Q1 Lesson 4 Fact Sheet 4

Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
REGION XII - SOCCSKSARGEN
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF THE CITY OF KORONADAL
KORONADAL NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
CITY OF KORONADAL
Lesson 4 | Fact Sheet 4

Thesis Statement or Main Idea
MAIN IDEA
the “big point”, most important idea, or general statement of the content of the paragraph that the writer is
communicating to the reader
is like the heart of the text or a paragraph
is the controlling idea
All the other supporting details in the text or within a paragraph should tell us more about the main idea.
MAIN IDEA
provides order, progression, and unity to the paragraph by tying together the sentences
without it, the paragraph would be nothing but a collection of unrelated ideas
THESIS STATEMENT
-one sentence statement that expresses the overall main idea of the text
-an arguable statement that communicates the author’s stance on a topic to the reader; makes a claim that
others might argue
THESIS STATEMENT
-serves as a roadmap of the text you are reading
-can be seen at the beginning, middle, or end of the text
-Beginning thesis statement + supporting details= deductive order
supporting details + thesis statement=inductive order
Main Idea at the Beginning and End of the Paragraph

We are on our way to becoming cashless, checkless society, a trend that began with the credit card.
Now some banks are offering “debit cards” instead of the credit cards. That costs of purchases made with
these cards are deducted from the holder’s bank account instead of being added at the monthly bill. And
checking accounts, which are mainly used for paying bills, are going electronic. Now some people can make
computer transactions over their pushbutton phones to pay bills by transferring money from their account to
the account of whomever they owe. Soon we may be able to conduct most of our business without
signing a check or actually seeing the money we earn and spend.
MAIN IDEAS:
Beginning of the paragraph: We are on our way to becoming cashless, checkless society, a trend that
began with the credit card.
End of the paragraph: Soon we may be able to conduct most of our business without signing a check
or actually seeing the money we earn and spend.
Main Idea at the Middle/Within the Paragraph

It is preceded by one or more introductory sentence that may relate to the main idea to the previous
paragraph, arouse the reader’s interest or give background for the main reason.

Address: Corner Rizal Street, Jaycee Avenue, City of Koronadal
Tel. No. : 083-228-5252
Email Address: [email protected]
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
CITY OF KORONADAL
Sample Text:
The physical complains of neurotics—people who are overly anxious, pessimistic, hostile, or tense—
were once largely ignored by physicians. Many doctors believed that the frequent complaint of neurotic
were exaggerations. However, new research shows that neurotics are, fact, more likely to have physical
problems. Specifically, researchers found neurotics stand a greater chance of having five particular
ailments: arthritis, asthma, ulcer, headache, and heart disease. In addition, there is evidence that people who
are pessimistic in their teens and twenties are more likely to become ill or die in their forties.

MAIN IDEA: However, new research shows that neurotics are, fact, more likely to have physical
problems.
The two sentences before the topic sentence introduce the question of the physical health of the neurotics.
The topic sentence gives the writer’s main idea on the topic. The last two sentences develop the main idea
by giving specific details of the relevant research.
Main Idea at the End of the Paragraph

A study at one prison show that owning a pet can change a hardened prison inmate into a more
caring person. Another study discovered that senior citizens, both those living alone and those in nursing
homes, became more interested in life when they were given pets to care for. Even emotionally disturbed
children have been observed to smile and react with interest if there is a cuddly kitten or puppy to hold.
Animals, then, can be means of therapy for many kinds of individuals.

MAIN IDEA: Animals, then, can be means of therapy for many kinds of individuals.
THESIS STATEMENT
requires proofs or evidences to make your stand more convincing and effective
can be explicit or implicit
implicit thesis statements-do not clearly express the main idea of a text; reader has to infer from all the
details stated in the text
explicit thesis statements -express the main idea clearly and directly in the text read
KEY ELEMENTS FOR A STRONG THESIS STATEMENT
1. It is not a fact.
A fact is irrefutable. Writing a fact as a thesis makes no argument.
Weak: Radio Frequency ID (RFID) card has a texting mechanism.
Strong: Radio Frequency ID (RFID) card is better than the usual printed ID in detecting students’
attendance.
2. It is not a question.
A question simply does not express one’s claim or comment about a topic.
Weak: What are the advantages of keeping a pet at home?
Strong: Owning a pet makes your life happier.
3. It is not an announcement.
Tel. No. : 083-228-5252
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
CITY OF KORONADAL
Avoid saying what you will discuss in the text.

Weak: This paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of owning a pet.
Strong: Owning a pet brings good than burden because they can lower stress levels, make one feels safe and
teach their owners responsibility.
4. It is not too broad.
Avoid making vague and confusing thesis statements by making specific and focused thesis.
Weak: Female learners are better than boys.
Strong: Female learners are better than boys in academic activities.
5. It is a complete sentence.
A phrase does not convey complete ideas or thoughts. Stating the thesis in complete sentence makes it easier
for the reader to understand the main idea of the text.
6. It requires support.
To make your thesis statement persuasive, facts, surveys, reports etc. should be used as proofs or evidences
to support your claim or opinion on the topic.
7. It takes a stand.
The thesis should clearly show your claim about a subject/topic.
8. It is arguable.
The thesis should be contestable, debatable or argumentative. Again, the thesis statement should never be a
factual statement.

Tel. No. : 083-228-5252

Q1 Lesson 4 Fact Sheet 4

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Republic of the Philippines

Lesson 4 | Fact Sheet 4

Main Idea at the Beginning and End of the Paragraph

Main Idea at the Middle/Within the Paragraph

Main Idea at the End of the Paragraph

KEY ELEMENTS FOR A STRONG THESIS STATEMENT

Avoid saying what you will discuss in the text.

Address: Corner Rizal Street, Jaycee Avenue, City of Koronadal

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