Thesis statement & skeleton outline

• Thesis statement
  • Remember that a thesis statement should have five parts:
    • Transition
      • A sentence connector, introductory phrase, or subordinating clause connects what was said in the introduction paragraph (i.e., context of the problem, background information, etc.) to the thesis statement.
    • A topic
      • The thesis statement should include a topic (stated explicitly, without using a pronoun), which relates directly to the target audience of the essay. The topic is usually the subject of the sentence that begins the main clause with a noun phrase. Try avoiding there is/there are throughout your academic text. See What to do and not to do when writing an academic text.
    • An opinion, claim, position, proposition, etc.
      • The opinion can also be considered your position, overall claim, main viewpoint, etc. The opinion is your verb phrase that might also include relevant phrases that provide additional information. The verb phrase in a thesis statement should not include a copula verb (i.e., “to be”, etc.).
    • The connector (subordinating conjunction), “because…” etc.
      • Introduce your three key points by using the subordinating conjunction, “because”; that is, the key points are reasons that justify the “why”, as an example. The connector or conjunction directly relates to the one main question word used in your problem statement. Choose one question word for stating your key points.
    • Key points
    • For a five-paragraph essay, consider listing three key points that will be the basis for each of your topic sentences that begin each of your three body paragraphs. The key points in your thesis statement are more general while the topic sentences state the same key points but more specifically (i.e., additional adjectives, phrases, and/or clauses).
      • Example
        • Since English language learners often get distracted by technology, English language teachers should use cell phones in class because they allow learners to interact with classmates outside of class, they allow learners to connect with outside experts, and they allow teachers to provide more timely feedback.
      • Example comparing the indirect question from a problem statement with a thesis statement
        • Problem statement prompt: I wish to learn more about… because I want to know how/why… in order to…
        • Example of an indirect question (from a problem statement): … I want to know how English language teachers promote communicative strategies to English language learners who are afraid to speak in front of others…
        • Example of the direct question equivalent to the indirect question above: How can English language teachers promote communicative strategies to English language learners who are afraid to speak in front of others?
        • Sample thesis statement (the topic and opinion) that answers the direct and indirect questions from the problem statement: Because students are not motivated to speak an additional language, English language teachers can promote communicative strategies to English language learners who are afraid to speak in front of others by… [list here the three key points (ways) that later will be developed in each of the three body paragraphs: key point #1 in body paragraph #1, key point #2 in body paragraph #2, and key point #3 in body paragraph #3].
• Skeleton (sentence) outline
  • Based on your thesis statement, create a skeleton outline that includes 1) a thesis statement and 2) three topic sentences that later will begin your three body paragraphs.
  • English language teachers who allow learners to use cell phones outside of class create interactive learning opportunities that are not possible in the classroom alone. (Topic sentence #1)
  • English language learners interact with classmates outside of class…
    • evidence 1 (what, how, why, when, where, with whom, etc.)
    • evidence 2 (what, how, why, when, where, with whom, etc.)
    • Using cell phones to access online spaces, English language learners can reach outside experts to learn more about the subject matter. (Topic sentence #2)
  • Connecting with outside experts through the use of cell phones provides…
    • evidence 1 (what, how, why, when, where, with whom, etc.)
    • evidence 2 (what, how, why, when, where, with whom, etc.)
    • English language learners receive more timely feedback by setting up social media learning spaces for one-to-one teacher-to-student engagement. (Topic sentence #3)
  • English language teachers can assess learners throughout the learning process…
    • evidence 1 (what, how, why, when, where, with whom, etc.)
    • evidence 2 (what, how, why, when, where, with whom, etc.)

The thesis statement also depends on the type of essay. Here are examples

Some of the examples below are more appropriate than others when writing a five-paragraph essay.

Comparison essay

1. Education Systems: While both Finland and Singapore boast high-performing education systems, their approaches to curriculum, assessment, and teacher training differ significantly, leading to distinct strengths and weaknesses.

2. Leadership Styles: The contrasting leadership styles of Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr., despite advocating for similar goals, illustrate the effectiveness of both charismatic and consensus-building approaches in achieving social change.
3. Art Movements: Although both Romanticism and Transcendentalism emerged in response to Enlightenment ideals, their views on nature, the individual, and societal progress diverged, shaping their respective literary and artistic expressions.
4. Communication Methods: Email and video conferencing, while both popular communication tools, offer distinct advantages and disadvantages in terms of efficiency, formality, and ability to build rapport.
5. Scientific Theories: The Big Bang Theory and the Steady State Theory offer contrasting explanations for the origin and evolution of the universe, highlighting the ongoing scientific debate and exploration of cosmological questions.

Process Essay:

2. Learning a New Language: Mastering a new language involves a multi-step process encompassing vocabulary acquisition, grammar comprehension, and consistent practice through speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
3. Starting a Business: Launching a successful business necessitates meticulous planning, securing funding, building a team, establishing operations, and adapting to market dynamics.
4. Developing a Habit: Forming a new habit often follows a cycle of initiation, experimentation, integration, and maintenance, requiring self-awareness, discipline, and positive reinforcement.
5. Restoring a Classic Car: The meticulous restoration of a classic car involves dismantling, cleaning, repairing, and reassembling various components, demanding mechanical and historical knowledge alongside patience and craftsmanship.
6. Creating a Culinary Dish: Baking a perfect cake involves precise measurements, controlled baking times, and attention to detail throughout each stage, from mixing ingredients to frosting decoration.

Cause and Effect Essay:

2. The Rise of Automation: The widespread adoption of automation in various industries, while boosting productivity and efficiency, has led to job displacement, income inequality, and the need for workforce reskilling.
3. Climate Change: Rising global temperatures have triggered a chain reaction of effects, including melting glaciers, rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and disruptions to ecosystems and agriculture.
4. Social Media Addiction: Excessive use of social media platforms can contribute to anxiety, depression, and feelings of inadequacy, due to constant comparison and exposure to negativity.
5. Antibiotic Overuse: The overuse of antibiotics in humans and livestock has accelerated the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing a significant threat to public health.
6. Globalization: The increasing interconnectedness of the world through trade, technology, and travel has fostered cultural exchange and economic growth, but also raised concerns about exploitation, homogenization, and environmental impact.

Problem-Solution Essay:

2. Food Waste: The excessive amount of food wasted globally necessitates a multi-pronged approach involving improved harvesting techniques, education on food storage, and donation programs to redistribute surplus food.
3. Cybersecurity Threats: The growing sophistication of cyberattacks demands collaborative efforts from governments, businesses, and individuals to develop robust security measures, promote digital literacy, and foster international cooperation.
4. Traffic Congestion in Cities: Urban traffic congestion can be addressed through improved public transportation infrastructure, carpooling initiatives, congestion pricing, and promoting cycling and walking as alternative modes of travel.
5. Access to Clean Water: The lack of access to clean water for millions around the world necessitates innovative solutions like rainwater harvesting, desalination plants, and community-based water management systems.
6. Deforestation: To combat the global issue of deforestation, strategies include stricter regulations on illegal logging, sustainable forestry practices, promoting tree-planting initiatives, and empowering local communities to manage their forests responsibly.

Bonus: Argumentative Essay:

2. Universal Basic Income: Implementing a universal basic income would alleviate poverty, boost economic activity, and provide individuals with greater freedom and opportunity, despite concerns about cost and potential disincentives to work.
3. Animal Testing in Research: While advancements in medical research rely on animal testing to some extent, ethical considerations and the development of alternative methods necessitate stricter regulations and a gradual phasing out of this practice.
4. Artificial Intelligence: While artificial intelligence offers significant benefits in various fields, potential risks like job displacement, algorithmic bias, and the development of autonomous weapons necessitate responsible development and implementation with strong ethical frameworks.
5. Genetically Modified Organisms: Despite concerns about environmental impact and unforeseen consequences, genetically modified organisms hold the potential to address food security challenges and improve agricultural sustainability, requiring rigorous scientific evaluation and transparent public discourse.
6. Social Media Censorship: Balancing freedom of expression with the need to address misinformation and harmful content on social media platforms presents a complex challenge, requiring nuanced approaches that uphold democratic values while protecting users from online harm.