Writing Topic Sentence and Thesis Statement

1. Topic Sentence
 It presents or describes the point of the paragraph.
 It could be found at the beginning, middle, or last part of the paragraph.

1.1. Strategies in Locating Topic Sentence

 Read the first sentence of the paragraph very carefully because most authors state their
topic sentence at the beginning of the paragraph.
 Browse the sentences in the paragraph to identify what they describe. The sentence that
best describes the topic of the paragraph is the topic sentence.
 Find the concept or idea being talked about.
 Identify the purpose of the paragraph
 Observe the writing style of the author.

2. Thesis Statement
 It presents or describes the point of an essay.
 It is usually presented in the abstract or found at the last part of the Introduction.
 It is written in a declarative sentence.

2.1. Thesis Statement in Academic Texts

 Thesis statement is located at the last part of the INTRODUCTION and is replaced with
a purpose statement.
 Purpose statement is introduced by signal phrases such as:
 This study examined…
 This paper examines…
 The aim of this essay is to…
 This paper begins with…
 The primary objective of this paper is to…

2.2. Strategies in Locating Thesis Statement

 Read the title of the text and make inferences on its purpose
 If the text has no abstract or executive summary, read the first few paragraphs as the
thesis statement is usually located there.
 In other cases, check the conclusion where authors sum up and review their main
points.

2.3. Characteristics of a Good Thesis Statement

 It must present a credible argument.
 Weak Thesis Statement: There is no doubt that texting while driving can lead to fatal
accidents.
 Improved Version: Raising awareness among young drivers about the dangers of
distracted driving— especially texting— is the best approach to reducing the rate of fatal
accidents.

 It must have factual and objective evidence.

 Weak Thesis Statement: If we all band together, world poverty can be eradicated.
 Improved Version: One approach to dealing with world poverty is to offer tax incentives
to multinational companies that invest in the economic development of underdeveloped
countries.

 It must limit on a topic. It should cover only what is required.

 Weak Thesis Statement: The tsunami that hit Indonesia in December 2004 has
exposed for the entire world to see how unprepared and ill-equipped the government of
 Indonesia was as a result of the corruption that affects so many of the poor countries in
the world.
 Improved Version: Because of the immeasurable damage tsunamis can cause, a
warning system that is co-effective, efficient, and reliable must be established.

 It must provide a single line of focus. There should be a clear focal point.
 Weak Thesis Statement: Although viruses can be considered the worst nightmare that
can happen to a computer system, they are actually system-related errors that mimic the
effects of viruses but may not be technically viruses, and what we need is a set of
controlling tactics that will not just prevent one viral attack but will also be advantageous
for use by others.
 Improved Version: Computer viruses can sabotage an entire computer system due to
three unique mechanisms: self-replication, self-abstraction, and encryption.

 It is not a topic, title, or a question.

 Weak Thesis Statement: The threat of Agro terrorism or how real is the threat of
Agricultural Terrorism?
 Revised Version: Although the spread of agriculture-related diseases such as foot and
mouth diseases and avian-influenza is alarming, the long-term consequences of an
outbreak of these diseases can be lessened through increased vigilance by
governments of vulnerable countries.

2.4. Writing a Thesis Statement

 Specific Topic + Specific Claim= Thesis Statement

 Issue + Position + Reasons for Support = Thesis Statement

Activity 1:
Identify the main idea of the following passages.

Text 1:

Text 2:

Activity 2:
BY PAIR:
Identify the problem/s in each thesis statement by underlining the irrelevant keywords or
phrases. Then, reconstruct each into an acceptable thesis statement.
1. TV commercials are obnoxious to the person who is intent on watching a good show; on
the other hand, they provide entertainment in the antics of the performers and they
provide a good opportunity to take a snack break.

2. Since politicians are constantly bombarding each other, how do they expect anyone to
know who is right and who is wrong?

3. Unless people are conscious of pollution, the world will be destroyed by the year 2050.
References:

Barrot, J. & Sipacio, P. (2016). English for academic and professional purposes. Quezon City:
C&E Publishing, Inc.

Miciano, M. & Miciano, R. (n.d.). English for academic and professional purposes. Makati City:
Donn Bosco Press, Inc.