1. Let’s Start An Argument… Writing a Thesis Statement
What is a thesis statement?
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2. Just a few notes: Copy the words in blue
Thesis statement - belongs at the end of introductory paragraph.
It should be the last sentence in your first paragraph.
Your thesis statement should be one sentence long.
Step one: choose the topic of your paper
Example: Should cellphones be banned in middle school?

3. Yay or Nay?
Step two: decide whether you are for or against the topic. Example:
Cellphones should be banned in middle school. (for)
Cellphones should be allowed in middle school. (against)

4. Step three-writing a claim statement For banning cellphones at school
You may need to research to find your three reasons
Step three: Develop three reasons to support your claim:
Claim example: Cellphones should be banned in middle school because…
Cellphones distract students from school work.
Students lose the ability to communicate face-to- face
Cellphones often get stolen, lost or damaged at school.

5. Supporting reasons: Against banning cellphones at school
Cellphones should be allowed in middle school
A parent can quickly reach their child in case of an emergency.
Cellphones are valuable learning tools.
Cellphones are a safety measure for students who are walking to bus stops or who may need to call for help
You may need to research to find these three reasons

6. Cellphones should be banned in middle school because they… (3 reasons)
distract students from schoolwork,
students lose the ability to communicate face-to-face, and
cellphones often get lost, stolen or damaged at school

7. Let’s put it all together! Copy what is in blue.
Claim = states topic + position/opinion
Cellphones should be banned in middle school because they distract students from schoolwork, students lose the ability to communicate face-to-face, and cellphones often get lost, stolen or damaged at school.
Reason #1
Reason #2
Reason #3
Claim + 3 Reasons = Thesis Statement

8. Pg. 134, #7
Claim = topic + position/opinion
There are numerous downsides to year-round schooling; it has no positive effect on education, it adds to the cost, and it disturbs the long- awaited summer vacation.
Three reasons that you must research to find evidence for.

9. Let’s try one together…
Should athletes make more money than average people?
With a partner, list three reasons why they should make more money than the average person.
Then list three reasons why they should not make more money than others.
Put it all together: Athletes should make more money than the average person because ________,
______________________, and ________________.

10. On your own Should violent video games be banned? Choose your side:
Violent video games should be banned.
Violent video games should continue to be sold.
Give three reasons for the side you chose.
Put it all together to make a thesis statement.