the 3-part thesis statement how to write an a-grade thesis statement

The 3-Part Thesis Statement

HOW TO WRITE AN A-GRADE THESIS STATEMENT

What is a Statement?

• A statement is a sentence.• A sentence is a complete idea.• There is a subject and a predicate.• The meaning is completely clear to

the reader.

Before You Begin: IMPORTANT TERMS

1

STATIVE VERB is, are, was, were, will be

ACTIVE VERB know, run, feel, go, write, sleep, say, claim

2 MODAL VERB can, could may, might seem, appear

3

PASSIVE VERB

it is said that the claim was investigated bythe report will be signed by

INDEFINITE SUBJECT

it is said that it is claimed that it has been said that researchers claim that

researchers say that

Expresses state or condition (is sick, will be asleep)

Increases focus on the receiver of the action, less focus on the action’s doer

Avoids identifying the doer or source of the action, event, status, condition

Polite start of a challenge or opposition to an idea; can protect the writer

Expresses event or activity (feels sick; slept, will say)

USE MODAL VERBS TO EXPRESS IDEAS IN A TENTATIVE MANNER

Writing Techniques for A-grade Thesis Statements

How to Write a Tentative Statement (1)

FAIL: Verb (Present Tense)

• The man is alive.• The ant is

sensitive.• The dog is

singing.

PASS: Modal Verb

• The man may be alive.• The ant appears

to be sensitive.• The dog might

be singing.

PRESENT TENSE

TECHNIQUE 1: USE A MODAL VERB


FAIL: Verb (Present Tense)

• The box is not heavy.• The cat is not my

imagination.• This pen is not

also a knife.

PASS: Modal Verb

• The box does not seem to be heavy.• The cat could not

be my imagination.• This pen cannot

also be a knife.

PRESENT TENSE (2)



FAIL: Verb (Past Tense)

• The man was alive.• The ant was

sensitive.• The cat had

been a man.

PASS: Modal Verb

• The man may have been alive.• The ant appears to

have been sensitive.• The cat could have

been a man.

PAST TENSE



FAIL: Verb (Past Tense)

• The box was not heavy.• The dog was

not singing.• This pen was

also a knife.

PASS: Modal Verb

• The box did not seem to be heavy.• The dog might not

have been singing.• This pen could also

have been a knife.

PAST TENSE (2)



FAIL: Verb (Future Tense)

• The man will be alive.• The ant will

become sensitive.• The cat will be a

man.

PASS: Modal Verb

• The man may seem to be alive.• The ant will

appear to be sensitive.• The cat could be a

man.

FUTURE TENSE



FAIL: Verb (Future Tense)

• The box will not be heavy.• The dog will not

be singing.• This pen will

also be a knife.

PASS: Modal Verb

• The box will not seem to be heavy.• The dog might not

be singing.• This pen can also

be a knife.

FUTURE TENSE (2)


Write a Tentative Statement

FAIL: Verb1. Present: The man is alive.2. Present: The dog is

singing.3. Present: The cat is a man.4. Present: This pen is also a

knife.5. Past: The ant was

sensitive.6. Future: The box will not

heavy.

PASS: Modal Verb1. The man may __ alive.2. The dog might __ singing.3. The cat appears __ a

man.4. This pen seems __ also a

knife.5. The ant seemed __

sensitive.6. The box will not seem __

heavy.

REVIEW



FAIL: Verb1. Present: The man is alive.2. Present: The dog is




be heavy.

PASS: Modal Verb1. The man may be alive.2. The dog might be singing.3. The cat appears to be a

man.4. This pen seems to be also

a knife.5. The ant seemed to be

sensitive.6. The box will not seem to

be not heavy.

ANSWERS


USE AN INDEFINITE SUBJECTTO INCREASE FOCUS ON THE TOPIC AND LESSEN FOCUS ON THE DOER OF THE ACTION



FAIL: Verb

• The man is alive.• The ant will

become sensitive.

PASS: Indefinite Subject

• It is said that the man is alive.• It is (thought, agreed,

believed) that the ant will become sensitive.

TECHNIQUE 2: USE AN INDEFINITE SUBJECT


FAIL: Verb

• The box was not heavy.• The dog will

be singing.• This pen can

also be a spoon.

PASS: Indefinite Subject

• It was (observed, proven) that the box was not heavy.• It seems that the dog

will be singing.• It was claimed that this

pen can also be a spoon.

TECHNIQUE 2: USE AN INDEFINITE SUBJECT


FAIL: Verb

1. Present: The man is alive.

2. Present: The dog is singing.

3. Present: The cat is a man.

PASS: Indef Subj + Modal Verb

1. say the man may __ alive.

2. think the dog might __ singing.

3. agree the cat appears __ a man.

REVIEWTECHNIQUE 2: INDEFINITE SUBJECT + MODAL VERB


FAIL: Verb

4. Present: This pen is also a knife.

5. Past: The ant was sensitive.

6. Future: The box will not heavy.


4. believe this pen seems __ also __ a knife.

5. prove the ant seemed __ sensitive.

6. claim the box will not seem __ heavy.

REVIEWTECHNIQUE 2: INDEFINITE SUBJECT + MODAL VERB


FAIL: Verb

1. Present: The man is alive.

2. Present: The dog is singing.

3. Present: The cat is a man.


1. It is said that the man may be alive.

2. It is thought that the dog might be singing.

3. It is agreed that the cat appears to be a man.

TECHNIQUE 2: INDEFINITE SUBJECT + MODAL VERBANSWERS


FAIL: Verb

4. Present: This pen is also a knife.

5. Past: The ant was sensitive.

6. Future: The box will not heavy.


4. It is believed that this pen seems to be also a knife.

5. It was proven that the ant seemed to be sensitive.

6. It may be claimed that the box will not seem to be heavy.

TECHNIQUE 2: INDEFINITE SUBJECT + MODAL VERBANSWERS

may, might, could

Write a Tentative StatementFAIL: Verb

1. Present: The man is alive.2. Present: The dog is




be heavy.

PASS: Modal Verb1. The man may be alive.2. The dog might be singing.3. The cat appears to be a

man.4. This pen seems to be also

a knife.5. The ant seemed to be

sensitive.6. The box will seem to be

not heavy.

SUMMARY

USE AN INDEFINITE SUBJECT PLUS A MODAL VERB


Write a Formal Tentative Statement (1)

FAIL: Verb

• The man will be alive.• The dog will

be singing.

PASS: Indef Subject + Modal

• It is said that the man may be alive.• It has been claimed

that the dog might be singing.

TECHNIQUE: INDEFINITE SUBJECT + PASSIVE VOICE + MODAL VERB

Write a Formal Tentative Statement (2)

FAIL: Verb

• The ant will become sensitive.

• The box will not be heavy.

• This pen cannot function as a spoon.

PASS: Indef Subject + Modal

• It might be argued that the ant appears to be sensitive.

• It has been found that the box does not seem to be heavy.

• It was said that this pen could not function as a spoon.

TECHNIQUE: INDEFINITE SUBJECT + PASSIVE VOICE + MODAL VERB

Write a Tentative StatementFAIL: Verb

• Present: The man is alive.• Present: The dog is

singing.• Present: The cat is a man.• Present: This pen is also a

knife.• Past: The ant was

sensitive.• Future: The box will not

be heavy.

PASS: Modal Verb• The man may be alive.• The dog might be singing.• The cat appears to be a

man.• This pen seems to be also

a knife.• The ant seemed to be

sensitive.• The box will not seem to

be heavy.

SUMMARY

THE STRONG THESIS STATEMENTWriting Techniques for A-grade Thesis Statements

What is a Thesis (1)FAIL

• A thesis is an idea that needs no discussion.

PASS

• A thesis is an idea that can be discussed.


• There is no need to prove or disprove it.

PASS

• There is a need to either prove or disprove it.


• The reader already knows that the idea is clearly true or clearly false.

PASS

• The reader (does not know if, is unsure that) the idea is clearly true or clearly false.

The Good Thesis Statement (1)PASS

• The meaning is clear to the reader.

FAIL

• The meaning is unclear to the reader.


• The thesis is tentatively either true or false.

FAIL

• The thesis is clearly either true or false.


• The need to prove the thesis is clear.

FAIL

• The need to prove the thesis is unclear.


• The need to prove the thesis appears to be clearly important.

FAIL

• The importance of proving the thesis is not clear.

Example: Mary is a woman. PASS


• The idea is tentatively either true or false.

• The need to prove the idea is a clear need

• The need to prove the thesis appears to be clearly important

FAIL• The meaning is unclear

to the reader. • The idea is clearly either

true or false.• The need to prove the

idea is unclear.• The importance of

proving the idea is not clear.

Example: Mary is not a woman. PASS






to the reader. • The thesis is clearly

either true or false.• The need to prove the

thesis is unclear.• The importance of

proving the thesis is not clear.

Mary may not be a woman. PASS










It seems that Mary may not be a woman.

PASS• The meaning is clear to

the reader.• The thesis is tentatively


thesis is clear.• The need to prove the

thesis appears to be clearly important






It seems that Mary may not be a woman; she may not be qualified to join the Olympic Games.





thesis appears to be clearly important.






What is a strong thesis statement?

• The meaning is clear to the reader.• The thesis is tentatively either true or

false.• The need to prove the thesis is clear to

the reader.• The need to prove the thesis appears to

be clearly important.

SUMMARY

THESIS STATEMENT PASS OR FAIL? 10-ITEM REVIEW QUIZ

The USA, the Philippines, and Russia showed the world the real meaning of modern people power.











REVIEW: #1

The USA, the Philippines, and Russia seems to have demonstrated modern people power to the world.











REVIEW #2

It can be said that the USA, the Philippines, and Russia demonstrated modern people power.











REVIEW #3

The trunk, leaves, and fruits of the coconut tree are useful to humans.











REVIEW: #4

The trunk, leaves, and fruits of the coconut tree appear to be useful to humans.











REVIEW: #5

It is said that the trunk, leaves, and fruits of the coconut tree are useful to humans.











REVIEW: #6

The trunk, leaves, and fruits of the coconut tree are useful to humans, so this coconut

plantation project should be approved.PASS










REVIEW: #7

It is proven that the trunk, leaves, and fruits of the coconut tree are useful to humans, so

this coconut project should be approved.PASS










REVIEW: #8

The trunk, leaves, and fruits of the coconut tree can be useful to humans, so this coconut

plantation project should be approved.PASS










REVIEW: #9

Electricity or cooking gas may not be the most important utilities in a kitchen.











REVIEW: #10

THESIS STATEMENT PASS OR FAIL? 10-ITEM REVIEW ANSWERS TO BE SHOWN IN CLASS

THE 3-PART THESIS STATEMENT(3X1 METHOD)

Writing Techniques for a C-grade Thesis Statement

The 3X1 Technique: Positive

The trunk, leaves, and fruits of the coconut tree are useful to humans.

coconut tree

trunk leaves fruits

useful to humans

Sample: 3x1 Cluster Outline (Positive)

1 2 3

1

The 3X1 Technique (Negative)

Electric lights, rice cookers, or gas stoves may not be the most important utilities in a kitchen.

in kitchens

electric lights

rice cookers

gas stoves

not the most important

Sample: 3x1 Cluster Outline (negative)

1 2 3

1

The 3X1 Technique (Mixed)

It can be said that the USA, the Philippines, but not Russia showed the world the real meaning of modern people power.

the USA The Philippines

not Russia

showed people power

3x1 Cluster Outline (Mixed)

1 2 3

1

The 3X1 Technique• Positive statement: The trunk, leaves, and

fruits of the coconut tree are useful to humans.

• Negative statement: Electric lights, rice cookers, or gas stoves may not be the most important utilities in a kitchen.

• Mixed statement: It can be said that the USA, the Philippines, but not Russia showed the world the real meaning of modern people power.

SUMMARY


Writing Techniques for a B-grade Thesis Statement

The 1X3 Technique: Positive

The most important parts of a flower are the petals, the pistils, and the stamens.

1x3 Cluster Outline (Positive)

important parts

petals pistils stamens

are

1 2 3

1

The 1X3 Technique: Mixed

Democracy can be beneficial and dangerous, but more effective than communism.

The 1x3 Cluster Outline (Mixed)

democracy

beneficial dangerous effective

but

can be

1 2 3

1

The 1X3 Technique

It is said that my country’s government is corrupt, the people are poor, and the quality of life is low.

The 1x3 Cluster Outline (Positive)

my country

government is corrupt

people are poor

quality of life is low

It is said that

1 2 3

1

CHANGING THE B-GRADE(1X3 METHOD)

Writing Techniques for a B-grade Thesis Statement

Improve the 1X3 Technique

Although a 1x3 statement can usually be a B-grade thesis statement, in this statement, for example ...

The most important parts of a flower are the petals, the pistils, and the stamens.... the grade can be changed, as follows.

Technique Three-part Thesis Statement (1x3)

1

STATIVE The most important parts of a flower are the petals, the pistils, and the stamens.

DACTIVE Flowers have important parts such as petals,

pistils, and stamens.

2 TENTATIVE

The most important parts of a flower can be the petals, the pistils, and the stamens. C

3FORMAL + STATEMEN

T

It said that the most important parts of a flower are the petals, the pistils, and the stamens. B

4FORMAL + TENTATIV

E

It is said that the most important parts of a flower can be the petals, the pistils, and the stamens.

A

5FORMAL & TENTATIV

E

The most important parts of a flower are said to be the petals, the pistils, and the stamens. A*

D-grade

C-grade

B-grade

A-grade

A*-grade

D-grade

YOU ARE HERE

YOU AIM HERE


Democracy can be beneficial or dangerous but not ineffective.


1

STATIVE Democracy is beneficial or dangerous but not ineffective.

D

ACTIVE Democracy includes benefits and dangers but not ineffectiveness.

2 TENTATIVE

Democracy can be beneficial or dangerous but not ineffective. C

3FORMAL + STATEMEN

T

It has been claimed that democracy is beneficial or dangerous but not ineffective. B

4FORMAL + TENTATIV

E

It has been claimed that democracy can be beneficial or dangerous but not ineffective. A

5FORMAL & TENTATIV

E

Democracy is claimed to be beneficial or dangerous but not ineffective. A*

D-grade

C-grade

B-grade

A-grade

A*-grade

D-gradeYOU ARE HERE

YOU AIM HERE


It is said that in my country the government is corrupt, the quality of life is poor, and the people are sad.


1

STATIVE In my country the government is corrupt, the quality of life is poor, and the people are sad.

DACTIVE In my country the government tolerates corruption,

lowers the quality of life, and saddens the people.

2 TENTATIVE

In my country the government seems to be corrupt, the quality of life can be poor, and the people appear to be sad.

C

3FORMAL + STATEMEN

T

It said that in my country the government is corrupt, the quality of life is poor, and the people are sad. B

4FORMAL + TENTATIV

E

It said that in my country the government seems to be corrupt, the quality of life can be poor, and the people appear to be sad.

A

5FORMAL & TENTATIV

E

My country’s government is said to be corrupt, the quality of life poor, and the people sad. A*

D-grade

C-grade

B-grade

A-grade

A*-grade

D-grade

YOU ARE HERE

YOU AIM HERE


Writing Techniques for an A-grade Thesis Statement

The 3X3 Technique (Positive)

The trunk, leaves, and fruits of the coconut tree are useful to humans, animals, and to other plants.

The 3x3 Cluster Outline (Positive)The Coconut Tree

Trunks are useful

to humans

to animals

to other plants

Leaves are useful

to humans

to animals

to other plants

Fruits are useful

to humans

to animals

to other plants

1 2 3

1

2

3

1

2

3

1

2

3

3x3 Cluster Outline (Positive)The Coconut Tree

to humans

trunks are useful

leaves are useful

fruits are useful

to animals

trunks are useful

leaves are useful

fruits are useful

to other plants

trunks are useful

leaves are useful

fruits are useful

1

2

3

1 2 3

1

2

3

1

2

3

The 3X3 Technique: Negative

Electric lights, rice cookers, or gas stoves may not be the most important utilities in a kitchen, a restaurant, or an apartment.

3x3 Cluster Outline (Negative)not the most important utilities

in a kitchen

electric lights

rice cookers

gas stoves

in a restaurant

electric lights

rice cookers

gas stoves

in an apartment

electric lights

rice cookers

gas stoves

1

2

3

1 2 3

1

2

3

1

2

3

3x3 Cluster Outline (Negative)not the most important utilities

electric lights

in a kitchen

in a restaurant

in an apartment

rice cookers

in a kitchen

in a restaurant

in an apartment

gas stoves

in a kitchen

in a restaurant

in an apartment

1

2

3

1 2 3

1

2

3

1

2

3

The 3X3 Technique: Mixed

It can be said that the USA, the Philippines, and the USSR showed the world the real meaning of people power and democracy, but not efficient governance.

3x3 Cluster Outline (Mixed)the world

Saw people power

in the USA

in the Philippines

in the USSR

saw democracy

in the USA

in the Philippines

in the USSR

but not efficient government

in the USA

in the Philippines

in the USSR

1

2

3

1 2 3

1

2

3

1

2

3

3x3 Cluster Outline (Mixed)showed the world

the USA

people power

democracy

not efficient government

the Philippines

people power

democracy


the USSR

people power

democracy


1

2

3

1 2 3

1

2

3

1

2

3

The 3X3 Technique

• Positive: The trunk, leaves, and fruits of the coconut tree are useful to humans, animals, and to other plants.

• Negative: Electric lights, rice cookers, or gas stoves may not be the most important utilities in a kitchen, a restaurant, or an apartment.

• Mixed: It can be said that the USA, the Philippines, and Russia showed the world the real meaning of people power and democracy, but not efficient governance.

SUMMARY

THESIS STATEMENT + OPPOSITION(3X3 + 1 METHOD)

Writing Techniques for an A*-grade Thesis Statement

3X3 + 1 : Add an Opposing Idea (1)

Positive should add negative: Although coconuts can be dangerous, the trunk, leaves, and fruits of the coconut tree are useful to humans, animals, and to other plants.


Negative should add positive: Despite popular perception to the contrary, electric lights, rice cookers, or gas stoves may not be the most important utilities in a kitchen, a restaurant, or an apartment.


Mixed: It can be said that the USA, the Philippines, and Russia showed the world the real meaning of people power and democracy, but not efficient governance. (opposing idea is already present)

NOTE: If you use 3x3 mixed, there’s no need to add opposing ideas to get an A*

3x3 + 1 Cluster Outline (Mixed)the world

saw people power

in the USA

in the Philippines

in the USSR

saw democracy

in the USA

in the Philippines

in the USSR

but not efficient government

in the USA

in the Philippines

in the USSR

1

2

3

1 2 3

1

2

3

1

2

3

3x3 + 1 Cluster Outline (Mixed)the world

in the USA

saw people power

saw democracy


in the Philippines

saw people power

saw democracy


in the USSR

saw people power

saw democracy


1

2

3

1 2 3

1

2

3

1

2

3

3x3 + 1 : Add an opposing idea• Positive: Although coconuts can be dangerous, the

trunk, leaves, and fruits of the coconut tree are useful to humans, animals, and to other plants.

• Negative: Despite popular perception to the contrary, electric lights, rice cookers, or gas stoves may not be the most important utilities in a kitchen, a restaurant, or an apartment.

• Mixed: It can be said that the USA, the Philippines, and Russia showed the world the real meaning of people power and democracy, but not efficient governance. (opposing idea is already present)

SUMMARY

What is a strong thesis statement?• The meaning is clear to the reader.• The thesis is tentatively either true or

false. • Tentative statements are used (modals,

etc)• The need to prove the thesis is clear to

the reader.• The need to prove the thesis appears to

be clearly important.

REVIEW

REVIEW

What is an A-grade thesis statement?• Use the formula 3x3 positive.• Use the formula 3x3 negative.What is an A*-grade thesis statement?• Use the formula 3x3 mixed or• Use the formula 3x3 + 1

CREATING THE A* PAPER OR PROPOSAL

Next

The A* Paper: How Sure Is It?An A*-grade thesis statement must mean

an A*-grade research proposal or paper.• Many times, this does not happen.• Often, the result can be an A or B paper.• Or even a C or D.• If it’s plagiarized, it’s an F grade.

Seven (7) Tips for an A*paper1. A very strong thesis statement2. Correct APA structure of the proposal (or

report, paper or research document)

3. Correct APA-style references4. Well-done Research Notes5. Integrated quotes with APA-style citations.6. Integrated paraphrases with APA-style

citations. (See It’s OK to Copy)

7. Combine various ideas into a new idea. Three steps how to do this in the next slide

http://thereferencebox.jimdo.com/free-textbooks/reports/

http://professionalenglishbatch11.jimdo.com/the-tasks/task-3-apa-research-paper/

http://thereferencebox.jimdo.com/free-textbooks/apa-style-paper/

http://thereferencebox.jimdo.com/free-textbooks/apa-attribution/

http://thereferencebox.jimdo.com/free-textbooks/research-notes/

http://thereferencebox.jimdo.com/free-textbooks/integrating-sources/

http://thereferencebox.jimdo.com/free-textbooks/apa-style-paper/

http://www.slideshare.net/search/slideshow?searchfrom=header&q=creating+an+original+research+topic

Combine various ideas into a new idea

Step 1: State how or why the new idea may succeed.

Use a theory to defend or support this.

http://seminar-in-current-events.jimdo.com/the-library/the-theory-bank/


Step 2: State how or why the new idea may fail.




Step 3: State how or how you might balance, counter, or neutralize the possible failure.



END OF PRESENTATION

THANK YOU

Send comments or suggestions to [email protected]

By Jaime Alfredo CabreraAlbukhary International University, Malaysia

The 3-Part Thesis Statement: How To Write An A-grade Thesis Statement

the 3-part thesis statement how to write an a-grade thesis statement

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