4. THESIS STATEMENT

• Thesis statement


  A controlling idea about the topic that the writer is attempting to prove. It is usually found at the beginning or end of the text.
• Thesis statement


  The central idea of a multiple-paragraph composition. A one-sentence summary that guides, controls, and unifies ideas when writing a paper.
• Thesis statement


  May be expressed or implied
• Why write a thesis statement

  • To test your ideas by narrowing them into a sentence or two
  • To better organize and develop argument
  • To provide the reader with a "guide" to the argument
• Characteristics of a good thesis statement

  • Takes a stand on the prompt
  • Is specific
  • Is unified and expresses one main idea
  • Does not simply state a fact but sets the stage for analysis of a topic
• Thesis statement


  • "Necessity of a college education" (more of a title than a thesis statement)
  • "College education is important" (broad statement)
  • "Getting a college degree is important because it will equip a student to become a professional in his/her chosen field and it will widen his/her perspective of the world." (accurately written thesis statement with one subject and at least two arguments)
• Generating a thesis statement

  1. Identify the topic

  2. Ask questions that would answer multiple details

  3. The answer to the question is most likely the thesis statement
• Thesis statement generation


  • Topic: Jogging

  Question: Why jogging is beneficial?

  Thesis statement: Jogging is beneficial because it positively affects physical well-being and mental fitness.
• Thesis statement generation


  • Topic: Tagaytay

  Question 1: Is Tagaytay City an enthralling city of the South?

  Thesis statement 1: Tagaytay City is an enthralling city of the South.

  Question 2: Why is Tagaytay City considered an enthralling city of the South?

  Thesis statement 2: Tagaytay City is an enthralling city of the South because of its beautiful landscape, amazing people and sumptuous food.
• How to write an effective thesis statement

  • It should be written in a complete sentence with clearly stated subject
  • It should not be too narrow nor too broad, and it should contain at least two details
  • Avoid an awkward thesis statement which states the obvious
  • Enumerated details should have the same level of significance
  • It should not state an absolute fact, because it will not present any central idea that can be developed further
• Tips in writing an effective topic sentence

  • It should follow the basics already discussed in the thesis statement

  It must be written in a complete sentence and with a clear subject

  It should not be phrased awkwardly, and it should not state the obvious

  It should contain one detail which is related to one of the details in the thesis statement

  It should vary structure across paragraphs

  If the composition is just one paragraph, the topic sentence should be straightforward
• Supporting details


  Pieces of information necessary to better understand the main idea. They can be facts, reasons, testimonies, statistics, and experiments that support the topic sentence.

  Major details directly support the topic sentence.

  Minor details directly support the major details.
• Sample paragraph


  • Tagaytay is an enthralling city of the South because of its stunning landscape, hospitable people, and delicious foods. The city has a magnificent scenery that never fails to capture the awe of its visitors. One major tourist spot that exudes the beauty of Tagaytay is Taal Volcano, the smallest volcano in the world. The lake which surrounds it is another attraction that cannot be missed. The city is also characterized by the warmth of its people, the Caviteños. They bring them their smiles as they welcome both local and foreign visitors. Aside from these, Tagaytay is also known for its sumptuous native foods. Tourists who drop by the city make it a point to try Tagaytay's famous bulalo and other delicacies.