British Literature “It’s a writing Wednesday!” September 12, 2007 Mr. Houghteling

Bellringer In your notebook, please answer the following questions:

1.What is a THESIS STATEMENT?

2.Write a one-sentence answer to the following question: Should Simeon introduce a school uniform?

3. List THREE reasons why Simeon should or should not introduce a school uniform.

Voila! You just wrote a thesis statement and outlined a brilliant 5- paragraph essay!

The Next Step: We must now return to the topic from Friday and refine our arguments. We must now return to the topic from Friday and refine our arguments. How? How?

In pairs, you are going to complete the following: 1. Create a T-CHART supporting or refuting the rights of students to wear the Jena 6 T-shirt. 2. review the FISHBOWL questions regarding your arguments 3. identify the arguments you wish to make

In pairs, you are going to complete the following: 4. write down three pieces of evidence for your essay revision– you may need to add new evidence! 5. create a detailed outline for the revised essays

FISHBOWL Questions If the T-shirts were allowed to be worn, then what else do you think could be allowed to be worn at the school? If the T-shirts were allowed to be worn, then what else do you think could be allowed to be worn at the school? Where would you draw the line about what can and cannot be worn to school, and what is your reasoning behind your decision? Where would you draw the line about what can and cannot be worn to school, and what is your reasoning behind your decision? EXAMPLE: What if a student wore a T-shirt bearing a swastika or the slogan “George Bush hates black people” to school? EXAMPLE: What if a student wore a T-shirt bearing a swastika or the slogan “George Bush hates black people” to school?

FISHBOWL Questions Why do you think the school board disallowed the teens from wearing the T-shirts? Why do you think the school board disallowed the teens from wearing the T-shirts? In what way may the wearing of the T-shirts minimize the plight of the victim who was beaten? In what way may the wearing of the T-shirts minimize the plight of the victim who was beaten? In response to the wearing of the T-shirts, what would your “call to action” be if you were a friend of the victim who was beaten? In response to the wearing of the T-shirts, what would your “call to action” be if you were a friend of the victim who was beaten?

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