1. The 3-Part Thesis Statement HOW TO WRITE AN A-GRADE THESIS STATEMENT

2. 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.

3. 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 is said was investigated it is said that the claim was investigated by will be signed the report will be signed by INDEFINITE SUBJECT itit it is said that it is claimed that itresearchers researchers 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)

4. USE MODAL VERBS TO EXPRESS IDEAS IN A TENTATIVE MANNER Writing Techniques for A-grade Thesis Statements

5. 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.

6. How to Write a Tentative Statement (2) 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.

7. How to Write a Tentative Statement (3) 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.

8. How to Write a Tentative Statement (4) 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.

9. How to Write a Tentative Statement (5) 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.

10. How to Write a Tentative Statement (6) 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.

11. Write a Tentative Statement FAIL: Verb 1.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 Verb 1.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.

12. Write a Tentative Statement FAIL: Verb 1.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 be heavy. PASS: Modal Verb 1.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.

13. TO INCREASE FOCUS ON THE TOPIC USE AN INDEFINITE SUBJECT TO INCREASE FOCUS ON THE TOPIC AND LESSEN FOCUS ON THE DOER OF THE ACTION Writing Techniques for A-grade Thesis Statements

14. How to Write a Tentative Statement (7) FAIL: Verb The man is alive. The ant will become sensitive. PASS: Indefinite Subject It i ii is said that the man is alive. It i ii is (thought, agreed, believed) that the ant will become sensitive.

15. How to Write a Tentative Statement (8) FAIL: Verb The box was not heavy. The dog will be singing. This pen can also be a spoon. PASS: Indefinite Subject It w ww was (observed, proven) that the box was not heavy. It s ss seems that the dog will be singing. It w ww was claimed that this pen can also be a spoon.

16. Write a Tentative Statement 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.

17. Write a Tentative Statement FAIL: Verb 4.Present: This pen is also a knife. 5.Past: The ant was sensitive. 6.Future: The box will not heavy. PASS: Indef Subj + Modal Verb 4.believe this pen seems __ also __ a knife. 5.prove the ant seemed __ sensitive. 6.claim the box will not seem __ heavy.

18. Write a Tentative Statement 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.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.

19. Write a Tentative Statement FAIL: Verb 4.Present: This pen is also a knife. 5.Past: The ant was sensitive. 6.Future: The box will not heavy. PASS: Indef Subj + Modal Verb 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. may, might, could

20. Write a Tentative Statement FAIL: Verb 1.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 be heavy. PASS: Modal Verb 1.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.

21. USE AN INDEFINITE SUBJECT PLUS A MODAL VERB Writing Techniques for A-grade Thesis Statements

22. Write a Formal Tentative Statement (1) FAIL: Verb The man will be alive. The dog will be singing. PASS: Indef Subject + Modal It i ii is said that the man may be alive. It h hh has been claimed that the dog m mm might be singing.

23. 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 m mm might be argued that the ant a aa appears to be sensitive. It h hh has been found that the box d dd does not s ss seem to be heavy. It w ww was said that this pen could not f ff function as a spoon.

24. Write a Tentative Statement FAIL: 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.

25. THE STRONG THESIS STATEMENT Writing Techniques for A-grade Thesis Statements

26. 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.

27. What is a Thesis (2) FAIL There is no need to prove or disprove it. PASS There is a need to either prove or disprove it.

28. What is a Thesis (3) FAIL 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.

29. The Good Thesis Statement (1) PASS The meaning is clear to the reader. FAIL The meaning is unclear to the reader.

30. The Good Thesis Statement (2) PASS The thesis is tentatively either true or false. FAIL The thesis is clearly either true or false.

31. The Good Thesis Statement (3) PASS The need to prove the thesis is clear. FAIL The need to prove the thesis is unclear.

32. The Good Thesis Statement (4) PASS The need to prove the thesis appears to be clearly important. FAIL The importance of proving the thesis is not clear.

33. Example: Mary is a woman. PASS The meaning is clear to the reader. 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.

34. Example: Mary is not a woman. PASS The meaning is clear to the reader. The thesis is tentatively either true or false. The need to prove the thesis is clear. The need to prove the thesis appears to be clearly important FAIL The meaning is unclear 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.

35. Mary may not be a woman. PASS The meaning is clear to the reader. The thesis is tentatively either true or false. The need to prove the thesis is clear. The need to prove the thesis appears to be clearly important FAIL The meaning is unclear 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.

36. It seems that Mary may not be a woman. PASS The meaning is clear to the reader. The thesis is tentatively either true or false. The need to prove the thesis is clear. The need to prove the thesis appears to be clearly important FAIL The meaning is unclear 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.

37. It seems that Mary may not be a woman; she may not be qualified to join the Olympic Games. PASS The meaning is clear to the reader. The thesis is tentatively either true or false. The need to prove the thesis is clear. The need to prove the thesis appears to be clearly important. FAIL The meaning is unclear 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.

38. 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.

39. THESIS STATEMENT PASS OR FAIL? 10-ITEM REVIEW QUIZ

40. The USA, the Philippines, and Russia showed the world the real meaning of modern people power. PASS The meaning is clear to the reader. The thesis is tentatively either true or false. The need to prove the thesis is clear. The need to prove the thesis appears to be clearly important. FAIL The meaning is unclear 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.

41. The USA, the Philippines, and Russia seems to have demonstrated modern people power to the world. PASS The meaning is clear to the reader. The thesis is tentatively either true or false. The need to prove the thesis is clear. The need to prove the thesis appears to be clearly important. FAIL The meaning is unclear 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.

42. It can be said that the USA, the Philippines, and Russia demonstrated modern people power. PASS The meaning is clear to the reader. The thesis is tentatively either true or false. The need to prove the thesis is clear. The need to prove the thesis appears to be clearly important. FAIL The meaning is unclear 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.

43. The trunk, leaves, and fruits of the coconut tree are useful to humans. PASS The meaning is clear to the reader. The thesis is tentatively either true or false. The need to prove the thesis is clear. The need to prove the thesis appears to be clearly important. FAIL The meaning is unclear 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.

44. The trunk, leaves, and fruits of the coconut tree appear to be useful to humans. PASS The meaning is clear to the reader. The thesis is tentatively either true or false. The need to prove the thesis is clear. The need to prove the thesis appears to be clearly important. FAIL The meaning is unclear 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.

45. It is said that the trunk, leaves, and fruits of the coconut tree are useful to humans. PASS The meaning is clear to the reader. The thesis is tentatively either true or false. The need to prove the thesis is clear. The need to prove the thesis appears to be clearly important. FAIL The meaning is unclear 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.

46. The trunk, leaves, and fruits of the coconut tree are useful to humans, so this coconut plantation project should be approved. PASS The meaning is clear to the reader. The thesis is tentatively either true or false. The need to prove the thesis is clear. The need to prove the thesis appears to be clearly important. FAIL The meaning is unclear 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.

47. 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 The meaning is clear to the reader. The thesis is tentatively either true or false. The need to prove the thesis is clear. The need to prove the thesis appears to be clearly important. FAIL The meaning is unclear 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.

48. The trunk, leaves, and fruits of the coconut tree can be useful to humans, so this coconut plantation project should be approved. PASS The meaning is clear to the reader. The thesis is tentatively either true or false. The need to prove the thesis is clear. The need to prove the thesis appears to be clearly important. FAIL The meaning is unclear 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.

49. Electricity or cooking gas may not be the most important utilities in a kitchen. PASS The meaning is clear to the reader. The thesis is tentatively either true or false. The need to prove the thesis is clear. The need to prove the thesis appears to be clearly important. FAIL The meaning is unclear 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.

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

51. The USA, the Philippines, and Russia showed the world the real meaning of modern people power. PASS The meaning is clear to the reader. The thesis is tentatively either true or false. The need to prove the thesis is clear. The need to prove the thesis appears to be clearly important. FAIL The meaning is unclear 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.

52. The USA, the Philippines, and Russia seems to have demonstrated modern people power to the world. PASS The meaning is clear to the reader. The thesis is tentatively either true or false. The need to prove the thesis is clear. The need to prove the thesis appears to be clearly important. FAIL The meaning is unclear 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.

53. It can be said that the USA, the Philippines, and Russia demonstrated modern people power. PASS The meaning is clear to the reader. The thesis is tentatively either true or false. The need to prove the thesis is clear. The need to prove the thesis appears to be clearly important. FAIL The meaning is unclear 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.

54. The trunk, leaves, and fruits of the coconut tree are useful to humans. PASS The meaning is clear to the reader. The thesis is tentatively either true or false. The need to prove the thesis is clear. The need to prove the thesis appears to be clearly important. FAIL The meaning is unclear 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.

55. The trunk, leaves, and fruits of the coconut tree appear to be useful to humans. PASS The meaning is clear to the reader. The thesis is tentatively either true or false. The need to prove the thesis is clear. The need to prove the thesis appears to be clearly important. FAIL The meaning is unclear 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.

56. It is said that the trunk, leaves, and fruits of the coconut tree are useful to humans. PASS The meaning is clear to the reader. The thesis is tentatively either true or false. The need to prove the thesis is clear. The need to prove the thesis appears to be clearly important. FAIL The meaning is unclear 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.

57. The trunk, leaves, and fruits of the coconut tree are useful to humans, so this coconut plantation project should be approved. PASS The meaning is clear to the reader. The thesis is tentatively either true or false. The need to prove the thesis is clear. The need to prove the thesis appears to be clearly important. FAIL The meaning is unclear 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.

58. 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 The meaning is clear to the reader. The thesis is tentatively either true or false. The need to prove the thesis is clear. The need to prove the thesis appears to be clearly important. FAIL The meaning is unclear 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.

59. The trunk, leaves, and fruits of the coconut tree can be useful to humans, so this coconut plantation project should be approved. PASS The meaning is clear to the reader. The thesis is tentatively either true or false. The need to prove the thesis is clear. The need to prove the thesis appears to be clearly important. FAIL The meaning is unclear 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.

60. Electricity or cooking gas may not be the most important utilities in a kitchen. PASS The meaning is clear to the reader. The thesis is tentatively either true or false. The need to prove the thesis is clear. The need to prove the thesis appears to be clearly important. FAIL The meaning is unclear 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.

61. THE 3-PART THESIS STATEMENT (3X1 METHOD) Writing Techniques for a C-grade Thesis Statement

62. The 3X1 Technique: Positive trunkleaves fruits The trunk, leaves, and fruits of the coconut tree are useful to humans.

63. coconut tree trunkleavesfruits useful to humans Sample: 3x1 Cluster Outline (Positive) 12 3 1

64. The 3X1 Technique (Negative) lightsrice cookersgasstoves Electric lights, rice cookers, or gas stoves may not be the most important utilities in a kitchen.

65. in kitchens electric lights rice cookers gas stoves not the most important Sample: 3x1 Cluster Outline (negative) 12 3 1

66. The 3X1 Technique (Mixed) USAPhilippines Russia It can be said that the USA, the Philippines, but not Russia showed the world the real meaning of modern people power.

67. the USA The Philippines not Russia showed people power 3x1 Cluster Outline (Mixed) 12 3 1

68. The 3X1 Technique trunkleaves fruits Positive statement: The trunk, leaves, and fruits of the coconut tree are useful to humans. lightsrice cookersgasstoves Negative statement: Electric lights, rice cookers, or gas stoves may not be the most important utilities in a kitchen. USA PhilippinesRussia Mixed statement: It can be said that the USA, the Philippines, but not Russia showed the world the real meaning of modern people power.

69. THE 3-PART THESIS STATEMENT (1X3 METHOD) Writing Techniques for a B-grade Thesis Statement

70. 1X3 The 1X3 Technique: Positive important parts petalspistils stamens The most important parts of a flower are the petals, the pistils, and the stamens.

71. 1x3 Cluster Outline (Positive) important parts petalspistilsstamens are123 1

72. 1X3 The 1X3 Technique: Mixed Democracy beneficialdangerous effective Democracy can be beneficial and dangerous, but more effective than communism.

73. The 1x3 Cluster Outline (Mixed) democracy beneficialdangerouseffective but can be123 1

74. 1X3 The 1X3 Technique corrupt poorquality low It is said that my country’s government is corrupt, the people are poor, and the quality of life is low.

75. The 1x3 Cluster Outline (Positive) my country government is corrupt people are poor quality of life is low It is said that123 1

76. CHANGING THE B-GRADE (1X3 METHOD) Writing Techniques for a B-grade Thesis Statement

77. Improve the 1X3 Technique Although a 1x3 statement can usually be a B-grade thesis statement, in this statement, for example... petalspistils stamens The most important parts of a flower are the petals, the pistils, and the stamens.... the grade can be changed, as follows.

78. TechniqueThree-part Thesis Statement (1x3) 1 STATIVE The most important parts of a flower are the petals, the pistils, and the stamens. D ACTIVE 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 3 FORMAL + STATEMENT It said that the most important parts of a flower are the petals, the pistils, and the stamens. B 4 FORMAL + TENTATIVE It is said that the most important parts of a flower can be the petals, the pistils, and the stamens. A 5 FORMAL & TENTATIVE 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

79. TechniqueThree-part Thesis Statement (1x3) 1 STATIVE The most important parts of a flower are the petals, the pistils, and the stamens. D ACTIVE 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 3 FORMAL + STATEMENT It said that the most important parts of a flower are the petals, the pistils, and the stamens. B 4 FORMAL + TENTATIVE It is said that the most important parts of a flower can be the petals, the pistils, and the stamens. A 5 FORMAL & TENTATIVE 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

80. Improve the 1X3 Technique beneficial dangerous ineffective Democracy can be beneficial or dangerous but not ineffective.

81. TechniqueThree-part Thesis Statement (1x3) 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 3 FORMAL + STATEMENT It has been claimed that democracy is beneficial or dangerous but not ineffective. B 4 FORMAL + TENTATIVE It has been claimed that democracy can be beneficial or dangerous but not ineffective. A 5 FORMAL & TENTATIVE Democracy is claimed to be beneficial or dangerous but not ineffective. A* D-grade C-grade B-grade A-grade A*-grade D-grade YOU ARE HERE YOU AIM HERE

82. Improve the 1X3 Technique corrupt qualityoflife sad It is said that in my country the government is corrupt, the quality of life is poor, and the people are sad.

83. TechniqueThree-part Thesis Statement (1x3) 1 STATIVE corruptquality oflifesad In my country the government is corrupt, the quality of life is poor, and the people are sad. D ACTIVE corruption qualityoflife In my country the government tolerates corruption, lowers the quality of life, and saddens the people. 2 TENTATIVE corrupt qualityoflife sad In my country the government seems to be corrupt, the quality of life can be poor, and the people appear to be sad. C 3 FORMAL + STATEMENT corrupt qualityoflifesad It said that in my country the government is corrupt, the quality of life is poor, and the people are sad. B 4 FORMAL + TENTATIVE corruptqualityoflife sad 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 5 FORMAL & TENTATIVE 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

84. THE 3-PART THESIS STATEMENT (3X3 METHOD) Writing Techniques for an A-grade Thesis Statement

85. 3X3 The 3X3 Technique (Positive) trunkleavesfruits humansanimals other plants The trunk, leaves, and fruits of the coconut tree are useful to humans, animals, and to other plants.

86. Positive 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 plants123 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3

88. Positive 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 useful1 2 3 123 1 2 3 1 2 3

89. 3X3 The 3X3 Technique: Negative Electric lightsrice cookers gas stoves kitchenrestaurant apartment Electric lights, rice cookers, or gas stoves may not be the most important utilities in a kitchen, a restaurant, or an apartment.

90. Negative 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 stoves1 2 3 123 1 2 3 1 2 3

92. Negative 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 apartment1 2 3 123 1 2 3 1 2 3

93. 3X3 The 3X3 Technique: Mixed USA PhilippinesUSSR people power democracyefficient governance 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.

94. Mixed 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 USSR1 2 3 123 1 2 3 1 2 3

96. Mixed 3x3 Cluster Outline (Mixed) showed the world the USA people power democracy not efficient government the Philippines people power democracy not efficient government the USSR people power democracy not efficient government1 2 3 123 1 2 3 1 2 3

97. The 3X3 Technique trunkleavesfruits humansanimals other plants Positive: The trunk, leaves, and fruits of the coconut tree are useful to humans, animals, and to other plants. Electric lightsrice cookersgas stoves kitchenrestaurantapartment Negative: Electric lights, rice cookers, or gas stoves may not be the most important utilities in a kitchen, a restaurant, or an apartment. USA PhilippinesRussia people power democracy efficient governance 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.

98. THESIS STATEMENT + OPPOSITION (3X3 + 1 METHOD) Writing Techniques for an A*-grade Thesis Statement

99. Opposing Idea (1) 3X3 + 1 : Add an Opposing Idea (1) Although coconuts can be dangeroustrunkleaves fruits humansanimals other plants 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.

100. Opposing Idea (2) 3X3 + 1 : Add an Opposing Idea (2) Despite popular perception to the contraryelectric lightsrice cookersgas stoves kitchenrestaurant apartment 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.

101. Opposing Idea (3) 3X3 + 1 : Add an Opposing Idea (3) USA PhilippinesRussia people power democracy efficient governanceopposing idea is already present 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*

102. + 1 3x3 + 1 Cluster Outline (Mixed) the world saw saw people power in the USA in the Philippines in the USSR saw saw democracy in the USA in the Philippines in the USSR but not but not efficient government in the USA in the Philippines in the USSR1 2 3 123 1 2 3 1 2 3

104. + 1 3x3 + 1 Cluster Outline (Mixed) the world in the USA saw saw people power saw saw democracy not not efficient government in the Philippines saw saw people power saw saw democracy not not efficient government in the USSR saw saw people power saw saw democracy not not efficient government1 2 3 123 1 2 3 1 2 3

105. + 1 3x3 + 1 : Add an opposing idea trunkleavesfruits humansanimalsother plants Positive: Although coconuts can be dangerous, the trunk, leaves, and fruits of the coconut tree are useful to humans, animals, and to other plants. electric lightsrice cookersgas stoves kitchenrestaurantapartment 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. USA PhilippinesRussia people power democracy efficient governance 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)

106. 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.

107. 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

108. CREATING THE A* PAPER OR PROPOSAL Next

109. 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.

110. Seven (7) Tips for an A*paper 1.A very strong thesis statement 2.Correct APA structure of the proposal (or reportreport, paper or research document) 3.Correct APA-style references 4.Well-done Research Notes 5.Integrated Integrated quotes with APA-style citations. 6.Integrated paraphrases with APA-style citations. (See It’s OK to CopyCopy) 7.Combine Combine various ideas into a new idea. Three steps how to do this in the next slide

111. 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.

112. Combine various ideas into a new idea Step 2: State how or why the new idea may fail. Use a theory to defend or support this.

113. Combine various ideas into a new idea Step 3: State how or how you might balance, counter, or neutralize the possible failure. Use a theory to defend or support this.

114. END OF PRESENTATION THANK YOU Send comments or suggestions to mr.jaime.aiu@gmail.com By Jaime Alfredo Cabrera Albukhary International University, Malaysia The 3-Part Thesis Statement: How To Write An A-grade Thesis Statement