ANALYZING THE STRUCTURE AND LANGUAGE OF ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL

LESSONS 1-2 TEXTS

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS: Read the specific directions carefully before answering the exercises and activities.
Accomplish this module on or before SEPTEMBER 5, 2020. For online consultations, please refer to the given
schedule.

ESSENTIAL LEARNING PURPOSES: At the end of these lessons, I am expected to:

1. identify the dominant text structures in sample academic texts;
2. determine text structure by applying appropriate text mapping strategies and by outlining;
3. note language features in texts across disciplines
What do I
need to
know?
Before going further, let us see if you can answer this exercise. I know you can do it! This will help
you to determine your prior knowledge about this topic. Good luck!
Identify and analyze what kind of passage is the given below:

What I know?
REVIEW
“Our Little Store rose right up from the sidewalk; standing in a street of family houses, it alone hadn’t any yard in
front, any tree or flower bed. It was a plain frame building covered over with brick. Above the door, a little railed
porch ran across on an upstairs level and four windows with shades were looking out. But I didn’t catch on to
those. Running in out of the sun, you met what seemed total obscurity inside. There were almost tangible smells —
licorice recently sucked in a child’s cheek, dill pickle brine1 that had leaked through a paper sack in a fresh trail
across the wooden floor, ammonia-loaded ice that had been hoisted from wet croker sacks and slammed into the
icebox with its sweet butter at the door, and perhaps the smell of still untrapped mice.”

READING ACADEMIC TEXTS

In this Age of information when there is so much to know, students are expected to be good at
processing various informational texts. Nonfiction in nature, informational texts constitute the
dominant readings in school and in the workplace.

Fortunately for you, informational texts follow certain structures or principles of organization that
Lesson Intro
WHAT’S NEW you need to become familiar with in order to facilitate your understanding of the information that
you have to learn. Prior knowledge of text structure, therefore, helps you mentally prepare yourself
for what you are about to read and to align your processing of the material to match the demands of
the particular text type. What this means is that you will be able to understand faster and remember
better a text- that is the practical value of a knowledge of text structure.

What is TEXT STRUCTURE?

HOLY TRINITY COLLEGE OF GENERAL SANTOS CITY | SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM 1
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WHAT IS IT? The term “text structure” refers to how information is organized in a passage.  The structure of a
text can change many times in a work and even within a paragraph. Students are often asked to
identify text structures or patterns of organization on state reading tests. Also, understanding text
structures can help students make and interpret arguments. For these reasons it is important that
students are exposed to the various patterns of organization.

The seven main informational text structures:

1. Definition- A definition texts explains the nature of something. Oftentimes, aside from
giving the general class to which the concept being defined belongs, a definition text
describes the things being defined and/or cites examples of it. Some words that signal a
definition text are: the verb is/are, for example, can be, is defined as, means; words refer
to composition such as contains, make up, involves; words that suggests likeness such as:
appears to be, refers to; and general words that refer to a class or genus, such as a form of
(exercise), a branch of (engineering), a type of (worship), a kind of (ship), etc.

Example:

Texting, as an abbreviated form of writing on mobile phones and pagers with tiny screens and
keyboard, suspends a normal conventions of grammar, spelling, and punctuation. It is a hybrid
construct, combining elements of writing with speech forms but its mixing takes entirely new
resonances and characteristics. Texting appears as though people are talking when in fact they are
writing. Texting resembles speech because of its “ethereal and fleeting” qualities (Young, 1994).
Yet it also resembles written text because the text has physicality in form of words and symbols
printed on the screen.

- In the paragraph above, some signal words are: as, it is a construct, combining, appears
as though, resembles, as a form of writing, resembles speech.

2. Description- This is pretty straightforward. Texts that use this structure simply describe
something. With few exceptions, these texts also present plenty of details about what
they're describing.

A text using this structure might also:

 Tell you why something is being described

 Tell you why the described topic is important
 Provide examples of the described topic(s)
Descriptive texts are everywhere—in novels, works of literary nonfiction, news articles,
science textbooks—which makes sense because the entire point of description is to
present information.

Example:

Piranha are omnivorous, freshwater fish, which are mostly known for their single row of sharp,
triangular teeth in both jaws. Piranhas’ teeth come together in a scissor-like bite and are used for
puncture and tearing. Baby piranha are small, about the size of a thumbnail, but full-grown
piranha grows up to about 6-10 inches, and some individual fish up to 2 feet long have been

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found. The many species of piranha vary in color, though most are either silvery with an orange
underbelly and throat or almost entirely black

Visually the descriptive text may appear like this:

3. Recount of a Sequence – A recount of a sequence is a chronological narration of a

historical period. Some signal words are first, second, now before, after, then, finally,
while, meanwhile, during, and other time and duration describing the steps in a process or
procedure. In historical account, dates may be considered as a language cues, too.

Example:

There are several reasons why I love Harry Potter so much. First, he is the great wizard of all
times. He can cast so many spells like nobody else does except for the killing curse “Avada
Kedavra”. Furthermore, in the age of 12 he became a Quiddich seeker in his time, how amazing
is that! Also, he’s the very best friend of Ron and Hermione- the persons who’s always beside
him all throughout the journey. Finally, he saved everybody from Lord Voldemort and was called
“the boy who lived.”

A flow chart may also be used to show the sequence of events or actions; arrows are important to
show the linear flow.

Example:

4. Cause-Effect- A cause-effect text presents reasons why a situation is obtained. Though

logically the cause comes before the result, in academic writing it is the effect that is
usually presented first, perhaps to achieve a more dramatic effect. Some signal words that
you have to watched for are expressions that indicate effect or consequence or result, such
as so, so that, as a result, consequently, explanation for, thus, and accordingly. On the
other hand, some expressions that indicate cause are due to, as a result of, because of,

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 and cause of.

Example:

The Hard Life of Farmers

The lack of rain and snow has horrible effects on farmers. with no rain their land dries up, and it is
very difficult to grow anything. When the crops fail, the farmers haven't any choice but to get a
second job in order to make the money they need. Farming is a full time job and with a second
job, farmers are overworked, stressed and even depressed. Many farmers end up selling their land.
Some farmers have accepted the government program the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP),
which is the land is left idle to let the grass grow and must be left idle a certain number of years.
while the land is in the CRP program, some farmers have taken outside jobs. That is why when it
doesn't rain, you notice that most of the farmers are very crabby. As a farmer's daughter, I have
experienced some good times and some bad times. I have gained a great respect for farmers
everywhere. ~(c)2005 Laura White~

Cause and effect can be visually represented this way:

EFFECT 1

EFFECT 2

EFFECT 3

5. Problem-Solution- A problem-solution texts starts off with a negative situation (a

problem) and ends with a positive situation (a solution). Some key expressions that
indicate a problem-solution text are: the problem/dilemma is, if/then, so that, solves, an
answer to, and addresses the problem of.

Example:

. . . To discover the reasons of poor achievement among incoming freshmen, a survey of their
reading levels was likewise done following the 2002 NDT test. The initial conclusions: incoming
HS students in Metro Manila were reading at the late Grade 4 and early Grade 5 levels, or about
two years behind in terms of their age and grade levels. Little wonder then that out public
secondary students fared poorly in the readiness and achievement tests.

Fixing the problem:

To address this problem, DepEd set a number of policy directions, including: (a) a new grading
system to reflect true performance of students (with no transmutation of grades), (b) a High

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 School Bridge program to help those that need help the most, and (c) “Every Child a Reader (by
Grade 3)” program.

The permanent solution to this learning deficiency is to make “Every Child a Reader” starting at
the elementary level. For this DepEd has embarked on a program to make every child a reader by
Grade 3 and to address the problem of poor learning achievement in formative years, including
preschool. This will take time to bear fruit, however, and it will take a number of years before we
see achievement test scores improve dramatically. But it must start with raising the level of
independent readers at the end of the elementary cycle for less than 20 percent to 100 percent.

Visually a problem-solution text can be represented in various ways; the number of boxes may be
adjusted to fit the number of problems and solutions presented in the material.

6. Comparison and Contrast – In comparison and contrast text, similarities and differences
are presented. Some expressions that point to similarities are similarly, in like manner,
and in the same way; to talk about differences, the following expressions are commonly
used: on the other hand, on the contrary, the opposite, compared to, in contrast,
although, unless, and however. Take not also of comparative (ex: better than, more) and
superlative (ex: best, most) degrees of comparison. Likewise, marks opposites or
antonyms (ex: traditional vs. modern). In the example below, the signal words to mark
comparison and contrast have been highlighted.

Venn diagram can representBasketball

comparisonandand contrast when what are contrasted share
Soccer
some common characteristics, so that in the diagram A shows the characteristics unique to
A, and B shows the unique
Basketball characteristics
and soccer of B:C,
are sports with manywhere the two
similarities andcircles intersects,
however, represents
differences. A and
Both B’sare
sports commonalities.
fun to play and each one has many beneficial
qualities. Here are some of the similarities and differences with basketball
and soccer.

Basketball and soccer are played with a round ball. They both
provide a ton of cardiovascular exercise such as running; so if you want to get
in shape these are the sports to play. A referee judges each game. When a
player breaks the rules he or she is called for a foul. A soccer player receives
a red or yellow card and a basketball player is called for a foul. Finally, a
score is kept in each game. The team with the highest score wins.

Even though basketball and soccer are similar, differences do exist.

Even though an athlete dribbles the ball in both sports, a basketball player
uses his hands and a soccer player uses his feet. Usually soccer is played
outside on a large field and basketball is played indoor on a court made out
HOLY TRINITYBasketball
of wood. COLLEGE OFis GENERAL SANTOS
played with CITY |and
5 players SENIOR HIGH
soccer hasSCHOOL PROGRAM
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In conclusion, both sports are fun and exciting to play. Each one offers
exercise and competitiveness. Also, they are unique in their own way.
 7. Enumeration- An enumeration is a listing as in a list of parts, of characteristics, of
examples, etc. Some words that indicate enumeration are to start with first, second, in
addition, next, then, another, finally, and also. Enumeration often appears as a numbered
list or a bulleted text.

Example:

By the year 2050, urban population is predicted to explode. According to Newsweek (June 6,
2011), an estimated 6.4 billion people will be living in cities, and this despite the complaints about
high crime rate and high standard of living in the city. Why is this the trend? This pattern of rural
to urban migration has been established for decades now for three main reasons. First,
industrialization gave birth to factories which are often built in centers of transportation and
commerce, for easier production and marketing of goods. Second, with more and more families
moving to the cities, governments and private institutions thought it practical to build schools near
cities. The opportunity for better education has proven to be a very strong magnet that further
pulled rural dwellers to cities. Finally, what sealed the trend was the establishment of places of
entertainment like theaters, sports, arenas, and museums which made city life alluring.

*The above paragraph can be presented as a list:

Reasons of growth of cities

1. Growth of factories in cities
2. Established of schools that offer better education in cities
3. Building of places of leisure and entertainment

Short Quiz Before going further, let us see if you can answer this exercise. I know you can do it! This will
WHAT’S
MORE?

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 help you to determine your prior knowledge about this topic. Good luck! Encircle the letter of the
BEST answer.

1. Ice-cream is a delicious frozen treat that comes in a many different colors and flavors.
Two of my favorite flavors are mint chocolate and matcha. Though both of these flavors
are delicious, mint chocolate sooths my throat that matcha doesn’t do. Even though more
chocolate ice-cream is sold across the country annually than any other flavors, each
flavors tastes great inside of a milk shake.

a. Cause and effect b. definition c. recount of sequence d. compare and

contrast.

2. Kids need to be active to be healthy. Unfortunately, many active kids get injured. Do you
know what to do for injuries? The word RICE can help you remember what to do.

a. problem-solution b. comparison-contrast c. definition d. description

3. The dodo bird used to roam in large flocks across America.  Interestingly, the dodo wasn’t
startled by gun shot.  Because of this, frontiersmen would kill entire flocks in one sitting.
Unable to sustain these attacks, the dodo was hunted to extinction.

a. Cause-effect b. problem-solution c. definition d. description

4. Linux and Windows are both operating systems.  Computers use them to run programs.
Linux is totally free and open source, so users can improve or otherwise modify the source
code.  Windows is proprietary, so it costs money to use and users are prohibited from
altering the source code.

a. Cause- effect b. problem-solution c. comparison-contrast d. definition

5. The theme in a story is its underlying message, or 'big idea.' In other words, what critical
belief about life is the author trying to convey in the writing of a novel, play, short story or
poem? This belief, or idea, transcends cultural barriers. It is usually universal in nature.
When a theme is universal, it touches on the human experience, regardless of race or
language. It is what the story means. Often, a piece of writing will have more than one
theme.

a. Description b. definition c. comparison-contrast d. cause-effect

Now, let us check your progress. Being guided with the attached rubrics, accomplished the
activity in this section of the module.

WHAT I CAN DO? HOLY TRINITY COLLEGE OF GENERAL SANTOS CITY | SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM 7
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 Create a 1 paragraph essay about the 7 Informational Text Structures

Explorer! Let us now test what you have learned in our adventure! I know you can answer these
questions! Good luck!

ASSESSMENT

Identifying Text Structure

Directions: Read the passages. Identify the text structure. Write information from the passage into the
appropriate graphic organizer.

Passage #1 – Chemical and Physical Changes

All matter, all things can be changed in two ways: chemically and physically. Both chemical and physical
changes affect the state of matter. Physical changes are those that do not change the make-up or identity of the
matter. For example, clay will bend or flatten if squeezed, but it will still be clay. Changing the shape of clay is a
physical change, and does not change the matter’s identity. Chemical changes turn the matter into a new kind of
matter with different properties. For example, when paper is burnt, it becomes ash and will never be paper again.
The difference between them is that physical changes are temporary or only last for a little while, and chemical
changes are permanent, which means they last forever. Physical and chemical changes both affect the state of
matter.

Passage #2 – The Best PB & J Ever

When I got home from school after a long boring day, I took out the peanut butter, jelly, and bread. After taking
the lid off of the jars, I spread the peanut butter on one side of the bread and the jelly on the other, and then I put
the two pieces of bread together. After that, I enjoyed it while watching “Cops” on the TV. I swear, that was the
best peanut butter and jelly sandwich I ever ate.

Passage #3 – Bobby Fischer

Robert James Fischer was born in Chicago but unlocked the secrets of chess in a Brooklyn apartment right above
a candy store. At the age of six he taught himself to play by following the instruction booklet that came with his
chess board. After spending much of his childhood in chess clubs, Fischer said that, “One day, I just got good.”
That may be a bit of an understatement. At the age of 13 he won the U.S. Junior Chess Championship, becoming
the youngest Junior Champion ever. At the age of 14 he won the U.S. Championship and became the youngest
U.S. Champion in history. Fischer would go on to become the World Champion of chess, but he would also
grow to become his own worst enemy. Instead of defending the title, he forfeited it to the next challenger without
even making a move, and the rise of a chess superstar ended with a fizzle.

Passage #4 – Save the Tigers

Dr. Miller doesn’t want the tigers to vanish. These majestic beasts are disappearing at an alarming rate. Dr.

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Miller thinks that we should write to our congress people. If we let them know that we demand the preservation
of this species, maybe we can make a difference. Dr. Miller also thinks that we should donate to Save the Tigers.
Our donations will help to support and empower those who are fighting the hardest to preserve the tigers. We
owe it to our grandchildren to do something.

Passage #5 – The Great Recession

Many people are confused about why our economy went to shambles in 2008. The crisis was actually the result
of a combination of many complex factors. First, easy credit conditions allowed people who were high-risk or
unworthy of credit to borrow, and even people who had no income were eligible for large loans. Second, banks
would bundle these toxic loans and sell them as packages on the financial market. Third, large insurance firms
backed these packages, misrepresenting these high-risk loans as safe investments. Fourth, because of the ease of
acquiring credit and the rapid growth in the housing market, people were buying two or three houses, intending to
sell them for more than they paid. All of these factors created bubbles of speculation. These bubbles burst,
sending the whole market into a downward spiral, causing employers to lose capital and lay off employees.
Consumer spending then plummeted and most businesses suffered. The economy is like a big boat, and once it
gets moving quickly in the wrong direction, it’s hard to turn it around.

Passage #6 – Screen Protector

Before applying the screen protector, clean the surface of your phone’s screen with a soft cloth. Once the surface
of your screen is clean, remove the paper backing on the screen protector. Evenly apply the sticky side of the
screen protector to your phone’s screen. Smooth out any air bubble trapped on between the protector and the
phone screen. Enjoy the added protection

1. Which passage is chronological? Put information from the passage onto the graphic organizer.

Passage Name: ________________________

2. Which passage is compare and contrast? Put information from the passage onto the graphic organizer.

Passage Name: ________________________

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3. Which passage is sequence? Put information from the passage onto the graphic organizer.

Passage Name: ________________________

4. Which passage is cause and effect? Put information from the passage onto the graphic organizer

Passage Name: ________________________

5. Which passage is problem and solution? Put information from the passage onto the graphic organizer.

Passage Name: ________________________

6. Which passage is chronological? Put information from the passage onto the graphic organizer.

Passage Name: ________________________

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 Explorer! Please take time to watch the following videos attached in this section before you
proceed to the next lesson. For now, you may take your break.

ENRICHMENT
Video Links:
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3hrjOx1gr4
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kWGQ-_ipBY&t=56s
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cytHen2SCeM

NEXT LESSON: Thesis Statement and Topic Sentences

ENHANCE ENGLISH ENGAGEMENT

English for Academic and Professional Purposes
(Mishima Z. Miciano/Remedios Z. Miciano)

REFERENCES https://www.prestwickhouse.com/blog/post/2019/05/5-types-of-informational-text-
structures

https://www.ereadingworksheets.com/text-structure/
What is informational text structure?

Quarter 1 THESIS STATEMENT

LESSONS 3

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS: Read the specific directions carefully before answering the exercises and activities.
Accomplish this module on or before SEPTEMBER 5, 2020. For online consultations, please refer to the given
schedule.

ESSENTIAL LEARNING PURPOSES: At the end of these lessons, I am expected to:

1. State the thesis statement of an academic text;
2. Differentiate between a thesis statement and topic sentence;
3. Formulate an arguable thesis statement.
What do I
need to
know?

Think-Pair-Share. What words do you associate with the word thesis? Complete the list below with
the words you’ve brainstormed with your classmate. Write a short summary of your findings and be
prepared to present your findings in class.

What I
know?
REVIEW HOLY TRINITY COLLEGE OF GENERAL SANTOS CITY | SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM 11
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 THESIS

A short synthesis of your ideas:

_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

Guide Questions:
1. What is the role of a thesis statement in an academic text?
2. Why must an academic text have a thesis?
3. Without a thesis, can an academic text prove its point?
4. In what ways does a thesis statement clarify and explain a writer’s claim?
___________________________________________________________________________________________

Read the editorial and decide which of the following statements reflects
the writer’s main argument.
1. “The government, particularly local units, can design incentives to
encourage proper waste disposal and recycling at the community or
household level.”
2. “Better incentives combined with the certainty of being penalized for
littering can improve the chances of success.”
Le sson Int ro 3. “People must be made to understand that there’s a price to pay for
WHA T’S N EW filthy habits.”

A PRICE TO PAY
The Canis Majoris Journal / February 6, 2018

It seems like such a small thing, a sachet. These little packets of packaging material are useful for holding anything
—from coffee and sugar, to shampoo and toothpaste—in quantities that are affordable particularly to those on a
tight household budget. Small as it is, the sachet actually comes with a big tag price on the deterioration of our
environment.

Sachets, made of materials so durable that they can last for literally centuries after their purpose is done, are
actually big pollutants. They are so small that they can be scattered or thrown away haphazardly, causing clogged

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drains that lead to flooding. But sachets aren’t the only items that pollute our surroundings. Plastic bags are also
used everywhere to carry groceries and other foodstuff. The plastic that pollutes the sea can suffocate fish,
leaving fishermen with smaller catches, which would result in less food and thus, more hunger. The plastic could
also turn into toxic chemicals within an animal’s body and poison the person eating its flesh.

When plastic bags were banned in the Philippines in an attempt to reduce plastic pollution, these were replaced
by thick paper bags—paper bags made from trees cut down to make the paper. Replacing plastic bags resulted in
a greater demand for cut-down trees, which is also hazardous to our ecosystem. We all know how deforestation
can affect the ecological balance, destroying natural habitats and causing destructive floods. This only goes to
show how protecting the environment isn’t a straightforward matter.

Where ocean pollution is concerned, plastic isn’t the only pollutant. Tin cans, bottles and discarded paper are also
found in the sea, and just about all of the garbage that finds its way to our oceans comes from the rivers, streams
and other waterways running along the land, picking up the waste from the land’s inhabitants. Tissue paper,
candy wrappers, cigarette butts, plastic-wrapped feces—all have been thrown by an uncaring public that sees
nothing wrong with indiscriminate disposal of garbage.

Filipinos need to get serious about waste disposal and understand that what goes around does, eventually, come
around. The Philippine government and its local units have tried before to change Filipinos’ habits around waste
disposal. Maybe it should try again by designing incentives to encourage recycling at the household or barangay
level, and impose stricter penalties for indiscriminate dumping of waste. People should be made to realize
that, if they litter, if they throw that cigarette butt on the ground, if they toss that empty sachet into an empty
lot, if they shove that candy wrapper into the storm drain, these small acts can lead to irreversible damage to the
environment for years to come.

THESIS STATEMENT

The thesis statement is the main idea of your paper that is usually conveyed in one declarative
WHAT IS IT?
sentence. It serves as a summary of your writing and gives your viewpoint about a particular
topic. It is like a signpost that tells your readers what to expect from your essay. Through the
thesis statement, you guide your readers by briefly explaining your argument, giving clues on
how you will defend your claim.

Although usually found at the start of the essay, it is not The thesis
unusual to find the thesis statement in the statement gives
concluding paragraph. But whether it is placed clues on the
in the introduction or conclusion, the thesis writer’s
viewpoint about
statement serves as the basis for your outline.
a particular topic.

Functions of a Thesis Statement

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1. The thesis statement expounds on an answer to an issue or topic. The first thesis statement below is a weak
thesis statement. Although it seems to have a stand, no reasons were included to explain why they are useful as
learning resources.

Poor: E-books are useful learning resources.

Improved: E-books have significantly influenced students’ positive perception about reading and
learning; therefore, educators should explore more avenues and programs for the use of e-books in
classrooms.

The improved thesis has a clear claim that can be defended.

2. A thesis statement gives direction to the academic text. In the example below, the first thesis does little to
advance the essay’s direction. Not only is it vague, it also contains no specific detail explaining why poverty is
prevalent in the Philippines.

Poor: In the Philippines, many people are poor.

Improved: According to a 2015 study, 22% of the Philippine population are poor despite the poverty
alleviation program of the government due to a number of factors: ineffective implementation of
government programs, widespread corruption, and the continued poverty mentality among the
marginalized sector.

The details provided in the improved thesis give a clearer picture as to which aspects of poverty in the Philippines
the writer will discuss.

3. A thesis statement defends a writer’s claim.

A thesis It should be strong enough to stand the “So what?”

statement has test. Try asking yourself this question each time
often been you write a thesis. Keep asking the question until
compared to
you are sure your thesis is complete and debatable.
a road map,
since it gives If your thesis fails to answer this basic question,
direction to rewrite it until you have exhausted the “So what?”
an essay. question.

The thesis statement below contains the writer’s claim but fails the “So what?” test.

Poor: Television may be your child’s worst enemy.

Ask yourself: So what if television is a child’s worst enemy? So what should be done about it?

Improved: Due to the adverse effects of watching television, parents should strictly monitor the amount of
time children spend in front of the television, as well as the programs they watch.

TIPS FOR WRITING YOUR THESIS STATEMENT

1. Determine what kind of paper you are writing:

HOLY TRINITY COLLEGE OF GENERAL SANTOS CITY | SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM 14
MODULE IN ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES
APPLIED SUBJECT ABM, HUMSS, STEM, & TVL
 An analytical paper breaks down an issue or an idea into its component parts, evaluates the issue or idea,
and presents this breakdown and evaluation to the audience.

An analysis of the college admission process reveals one challenge facing counselors: accepting
students with high test scores or students with strong extracurricular backgrounds.
The paper that follows should:

 Explain the analysis of the college admission process

 Explain the challenge facing admissions counselors

 An expository (explanatory) paper explains something to the audience.

The life of the typical college student is characterized by time spent studying, attending class, and
socializing with peers.

The paper that follows should:

 Explain how students spend their time studying, attending class, and socializing with peers

 An argumentative paper makes a claim about a topic and justifies this claim with specific evidence.
The claim could be an opinion, a policy proposal, an evaluation, a cause-and-effect statement, or an
interpretation. The goal of the argumentative paper is to convince the audience that the claim is true based
on the evidence provided.

High school graduates should be required to take a year off to pursue community service projects
before entering college in order to increase their maturity and global awareness.

The paper that follows should:

 Present an argument and give evidence to support the claim that students should pursue community
projects before entering college

2. Your thesis statement should be specific—it should cover only what you will discuss in your paper and
should be supported with specific evidence.

3. Your thesis should be expressed as a declarative sentence, not as a question. It should not be a mere
statement of fact, but should answer the question, “How” or “Why?”.

In the following example, you need to explain why you believe the use of social media has become
ubiquitous and what you believe should be done about the issue.

Fact or observation: Access to social media has reached ubiquity.

Improved thesis: Parents and educators should impose restrictions on social media use so as not to
compromise the physical and mental health of young netizens.

4. Your thesis should contain enough supporting details and should be more than just a title.

HOLY TRINITY COLLEGE OF GENERAL SANTOS CITY | SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM 15
MODULE IN ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES
APPLIED SUBJECT ABM, HUMSS, STEM, & TVL
 Because a thesis statement is the single most important statement in your essay, it should contain an
argument that can be defended.

Title: Change in Study Habits of Millennials

Improved thesis: Parents should exert stricter supervision over their children whose study habits
have changed as a result of their changing

5. Your thesis statement should be specific enough to be defended.

A thesis statement should include specific details explaining the important aspect/s of the topic. Without
specific details, the thesis statement loses its focus.

Example 1

Broad: The ROTC has been re-implemented.

Specific: Senior high school graduates should be required to take ROTC

or pursue community service projects before entering college in order to
increase their maturity, discipline and love of country.

Example 2

Broad: I enjoy exercising.

Specific: Pilates does wonders for the body and soul, making one more
resilient and able to handle stress.

Example 3

Broad: Eric Gamalinda’s “My Sad Republic” is a riveting depiction of

Filipinos during the turn of the Spanish-American regime.

Expanded: Eric Gamalinda’s “My Sad Republic” is a riveting historical

novel using magical realism to depict how war and personal strife can
impact personal relationships

DIFFERENTIATING BETWEEN A THESIS STATEMENT AND A TOPIC SENTENCE

Topic sentences and thesis statements are sentences that writers use to focus their ideas and express the main point
of their writing. A strong set of topic sentences will work together to support a thesis.

A THESIS STATEMENT tells what the entire essay is about.

A TOPIC SENTENCE tells what a body paragraph is about.

A THESIS STATEMENT (the main point of a whole essay) is usually found at the end of an introduction.

A TOPIC SENTENCE (the main point of a paragraph) is usually at the beginning of a paragraph.

HOLY TRINITY COLLEGE OF GENERAL SANTOS CITY | SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM 16
MODULE IN ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES
APPLIED SUBJECT ABM, HUMSS, STEM, & TVL
What is a TOPIC SENTENCE?

Read the paragraph. Look at the underlined sentence. This is the topic sentence.

HOLY TRINITY COLLEGE OF GENERAL SANTOS CITY | SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM 17
MODULE IN ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES
APPLIED SUBJECT ABM, HUMSS, STEM, & TVL
 In each paragraph below, underline the topic sentence.

1. The best trip my family ever took was to New Orleans, Louisiana. We drove
there in two days. I didn’t think it would be very interesting, but I was wrong.
We saw the Mississippi River, rode a horse carriage in the French Quarter, and
visited a cemetery where everyone was buried above the ground. I liked the food
best, especially the New Orleans doughnuts called beignets.

2. No one likes to eat with a dirty knife, fork, or spoon. It is important to completely wash all utensils before using
them. Clean utensils won’t transmit germs and bacteria. They also are more pleasant to eat with.

3. Many people think poetry is old-fashioned and uninteresting. They don’t realize that every time they hear a song
sung, they are hearing poetry in the form of song lyrics. Just like many written poems, many song lyrics use
rhythm, rhyme, and literary imagery. It turns out that poetry isn’t old-fashioned; it’s as modern as the latest hit
song!

4. Growing a garden can be fun, good exercise, and will provide fresh fruits and vegetables for the gardener. It is
interesting to watch the seeds pop their heads above the soil for the first time. It is sometimes hard to believe that a
little seed can become a large vine or plant in just a few weeks. Planting the seeds and pulling weeds are good
exercise for anyone. Then, after watching the plant grow and produce, the gardener ends up with delicious
tomatoes, beans, or other yummy produce from the garden

5. Sometimes it is hard to fall asleep. Maybe you are not sleepy, or maybe you are thinking about what happened
during the day. You can also lie awake if a big event, like a test or a party, is happening the next day. There are
several things you can do to try and fall asleep. You can try counting sheep, or just counting, which will keep your
mind busy with a repetitious activity. Sometimes listening to soft music or gentle sounds, like rain, helps. You can
even try telling yourself a story, which may distract your mind enough that you will be asleep in no time

Create a thesis statement based on the following information

HOLY TRINITY COLLEGE OF GENERAL SANTOS CITY | SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM 18
MODULE IN ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES
APPLIED SUBJECT ABM, HUMSS, STEM, & TVL
Topic 1: Education is important to have.

Supports:
1. It could enable one to get a better paying job.
2. It makes a person a more interesting individual. 3. It makes a person a more informed citizen.

Thesis Statement:
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________

Topic 2: Bowling is a sport for everyone.

Supports:
1. It is not limited to any age group.
2. It can be played at any time.
3. It does not require any expensive equipment.

Thesis Statement:
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________

Topic 3: Young children require a lot of care.

Supports:
1. You must provide for their physical needs.
2. You must provide for their emotional needs.
3. You must help them grow mentally.

HOLY TRINITY COLLEGE OF GENERAL SANTOS CITY | SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM 19
MODULE IN ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES
APPLIED SUBJECT ABM, HUMSS, STEM, & TVL
Thesis Statement:
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________

Read each passage and ask yourself, “What is the author doing in this paragraph?” Write your
answer in the summary box and then think of an appropriate title for the passage based on the
main idea of the passage.

1. What do you get when you cross a robot and an astronaut? A Robonaut! Robonauts are
robot helpers designed to work side-by-side with astronauts. Work on the first Robonaut began in 1997, and by
2002 Robonaut B was revealed to the public. Robonaut B featured interchangeable lower bodies, like four-wheel
mode or hydraulic legs. Yet scientists and engineers continued to improve Robonaut. In February of 2010,
Robonaut 2 was released to the public. Robonaut 2 moved four times faster than the first Robonaut. An
advanced version of Robonaut 2 was finally tested in outer space in 2011. Robonaut 2 functioned exactly as
designed.

Summarize this paragraph in one sentence. Be specific and clearly explain the main idea.

An appropriate title: _____________________________________________________________

2. Automation is the use of machines to reduce the need for human labor. In other words automation is when
jobs done by people become jobs done by robots. Automation can be a good thing. Clothing, cars, and other
manufactured products are available at good prices and in large supply because of automation. But automation
can also be a bad thing. Because of automation there are over 700,000 robots in America that do jobs once
performed by humans. The way of automation may not be best for humanity, but it is the course we are taking.

Summarize this paragraph in one sentence. Be specific and clearly explain the main idea.

An appropriate title: _____________________________________________________________

3. My grandma may not look very strong, but with the help of hydraulic power, she can stop a car with her foot.
How does hydraulic power work? First, fluid is rapidly released into a chamber through a valve. As the fluid
collects, the valve is slammed shut. This causes a pressure spike, but since the chamber is sealed, the pressure

HOLY TRINITY COLLEGE OF GENERAL SANTOS CITY | SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM 20
MODULE IN ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES
APPLIED SUBJECT ABM, HUMSS, STEM, & TVL
has nowhere to go. The hydraulic mechanism channels the pressure and provides great power. And that’s how,
with the help of hydraulics, my grandma can stop a speeding car with one foot.

Summarize this paragraph in one sentence. Be specific and clearly explain the main idea.

An appropriate title: _____________________________________________________________

4. Many people use the words cyborg and android interchangeably, but these words have different meanings.
Both refer to beings powered by robotics, but an android is powered entirely by machinery. Cyborgs are partly
powered by a living organism. They also look different. Androids may be completely mechanical, but they are
designed to look like humans. They may have synthetic skin, hair, and other human-like features. Cyborgs are
usually designed in a way that accents their robotic modifications. A cyborg's mechanically enhanced eye may
cast a red light or have a chrome plate surrounding it, for instance. So you see, though the terms cyborg and
android seem similar, they refer to different things.

Summarize this paragraph in one sentence. Be specific and clearly explain the main idea.

An appropriate title: _____________________________________________________________

5. It is a widely acknowledged fact that machines are stronger than people. Is it possible for them to become
smarter than us too? Some scientists fear that it is, or so says the theory of technological singularity. In a nutshell,
the theory of technological singularity says that there will be a moment when a computer can improve its own
capabilities. This computer will go into an infinite loop, getting progressively smarter. Inevitably this will lead to
machines becoming smarter than people, or so the theory goes. Such gains in available intelligence might lead to
huge improvements in science and medicine. Diseases could be cured and such. But it could also lead to the total
domination or replacement of mankind by robots, which would be bad. If the latter were the case, I, for one,
would welcome our new computer overlords.

Summarize this paragraph in one sentence. Be specific and clearly explain the main idea.

An appropriate title: _____________________________________________________________

HOLY TRINITY COLLEGE OF GENERAL SANTOS CITY | SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM 21
MODULE IN ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES
APPLIED SUBJECT ABM, HUMSS, STEM, & TVL
Explorer! Please take time to watch the following videos attached in this section before you proceed to the next
lesson. For now, you may take your break.

Video Links:

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=di1cQgc1akg&feature=youtu.be
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygscce2dSBU

NEXT LESSON: Outlining

ENHANCE ENGLISH ENGAGEMENT

English for Academic and Professional Purposes
(Mishima Z. Miciano/Remedios Z. Miciano)

REFERENCES ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES

AND SKILLS AND STRATEGIES FOR ACADEMIC DISCOURSE 1st edition
(Lorna A. Billanes, Ph.D)

HOLY TRINITY COLLEGE OF GENERAL SANTOS CITY | SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM 22
MODULE IN ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES
APPLIED SUBJECT ABM, HUMSS, STEM, & TVL