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SUMMARIZED NOTES ON THE THEORY SYLLABUS
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2. To organize and develop paragraphs further down the
essay
1. Argumentative Essay 3. To guide the writer in thinking specifically in a said
direction
1.1. Format of Writing Q: What are the characteristics of a good Thesis Statement?
A: A good Thesis Statement should:
The goal of an argumentative essay is to clearly outline a
point of view (claim), provide reasons for the claim, and 1. Take on a subject on which reasonable people could
provide evidence to back or support the claim on the point disagree. ( A debatable or controversial issue on
of view. A good argumentative essay should follow this which people may “be divided” in their opinion)
structure: 2. support one point of view
3. deal with a subject that can “be adequately treated
1. Introductory paragraph: The first paragraph of your
given the assignment.”
essay should outline the topic of discussion, provide
4. assert your conclusions about a subject
background information necessary to understand your
argument, outline the evidence you might present & Q: How do you write an effective Thesis Statement?
state the thesis. The Thesis Statement is a concise, A: By focusing on the keywords of the question
one-sentence summary of your main point or claim. It
is a part of your first paragraph (Introductory 1. Look for the keywords in the question – try to
paragraph) understand what the question is focusing on. Use the
2. Body Paragraphs: A typical argumentative essay exact keywords in framing the thesis statement.
consists of 3 to 4 paragraphs explaining why you 2. “Introduce the perspective you argue – ask yourself a
support your thesis. Each body paragraph should question on the selected topic or perspective and try
cover a different idea about your topic of discussion giving a convincing answer.” No matter how
(claim) or piece of evidence. The paragraph's main complicated, almost all assignments can “be reduced”
idea should be summarized in a single sentence called to a single question. Your first step is to distil the
the ‘Topic Sentence.’ The topic sentence clearly and assignment into a specific question.
concisely explains why the reader should agree with
For example, if your assignment is, “Write a report to the
your position. In the Body paragraphs, you back up
local school board explaining the potential benefits of
your claims with examples, research, statistics,
using computers in schools,”
studies, and text citations. Also, reasonably
Turn the request into a question like, “What are the
acknowledge the opposing points of view on your
potential benefits of using computers in schools?”
‘claim.’ You may state the opposing views, disprove
After you’ve chosen the question your essay will answer,
them, or explain why you disagree with them.
compose one or two complete sentences answering that
Presenting facts and considering a topic from every
question.
angle adds credibility and will help you gain a reader’s
trust. Q: “What are the potential benefits of using computers in
3. Conclusion: This is the last stage of your essay, where schools?”
you summarise all the arguments made in your body A: “The potential benefits of using computers in schools are . .
paragraphs and restate your thesis. Restate our .”
‘Thesis’ by paraphrasing the one made in the
introductory paragraph. Also, avoid introducing an or
idea/ new fact or more arguments at this stage.
A: “Using computers in schools promises to improve . . .” The
answer to the question is the thesis statement for the essay.
1.2. Thesis Statement in an
Argumentative Essay
2. Discursive Writing
What is a Thesis Statement?
A Thesis Statement is a one-sentence summary of your 2.1. Format of Writing
essay. It is a part of your Introductory paragraph.
Q: What is its significance? Structure:
A: Having a Thesis Statement in the introductory paragraph A Discursive essay could include the following:
helps in the following ways:
An interesting introduction
1. To distil multiple ideas on a topic and narrow them a clear indication of your position concerning the topic
down to a few that connect with your point of Your first argument, with supportive evidence
discussion or ‘claim.’
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Your second argument, with supporting evidence, and so There will be a lot of arguments in a piece of discursive
on (the number of paragraphs like this will depend on the writing. Using linking words effectively can help you
number of arguments you can offer) achieve this.
a conclusion in which you reiterate your position These words “are usually used” at the beginning of a new
paragraph, but they can also “be used” to link ideas within
a paragraph.
It is essential to write formally in a discursive essay. It
would be best to write in complete sentences, using full
words, expressions, and standard English. Contractions
should “be avoided”. For example, 'is not should be used
Note: agmt - Agent or Point instead of 'isn't'.
It is advisable to try to avoid expressions like 'a lot' or
2.2. Introductions 'lots.’ More formal expressions such as " many,” "much," "
a number of, or ' “numerous” are more suitable for
The opening of an essay is essential. It should capture the discursive writing.
reader’s attention and avoid being blank or dull. The
reader should be interested and keen to read on. 2.3. Exemplar Essay
Some examples of different styles that could “be used” in
an introduction are:
1. Provocative
2. Balanced
3. Quotation
4. illustrative/ideal
5. Anecdotal
An example of a provocative introduction is - “It is difficult
to see how anyone can approve of fox hunting.”
An example of a balanced introduction is - "Fox hunting is
a subject about which people hold strongly contrasting
views.”
An example of a quotation introduction is - "Oscar Wilde
once described fox hunting as 'The unspeakable in pursuit
of the uneatable."
An example of an ideal introduction is - "On a glorious
autumn morning, a terrified, exhausted animal is savaged
to death by a pack of baying dogs while a group of
expensively dressed humans encourages the dogs in their
bloody work."
An example of an anecdotal introduction is - "I have
always detested fox hunting since I was almost physically
sick while watching a television film of the kill at the end of 3. Thesis Statement
a hunt."
3.1. Introduction
Linking Ideas
What is a Thesis Statement?
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The main point or controlling idea of any essay is its
thesis. It is an arguable assertion—your opinion or
position—on your topic and is, without question, the most
important sentence in an academic essay. A thesis is
useful to both the writer and the reader since it primarily
organizes, predicts, controls, and defines the entire
paper. → Exercise 1
Often, a thesis sentence will not only outline the essay’s For each of the following thesis statements, identify the topic,
main point but also predict and control the direction the the opinion or arguable assertion, and, if applicable, the
paper will take. The thesis thus serves as a contract supporting evidence or reasons.
between the reader and the writer because it promises “Example: Cell phone use while driving should be banned, for
both the essay's central purpose and the paper's it creates an unsafe environment not only for drivers using
structure. It gives the essay a sense of unity and helps cell phones but also for other people in nearby vehicles.”
keep the writer focused while writing. Generally located at
the end of the introduction, the thesis is usually only one
or two sentences (although in a longer paper, the thesis
may be in several sentences).
1. Violent video games should be made illegal, for they
3.2. The Strategy of a Thesis Statement might incite some people to commit violent acts.
2. An after-school job can harm teenagers as working
reduces opportunities for social and recreational time
A thesis is both a writer and a reader strategy:
→ For the Writer, the Thesis statement is a writer's strategy and takes valuable time away from schoolwork.
because it 3. Marijuana should be legalized since legalization would
remove the black market for that drug.
Serves as a planning tool and a one-sentence summary of 4. Welfare benefits for single mothers should not be
the writer’s opinions about a topic crossed out, for the benefits are needed to prevent
helps the writer determine the paper's real focus and lets hunger and poverty among our country’s most
the writer know if an essay is wandering off in too many helpless citizens—our children.
directions
becomes an organizational framework for the topic → Exercise 2
sentences
“Keeping in mind the above thesis development
provides the writer with something to define, prove, and
guidelines, analyze the following statements and identify
develop
the reason(s) you think they do or do not work as good
→ For readers, the thesis statement is a reader strategy thesis statements.” Example: Drug use is a serious
because it problem in today’s world. Analysis: Not a good thesis.
Expresses a point that everyone would probably agree
Serves as a contract with the writer, engaging and with; it does not state an assertion that anyone would
allowing readers to follow through the paper want to argue. The statement is also too broad, and it
Keeps readers focused on the argument so they know contains the vague phrase “in today’s world.” Avoid using
what to expect in the essay. such vague or fuzzy phrases. Example: This has been the
allows readers to identify the main ideas and see exactly worst summer in the world for bad weather—droughts,
how each topic sentence connects to the thesis floods, and huge fires have besieged the planet all at the
offers enough detail for readers to grasp the writer’s same time. Analysis: Not a good thesis. It is merely a
argument statement of fact, leaving the writer with nothing to argue
or support.
1. “A thesis, thus, lets your reader know what to expect
from your paper and allows your reader to decide how 1. Television has had a serious impact on today’s society.
well you’ve accomplished what you’ve set out to do.” 2. During a recent episode of Law and Order, two people
Some thesis statements might even give you an were killed; three were stabbed, and four were badly
outline for your paper. beaten.
2. For example, it shouldn’t be too much trouble to 3. Evaluating the Benefits of Prozac
organize an essay with the following thesis statement: 4. This essay will discuss potential problems if the
administration restructures the Social Security
Attending a community college like CSM (Certified Strategic program.
Manage) makes sense since the cost and instruction quality 5. Have you ever considered why people are rude when
are low. driving, especially at rush hour?
6. Christopher Reeves’ physical disability has not
prevented him from becoming an advocate for
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research on spinal cord injury, and his story should be
3.4. How do I develop a Thesis
made into a book.
7. How to grow beautiful orchids. Statement?
8. I think it is interesting how many people enjoy horror
movies. While the topic is what the paper is about, the thesis
9. If you don’t care about spending a little more money, defines your opinion or position on that particular topic.
you’ll agree that dinner is a much more satisfying For this reason, developing a tentative or working thesis
experience at The House of Prime Rib than at Sizzler. statement early in composing your essay is important
10. This paper attempts to tell you how I felt viewing the because it will help guide your thoughts and possible
devastation at Ground Zero in New York. research. When you have decided on your essay topic,
you can begin to develop your thesis by examining your
→ Exercise 3 topic, doing some exploratory reading and writing, or by
reflecting and pulling from class discussions or
Considering the above thesis development guidelines,
conversations with classmates and friends.
analyze the following troublesome statements, but this
A writer develops a thesis by asking questions about the
time suggest a revision for each. Example: Scarlett O’Hara
topic and by focusing on a primary point or question that
is a proud, headstrong woman in Gone with the Wind.
the topic raises. The answer to such a question will be
Analysis: Not a good thesis. Simply a statement of fact.
your thesis: what you think about a specific topic. The
Better: Scarlett’s headstrong nature is why Rhett Butler
topic is your question, and the thesis is your answer to
loves and leaves her. Example: Romeo and Juliet die
that question.
because each one thinks the other is dead. Analysis: Not a
For this reason, as you write your paper, your thesis
good thesis. This is another statement of fact that no one
statement may change. A thesis statement is usually
would disagree with; it does not state an assertion that
rough in its initial stages and works only as a tentative
needs to be argued. Better: Shakespeare uses Romeo and
planning tool. Writing promotes thinking. You will discover
Juliet’s needless deaths as metaphors to show the
precisely what you think about the topic as you write, and
pettiness of feuding families and countries. Example: The
your thesis will probably change. As you continue writing,
thesis of this paper is the difficulty of solving our
a more specific, complex, and final thesis will emerge as
economic problems. Analysis: Not a good thesis. This is
you narrow your focus. Remember that writing is
simply an announcement of the subject or topic of the
rewriting, a continual process that takes many revisions.
essay, not a thesis. Better: Solving our country’s economic
“As you write and do more research, you might even
problems is much more difficult than most people believe.
notice that you have lost your original thesis as you find
1. Advertisers like to use beautiful models in their
evidence that does not support your thesis. “ “This is
ads to sell their products.
normal since, as you write, you often reach deeper
2. This paper will consider the reasons detective
insights about your topic and realize that your thesis
fiction is worth reading.
statement has to be more complex to match the
3. The federal government should give more money
supporting ideas and evidence you have provided.”
to breast cancer research.
“Don’t be surprised if, in early drafts of an essay, your
4. Not much has been done to save the condor from
thesis statement ends up at the end of a paper as you
extinction.
attempt to answer your questions about the topic.” Such
5. Writing an essay can be a fairly easy process.
thesis statements can then be revised, polished, and
moved since most thesis statements usually appear at the
3.3. What is a Thesis Statement Good end of the introductory paragraphs.
for?
3.5. Thesis Development Guidelines
A good thesis statement is more than a statement of fact
and makes an arguable assertion about a topic; it states How do I know if a problem is a problem when I see one?
the position a writer has reached about the topic and is
usually at the end of the introduction a complete sentence 1. Suppose it is merely a statement of fact. Some writers
that expresses an opinion or an idea about a topic that might confuse factual introductions to an essay with
can be supported or more fully developed in the body of the thesis. Example: Henri Matisse was considered,
the essay summarizes the whole essay in one sentence along with Picasso, one of the two great artists of the
and promises or reflects the essay’s primary purpose or twentieth century. Better: Henri Matisse is superior to
“so what” provides the structure or unifying framework for Picasso because of Matisse’s brilliant ability to shift
the scope, focus, and direction of the essay predicts, between realism, abstraction, Fauvism, and
controls, and obligates and serves as a contract between classicism.
the reader and the writer limits the topic to be narrow 2. A troublesome thesis can be too broad or too general.
enough to make it manageable so it can be fully If the writer is trying to write an essay and not a book,
supported but not too broad for the scope of an essay. it may be too large an issue for a writer to develop
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thoroughly in a short essay. Example: Homelessness
in San Francisco is a serious problem today. Better: 4.
The problems with homelessness in San Francisco
could be resolved if the Board of Supervisors would
agree on some of the proposed solutions. Example:
Crime is too prevalent in our society. Better: Our
judicial system should give tougher sentences to
criminals who are repeat offenders.
3. A troublesome thesis can be too specific. You will have
too little to write about if your thesis is too specific. It
may be only on one aspect of an issue, one part of a
topic, or the first main point. Examine all your main
points for a more significant umbrella sentence.
Example: Getting into Disneyland on Saturday during
Labor Day weekend can be difficult. Better: Depending
on the time of year, getting into Disneyland can be
difficult.
4. A troublesome thesis expresses more than one main
idea. If your thesis makes multiple points, your paper
may confuse your reader. A thesis that clearly
expresses one main idea will focus your paper.
Example: The proposed transit system is worth
examining, but it has several weaknesses, so it should
be run only on an experimental basis for a few years.
Better: The proposed transit system should be run on
an experimental basis for a limited period of a couple
of years.
5. A troublesome thesis is a fragment; a good thesis
statement is expressed in a complete sentence.
Example: How life is in New York after September
11th. Better: After September 11th, the city of New
York tends to have more cases of post-traumatic
disorder than other areas of the United States, and
rightfully so.
6. A troublesome thesis is in the form of a question
instead of a sentence or arguable assertion. It does
not take a position. Example: Should an eighteen-year-
old have the right to drink? Better: Anyone old enough
to fight a war should be old enough to drink.
7. A troublesome thesis contains phrases such as “I
think,” “I believe,” or “in my opinion,” which weakens
the statement. Example: GOP candidate Bill Simon and
Governor Gray Davis may appear to be different, but
they are very similar. Better: To the unsuspecting
voter, GOP candidate Bill Simon and Governor Gray
Davis might seem to offer a choice in the
gubernatorial race; however, in fact, they take very
similar stands on specific issues.
8. A troublesome thesis is expressed in vague language.
Try to avoid vague terms such as “things,” “neat,”
interesting,” “nice,” “good,” and “great.” Example:
Negative things have resulted from religion being
taught in our schools. Better: Religion as part of the
school curriculum should be avoided because a
person’s religious beliefs are highly personal and
require individual commitment.
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CAIE AS LEVEL ENGLISH GENERAL PAPER
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CAIE AS LEVEL
English General Paper
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