Lead Sentence and Thesis Parts 4-5

Review Hook: Drop reader into a scene, anecdote, quote, or surprising fact Topic as a question: Slightly changed (nouns, verbs) from the prompt. “Some people think . . .” One side of the issue (Don’t give your opinion yet) “Others believe . . .” The other side of the issue (Don’t give your opinion yet) -Background information 1: Change the wording (nouns, verbs) from the writing prompt. -Background information 2: Change the wording (nouns, verbs) from the writing prompt. 4. Lead sentence 5. Thesis (Magic 3)

Part 4: Lead Sentence This is a single sentence that is supposed to gradually lead your reader to your point of view rather than dump it on their heads.

Part 4: Lead Sentence Should start with a weak transition word. Use “Perhaps,” or “Maybe,”. This leads your reader to your side gently.

Example Lead Sentence 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?   PARAGRAPH: Stanley could not wait for the Super Bowl to start. He loved football and looked forward to this event every year. His wife, Andrea, liked the Super Bowl too. She did not like football, but she loved the creative commercials. What makes a good commercial? Some people think humor is the best way to be memorable. Others believe computer effects or “showmanship” make better commercials. The Super Bowl costs companies close to $4 million for a 30-second commercial. Every year, they roll out what they hope will be the best commercials. Perhaps, computer effects help attract attention of commercial viewers.

Part 5: What is a Claim? Something declared to be true Usually something that can be disputed Example: Ford is the overall best car for the average Utah family.

A Claim Should . . . contain a topic (main idea of what you are writing about) contain an opinion about the topic (what your attitude is toward the topic) Warning: you have to make it not sound like just an opinion. Don’t use the words I, me, we, us.

A Claim Should Not . . . use the first person (I believe, In my opinion, in this essay I will tell you… etc.) just state a fact - A thesis is something you plan to make an argument about.

Example Claims (Big Claims) Rocky Mountain Junior High should have a longer lunch period. Class sizes do affect student learning. Every student should have to complete ten hours of community service to graduate high school. Rocky Mountain Junior High should have a shorter lunch period. Class sizes do not affect student learning. Community service shouldn’t be necessary to graduate high school.

TW + Big Claim + Reasons= Thesis Statement Rocky Mountain Junior High should have a longer lunch period. Thesis Facts indicate, Rocky Mountain Junior High should have a longer lunch period because students at the end of the lunch line would have more time to eat, struggling students can get extra help from teachers, and teachers can use the time to plan and grade. MAGIC THREE Reasons Why should we believe you? Students at the end of the lunch line would have more time to eat. Struggling students can get extra help from teachers. Teachers can use the time to plan and grade.

Felines are better than Canines Thesis/Claim Format Your Answer Reason 1 Reason 2 Reason 3 because: TW, Felines are better than Canines Easier to care, More loving, Less expensive. because: Factually,

Good Transition Words for Thesis Statements Fundamentally, Facts indicate, Factually, Evidently, Undisputedly,

A Thesis Statements is . . . Never a question Only one detailed sentence An outline of the rest of your essay.

Practice Writing Thesis Statements

Thesis Practice BIG CLAIM: What is your opinion? “I love watching Jimmy Fallon” or “Parents should let their kids stay up late to watch The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon.” REASONS: List three to support your claim. Jimmy Fallon is funny He interviews popular celebrities He makes history and current events more interesting.” THESIS: Add your reasons to your claim Factually, “Parents should let their kids stay up late to watch The Tonight Show because Jimmy Fallon is funny, he interviews popular celebrities, and he makes history and current events more interesting.”

Writing Your Own Thesis Historically, girls and boys have gone to separate schools in countries all over the world. This affected students of all ages, including some colleges. Most public schools today do not separate schools by gender. Decide if boys and girls should attend separate schools.

Decide if boys and girls should attend separate schools.   Big Claim ___________________________________________________________ Reasons Thesis _________, ________________________________ because _____________________ (TW) (Big Claim) (Reason 1) ________________________, _______________________________________, (Reason 2) and ____________________________________________________________. (Reason 3)

Turn your thesis into a complete introduction

Write Your Own Introduction Choose one of the three thesis statements you wrote and write a complete introduction for the prompt on your worksheet.