mean.
Tips on how to write clear thesis statement
Unless you're writing a technical report, avoid technical language.
Always avoid jargon, unless you are confident your audience will be
familiar with it.
 Avoid vague words such as "interesting", "exciting", "unusual",
and "difficult".
 Avoid abstract words such as "society", "values", or "culture".
Original thesis:

Although the timber wolf is a timid and gentle animal, it is being

systemitaclly extreminated. [if it's so timid and gentle – why is it being
extreminated?]

Revised theses:

Although the timber wolf is actually a timid and gentle animal, it is being
systematically exterminated because people wrongfully it to be a fierce and
cold-blooded killer.
NOTE:

• Use your own words in thesis statements; avoid quoting. Crafting an

original, insightful, and memorable thesis makes a distinct
impression on a reader. You will lose credibility as a writer if you
become only a mouthpiece or a copyist; you will gain credibility by
grabbing the reader with your ow ideas and words.
• A well-crafted thesis statement reflects well-crafted ideas. It
signals a writer who has intelligence, commitment, and enthusiasm.
 OUTLINING
An outline shows the framework of a text through division and subdivision of odeas. It is another
way of determining a text structure.
Outline Format
A traditional outline starts with a thesis statement (TS). This is a one-sentence statement of
the main idea of the article. Then the body article is divided and subdivided this way:
a. Main ideas are b. Supporting ideas c. Details developing d. Minor details
labelled with developing the main the details are labeled developing the
Roman numerals. ideas are labeled with with Arabic Numbers details are labeled
(1st level of an capital letters, intended. (3rd level) with small letters,
Outline) indented. (2nd level) indented.(4th level)

A one-sentence summary of the idea used in the Introduction and another for the Conclusion may
be added to the outline.
YOUR OUTLINE MAY LOOK LIKE THIS:

Thesis Statement___________________

I. Introduction
II. Main Idea
A. Supporting Idea
B. Supporting Idea
1. Detail developing
2. Another detail developing
III. Main Idea
C. Supporting Idea
D. Supporting Idea
IV. Conclusion
 SENTENCE OUTLINE
The heading off each level is one sentence.
Several aspects must be considered in writing a sentence outline.

• If you have chosen to • As in any outline, remember that

write a sentence outline, a division or subdivision can not
all headings and sub- be divided into one part; therefore,
headings must be in if there is an “A” there must be a
sentence form. “B”, and if there is a “1” there
must be a “2”.
 EXAMPLE OF SENTENCE OUTLINE
Negative Effects of Divorce on Adolescent’s

I. When family conflicts arise as a result of divorce, adolescents suffer.

A. During the first year, these young people may be depressed due to conflicts between the custodial and non-
custodial parents.
B. Grandparents, aunts, and uncles are often restricted by visitation provisions.
C. Almost without exception, adolescents find divorce very painful, but they react in differing degrees depending
on their age.
ll. Some of the most negative effects on adolescents may be associated with economic problems.
A. The family will most probably experiemce a lower standard of living due to the cost of maintaining two
households.
B. Some female custodial parents have poor job skills and must train before entering the job market.
C. The lower standard of living may result in misunderstanding and conflicts within the family.
D. The decreased standard of living, particularly for an unstrained female custodial parent, often causes
relocation. 1. The family may have to move to a poorer neighborhood in order to cut costs.
2. As a result, the adolescent may have to attend a different school.
lll. Adolescents from divorced families often experience peer problems.
A. Due to relocation and prejudice, adolescents may lose friends.
B. The lack of a solid relationship with both parents affects an adolescent’s attitude toward the opposite sex.
 TOPIC OUTLINE
The heading of each level is a phrase.
Several aspects must be considered in writing a topic outline.

• Recall that all • The wording within • The division or subdivision

headings and each division must be cannot be divided into one part;
subheadings must be parallel. therefore, if there is an “A” there
words or phrases, not must be a “B”, and if there is a
sentences. “1” there must be “2”.
THANK
YOU