Lesson 2: Locating and Writing Main Ideas

Question 1

what is a thesis statement?

Answer 1

it presents or describes the point of an essay

Question 2

how are thesis statements presented in academic text?

Answer 2

in the abstract or executive summary or found at the last part of the introduction

Question 3

how are thesis statements written?

Answer 3

it is written in a declarative sentence.

Question 4

strategies in locating the thesis statement

Answer 4

1. read the title
2. read the first few paragraphs
3. check the conclusion

Question 5

how to write a good thesis statement:

Answer 5

topic + your position/stand

Question 6

Type of Thesis Statement

states the topic of your paper, your position, and the reason for taking that position

Answer 6

argumentative thesis statement

Question 7

Type of Thesis Statement

states the topic of your paper, what specifically you analyzed, and the conclusion you reached

Answer 7

analytical thesis statement

Question 8

Type of Thesis Statement

states the topic of your paper and lists the key aspects of your topic that will be discussed

Answer 8

expository thesis statement

Question 9

functions of thesis statement:

Answer 9

1. expounds on the answer to an issue/topic
2. gives direction to academic text
3. defends a writer’s claim

Question 10

TRUE OR FALSE

thesis statement should be more than just a statement of fact about a topic.

Answer 10

TRUE

Question 11

TRUE OR FALSE

thesis statement should limit its supporting details

Answer 11

FALSE

it should contain enough supporting detail and should be more than just a title.

Question 12

TRUE OR FALSE

thesis statement should be specific enough to defend

Answer 12

TRUE

without specific details, the thesis statement loses its focus

Question 13

TRUE OR FALSE

thesis statement should reflect facts

Answer 13

FALSE

your thesis reflects your OPINION, giving enough arguments that can be proven

Question 14

what is the topic sentence?

Answer 14

contains the main idea of the paragraph

Question 15

what is the location of the topic sentence?

Answer 15

can be located in the beginning, middle or last part of the paragraph

Question 16

strategies in locating the topic sentence:

Answer 16

1. read the first sentence carefully
2. browse the sentence that best describe the topic
3. concept of the idea; “big word”
4. purpose of the paragraph
5. observe the writing style

Question 17

writing a good topic sentence:

Answer 17

an interesting subject + your specific feeling about it