1. Developing a Working Thesis Statement
ZHS English I Department
Freshman Academy
* You need to be prepared to take notes

2. Thesis Statement
Provides a simple and concise in one sentence that will then be answered or addressed with proof throughout the essay.
It is arguable
Forces the writer to know exactly what will be included in the essay.
Writers can create topic sentences that fully respond and explain the thesis.
clear idea

3. Parts of a Thesis The author’s name
The title of the work in italics or underlined
A simple, yet meaningful, statement about the connection between a major character and one aspect of the America Experience as evidenced by the play. You must be able to have a good answer to the question about the thesis, "So What?"

4. BAD THESIS Good or Bad Thesis?
In Lorraine Hansberry’s play, A Raisin in the Sun, Beneatha wants to be a doctor, but her brother wants her to be a nurse.
In Lorraine Hansberry’s play, A Raisin in the Sun, Beneatha wants to be a doctor, but her brother wants her to be a nurse
Bad Qualities-This is a fact easily found in the play and doesn’t clearly connect Beneatha with any of the big ideas. (One of the themes given)
Good Qualities- Title of the text and author

5. GOOD THESIS Good or Bad Thesis?
In Lorraine Hansberry’s play, A Raisin in the Sun, Beneatha is the perfect example of a character who struggles against racism and sexism as she attempts to fulfill her ambitions.
In Lorraine Hansberry’s play, A Raisin in the Sun, Beneatha is the perfect example of a character who struggles against racism and sexism as she attempts to fulfill her ambitions.
Good Qualities-This is a well-written thesis statement because it connects Beneatha with idea of race and social justice, one of the themes of the play.
Good Qualities- Title of the text and author

6. GOOD THESIS Good or Bad Thesis?
In Lorraine Hansberry’s play, A Raisin in the Sun, Walter’s obsession with money often causes him to act unkindly to those he loves.
In Lorraine Hansberry’s play, A Raisin in the Sun, Walter’s obsession with money often causes him to act unkindly to those he loves.
Good Qualities-This gives you a chance to show numerous relationships while addressing the impact of money on morality, one of the themes of the play.
Good Qualities- Title of the text and author

7. BAD THESIS Good or Bad Thesis?
In Lorraine Hansberry’s play, A Raisin in the Sun, Walter is obsessed with money.
In Lorraine Hansberry’s play, A Raisin in the Sun, Walter is obsessed with money.
Bad Qualities-This is broad, general, and overly obvious; it does not lead to a bigger idea or an answer of the “so what” question.
Good Qualities- Title of the text and author

8. Topics?
Thesis Statement Work!

9. Independent Activity
On the handout provided, write two thesis statements that address a connection between a character and the chosen theme of the American Voices/The Civil Rights Movement in A Raisin in the Sun, using the elements of a good thesis statement.

10. Peer Editing Instructions
Peer Editing Activity
Peer Editing Instructions
For each thesis statement, the following questions should be addressed:
Pass your paper. You will have 5-7 min. to peer edit one of the thesis statements written. –Give your full effort!! Use a different color pen. Mark it up and then make your comments in the Response section below.
When time is called, Pass the paper you have to the person on your left. You will have 5-7 min. to peer edit the other thesis statement.
After time is called, return the paper to its owner.
 Does the thesis statement include the necessary three elements?
 Does the thesis statement suggest a theory about a connection between a character and some aspect of the chosen Unit theme?
 How could you improve the thesis statement?
 So what? Why is the thesis important?

11. Peer Editing Once you have your edited Thesis Statement back:
-Work on writing your Final Thesis Statement.
-Consider the comments made by your classmates.
-Make sure you have followed instructions.
-If you finish before time is called, and feel great about your Thesis Statement, place your paper on the corner of my desk and then return to your desk and SSR.
-All final thesis statements will be turned in at the beginning of class tomorrow (if not turned in today)

12. HISTORICAL
Construct a working thesis around one of the types of barriers based on your chosen theme.
What barriers existed in A Raisin in the Sun?
GENDER
Barriers
RACE
Essential Questions:
What are the roles/effects of barriers in our lives and in society?
How do barriers change or remain the same over time?
How do people change as a result of confronting barriers?
SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS

13. Group Discussion
Each group will discuss and choose three “best” thesis statements
Copy them so they are clearly legible.
Post them for others to see and share.
Gallery Walk. Each group must comment on at least one of the thesis statements.

14. Homework
Using your peer editing guide continue to work on both thesis statements.
Make any necessary changes to your thesis statements.
Choose one thesis statement to use in your essay.
By the next class, all students need to have a working thesis, so if they don't finish in class, they will need to create a thesis for homework.