2. Warm-Up (9/29/2014) 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.
On our camping trip to Wash. their were trails to hike lakes to kayak and mountains to climb.
If someone took away all of your senses sight touch hearing smell taste what do you think life would be like.
The Minoan civilizashun which lasted for 2000 years on the island of Crete developed a rich and prosperous culture beginning around 6000 BCE.

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: State your belief on the topic.
Step Three: Add your two main points or examples for believing so
Step Four: Cross out the words “I believe”

5. Example
Step One: Identify the part of the prompt (“Write”) you are supposed to answer:
Ex: Write about the effects of reality TV on society.
Step Two: State your belief on the topic (underlined portion), using key words from the prompt (italicized for emphasis):
Ex: I believe the effects of reality TV are negative….
Step Three: Add at LEAST TWO main reasons OR examples for believing this
Ex: I believe the effects of reality TV are negative because it promotes materialism and mindless drivel. (TWO Reasons)
EX: I believe reality TV glorifies mindless drivel, such as in the case of Keeping up with The Kardashians and Here Comes Honey Boo- Boo. (TWO examples)
Step Four: Cross out the words “I believe,” and only use what’s left. DONE!!
Ex: I believe The effects of reality TV are negative due to its promotion of materialism and mindless drivel.
EX: I believe Reality TV promotes mindless drivel, such as in the case of Keeping up with The Kardashians and Here Comes Honey Boo-Boo. (TWO examples)

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 four steps to help you!
Explain the positive effects of exercise.
Discuss the importance of education.
What are the effects of being positive?
What are the effects of being negative?
Explain the effects of technology in school.

7. Create a thesis for the following prompt. This essay WILL be graded!
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