British Literature October 7, 2009 Ms. Cares

Bellringer : In your notebook, answer the following questions: -What is a thesis statement? -Write a thesis statement for the following question: Should Simeon students be forced to wear uniforms?

Agenda: 1. Thesis Statement Bellringer 2. Begin the argumentative essay… buckle up! -The Thesis Statement -The Outline Homework: Finish the outline for tomorrow.

The Thesis Statement: The thesis statement is your argument. It is written as a statement. Typically 1-2 sentences. It is never a question. For the purposes of this class – and the ACT – you should always come down on one side of the issue. No wishy-washyness.

The Thesis Statement: After the thesis statement, you will preview your argument: what are your main supporting pieces of evidence? This provides your reader with a road map for the rest of the essay.

Sample thesis statement: In 1963, Baldwin suggested that American society was not set up for African Americans. In 2009, we must re-examine his argument due to the significant changes in our society, namely the election of President Barack Obama. While Baldwin’s argument is no longer correct in its division along racial lines, he is correct that society does not exist for all individuals. Our country does not exist for those people who fall below the poverty line. Because of inequality in education, health care, and safety, individuals of low social status remain at their low socioeconomic status with little true opportunity to rise from their situations.

Write your thesis statement related to Baldwin’s argument: Make sure that your thesis statement includes:  Your argument  A preview of your three main reasons – YOUR EVIDENCE.

Agenda: Working in pairs, you are going to complete the following for your argument: 1. write down three pieces of evidence for your essay revision– you may need to add new evidence! 2. create a detailed outline for the revised essays.

The Outline: A. Introduction THESIS STATEMENT B. Evidence #1 C. Evidence #2 D. Evidence #3 E. Conclusion

Homework: The outline is DUE tomorrow. Please see me or with any questions.