Thesis Statements  Topic Sentences Body Paragraph Thesis Statements  Topic Sentences

Directions Put your name, teacher’s name, class, and date in the top-left corner. Divide or fold your paper in half from the top to the bottom. Your paper is now in four rectangles, two on each side. Number the rectangles 1-4. Front Back Name Teacher Class Date 1 3 2 4

PROMPT The Super Bowl is much more than just about football – it has become a widely anticipated advertising blitz that costs companies close to $4 million for a 30-second commercial. Every year, advertisers roll out what they hope will be the cleverest, funniest, and most memorable commercials. What do you think makes a good commercial? THESIS Fundamentally, computer images make better commercials because they use modern technology, unrealistic shots are possible, and they look more professionally made. EXAMPLE

THESIS Fundamentally, computer images make better commercials because they use modern technology, unrealistic shots are possible, and they look more professionally made. Topic Sentence 1: Essentially, special effects create superior advertising due to them appearing more current. EXAMPLE

THESIS Fundamentally, computer images make better commercials because they use modern technology, unrealistic shots are possible, and they look more professionally made. Topic Sentence 2: Additionally, electronic production produces greater marketing as a result of unlikely situations are conceivable. EXAMPLE

THESIS Fundamentally, computer images make better commercials because they use modern technology, unrealistic shots are possible, and they look more professionally made. Topic Sentence 3: Furthermore, graphics allow for quality ads thanks to them appearing well-constructed. EXAMPLE

Now let’s do one together.

PROMPT Some high schools have opened up their A. P PROMPT Some high schools have opened up their A.P. courses to all students, and those who score a 3 or higher on the A.P. exam earn a $100 reward, as do their teachers. What do you think of financial incentives to perform well in school? Would you study harder if there were a cash bonus attached to a good grade? Decide if money alone would motivate students to study and succeed in school or if causes more harm than good. THESIS Factually, students should receive money for good grades because they will work harder, they will have better study skills, and fewer of them will drop out.

THESIS Factually, students should receive money for good grades because they will work harder, they will have better study skills, and fewer of them will drop out. Topic Sentence 1: ____________________ , __________________________________________ (TW) (rephrase your claim) ____________________ _________________________________________ . (synonym of “because”) (rephrase your first reason)

THESIS Factually, students should receive money for good grades because they will work harder, they will have better study skills, and fewer of them will drop out. Topic Sentence 2: ____________________ , __________________________________________ (TW) (rephrase your claim) ____________________ _________________________________________ . (synonym of “because”) (rephrase your second reason)

THESIS Factually, students should receive money for good grades because they will work harder, they will have better study skills, and fewer of them will drop out. Topic Sentence 3: ____________________ , __________________________________________ (TW) (rephrase your claim) ____________________ _________________________________________ . (synonym of “because”) (rephrase your third reason)

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PROMPT How large are your classes PROMPT How large are your classes? How do you think the number of students in a class affects how well teachers can teach and students can learn? Class sizes are rising across the nation because of budget cuts. In some cities, high school classes may go up to 60 students. How many kids in a class is too many? Decide if class size affects student learning and explain why or why not. THESIS Evidently, large class sizes affect learning because the room is noisier, the teacher cannot help as many students, and teachers have more work.

THESIS Evidently, large class sizes affect learning because the room is noisier, the teacher cannot help as many students, and teachers have more work. Topic Sentence 1: ____________________ , __________________________________________ (TW) (rephrase your claim) ____________________ _________________________________________ . (synonym of “because”) (rephrase your first reason)

THESIS Evidently, large class sizes affect learning because the room is noisier, the teacher cannot help as many students, and teachers have more work. Topic Sentence 2: ____________________ , __________________________________________ (TW) (rephrase your claim) ____________________ _________________________________________ . (synonym of “because”) (rephrase your second reason)

THESIS Evidently, large class sizes affect learning because the room is noisier, the teacher cannot help as many students, and teachers have more work. Topic Sentence 3: ____________________ , __________________________________________ (TW) (rephrase your claim) ____________________ _________________________________________ . (synonym of “because”) (rephrase your third reason)

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PROMPT Many schools across the country are remaking their yearbooks to “accurately reflect their school populations” and include photos of every student the same number of times, rather than featuring multiple photos of those who are the most popular or most involved in school. Is this a good idea, or does it go too far? Determine if it is fair or not for every student to get equal space in the yearbook even if they haven’t had equal involvement in school activities. THESIS Facts indicate, the yearbook should show students the same number of times because everyone should feel included, the price is the same for all buyers, and some students cannot participate in activities.

THESIS Facts indicate, the yearbook should show students the same number of times because everyone should feel included, the price is the same for all buyers, and some students cannot participate in activities. Topic Sentence 1: ____________________ , __________________________________________ (TW) (rephrase your claim) ____________________ _________________________________________ . (synonym of “because”) (rephrase your first reason)

THESIS Facts indicate, the yearbook should show students the same number of times because everyone should feel included, the price is the same for all buyers, and some students cannot participate in activities. Topic Sentence 2: ____________________ , __________________________________________ (TW) (rephrase your claim) ____________________ _________________________________________ . (synonym of “because”) (rephrase your second reason)

THESIS Facts indicate, the yearbook should show students the same number of times because everyone should feel included, the price is the same for all buyers, and some students cannot participate in activities. Topic Sentence 3: ____________________ , __________________________________________ (TW) (rephrase your claim) ____________________ _________________________________________ . (synonym of “because”) (rephrase your third reason)

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PROMPT Two recent surveys reveal a widespread belief among teachers that students have shorter attention spans because of their constant use of digital technology. Do smartphones, texting, video games, IPads, Facebook, web surfing, and television get in the way of students learning? THESIS Undisputedly, technology has shortened students’ attention spans because they communicate instantly, they can search information on the internet, and there are many apps available.

THESIS Undisputedly, technology has shortened students’ attention spans because they communicate instantly, they can search information on the internet, and there are many apps available. Topic Sentence 1:

THESIS Undisputedly, technology has shortened students’ attention spans because they communicate instantly, they can search information on the internet, and there are many apps available. Topic Sentence 2:

THESIS Undisputedly, technology has shortened students’ attention spans because they communicate instantly, they can search information on the internet, and there are many apps available. Topic Sentence 3:

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PROMPT Yet another high school football death occurred in September 2013. With more attention is being paid to the risk of head injuries in football, some parents are beginning to wonder whether the game is too dangerous for their children to play. Decide if parents should let their children play football. THESIS Fundamentally, parents should not let their children play football because head injuries can be permanent, doctors are expensive, and the game encourages violence.

THESIS Fundamentally, parents should not let their children play football because head injuries can be permanent, doctors are expensive, and the game encourages violence. Topic Sentence 1:

THESIS Fundamentally, parents should not let their children play football because head injuries can be permanent, doctors are expensive, and the game encourages violence. Topic Sentence 2:

THESIS Fundamentally, parents should not let their children play football because head injuries can be permanent, doctors are expensive, and the game encourages violence. Topic Sentence 3: