CHECKLIST Our group has a working topic already. We made sure that the topic has been

narrowed down and is specific already. Our group has started gathering

information with our preliminary bibliography.

WRITING THE THESIS STATEMENT

Research Paper Writing

Starter• Are there factors to prove that bullying exists in school?• Are there ways to stop countries from conducting

nuclear tests? Are you for or against gun ownership?• Are you in favor of banning films that show child labor?• If you were a doctor, would you recommend facial

enhancement procedures to those who seek your professional counsel?

What is a thesis statement?

• It is the sentence embodying the central idea or claim of the research paper; also known as a topic sentence.

• It is a sentence that expresses the controlling idea of the whole paper.

What is a thesis statement?

• It will provide you direction in gathering information for your research paper.

• It will also determine what ideas should be fleshed out in paper.

• It will help you stay in focus.• It is the one statement that you need.

Functions and Qualities of a Good Thesis Statement

1. The thesis statement is an answer to a research question.

2. The thesis statement predicts, controls and obligates.

3. The thesis statement is an indicator of position or belief about a particular idea.

4. The thesis statement is different from a topic sentence.

The Thesis Statement as an Answer to a Research Question

• Answering the question with a “yes” or “no” would also mean that one has to defend or explicate one’s point of view.

• Now answer the question from the Starter.

The Thesis Statement predicts, controls and obligates.

• The thesis statement predicts. It predicts the contents of the research paper.

• The thesis statement controls. It controls the writer to discuss only in your paper what is indicated in the thesis statement.

• The thesis statement obligates. It obligates you to prove what you have stated. You should clearly indicate your position about a particular idea and that be ready to argue for such.

What’s the difference?ARGUMENTATIVE• The TS makes the

claim that the paper tries to support.

• It is one sentence only.

• What do I want to prove?

REPORT RESEARCH• The TS describes the

main idea or main topic of the report.

• It is one sentence only.• Which area of

information do I want to focus on and describe?

A good thesis statement for a report research paper :

• Has no assertion that needs evidence or proof because it will just be reporting what is generally acceptable and nothing that others can disagree with.

• Describes the main idea • Grammatically complete • Narrowed down topic states the limitations

and scope of the research.

Sample Thesis Statement for a Report Research Paper

1. Waste segregation should be practiced by all household to help curb pollution.

2. Good nutrition, balanced diet, and exercise are important for good health.

3. Taking good photographs not only depends on having camera, but also on combining the few fundamentals of color, light, weather conditions, techniques and accessories.

Which is a TS for a report research?1. Pipelines are more effective than

ships for the transportation of crude oil.

2. The French Revolution is the most important event in the history of political systems.

3. There are several ways in which electronic travel aids have been used by people who are blind.

Which is a TS for a report research?1. Researchers have proposed new ways

of helping the blind to move around by means of new electronic aids.

2. Radio programs are an important form of entertainment for many people.

3. Censorship of televsion programs is a bad thing because itd enies full freedom of expression.

Which is a TS for a report research?1. Jogging is better exercise than

speed walking. 2. Education should be conducted by

television and computers which are more effective than most teachers.

3. Running and swimming are forms of exercise.

Assignment

Polish your thesis statement. Review outlining. What are the different types of outlining? Prepare for a quiz on Thursday on research paper writing.

OUTLINING

Research Paper Writing

Definition of terms• An outline is a general description, plan or summary;

In writing, refers to a plan of the content of the composition

• An outline sometimes make use of numbers, letters and indentation to show the comparative importance of headings and subheadings which in turn reflect the comparative importance of sections of the composition

Definition of terms• A preliminary, temporary or working outline is one that a

writer prepares and often changes as a means of organizing and stimulating thoughts on a subject.

• The purpose of outlining is to help you organize your ideas and information.

• An outline will help you get an overall picture of your paper, and find out how each subtopic relates to the others.

• Outlining is also considered the backbone of your research paper.

Types of an outline

• Sentence outline• Topic outline

• Two- level outline• Three- level outline

• Refer to the handout.

What’s next? Today’s task

• Prepare an outline of your research paper. Write your preliminary thesis statement before the outline.