2. Warm-Up (9/30/2014) Just write down the mistake and then the correction; don’t copy the whole sentence.
Instead of reading and writing the Incas used the quipu a cord with knotted strings of various lengths and colors to record every aspect of there daily lifes.
Oxygen was descovered in 1772 by the Sweedish chemist, Carl Scheele, but he withheld the information until 2 years later when Joseph Priestly made the same descovery.

3. Thesis Statements
Def: The sentence in your essay that 1.) answers the prompt and 2.) previews your main points.
Contains at least two main points
It is the last sentence of your intro (first) paragraph.
Should be ONE sentence.
Most important sentence

4. How to Create A Thesis
Step One: Identify what you need to write about.
Step Two: Create a sentence starter using key words/synonyms from the prompt
Step Three: Add your two main points or examples for believing so (plan ahead for your body paragraphs). BE CONCISE.

5. Example Step 1: Ex: Write about the effects of reality TV on society.
Step 2: Ex: The effects of reality TV are negative….
Reality TV causes…
Keywords are just italicized for emphasis here.
Step 3: Ex: The effects of reality TV are negative because it promotes materialism and mindless drivel. (TWO Reasons)
EX: Reality TV causes our culture to glorify mindless drivel, such as in the case of Keeping up with The Kardashians and Here Comes Honey Boo-Boo. (TWO examples; when might you use this type of thesis?)

6. Sample Topics: Create a thesis for each of the following prompts
Sample Topics: Create a thesis for each of the following prompts. Use the three steps to help you!
Explain the positive effects of exercise.
Discuss the importance of education.
What are the effects of having a positive mindset?
Explain the effects of technology in school.
Explain whether it’s more important to be part of a group or be an individual.

7. Expository Essay #1 Prompt
Read the information below:
  The Magi, as you know, were wise men—wonderfully wise men—who brought gifts to the Babe in the manger. They invented the art of giving Christmas presents. Being wise, their gifts were no doubt wise ones, possibly bearing the privilege of exchange in case of duplication. And here I have lamely related to you the uneventful chronicle of two foolish children in a flat who most unwisely sacrificed for each other the greatest treasures of their house. But in a last word to the wise of these days let it be said that of all who give gifts these two were the wisest. Of all who give and receive gifts, such as they are wisest. Everywhere they are wisest. They are the magi.
Although many people work to benefit themselves, some people choose to put others first. Think carefully about this statement:
Write an essay explaining whether people should be more concerned about others than about themselves.
Be sure to—
clearly state your thesis
organize and develop your ideas effectively
choose your words carefully
edit your writing for grammar, mechanics, and spelling

8. By the end of class… Submit your brainstorm (web map)
Submit your proposed thesis. Use the three steps discussed.
Tell me the organization you plan to take in the essay (tell me what your two body paragraphs will be about. Also include your overall organization (e.g., two-reasons, compare/contrast, cause/effect, problem/solution, etc.).
***Make sure your thesis reflects the organization of your body paragraphs. If you created your thesis properly, you shouldn’t have to think too hard about this question. 