3. Thesis…….from Latin and Greek, means the act of placing or laying down; to position, to propose, or to claim Thesis statement literally “lays down” the writer’s position in the introduction so the reader has clear expectations about the paper’s/essay’s purpose.

4.  A thesis statement is the main idea of an essay.  It is often a point you want to argue or support in an essay. SO  The thesis statement explains the main idea of the essay, and the writer’s opinion about that idea.

5.  Do s › use specific words from the prompt › be concise, get to the point › use strong verbs › make a statement  Don’t s › describe the strategy of the paper (I am going to explain why Craig Biggio should be on a postage stamp.) › be wordy (Craig Biggio is an awesome baseball player, won several gloves, is a great leader and humanitarian which is why I like him so much and why I think he should be on a postage stamp.) › write a question (Do you think Craig Biggio should be on a postage stamp? I know I do.)

6.  A thesis statement is one sentence.  It is often placed in the introductory paragraph of an essay.  A thesis statement is a claim that can be argued.  The essay will contain evidence and opinions that support the argument.

7. ESSAY Introduction Thesis Statement Body Paragraph #1 Body Paragraph #2 Body Paragraph #3 You provide examples and supporting details in EACH body paragraph that support the thesis.

8.  the first person (I believe, In my opinion, etc.)  unclear language (It seems, etc.)  attempting two topics at once, even if they seem related. › Pick one and stick with it.  just stating a fact. A thesis is something you plan to make an argument about. EX. Students should maintain passing grades if they want to participate in sports.

9.  contain a topic - main idea of what you are writing about  contain an opinion about the topic- what your attitude is toward the topic

10. Too Broad The world is a magnificent place to live. Better Living in Houston, Texas is a magnificent place to live.

11. A. One reason to live in Houston is because there are many great activities for every age and interest. B. Houston is a great place to live.

12. Houston is a great place to live.

13. Wordy Some problems with Blank Middle School are that it needs a larger playground, an air conditioned gym, restrooms connected to each classroom, running water in the classrooms, and a number of other physical changes to the building. Better Blank Middle School needs several changes to its facility to make it a better school.

14. A. Abe Lincoln was one of the best presidents the United States has ever known. B. Abe Lincoln was an excellent speaker, the 16 th President of the United States, a liberator of slaves, and united the North and South at the end of the American Civil War.

15. Abe Lincoln was an excellent speaker, the 16 th President of the United States, a liberator of slaves, and united the North and South at the end of the American Civil War.

16. Too general Blank Middle School is a good school. Better Daily writing practice has led to improved writing skills for the students at Blank Middle School.

17. A. Music makes people happy. B. Music therapy is useful in relieving stress and other conditions.

18. Music makes people happy.

19. A title Cost of Living Better The cost of living in New York City is higher than many other cities in the United States.

20. A fact The average temperature for Houston in winter is in the 40-50’s and in the summer can reach up to 100 degrees. Better The climate in Houston is ideal for outdoor sports almost all year round.

21. A. The recycling of one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours. B. Recycling is one of the most important jobs a person can do to protect our environment.

22. The recycling of one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours.

24. Although most people believe otherwise, bats are harmless and highly beneficial.

25. In this essay I will discuss the crime rate in Mountain City.

26. Energetic exercise is a good way to help relieve stress.

27. Highlands Middle School and Eastview Middle School differ in many ways.

28. This paper will consider the advantages and disadvantages of students having nightly homework.

29. Hate speech should be eliminated for many reasons.

31. 1. Many people do not like to watch violent horror movies. 2. Today’s movies do not have the emotional impact of the classic horror movies of the 1940’s.

32. 3. Rap music is the best music ever. 4. Although many people find rap music offensive, it has had a positive impact on today’s youth.

33. 5. I enjoy white water rafting. 6. The first white water rafting trip can challenge a person both in body and spirit.

34. 7. Sixth grade students are busy. 8. The life of a typical sixth grade student is challenging due to the need to succeed in class and extracurricular activities.

35. 9. Community service projects include building shelter for the homeless, servicing meals to the hungry, providing transportation for the sick, distributing clothes, and a large number of other helpful activities. 10. Students should help others who are less fortunate.