Learning Outcomes
Upon completion, you should understand:
- the basics of Thesis statements
- how to write proper and logical Thesis statements
Essay Structure
All academic essays follow a structure and there are many different kinds. You may be required to write a discursive essay where you have to present the arguments for and against an issue or perhaps a problem/solution essay where you outline a particular problem including its causes and effects and then present either one or a number of solutions and assess how effective they may or may not be. Whatever type of essay you have to write, there are certain standard features that can be found in most academic essays.
Task 1
The common features mentioned above are labeled below but they are not in the correct order. Drag and drop the following parts of an essay into the boxes for Introduction, Body Paragraphs and Conclusion.
Thesis Statements
You now probably know something more about the structure of an academic essay. However, it takes time to learn all the components of an essay. In this package, we are going to focus on the thesis statement.
The thesis statement is the central argument of an essay. It should clearly present the stand point of an essay in simple language. Let’s take a look at the basic structure of a thesis statement.
| Thesis | - the centre of this thesis statement (T) |
| Claim | - an analysis / a point of view / an interpretation (CL) |
| Context | - limit your claim within a certain area / time frame (CON) |
(The context may have been implicitly stated in the claim / thesis.)
Now, let’s take a look at some examples of thesis statement:
Smoking (T) should be banned (CL) in all public areas. (CON)
The use of mobile devices (T) should be carefully monitored (CL) in the modern classroom (CON).
In the 21st century (CON), the economy of China (T) is more vibrant than that of the U.S.A. (CL)
For tertiary education, (CON) lecturing (T) is more cost-effective than small-class teaching. (CL)
In a cashless society (CON), monetary transactions (T)will be done in a more efficient manner. (CL)
Freedom of speech (T) is the most important component (CL) in the modern civilization. (CON)
Task 2
It’s your turn now. Try to identify different components of a thesis statement by clicking on the correct element. Then check your answers.
Common Errors in writing thesis statements
Forming a thesis statement seems easy, however, we still need to avoid some of common pitfalls.
Task 3
You will find a list of common mistakes below. Try to guess what type of mistake each example is by clicking on the correct option. Then check your answers.
Task 4
Now try these. What is wrong with these thesis statements?
Counter argument thesis statements
In a thesis statement, we can introduce a counter argument as a dependent clause before the main clause. Let’s take a look at the examples below.
Examples:
Despite the fact that studying the 4 compulsory subjects at DSE level already takes a great deal of time and effort, Chinese History should be a compulsory subject in the new curriculum.
Although it can be argued that home schooling has its shortcomings in developing the social skills of a child, home-based education is more effective than school education in a liberal society.
Task 5
Now, put the following clauses in the right box to create counter argument thesis statements.
Thesis statements and topic sentences
We will now look at the relationship between thesis statements and our body paragraphs, and in particular topic sentences. A good topic sentence should clearly introduce the entire paragraph but it should also provide a cohesive link to the thesis. Look at these examples.
Examples:
(Note: TS: Thesis Statement; T1: Topic Sentence 1; T2: Topic Sentence 2)
TS: Smoking should be banned in all public areas.
T1: Outdoor public area smokers may not present a very positive image in particular to children and teenagers.
T2: The image of public smokers is also likely to contribute to air and land pollution.
TS: In the early 21st century, the economy of China was more vibrant than that of the U.S.
T1: The economic productivity of China was higher than that of U.S.
T2: The unemployment rate of China was far lower than that of U.S.
TS: In a cashless society, monetary transactions will be done in a more efficient manner.
T1: Without coins and notes, merchants will not need to spend time giving change to customers.
T2: The procedures for using cards will be much simpler.
All the above topic sentences provide reasons and elaborations on the claim made in the thesis statement. Also, these topic sentences provide sufficient room for further elaboration.
Task 6
Look at the following thesis statements and decide which topic sentences are suitable.
- Think about the questions below.
- Come up with a thesis statement and at least 2 topic sentences for ALL of the questions.
- Go through the checklist given and all your thesis statements / topic sentences again.
- Check if you have written down some good thesis statements and topic sentences.
- Show your work and discuss your answers with a Language Instructor.
(Note: The ‘Print’ button will only appear after you have checked all the boxes)
Q1: “Environmental conservation is more important than city development.” To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Q2: “Working overtime is inevitable in the modern workplace.” To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Q3: “Obesity is a result of poor parenting skills.” To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Q4: “Same-sex marriage is immoral.” To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Q5: “The Internet is killing communication.” To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Q6: “Social Networking platforms are more effective communication channels than face-to-face communication” To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Q7: “Establishing a comprehensive social security system is what a responsible government should do.”
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Q8: “A university degree guarantees a fruitful life in Hong Kong.” To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Checklist:
Thesis statements:
- Do your thesis statements have a thesis?
- Do your thesis statements have a claim?
- Do your thesis statements have a context?
- Are your thesis statements factual statements?
- Are your thesis statements broad statements
- Are your thesis statements an announcement?
- Are your thesis statements an immeasurable claim?
Topic Sentences:
- Are your topic sentences related to your thesis statements?
- Are your topic sentences too closely related to each other?
- Do your topic sentences contain too many details?
- Are your thesis statements and topic sentences grammatical?