EN8 Q2W6D2: Developing a Strong Thesis Statement

Day 2: Developing a Strong Thesis Statement

English 8 • Quarter 2 • Lesson 6 • Theme: Pastel Blue with doodles

🎯 Learning Goals

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to define and explain what a thesis statement is and identify its types with at least 80% accuracy.

Students will be able to analyze sample texts to correctly identify the claim/thesis statement, cite evidence, and explain the reasoning in at least 3 out of 4 examples.

Students will be able to construct a simple thesis statement on a familiar topic, ensuring it is clear, debatable, and directly connected to a claim.

🧩 Key Ideas & Terms

• Thesis Statement – a debatable sentence that expresses the central idea of a persuasive text.
• Types of Thesis Statement – different forms used in writing, such as:
  • Argumentative Thesis – makes a clear claim and takes a position.
  • Expository Thesis – explains or informs without taking a strong side.
  • Analytical Thesis – breaks down an idea or issue into parts to evaluate.

🔄 Prior Knowledge Activity (Day 2)

Task: Recall yesterday’s lesson (Day 1). Answer these in your notebook:

1. What is a claim? Give one example.
2. What is evidence? Provide one type with an example.
3. What is reasoning? Explain how it connects claim and evidence.

Show Answer

- Claim: A debatable statement. Example: “Schools should ban junk food.”

- Evidence: Facts or data supporting the claim. Example: “Junk food leads to obesity.”

- Reasoning: Explains how evidence supports the claim. Example: “Healthy food prevents sickness, so banning junk food protects students.”

📖 Explore the Lesson – Day 2: Developing a Strong Thesis Statement

1️⃣ What Is a Thesis Statement?

A thesis statement is the central idea of your essay or persuasive text. It is the writer’s main claim, expressed in a single sentence.

• It tells the reader what the essay will argue or explain.
• It must be clear, specific, and debatable.

Example of a Thesis Statement:

• “School uniforms should be required because they save money, promote equality, and improve focus.”

This statement is clear (topic: school uniforms), specific (3 supporting reasons), and debatable (not everyone agrees).

2️⃣ Why Is the Thesis Statement Important?

Think of a thesis as the backbone of your essay.

• Without a thesis, your writing is like a body without a skeleton.
• It guides the structure of your argument.
• It helps the reader understand your purpose.

Analogy: If an essay were a map, the thesis is the destination. Every paragraph (road) should lead there.

3️⃣ Types of Thesis Statements

Writers use different thesis types depending on their purpose.

🔹 Argumentative Thesis

• Makes a claim and takes a clear position.
• Example: “The Philippines should ban single-use plastics to protect marine life.”

🔹 Expository Thesis

• Explains a topic without taking a strong side.
• Example: “Social media has changed the way teenagers communicate, study, and socialize.”

🔹 Analytical Thesis

• Breaks down a topic into parts for evaluation.
• Example: “The success of Jose Rizal as a national hero can be attributed to his writings, education, and leadership.”

In persuasive writing, we mostly use the argumentative thesis.

4️⃣ Features of a Strong Thesis Statement

A strong thesis is:

1. Debatable – not just a fact.
   • Weak: “The sky is blue.” (fact)
   • Strong: “The government should increase renewable energy use.”
2. Specific – not too broad.
   • Weak: “Education is important.”
   • Strong: “Free senior high school improves access to education for poor students.”
3. Focused – avoids trying to argue too many things.
   • Weak: “The Philippines has problems in traffic, pollution, crime, poverty, and corruption.”
   • Strong: “Improving public transportation can reduce traffic and air pollution in Metro Manila.”

5️⃣ Examples of Strong vs Weak Thesis Statements

Topic: Social Media

• Weak Thesis: “Social media is popular.” (Too obvious, not debatable)
• Strong Thesis: “Excessive social media use harms teenagers by reducing sleep, lowering self-esteem, and increasing distraction.”

Topic: School Rules

• Weak Thesis: “Students should follow rules.” (Too general)
• Strong Thesis: “Schools should adopt anti-bullying rules that include awareness campaigns, peer support, and strict consequences.”

6️⃣ Step-by-Step: How to Write a Thesis Statement

1. Choose a topic. (Example: school uniforms)
2. Ask a question. Should students wear uniforms?
3. Take a position. Yes, students should wear uniforms.
4. Add your reasons. They save money, promote equality, and improve focus.
5. Combine into one sentence.
   • “School uniforms should be required because they save money, promote equality, and improve focus.”

This method is called the Claim + Reasons formula.

7️⃣ Practice Activity: Spot the Thesis

Which of these sentences are strong thesis statements?

1. “The Philippines is located in Southeast Asia.”
2. “The government should improve public transportation to reduce traffic.”
3. “Jose Rizal is a hero.”
4. “The country should prioritize renewable energy to fight climate change.”

Show Answer

- #1: Not a thesis (fact).

- #2: Strong thesis (debatable, specific).

- #3: Weak thesis (too general).

- #4: Strong thesis (clear position, debatable).

8️⃣ Common Mistakes in Writing a Thesis

• Too broad: “Education is important.”
• Too vague: “Social media is good or bad.”
• Just a fact: “The Philippines has many islands.”
• No clear stance: “Some people like uniforms, some don’t.”

Tip: Always ask — Can someone disagree with this? If yes, it’s a thesis.

9️⃣ Connecting Thesis with Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning

A thesis is the main claim. To support it, you need evidence and reasoning.

Example:

• Thesis (Claim): “Schools should reduce homework.”
• Evidence: Studies show students with less homework have better mental health.
• Reasoning: Reducing homework lowers stress and allows students to rest, which improves learning.

🔟 Why This Matters for Persuasive Writing

• The thesis gives your essay direction.
• The evidence supports your claim.
• The reasoning connects them.

Together, they form a convincing argument.

📚 References

• Purdue OWL (2024). Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements. Retrieved from: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/the_writing_process/thesis_statement_tips.html
• Regents of the University of Minnesota (2024). Argument. Retrieved from: https://crk.umn.edu/writing-center/argument
• Urban, J. & Boyd, N. (2023). Claim, Evidence & Reasoning Writing Strategy. Study.com.
• Ocean Conservancy & McKinsey Center (2015). Stemming the Tide: Land-based Strategies for a Plastic-Free Ocean.

💡 Example in Action – Day 2: Developing a Strong Thesis Statement

📝 Example 1: School Uniforms

Thesis Statement: “School uniforms should be required because they save money, promote equality, and improve focus.”

Why strong? It is debatable, specific, and provides clear reasons.

Mini-Task 1: Create a thesis statement for this topic: “Cell phones in school.”

Show Answer

Thesis: “Cell phones should be restricted in schools because they cause distractions, encourage cheating, and reduce face-to-face interaction.”

📝 Example 2: Plastic Ban

Thesis Statement: “The Philippines should ban single-use plastics to reduce pollution, protect marine life, and promote sustainable practices.”

Why strong? It gives 3 clear reasons for the ban and is debatable.

Mini-Task 2: Write a thesis statement for the topic: “Online learning.”

Show Answer

Thesis: “Online learning should remain an option because it is flexible, cost-effective, and provides opportunities for remote learners.”

📝 Example 3: Reading Habit

Thesis Statement: “Students should read at least one book a month to improve vocabulary, stimulate imagination, and strengthen critical thinking.”

Why strong? It clearly explains benefits and gives specific reasons.

Mini-Task 3: Write a thesis statement for the topic: “Exercise for teenagers.”

Show Answer

Thesis: “Teenagers should exercise regularly to stay healthy, manage stress, and build self-discipline.”

📝 Example 4: Public Transport

Thesis Statement: “The government should improve public transportation to reduce traffic, cut pollution, and save people time.”

Why strong? It’s specific, focused, and supported with reasons.

Mini-Task 4: Write a thesis statement for the topic: “Social media use.”

Show Answer

Thesis: “Excessive social media use is harmful because it reduces sleep, lowers self-esteem, and distracts from academics.”

📝 Example 5: Anti-Bullying Programs

Thesis Statement: “Schools should implement stronger anti-bullying programs to protect students’ well-being, encourage respect, and improve academic performance.”

Why strong? It takes a clear stance and provides evidence-based reasons.

Mini-Task 5: Write a thesis statement for the topic: “Fast food consumption.”

Show Answer

Thesis: “Fast food consumption should be limited because it causes health problems, increases obesity rates, and promotes unhealthy eating habits.”

📝 Try It Out – Day 2: Developing a Strong Thesis Statement

Directions: Read each topic or statement. Write a strong thesis statement (debatable, specific, and focused).

1. Topic: Video games and teenagers
   Show Answer

   Thesis: “Video games should be limited to two hours a day because excessive gaming reduces physical activity, harms eyesight, and lowers academic performance.”

2. Topic: Homework load
   Show Answer

   Thesis: “Teachers should reduce the number of homework assignments to lessen student stress, promote family time, and improve mental health.”

3. Topic: Climate change action
   Show Answer

   Thesis: “The government must prioritize renewable energy to fight climate change by reducing greenhouse gases, lowering costs, and protecting future generations.”

4. Topic: Fast food restaurants near schools
   Show Answer

   Thesis: “Fast food restaurants should not be allowed near schools because they encourage unhealthy eating, increase obesity, and reduce focus on nutrition.”

5. Topic: Pets at home
   Show Answer

   Thesis: “Having pets at home teaches children responsibility, reduces stress, and improves emotional well-being.”

6. Topic: School sports programs
   Show Answer

   Thesis: “Schools should invest more in sports programs because they improve student health, encourage teamwork, and build discipline.”

7. Topic: Curfew for teenagers
   Show Answer

   Thesis: “Teenagers should have a curfew to ensure safety, reduce exposure to risky behavior, and help them manage time better.”

8. Topic: Recycling in schools
   Show Answer

   Thesis: “Schools should adopt recycling programs to reduce waste, save resources, and promote environmental awareness among students.”

9. Topic: Studying abroad
   Show Answer

   Thesis: “Studying abroad provides students with cultural exposure, language skills, and broader career opportunities.”

10. Topic: Online shopping
    Show Answer

    Thesis: “Online shopping should be done cautiously because it increases the risk of scams, promotes impulsive buying, and can harm local businesses.”

✅ Check Yourself – Day 2: Developing a Strong Thesis Statement

Directions: Answer the following items.

Multiple Choice (1–5)

1. Which of the following is the BEST example of a thesis statement?
   a) “The Philippines has many islands.”
   b) “Students should wear school uniforms to promote equality and save money.”
   c) “Water freezes at 0°C.”
   d) “Jose Rizal is a hero.”
   Show Answer

   b) “Students should wear school uniforms to promote equality and save money.”

2. A good thesis statement must be:
   a) A fact everyone agrees with
   b) A general statement without reasons
   c) Specific, debatable, and focused
   d) A summary of the entire essay
   Show Answer

   c) Specific, debatable, and focused

3. Which type of thesis analyzes a subject by breaking it into parts?
   a) Argumentative
   b) Analytical
   c) Expository
   d) Narrative
   Show Answer

   b) Analytical

4. Which thesis is too broad?
   a) “Climate change affects the environment.”
   b) “The government should implement renewable energy policies to fight climate change.”
   c) “Fast food consumption should be limited in schools.”
   d) “Online learning should remain an option after the pandemic.”
   Show Answer

   a) “Climate change affects the environment.”

5. Which of the following is NOT a strong thesis statement?
   a) “Education is important.”
   b) “Teenagers should exercise to improve health and reduce stress.”
   c) “Plastic bans help protect marine life.”
   d) “Government must improve public transportation.”
   Show Answer

   a) “Education is important.”

True or False (6–10)

6. A thesis statement should always be one sentence.
   Show Answer

   True

7. A thesis should be written as a fact, not an opinion.
   Show Answer

   False – it should be a debatable claim, not a fact.

8. An argumentative thesis takes a clear position on an issue.
   Show Answer

   True

9. “The Philippines is an archipelago” is an example of a strong thesis.
   Show Answer

   False – it is a fact.

10. A strong thesis should give the reader an idea of the reasons to be discussed.
    Show Answer

    True

Short Answer (11–15)

11. Write one strong thesis statement about environmental protection.
    Show Answer

    Example: “The government should invest in renewable energy to reduce pollution, fight climate change, and protect future generations.”

12. Identify the problem with this thesis: “Education is important.”
    Show Answer

    It is too broad and obvious; not debatable.

13. Revise this weak thesis into a stronger one: “Social media is good and bad.”
    Show Answer

    “Excessive social media use harms students by reducing sleep, lowering self-esteem, and distracting them from studies.”

14. Give one example of an argumentative thesis about school rules.
    Show Answer

    “Schools should shorten lunch breaks to 30 minutes to increase focus and reduce wasted time.”

15. Give one example of an analytical thesis about a famous person (e.g., Jose Rizal, a leader, or a celebrity).
    Show Answer

    “Jose Rizal’s success as a national hero can be analyzed through his writings, education, and leadership.”

🚀 Go Further – Day 2: Developing a Strong Thesis Statement

Directions: Choose the activity as assigned by your teacher.

Activity 1: Strong or Weak?

List 3 thesis statements from online articles, essays, or opinion columns. Label each one as strong or weak and explain why.

Show Answer

Example:

• “Plastic bans are necessary to protect marine life.” (Strong – debatable, specific)
• “Water boils at 100°C.” (Weak – fact, not debatable)
• “Education is important for everyone.” (Weak – too broad)

Activity 2: Thesis Revision Challenge

Your teacher will provide 3 weak thesis statements. Rewrite each one to make it stronger (specific, debatable, and focused).

Show Answer

Example Weak Thesis: “Teenagers like social media.”

Revised Thesis: “Excessive social media use affects teenagers’ health by reducing sleep, lowering self-esteem, and distracting from academics.”

Activity 3: Debate Thesis

In groups, pick a social issue (e.g., school uniforms, climate change, or curfew). Write an argumentative thesis statement and prepare 2–3 reasons to defend it.

Show Answer

Example:

Thesis: “Schools should require uniforms.”

Reasons: Saves money, promotes equality, reduces distractions.

Activity 4: Thesis Sort

The teacher will mix facts, weak statements, and strong thesis statements. Work with a partner to sort them into categories: Fact / Weak Thesis / Strong Thesis.

Show Answer

Example:

• Fact: “The Philippines has 7,641 islands.”
• Weak Thesis: “Recycling is good.”
• Strong Thesis: “Recycling should be required in schools to reduce waste and promote responsibility.”

Activity 5: My Own Thesis

Write a thesis statement on one of these topics:

• Junk food in schools
• Use of gadgets by teenagers
• Environmental protection
• School sports programs
• Online learning

Show Answer

Example: “Junk food should be banned in schools because it harms student health, increases obesity, and reduces focus in class.”

🔗 My Reflection – Day 2: Developing a Strong Thesis Statement

3–5 Sentences Reflection

Instruction: Write 3–5 sentences in your notebook. Reflect on what you learned today.

Prompt: “Today, I understood that ___________________. I also realized that ___________________. I now appreciate that ___________________.”

Checklist Reflection

Instruction: Check the boxes in your notebook to reflect on your learning.

• [ ] I can explain what a thesis statement is.
• [ ] I can identify strong vs weak thesis statements.
• [ ] I can distinguish between argumentative, expository, and analytical thesis.
• [ ] I can revise a weak thesis into a strong one.
• [ ] I can write my own clear, debatable, and specific thesis statement.