Primary Claims/Thesis Statements/Topic Sentences…

Thesis Statement: The Primary claim Most important sentence. Answers the Essential Question. One Sentence! Everything in the essay goes toward proving it. Makes an assertion. “because” Written two ways, but make the same claim. Should be developed and revised.

Example Prompt “Why, according to the annual Harris Poll of Americans, was John Wayne the number one movie star as recently as 1995?”

Example: Occasion/Position Although many people know of John Wayne as being one of the most popular actors in the 1950s, those same people may not realize that he also represents foundational American ideals.

Example: Infinitives in Topic Sentences To understand John Wayne’s popularity, one needs to also understand the American ideals that he represents.

Example: However Topic Sentences Not many young people know who John Wayne is; however, starting in the 1950s his popularity continues to remain strong because he embodies the foundational ideals that this country was founded upon.

Example: Where or When, Plus What’s Happening In America from the1950s to the present day, John Wayne’s popularity remains strong because he embodies the ideals America was founded upon.