Thesis Statement and Topic Sentence

Flow of a paragraph

Thesis Statement, Topic Sentence, Supporting Details (in that order)

Thesis Statement

the central idea of a multiple

Thesis Statement

a short statement which provides an insight into what an essay is going to be about

Thesis Statement, what it enlightens the reader about

the main argument or point to be discussed; the purpose of the essay; the point of view of the author on a specific topic

Composition

made up of Section 1, Section 2, and Section 3

Section 1

Introduction

Section 2

Body

Section 3

Conclusion

Introduction

General Statements, Thesis Statement, Outline of main points

Body

Para 1, Para 2, and Para 3, each with a Topic Sentence, three Supports (with E&E), and a Concluding Sentence

Conclusion

Restate thesis, Summary of main points, Final comment

General Statements

first part of the Introduction

Outline of main points

last part of the Introduction

Para 1, Para 2, Para 3

each starts with a Topic Sentence, then 1. Support (with E&E), 2. Support (with E&E), 3. Support (with E&E), then a Concluding Sentence

Concluding Sentence

last part of each body paragraph

Restate thesis

first part of the Conclusion

Summary of main points

second part of the Conclusion

Final comment

last part of the Conclusion

A Sample Narrative Essay

How I Learnt Swimming

Sample essay, Topic Sentence (marked by the arrow)

New situations always make me a bit nervous, and my first swimming lesson was no exception

Is it a thesis statement? (slide 11)

NECESSITY OF A COLLEGE EDUCATION

Is it a thesis statement? (slide 12)

College education is important.

Is it a thesis statement? (slide 13)

Getting a college degree is important because it will equip students to become professional in their chosen field and it will widen their perspective of the world.

Thesis statement consist of: Topic/Subject

Getting a college degree

Thesis statement consist of: Position/POV/Claims

is important

Thesis statement consist of: Details/Reason

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

How to make a thesis statement: Step 1

First, start with a topic

How to make a thesis statement: Step 2

Next, ask a question about the topic

How to make a thesis statement: Step 3

Lastly, answer the question

How to make a thesis statement, example 1: topic

JOGGING

How to make a thesis statement, example 1: question

Why is jogging beneficial?

How to make a thesis statement, example 1: answer

Jogging is beneficial because it positively affects physical and mental well being.

How to make a thesis statement, example 2: topic

Communication Skills

How to make a thesis statement, example 2: question

Why are communication skills essential in business?

How to make a thesis statement, example 2: answer

Good communication skills are essential for business success because they help build relationships, improve teamwork, and increase efficiency

Guidelines on how to write a thesis statement: Guideline 1

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

Guideline 1, wrong example

Computers as a helpful tools in teaching and researching

Guideline 1, CORRECT

Computers can help a teacher effectively impart the lesson and research information.

Guidelines on how to write a thesis statement: Guideline 2

It should not be too narrow or too broad, and it should contain at least two details.

Guideline 2, wrong example (WRONG)

Many events in the history of the Philippines contributed to the changes in the country.

Guideline 2, CORRECT

In the history of the Philippines, People Power 1 was one of the major events which changed our country especially the culture, structure, and politics of the Philippines.

Guidelines on how to write a thesis statement: Guideline 3

Enumerated details should have the same level of significance. If one of the details can be classified under another detail, omit it.

Guideline 3, wrong example (WRONG)

Overseas Filipino workers help raise the country's economy, add more revenues, and promote hospitality of Filipinos.

Guideline 3, CORRECT

Overseas Filipino workers help raise the country's economy, and promote hospitality of Filipinos.

Guidelines on how to write a thesis statement: Guideline 4

It should not state an absolute fact, because it will not present any central idea that can be developed further.

Guideline 4, wrong example (WRONG)

Rizal park is located in Manila.

Guideline 4, CORRECT

Rizal park which is located in Manila, is a reminder of our nationalism and heroism.

Argumentative Thesis Statement

Making a Claim

Analytical Thesis Statement

Analyzing an Issue

Expository Thesis Statement

Explaining a Topic

ARGUMENTATIVE

An argumentative thesis states the topic of your paper, your position on the topic, and the reasons you have for taking that position.

ARGUMENTATIVE example

Technology has decreased our level of connectedness to others because it allows us to disconnect from the people in our physical environment and it does not foster the social skills needed in order to help us connect to those around us.

ARGUMENTATIVE example: Topic

Technology

ARGUMENTATIVE example: Position

has decreased our level of connectedness to others

ARGUMENTATIVE example: Reasons

allows us to disconnect from the people in our physical environment and it does not foster the social skills needed in order to help us connect to those around us

ANALYTICAL

An analytical thesis states the topic of your paper, what specifically you analyzed, and the conclusion(s) you reached as a result of that analysis.

ANALYTICAL example

An analysis of alternatives to fossil fuel energies indicates that a better option is the use of solar and wind power.

ANALYTICAL example: What's Analyzed

An analysis of alternatives

ANALYTICAL example: Topic

fossil fuel energies

ANALYTICAL example: Conclusion

a better option is the use of solar and wind power

EXPOSITORY

An expository thesis statement states the topic of your paper and lists the key aspects of your topic that will be discussed in the paper.

EXPOSITORY example

Factors related to student success include effective time management, motivation, and family support.

EXPOSITORY example: Topic

student success

EXPOSITORY example: Key Aspects

effective time management, motivation, and family support

TOPIC SENTENCE

It guides, controls, and unifies ideas in a paragraph.

TOPIC SENTENCE

It develops one argument (details) of the thesis statement.

TOPIC SENTENCE

If the thesis statement contains three details, then the paper will have three topic sentences.

TOPIC SENTENCE

A topic sentence has one subject (similar to the subject of thesis and one detail).

How to make a topic sentence, thesis (Tagaytay)

Tagaytay City is an enthralling city of the south because of its beautiful landscape, amazing people, and sumptuous food.

How to make a topic sentence, detail 1 (Tagaytay)

Tagaytay City attracts tourist with its magnificent landscape.

How to make a topic sentence, detail 2 (Tagaytay)

The warmth of the city's amazing people is also another reason why Tagaytay is alluring.

How to make a topic sentence, detail 3 (Tagaytay)

People go back to Tagaytay for its delicious food.

How to make a topic sentence, thesis (Jogging)

Jogging is beneficial because it positively affects physical and mental well being.

How to make a topic sentence, detail 1 (Jogging)

Jogging positively impacts one's physical wellness.

How to make a topic sentence, detail 2 (Jogging)

Another benefit of jogging is that it maintains mental fitness.