LOS BANOS SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

San Antonio, Los Banos, Laguna

ENGLISH FOR ACADEMICS AND PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES

Quarter 1 Module 4 Week 4

General Instructions
1. Read and understand this modules.
2. Do the exercises on your reflection/activity notebook.
3. Do the written tasks (numbers 1-3) and performance task (1) on one whole sheet of paper.
4. The written and performance tasks are to be passed every distribution of modules and retrieval
of answer sheets.
5. Answer the tasks with all honesty.
6. Submit your output on time.

A.INTRODUCTION

Effective reading and writing involve critical analysis and a deeper understanding of the topic. It
is very crucial to know various techniques and styles in developing reading and writing. In this module,
you will able to learn how to identify and write a thesis statement. You will learn how to unify ideas and
control specific details into a simpler and clearer statement. Also, you will able to identify the supporting
details from the essays/texts and write, respectively. Thus, knowing what thesis statement is will enable
you to write an essay/text effectively.

OBJECTIVE

At the end of this lesson, you are expected to

a. Identify the thesis statement in a paragraph;

b. Differentiate thesis statement from topic sentence and supporting sentences;
c. Write an effective thesis statement

VOCABULARY LIST

Here are the terms you will come across as you go through this module.

a. Thesis statement is a single sentence, preferably a simple declarative sentence,that expresses

the basic idea around which the paper will develop. (Webster University ) It states the purpose
and main idea of your essay to your audience. The thesis statement declares the main purpose
of the entire paper.
b. Claim is an assertion that supports a thesis.
c. Counterclaims are simply the arguments opponents make to refute your claims.
d. Evidence is the information that supports a claim and persuades others to believe you.
e. Supporting details are pieces of information necessary to better understand the main idea. They
can be facts, reasons, testimonies, statistics, and experiments that support the topic sentence.
f. Major Details directly support the topic sentence
g. Minor Details directly support the major details

Exercise No. 1

Instructions: Each set contains one topic, one thesis statement, and two supporting sentences. Label
each item as T for the topic, TH for the thesis statement, and S for supporting sentences. Write the
answer in your reflection/activity notebook.

Set A.
____A. People listen to audiobooks while doing other tasks, such as commuting or Exercising.
____B. Audiobooks are more convenient than printed books for several reasons
____C. Listeners hear dramatization of a printed by actual author or an actor.
____D. Audiobooks.

Set B.
____A. A radiologic technology degree allows a person to work in medical settings where x-rays, CT
scans, MRIs, sonograms and other diagnostic imaging is needed.
____B. There are many career opportunities for those in the medical sciences.
____C. A person who obtains a degree in phlebotomy is able to work as a clinical laboratory
technician.
____D. Medical science

Set C.
____A. Study skills
____B. Time management is essential when juggling deadlines and other opportunities.
____C. Notetaking provides a student with the opportunity to review information later.
____D. Strong study skills are needed if you want to be successful in college.

Set D.
____A. Shingles
____B. People should be aware of the symptoms of shingles, a neurological disease.
____C. Burning pain is one of the first symptoms of shingles
____D. Painful skin rash and blisters often follow the burning pain.

Set E.
____A. Dogs should be trained at an early age.
____B. A puppy can be housebroken as soon as he or she is brought home.
____C. Dogs
____E. A puppy should be trained not to bite or “mouth” people, especially children.

B. DEVELOPMENT
What is a Thesis Statement?
● A controlling idea about the topic that the writer is attempting to prove. It is usually found at the
beginning of the text or at the end of it.
● The central idea of a multiple-paragraph composition.
 A one-sentence summary that guides, controls, and unifies ideas when writing a paper. In simple
terms, all other ideas present in a text revolve around the thesis statement.
● The thesis statement may be expressed or implied.

Why do we have to write a thesis statement?

We must write 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 “guide” to the argument

What are the characteristics of a good thesis statement?

● A good thesis statement takes a stand on the prompt.
● A good thesis statement is specific.
● A good thesis statement is unified and expresses one main idea.
● A good thesis statement does not simply state a fact but sets the stage for analysis of a topic.

A thesis statement, unlike a usual topic or titles, uses a complete sentence. Consider the following
statements.
Exercise No. 2
Rewrite the following:
1. Men and women are different.
2. In the olden times, men were the hunters and gatherers, while women were the nurturers.

HOW TO WRITE AN EFFECTIVE THESIS STATEMENT

1. It should be written in a complete sentence with clearly stated subject.

2. It should not be too narrow nor too broad, and it should contain at least two details. If the details
you generate are already definite examples, then your thesis statement is too specific. If you can
only write general statements because there are too many details, then it should be broad. You can
also try to list ideas to check the scope of your topic. If you cannot list at least two details, it is too
narrow; if you list too many information to be able to discuss it well, your topic is too broad.
3. Avoid an awkward thesis statement which states the obvious. These statements usually start with
the phrase “I will tell you…” or “I will talk about…”

4. Enumerated details should have the same level of significance. If one of the details can be
classified under another detail, you cannot omit.
5. It should not state an absolute fact, because it will not present any central idea that can
developed further. It should have a point.

TIPS IN WRITING AN EFFECTIVE TOPIC SENTENCE

1. It should follow the basics already discussed in the thesis statement.
1.1. It must be written in a complete sentence and with a clear subject.
1.2. It should not be phrased awkwardly, and it should not state the obvious. An awkward topic
sentence is characterized by sentences that start with “I will tell you…”
2. It should contain one detail which is related to one of the details in the thesis statement.
Sample Thesis Statement: Rizal Park, which is in Manila, is a reminder of our nationalism and
revolution.
3. It should vary structure across paragraphs. If the topic sentences are uniform throughout your
essay, they might seem monotonous to read. Varying the structure will also enable you to stress
important parts.
4. If the composition is just one paragraph, the topic sentence should be straightforward.

SUPPORTING DETAILS
These details are 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.

C. ENGAGEMENT
Activity 1.
Suppose, for example, that a teacher asks you to write a paper on marriage. Such a subject is
too broad to cover an essay. What you need is to limit your subject. Narrowing it down until you
have a thesis that you can deal with specifically in about five hundred words. In the box that follows
are (1) Several general subjects, (2) a limited version of each general subject, and (3) a thesis
statement about each limited subject.

Here is the list of ten general subjects. Choose only five and write a thesis statement about each
of the five limited subjects. Follow the given examples above.
Activity 2
A.Instructions: Write a thesis statement for each of the topic sentences. Write the answer in your
activity notebook.
1. Topic Sentences: Jogging prevents heart disease.
Jogging prevents some forms of cancer.
Jogging helps treat diabetes.
Thesis Statement ____________________________________________________________
2. Topic Sentences: Automated election reduces costs.
It is faster.
Digital archiving of results is also achieved.
Thesis Statement: ____________________________________________________________
3. Topic Sentences: Korean pop uses wide-ranging audio-visual elements.
It uses synchronized dance formation.
K-pop uses colorful fashion.
Thesis Statement: _____________________________________________________________
B. Instructions: Write a topic sentence for each set of supporting details.
4. Supporting Details: Insert your ATM card. Enter your personal identification number.
Enter the amount of money.
Get your cash and receipt.
Topic Sentence: ______________________________________________________________
5. Supporting Details: Red stimulates appetite.
Yellow elicits the feeling of comfort when eating.
Green makes you feel that the food you eat is healthy and safe.
Gray decreases your appetite.
Topic Sentence: ______________________________________________________________
6. Supporting Details: Malware makes the computer stable.
It can be used in hacking and stealing information.
Topic Sentence: __________________________________________________________
C. Instruction: Write three supporting details (major details) for each topic sentence.
1. Topic Sentence: Lack of sleep has negative effects on your appearance.
Supporting Detail :________________________________________________________
Supporting Detail :________________________________________________________
Supporting Detail :________________________________________________________

Activity 3
Instructions: Read the text carefully and answer the questions that follow.
The Golden Age of Comics
(1) The period from the late 1930s to the middle 1940s is known as the golden age of comic
books. The modern comic book came in the early 1930s in the United States as a giveaway
premium to promote the sale of the whole range of household products such as cereal and
cleanser. The comic books, which are printed in bright colours to attract the attentions of
potential customers, proved so popular that some publishers decided to produce comic books
that would come out on a monthly basis and would sell for a dime each. Though comic strips
had been reproduced in publications prior to this time, the Famous Funnies comic book, which
was started in 1934, marked the first occasion that a serialized book of comics was attempted.
(2) Early comic books reprinted already existing comic strips and comics based on known
characters, however, publishers soon began introducing original characters developed specially
for comic books. Superman was introduced in Action Comics in 1938, and Batman was
introduced a year later. The tremendous success of these superhero comic books led to the
development of numerous comic books on a variety of topics, though superhero comic book
predominated. Astonishingly, by 1945, approximately 160 different comic books were being
published in the United States each month, and 90 percent of US children were said to read
comic books on a regular basis.

Answer the following:

1. Identify the thesis statement of the selection.
2. How are the ideas arranged in the selection? Give at least 5 supporting details based on the
selection

D. ASSIMILATION
Performance Task. Instructions: Read the following thesis statements. Identify each as weak or
strong. For those that are weak, revise the statements so that they conform to the requirements
of a strong thesis.
1. While cell phones provide freedom and mobility, they can also become a leash, compelling
users to answer them anywhere and at any time.
2. The government must expand its funding for COVID-19 pandemic.
3. In this essay, I will give you a lot of reasons why marijuana should not be legalized in the
Philippines
4. Because many children’s toys have potential safety hazards that could lead to injury, it is
clear that not all children’s toys are safe.
5. My experience with young children has taught me that I want to be a disciplinary parent
because I believe that a child without discipline can be a parent’s worst nightmare.