QUARTER I

Subject: ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC and Module: 4 Week: 4

PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES (EAPP)
Lesson: Thesis Statements
• Content Standard: The learners acquire knowledge of appropriate reading strategies for a better
understanding of academic texts
• Performance Standard: The learners shall be able to produces a detailed abstract of information
gathered from the various academic texts read
• Competency (Code): The learners summarize the content of an academic text (CS_EN11/12A-EAPP-Ia-
c-9)
Objectives:
A. Identify what a thesis statement is;
B. Distinguish weak and strong thesis statements; and
C. Develop a thesis statement for a given text.
September 27-Oct. 1, 2021

WHAT I KNOW (ACTIVITY 1)

Before we start our lesson, let me know what you have learned about thesis statements by answering
the pre-test activity below.

I. Direction: Write the letter of your choice on the spaces provided before each number.

_________ 1. What is a thesis statement?

a. It expresses the author’s opinion in a text.
b. It is one’s claim on a given topic.
c. It is the author’s comment on an issue.
d. All of the above.

_________ 2. Which is not true about thesis statements?

a. It serves as a roadmap of your paper.
b. It states the main idea about the topic or issue.
c. A thesis statement can be a quote from a famous person.
d. A thesis statement requires evidence or proof.

_________ 3. How long should a thesis statement be?

a. one word c. one paragraph
b. one sentence d. one text

_________ 4. Which is true about thesis statements?

a. It is an announcement. c. It is a fact.
b. It is arguable. d. It is a question.

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

a. first paragraph c. last paragraph
b. second paragraph d. anywhere in the text

_________ 6. Which is a thesis statement about Angel Locsin?

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

_________ 7. Which among the following is true about thesis statements?

a. It tells the reader what the academic text is about.
b. There could be one or more thesis statements found in an academic text.
 c. Thesis statements and topic sentences are similar.
d. Thesis statements are found in every paragraph of an academic text.

_________ 8. Which is a thesis statement?

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

_________ 9. Which among the following is a strong thesis statement?

a. Research is an essential subject in Senior High School.
b. Corporal punishment is harmful as it only worsens children’s behavior.
c. J.K. Rowling, the author of Harry Potter, is a good writer.
d. Pollution and mining in the Philippines should be stopped.

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

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

_________ 11. Third person point of view is used in making thesis statements.
_________ 12. A thesis statement should be supported with facts to make it more effective and convincing.
_________ 13. A thesis statement provides direction of your paper.
_________ 14. A thesis statement should be specific, not broad or general.
_________ 15. A thesis statement should not be an argument about an issue to avoid confusion among
readers.

WHAT’S IN (ACTIVITY 2)

Tell Me It’s True or False

Directions: Read the following statements about summarizing. Write TRUE if the statement is
correct. Write FALSE if it states otherwise.

_________ 1. Summarizing is crucial to academic success.

_________ 2. The writer may add his own ideas to the academic text he is summarizing.
_________ 3. Summary is a short version of the original text. Therefore, when summarizing, one should
remember to only include the most important or essential ideas from the original text.
_________ 4. In summarizing, the writer should paraphrase the text to avoid plagiarism.
_________ 5. When writing a summary, the writer should include the examples given in the original text.

Now, that you know what summarizing is, let’s move forward and see what’s in store for you in this module.
Let’s do this!

K-W-L Chart
Directions: Fill out the first and second column of this chart. For the first column, write what you
KNOW about thesis statements. For the second column, write what you WANT to know about it. And
the third column, no, not just yet. Leave it blank.
 WHAT I KNOW WHAT I WANT TO KNOW WHAT I LEARNED

WHAT’S NEW (ACTIVITY 3)

Read, Reflect, React

Directions: Please read the academic text below and answer the Comprehension Guide
Questions (CGQs) 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 behaviour 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.

(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.

1. What is the topic of the text?

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

Thesis statements can also 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.

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.

WHAT’S MORE (ACTIVITY 4)

Answer Me!
Directions: Choose the most appropriate thesis statement on the following topics. Encircle the letter
of your choice.

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. This paper will explore the reasons why ABS-CBN should be shut down.
c. I think ABS-CBN shutdown is a major blow to press freedom in the country.
d. What are the reasons of ABS-CBN shutdown?

2. On Reopening of Classes
a. It is not safe for students and teachers to attend classes this August.
b. 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.
c. I know a lot of parents are against the reopening of classes this August.
d. Pros and cons of resumption of classes amidst this COVID 19 pandemic

3. On Reinstatement of Death Penalty in the Philippines

a. Surveys show that Filipinos would like death penalty to be reinstated in the country.
b. I believe that death penalty will only violate the human rights of every Filipino.
c. 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.
d. This passage talks about why death penalty should be reinstated in the Philippines.

4. On Wearing of School Uniforms

a. “It’s not about the dress you wear, but the life you lead in the dress” Diana Vreeland.
b. Wearing school uniforms promotes not just self-respect but also respect to learning and educational
institutions.
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. Gadget use should be in moderation as it may negatively affect physical and psychological health.
b. Negative effects of gadget use include vision problems, lack of sleep, confusion, and even violence.
c. I guess gadget use does more harm than good.
d. Any type of gadget is bad for children.
Read, Set, Go! (ACTIVITY 5)
Directions: Read the academic text below and answer the Comprehension Guide Questions (CGQs)
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.

(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 ne 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?
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2. What is the thesis or main idea of the text?

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3. Was the thesis explicitly stated, or implicitly stated by the author?

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4. Was the text written in deductive order, or inductive order?

_______________________________________________________________________________
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5. Do you agree with the author’s claim or thesis? Why or why not?
_______________________________________________________________________________
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WeChat Time (ACTIVITY 6)
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: _______________________________________________________________________
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Improved Thesis Statement: __________________________________________________________

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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: _______________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
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Improved Thesis Statement: __________________________________________________________

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

Answer: _________________________________________________________________________
Explanation: ______________________________________________________________________
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Improved Thesis Statement: __________________________________________________________

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

Answer: _________________________________________________________________________
Explanation: ______________________________________________________________________
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Improved Thesis Statement: __________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________
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Say It! (ACTIVITY 7)

Directions: 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 Backriding

Thesis Statement:
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED? (ACTIVITY 8)

Syn-THESIS
Direction: Write your answer in the spaces below.

1. What is thesis statement?

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2. What makes a strong thesis statement?

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WHAT CAN I DO? (ACTIVITY 9)

Thesis Making
Directions: 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.

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:
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________

ASSESSMENT
I. Direction: Supply the correct word from the Word Bank to complete the statements below.

WORD BANK
road map strong thesis anywhere
stand main idea inductive deductive
implicit broad specific explicit
fact weak evidence

1.) A thesis statement expresses the _________________________ of an academic text.

2.) A thesis statement serves as a/an _________________________ of a paper.
3.) Thesis statements should never be a/an _________________ because it’s not debatable and does not
clearly state the author’s claim on an issue.
4.) A strong thesis statement should take a/an ___________________ on a topic.
5.) To keep the paper manageable, the thesis statement should be ________________.
6.) A thesis statement should not be too ________________ to avoid vague and confusing claims.
7.) A thesis statement is located ____________________ in an academic text.
8.) To support the author’s claim, the writer must provide _____________________ in a form of facts,
surveys or reports.
9.) 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.
10.) However, if a thesis statement is presented after its supporting details, then ideas are arranged in ___
order.
11.) ________________________ thesis statements clearly and directly express the main idea of a text while
12.) ________________________ thesis statements do not.
13.) A _______________ thesis statement is arguable, debatable or argumentative.
14.) A __________________ thesis statement is written in a form of phrase, question or announcement.
15.) Without a __________________ ,an academic text is unfocused and unclear.

HOMEWORK
Make Me a Hamburger
Directions: 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:
________________________________________________________
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Evidence:
____________________________________________________
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____________

Evidence:
_______________________________________________________________________________
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Thesis Statement:
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

K-W-L Chart
Directions: Let us go back to our first activity and fill out the third column of our K-W-L Chart. Write
what you’ve learned in this module.
WHAT I KNOW WHAT I WANT TO KNOW WHAT I LEARNED