1. Abstract

2. Round 1
Write a thesis statement for tomorrow’s timed writing.

3. Classification Concrete Abstract Specific Clear, vivid
Actual Objects/People
Abstract
General
Unclear, vague
Ideas/Concepts

4. Word Classification Concrete Abstract Spoon Table Elbow Julia
Lime-green Mercedes
Puppy
Love/Hate
Success
Freedom
Moral
Good/Evil
Democracy

5. Where words fall … Words can fall in between concrete and abstract.
Being able find the level of specificity can help you become a better communicator/writer.

7. Bessie lives at a farm together with a lot of other cows and animals.
Example
Bessie lives at a farm together with a lot of other cows and animals.

8. Bessie WEALTH MOST ABSTRACT ASSETS More Abstract FARM ASSETS
THE FARM
LIVESTOCK
COW
BESSIE
MOST ABSTRACT
A concept, general term
More Abstract
Less abstract
Neutral
Less Concrete
More Concrete
MOST CONCRETE
An individual, specific entity

9. Apple

10. Practice on your OWN Teacher Teacher is in the middle of the ladder
Practice on your OWN Teacher Teacher is in the middle of the ladder. Come up with at least one word that is more concrete and two words that are more abstract.

11. Abstraction Ladder Cont.
“...if Level One abstraction is used in writing, the audience will understand what ideas and concepts are being discussed...If a writer is trying to describe a person, and she mentions that the protagonist wore Birkenstock's and a jeans skirt, an image is evoked in the reader's mind…if the writer says the protagonist was dressed in casual attire, the reader's impression of the character is not as strong, and the audience will be free to interpret the writer's meaning in ways…using the levels of abstractions carefully will help convey meaning to the audience.”
-Jan Streever [ m ]

12. Denotation and Connotation
Denotation – the direct, realistic, and/or literal meaning of a word.
EX: SNAKE – scaly, reptile, without legs.
EX: SLIMY can be used to describe algae or slugs.
Connotation – the indirect, implied meaning of the word.
EX: SNAKE – evil, treachery, betrayal
EX: SLIMY when used to describe a person implies that they are not to be trusted.
“The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.” —Mark Twain

13. Green Words
“Green” words will help you write more effective thesis statements and, therefore, more effective papers.
Green words are
Abstract
Broad ideas, concepts
Highly Connotative
Have layers of meaning
Value Driven
Not necessarily controversial, however easily opinionated.
EX: Does the word “wealth” bring specific thoughts, beliefs, opinions to your mind?

14. So how does this help me write a better thesis?
Your thesis should be driven by a combination of strong green words
Because of their connotative, value-driven nature, a “green” word based thesis will automatically drive your paper toward persuasion.

15. Try this:
Look at your list of green words. List several that are present in HeLa
Create a sentence utilizing three of these words.

16. STOP! Did you just write a three-prong thesis?
If you did CROSS IT OUT!

17. Round 2:
REwrite the thesis using three of your green words, BUT this time follow this formula:
Create and “although” statement using ONE green word in the dependent clause (at the beginning) and TWO in the independent clause (back half).
Example for The Glass Castle:
Although the Walls children grow up in deprivation, their determination and intelligence drive them to become successful people.