MUNTINLUPA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

School ID No. : 305468

NBP Reservation,
Poblacion, Muntinlupa City

SUPPLEMENTARY LEARNING
MATERIALS (SLM)

Rosalia J. Gaddi
Glenn C. Maratas
Writers
Glendle L. Lunar
Validator

“An Inspiration of Success”

AWARDEE

EAPP Reading Academic Texts: State the Thesis

Statement of an Academic Text

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 EAPP Reading Academic Texts: State the thesis
statement of an academic text
WEEK 4

Introduction and Instruction

This learning material is intended to help you continue learning English at home. It
is designed to provide you with meaningful and engaging learning experiences that will help
you enhance your skills in reading, writing, listening, speaking and viewing.

In this learning material, 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.

If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this lesson, do not hesitate to
consult your subject teacher or facilitator. We hope that through this material, you will
experience meaningful learning and gain deep understanding of the lesson. Use separate
sheets in answering the pre-test, self-check exercises, and post-test.

Most Essential Learning Competency: State the thesis statement of an academic text
CS_EN11/12A-EAPP-Ia-C6

Pre-test
Directions: Choose the letter of the best answer. Use a separate sheet of paper for your
answers
1. A thesis statement should be ________, arguable and supportable.
a. direct b. simple c. explanatory d. answerable
2. A thesis statement can be explanatory, argumentative, or _____________.
a. narrative b. informative c. analytical d. declarative
3. This thesis statement is based on factual information.
a. analytical b. argumentative c. explanatory d. declarative
4. An explanatory thesis statement is also known as an ________________ thesis
statement.
a. argumentative b. expository c. declarative d. analytical
5. A thesis statement should present the __________or opinion in relation to the
topic of an essay/article.
a. declaration b. assertion c. opinion d. debate
6. The first strategy in writing a thesis statement is stating the ______or
presenting your argument.
a. topic b. conclusion c. statement d. assertion

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7. An _______________ thesis statement enables a writer to take a position about
the subject of his/her academic essay or article.
a. analytical b. argumentative c. explanatory d. declarative
8. This thesis statement analyzes, or elaborate an issue or idea into its
different parts.
a. analytical b. argumentative c. explanatory d. declarative
9. A strong thesis statement justifies discussion and expresses one _________.
a. sentence b. paragraph c. main idea d. argument
10. 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.
11. In academic writing, a _____________ summarizes the main point or claim of an
academic essay or research paper.
a. thesis statement b. paragraph c. sentence d. report
12. The three parts of a thesis statement include a specific topic, a __________ and
a blueprint of reasons.
a. statement b. phrase c. valid claim d. conclusion
13. A thesis statement tells readers what an essay/article is trying to argue,
__________or demonstrate.
a. prove b. explain c. elaborate d. discuss
14. Thesis statement is developed, supported, and explained in the text by means
of examples and __________________.
a. direct b. explanatory c. evidence d. answerable
15. Usually a thesis statement is placed at the end of an essay’s ______________
but sometimes it is not directly stated.
a. conclusion b. topic sentence c. explanation d. introduction

Learning Activities
Activity 1.
Directions: Answer the questions below. Use a separate sheet of paper for your answers.
1. What is a thesis statement?
2.Why does an academic essay require a thesis statement?
3. How can readers identify the thesis statement of an academic essay?

Activity 2: Characteristics of an effective thesis statement

1. Using a piece of paper, write down everything you think about an effective thesis statement.
2. You may use word and phrases in describing an effective thesis statement. (example:
specific)
3. Using the graphic organizer below, write the characteristics of an effective thesis statement.
4. Fill in each small circle with one characteristic of an effective thesis statement.
5. Use a separate sheet of paper for your answer.

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 characteristic

Characteristics
characteristic
of an effective characteristic
thesis
statement

characteristic

Lesson
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.
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.

Reference:
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

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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.

2. Argumentative thesis statement

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.

``

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.

Reference:
What Are The Different Types Of Thesis Statements? (n.d.).Retrieved from
https://www.dictionary.com/e/whats-a-thesis-statement/
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Activity 3:
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:
Self-driving car should be banned from the roadways because it is too dangerous.
Type of thesis statement: argumentative thesis statement
Parts of the thesis statement
Topic: Self-driving car
Position: should be banned from roadways
Reasons: because it is too dangerous
Activity
1. Thesis Statement: The rise in populism and nationalism in the U.S. and European democracies
has coincided with the decline of moderate and centrist parties that have dominated since WWII.
Type of thesis statement: __________________________
Parts of the thesis statement: 1. 2. 3.
2. Thesis statement: The exploration of outer space is a waste of money, instead, funds should be
used in solving social and economic issues such as poverty, hunger, global warming, and traffic
congestion.
Type of thesis statement: __________________________
Parts of the thesis statement: 1. 2. 3.
3. Thesis statement: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) increases the risk of stroke and arterial
fibrillation or irregular heartbeat.
Type of thesis statement: _________________________________
Parts of the thesis statement: 1. 2.
Reference: Fleming, Grace. (2020, February 11). How to Write a Solid Thesis Statement.
Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/thesis-statement-examples-and-instruction-
1857566

Activity 4: For each pair of sentences below, choose the one that you think would make the more
effective thesis in the introductory paragraph of a short essay (approximately 400 to 600 words).
Keep in mind that an effective thesis statement should be sharply focused and specific, not just a
general statement of fact.
a) The Hunger Games is a science fiction adventure film based on the novel of the same name by
Suzanne Collins.
(b) The Hunger Games is a morality tale about the dangers of a political system that is dominated
by the wealthy.
(a) There is no question that cell phones have changed our lives in a very big way.
(b) While cell phones provide freedom and mobility, they can also become a leash, compelling
users to answer them anywhere and at any time.
(a) Finding a job is never easy, but it can be especially hard when the economy is still feeling the
effects of a recession and employers are reluctant to hire new workers.
(b) College students looking for part-time work should begin their search by taking advantage of
job-finding resources on campus.
(a) For the past three decades, coconut oil has been unjustly criticized as an artery-clogging saturated fat.
(b) Cooking oil is plant, animal, or synthetic fat that is used in frying, baking, and other types of cooking.

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(a) There have been over 200 movies about Count Dracula, most of them only very loosely based
on the novel published by Bram Stoker in 1897.
(b) Despite its title, Bram Stoker's Dracula, a film directed by Francis Ford Coppola, takes
considerable liberties with Stoker's novel.
(a) There are several steps that teachers can take to encourage academic integrity and curtail
cheating in their classes.
(b) There is an epidemic of cheating in America's schools and colleges, and there are no easy
solutions to this problem.
(a) J. Robert Oppenheimer, the American physicist who directed the building of the first atomic
bombs during World War II, had technical, moral, and political reasons for opposing the
development of the hydrogen bomb.
(b) J. Robert Oppenheimer often referred to as "the father of the atomic bomb," was born in New
York City in 1904.
(a) The iPad has revolutionized the mobile-computing landscape and created a huge profit stream
for Apple.
(b) The iPad, with its relatively large high-definition screen, has helped to revitalize the comic book
industry.
(a) Like other addictive behaviors, Internet addiction may have serious negative consequences,
including academic failure, job loss, and a breakdown in personal relationships.
(b) Drug and alcohol addiction is a major problem in the world today, and many people suffer from
it.
(a) When I was a child I used to visit my grandmother in Moline every Sunday.
(b) Every Sunday we visited my grandmother, who lived in a tiny house that was undeniably
haunted.
(a) The bicycle was introduced in the nineteenth century and rapidly grew into a worldwide
phenomenon.
(b) In several ways, bicycles today are better than they were 100 or even 50 years ago.
(a) Although many varieties of beans belong in a healthy diet, among the most nutritious are black
beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, and pinto beans.
(b) Although beans are generally good for you, some kinds of raw beans can be dangerous if they’re
not well cooked.

Reference: Nordquist, Richard. (2020, February 11). Practice in Identifying Effective Thesis Statements.
Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/exercise-in-identifying-effective-thesis-statements-1692401

Activity 5
Directions:
Create a thesis statement based on the following information.
Use a separate sheet of paper for your answers.
Example Activity:
Topic: Playing mobile legends has negative effects on children’s well-being.
Supporting statements:
1. It contributes to stress and weight loss.
2. It contributes to lack of social interaction.
3. It leads to detrimental school performance.
Thesis Statement: Playing mobile legends has negative effects on children’s well-being because it
contributes to stress and weight loss, less social interaction and detrimental school performance.
Topic 1: Labor productivity has good benefits for a business.
Supporting statements:
1. It brings higher profit.
2. It provides opportunity for more investment
3. It improves competitiveness and trade performance.
Thesis Statement: __________________________________________________
Topic 2: Reading books is a good hobby that provides many mental health benefits.

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Supporting statements:
1. It develops critical thinking ability.
2. It enhances comprehension skill.
3. It improves vocabulary.
Thesis Statement: _____________________________________________________
Topic 3: There are many benefits of online learning to students.
Supporting statement:
1. It offers comfort
2. It provides self-paced learning.
3. It enables students to gain networking opportunities.
Thesis statement: ____________________________________________________
Holistic Rubric for Activity 5. (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.
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 6: Writing a three-part thesis statement and topic sentences for an academic
text/essay.
Example 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.

Activity 6 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 do you think are the advantages of distance learning to your academic
performance amidst the COVID-19 pandemic?
Topic Sentences:
1.
2.
3.
Thesis Statement:

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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

Activity 7: Essay Writing

Write a 250-word essay using the three-part thesis statement and topic sentences your made
for Activity 6 about the advantages of online learning to your academic performance.

Essay Rubric

Legend
Content: 95-100% Excellent
50% 85-94% Proficient
Language and style: 20% 75-84% Fair
Structure: 20% 60-74% Needs Improvement
Mechanics: 10%
Total = 100%

Self-Evaluation
Answer the questions below. Use a separate sheet of paper for your answer.
1. Why is thesis statement important in writing an essay?
2. What is the purpose of a thesis statement?
3. Why is it important to have a clearly stated thesis statement?
4. What are the strategies in writing a thesis statement.

Post-test

Test I: Directions
1. Match the term in Column A with its definition in Column B.
2. Write only the letter of the correct answer.
3. Use a separate sheet of paper for your answers.
COLUMN A COLUMN B

A. It is the central thought of a paragraph

1. thesis statement or larger section of a text.
2. analytical thesis statement B. It summarizes the main ideas of an C.
3. explanatory thesis statement academic essay or article.
4. argumentative thesis statement D. It is based on factual information.

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5. main idea E. It enables a writer to take a position
about the subject of his/her academic
essay or article.
F. It analyzes or elaborates an issue or
idea into its different parts.

Test II:
Directions: State if the following thesis statement is weak or strong. Write your answer on a
separate sheet of paper.
_________________1. The government needs to implement stronger court sentences.
_________________2. Francis Bacon is a good essayist.
_________________3. Science is an important subject.
_________________4. Charles Dickens uses the setting of his novels to show the theme of class
division.
________________ 5. Socialism is the best form of government for the Philippines because it will
promote equal opportunity for workers.

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: Distance education or distance learning is the education of students who may not
always be physically present at a school. It could be a modular distance learning,
synchronous distance learning and asynchronous distance learning. 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 Activity 2.
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

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