How to Write in 10 Steps The Concession-Assertion Thesis Pattern

To what extent is the water crisis in Iraq the result of geographic factors versus manmade factors? 1. Deconstruct the question. “to what extent” = “water crisis” = “geographic factors” = “manmade factors” = 2. Organize your thoughts. This question is asking you to evaluate the causes of water scarcity in Iraq. THINK CRITICALLY: If you were to create a graphic organizer showing cause and effect, what would it look like? Now think about this question. What is the effect? What are the categories of causes? Create a graphic organizer that illustrates this cause and effect.

Your graphic organizer should look similar to this: water scarcity geographic factors manmade factors

3. Identify relevant evidence. Where should you look for this evidence? What specific evidence are you looking for? geographic factors manmade factors examples of geographic factors examples of manmade factors water scarcity

4. Evaluate the evidence you have organized. Do you think water scarcity in Iraq is caused more by geographic factors or manmade factors? WHY? geographic factors manmade factors Look at the evidence. Compared to manmade factors, do you think the geographic factors are having more of impact of the availability of fresh water in Iraq? WHY? Look at the evidence. Compared to geographic factors, do you think the manmade factors are having more of impact of the availability of fresh water in Iraq? WHY? water scarcity

5. Organize your argument. Concession: -an admission -an acknowledgment -recognizing the other side of your argument Assertion: -an affirmation -a declaration -stating your argument in a strong and definite Write a “because statement” that states your argument. Write a “because statement” that states your acknowledgement that there is another side to your argument.

6. Write a thesis statement. A thesis statement offers a concise summary of the main point or claim of the essay. -one sentence -hint: thesis patterns Pattern: concession-assertion There are 2 parts to the answer, so there are 2 parts to the thesis. Write a “because statement” that states both your concession and assertion.

Revised Thesis Statement: Revised Concession Statement Subtopic Sentence “A” Subtopic Sentence “B” Revised Assertion Statement Subtopic Sentence “A” Subtopic Sentence “B” 7. Expand your argument.

Concession Subtopic Sentence “A” 1. factual evidence 2. document evidence Subtopic Sentence “B” 1. factual evidence 2. document evidence Assertion Subtopic Sentence “A” 1. factual evidence 2. document evidence Subtopic Sentence “B” 1. factual evidence 2. document evidence 8. Prove your argument Provide factual evidence and document evidence to support your argument.

9. Write a formal outline. A template is provided for you on Google Classroom under the assignment Iraq Water Crisis writing assignment.

10. Write. When: Friday, October 16 th What to bring: 1.prepared GOOGLE DOC with your outline title 2.printed out copy of your outline 3.Login information for Google Classroom and Turnitin.com FYI’s: 1.You will not be allowed to use the Iraq water scarcity documents or your notes. 2.You will have 40 minutes to convert 2 outlined paragraphs into concise, coherent arguments. 3.Your writing needs to be clear and make sense in order for me to understand and evaluate your argument. Leave yourself time to read over your work before you upload it to Google Classroom. 4.There is a rubric at the end of the template that will be used to assess your writing.