1. What was the greatest civilization of all time?

2. Thesis practice, essay planning
Gather evidence
Organize evidence
--clearly mark your 6 most important pieces of evidence
3. Summarize the evidence to answer the question in the form of a thesis
Thesis:
what, how, answer “so what?” or
Arguable, specific, important

3. Thesis “no”s
“I”
“best” or other simple words
Extra words

4. Thesis Statement Components Label on yours.
1. Arguable
Must be debatable
Must be able to be supported with FACTS/QUOTES
2. Specific Argument Detail
How? & Why?
3. Argument Depth
So what?

5. Thesis Statement Components
All thesis statement should include three main components
Argument
Must be debatable
Must be able to be supported with FACTS/QUOTES
Specific Argument Detail
How? & Why?
Argument Depth
So what?

6. Lists
Egypt was able to develop a strong, complex civilization because it had strong leadership, many festivals, and advanced technology. Did you learn to write thesis statements like this? How would you rate this? (out of 4)

7. Lists: the 3-point formula
Egypt was able to develop a strong, complex civilization because it had strong leadership, many festivals, and advanced technology. Listing thesis statements are 3/4 (if they are accurate). This is a good place to start. There is no formula to go from a 3 to a 4. You have to get creative with your sentence structure and you have to introduce complexity (How does it work? Why?)

8. Creative Thesis!
Egypt’s complex, advanced technology ensured the most people possible experienced edifying personal success. There is no formula to go from a 3 to a 4. You have to get creative with your sentence structure and you have to introduce complexity (How does it work? Why?)

10. Thesis Statements Main Thesis
Introduces a unique thesis statement that is specific, provable, and debatable.
Fully addresses the prompt.
Thesis statement is vague or incomplete.
Thesis statement does not fully address the prompt.
Lacks a clear thesis statement.
Thesis statement is not an argument.
Fails to address all aspects of the prompt.

12. Translation
In “The Lady with the Little Dog,” Chekhov uses food and drink as motifs to demonstrate Gurov’s shift away from indulgence and materialism, using these changes in characterization to criticize the lifestyle of the Russian upper class.

14. That’s why we did the research first!
The Strategy, Thesis
That’s why we did the research first!
Use your evidence to create a thesis with …
… arguable point.
… specific point.
… importance (answers “so what?” question)

15. The Strategy, Thesis Thesis don’ts: Use the word “I.” EVER!
Answer the question with the question’s words.
“The best place to live …”
So, no “best!”

16. The Strategy, Thesis Thesis dos
Create an original statement that answers the question specifically.
Minimize the amount of words. Make each one count.
Narrow down the scope so that is as specific as possible.
Claim the most significant, coolest thing you can based on your evidence. (What can you prove?)

17. While one person reads it, use your arms:
Thesis Share
While one person reads it, use your arms:
Make a “T” for topic.
Make an “A” for specific argument.
Make an “W” for the answer to the “so what?” question. The important part!
Pick the best.

18. Great Mongol Thesis Reminder
The Mongols’ civilized violence brought new technology and cultural diversity to all of Asia.

19. Any Thesis Review
The Vikings’ hard work and dedication will eventually lead them to the Super Bowl.
Arts programs are vital to healthy societies because they give a way to support the creativity used to invent important things later.
Jeremy Lin is the most important basketball player because he has given hope to others who want to play in the NBA and now know they could .
Expanding our language would bring greater thinking capacity and help solve the world’s problems.