“The Roadmap of your Essay”
Writing Preassessment Good things: Most writers started with a hook/attention grabber Sentences for main ideas Things to Improve: Mostly used a “question” for a hook Too much first-person language Very few correct thesis statements
What is a thesis statement? One sentence that describes the main idea or argument of an essay.
Good Characteristics Only one sentence Has a specific topic and claim It can be argued
Example Topic (main idea of what you are writing about) Claim (what your attitude is toward the topic) Football is a great team sport because every player must work together to be successful. The driving-age-limit should be increased to prevent more teenage deaths caused by car accidents.
Bad Characteristics Writing in the first person (I believe, In my opinion, etc.) Not specific enough or too general just stating a fact
Bad Example Football is a great team sport. (too broad; no clear claim to be argued) I believe technology has improved our lives because it makes it easier to communicate around the world. (first person)
Time to Practice!
Thesis Statement? The average temperature for the White Plains in the winter is in the 20s, while the summers are very hot. 1 of 5
Thesis Statement? The White Plains is a great place to live because of its access to outdoor sports. 2 of 5
Thesis Statement? In this essay, I will explain why people should move to California because of its amazing weather. 3 of 5
Thesis Statement? Scary movies are fun. 4 of 5
Thesis Statement? Recycling is an important job that everyone should do to protect our environment for future generations. 5 of 5
Writing Thesis Statements Step 1: Read the prompt Step 2: Identify the topic Step 3: Think about your argument or claim about the topic Step 4: Write a thesis statement that contains the topic and claim
Writing Prompt Many people enjoy traveling around the country. Some fly to different cities, while others prefer to take a road trip. Explain what you think is the best way to travel.
Writing Prompt Thesis Statement: Many people enjoy traveling around the country. Some fly to different cities, while others prefer to take a road trip. Explain what you think is the best way to travel. Thesis Statement: Driving is the best way to travel because you can stop and explore new places at any time.
Writing Prompt Practice: Research shows that a person’s mood can be affected by the weather. Some people prefer warm weather, while others prefer a colder climate. Explain what you think is the most enjoyable time of year: summer or winter.
Time to write some thesis statements on your own!
1. Suppose Congress wants to make a new national holiday honoring an important person or event. Choose a person or event you would like to honor. Write an essay to convince members of Congress to accept your choice. 2. Through the years new inventions have changed the way we live. Think about one invention that has had an impact on the way you live. Now write to explain to your teacher how this invention has changed your life. 3. Your principal has asked students to suggest a school rule that should be changed. Think of one rule that you would like to have changed. Write a letter convincing your principal that this rule should be changed. Be sure to support your opinion with convincing reasons and evidence. 4. Every student is required to pass the AIMS test in order to graduate. Many people disagree with this policy. Write a persuasive essay to argue your opinion on this issue: Should students be required to pass AIMS in order to graduate?