1. Intros &Thesis Statements Getting a good start!

2. Introductions  Every introduction in an informative essay should have:  Hook  Background  Prompt Explanation  Thesis Statement

3. Hook  Draws the reader’s attention  Is related to the topic of the essay

4. Background  Gives context to the essay  Provides a summary of the story or topic

5. Prompt Explanation  Addresses or explains information or terms from the prompt  Provides a transition between the hook and the thesis

6. Thesis Statement  Provides an answer to the prompt  Gives the reader (and writer!) a map to the essay  Provides focus-everything in the essay should relate back to the thesis statement

7. Thesis Statement-Details  Always one sentence  Last sentence of the introductory paragraph  Clearly written in third person  For this essay-2 parts

8. Examples of Two Part Thesis Statements  Prompt: what is the best type of vacation?  The best vacations are beach vacations because they involve swimming in the ocean and relaxing in the sand.  Prompt: Which season has the best weather in Phoenix?  The best weather in Phoenix happens in the Fall because the temperatures are cool and there is very little rain.

9. Let’s Practice!  Write a 2-part thesis statement for each of the following topics. Each person should write theirs on an individual white board.  Best TV Show  Favorite Food  Qualities of the best lunch  Favorite Holiday  Best type of movie

10. More prompts and examples  Prompt: What two actions in The Rights to the Streets of Memphis show that the narrator is a dynamic character?  In The Rights to the Streets of Memphis, the narrator is shown to be a dynamic character when he takes on the challenge of getting groceries for the family and when he beats up the boys who have been bothering him.  Prompt: In The Gift of the Magi, which actions on the part of the characters show that they are willing to sacrifice for each other?  The characters in The Gift of the Magi show that they are willing to sacrifice for each other when Jim sells his watch to buy combs for Della’s hair and Della sells her hair to buy a chain for Jim’s watch.

11. Thesis-Scarlet Ibis Essay  Prompt: Identify the theme of The Scarlet Ibis and explain, using specific textual evidence, how Brother's actions and behaviors reveal that theme.  Discuss with your seat partner: what do you need to include in your thesis statement?

12. Thesis template  In the short story The Scarlet Ibis by James Hurst the two actions that best show the theme of ________________________ are ______________________ and ____________________________________________________.