Section outline
📹 Video Instructions — How to Write a Thesis Statement: Easy 3-Step Formula (YouTube, 2025) Watch this video before you begin drafting your essay: (Duration: approximately 8 minutes)
Step 1 — Prepare Open a notebook or document before pressing play. You will be taking notes as you watch.
Step 2 — Learn the 3-step formula The video presents a clear formula for writing thesis statements. Write down each of the three steps in your own words as they are explained.
Step 3 — Study the examples The video shows examples of weak and strong thesis statements. For each pair, write down what makes the weak version ineffective and what makes the strong version work.
Step 4 — Pause and practise When the video shows a sample essay topic, pause before the presenter gives the thesis. Write your own version first, then resume and compare it to theirs.
Step 5 — Write your own After watching, write two draft thesis statements for your Week 3 essay topic using the 3-step formula. Read them both, choose the stronger one, and build your essay around it. You do not need to submit these drafts — this is your planning step.
📖 Reading Instructions — Academic Phrasebank: Introductions and Conclusions (University of Manchester) Visit this page before writing your introduction and conclusion: https://www.phrasebank.manchester.ac.uk/introducing-work/
Step 1 — Explore the page Read through the categories available. You will find phrases organised by function — establishing the topic, stating the aim, and outlining the structure.
Step 2 — Focus on introductions Browse the "Introducing the Topic" and "Stating the Aim" sections. Select two phrases that could work for your essay introduction and write them in your notes.
Step 3 — Move to conclusions Navigate to the Conclusions section. Find two phrases that help you signal the end of your argument without simply repeating your introduction. Write them down.
Step 4 — Apply them Use at least one phrase from introductions and one from conclusions in your essay this week. Highlight or bold them in your submission so your instructor can see where you applied them.
Step 5 — Save and return Bookmark this page now. The Phrasebank covers every section of academic writing and will remain one of the most useful resources throughout your degree.
🗂️ Vocabulary Practice 1 — Quizlet Academic Word List Flashcards Go to: https://quizlet.com/subject/academic-word-list/
Step 1 — Find the right set In the search results, look for "Academic Word List Sublist 1" — this contains the most frequently used academic words and is the best starting point for first-year students.
Step 2 — Choose your mode Select "Flashcards" or "Learn" mode. Both are free without an account. Learn mode is recommended as it tracks which words you know and which ones need more practice.
Step 3 — Study for 10–15 minutes Work through the words actively — do not just flip through them passively. Say each word out loud and try to use it in a sentence before checking the definition.
Step 4 — Select your five words Choose five words you did not know before, or words you know but rarely use in writing. For each word, write: the word, its meaning, and an original example sentence of your own.
Step 5 — Use them in your essay In your Week 3 essay, include at least five Academic Word List words and highlight or bold them in your submission so your instructor can identify them.
🗂️ Vocabulary Practice 2 — Vocabulary.com Academic Word List Go to: https://www.vocabulary.com/lists/194479
Step 1 — Open the list You will see the Academic Word List displayed with words, definitions, and example sentences in context. No account is needed to browse.
Step 2 — Read words in context Unlike flashcards, Vocabulary.com shows you how each word is used in real sentences. Read at least ten words along with their example sentences — pay attention to how the word functions grammatically in the sentence.
Step 3 — Compare with your Quizlet list Look at the five words you chose from Quizlet. Find them here on Vocabulary.com and read the example sentences provided. Do the sentences match how you used the word in your own writing? If not, revise your sentences accordingly.
Step 4 — Discover new words Browse the list for three additional words you have not encountered before. Read their definitions and example sentences, and note whether any of them could fit naturally into your Week 3 essay.
Step 5 — Build your personal vocabulary log Start a running document or notebook page called "My Academic Word List." Add the words you have learned this week from both Quizlet and Vocabulary.com. You will continue adding to this log throughout the course, and it will become a valuable personal reference for all future academic writing.
Completion requirements:
- Make forum posts: 1
- Receive a grade
- Receive a passing grade
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