1. Setting Up a Research Essay
Honors 10 English

2. Thesis: A Road Map for Your Paper
A summary of your argument
Tells your reader what to expect from your essay
Makes a claim that others might dispute
A single sentence near the end of your intro paragraph
Examples from "Thesis Statements." The Writing Center. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Web. 20 Jan

3. Patience! It takes time Collect and organize evidence
Brainstorm main ideas
What is your sole purpose?
Who is your audience?
From your research: what do you want to prove exactly?
WHY is your topic the most significant during this time in the world?
Examples from "Thesis Statements." The Writing Center. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Web. 20 Jan

4. Is My Thesis Strong? Do I answer the main question?
Is my thesis specific enough?
Does it answer “So What?”
Do my main ideas support this thesis or do I need to rephrase it?
Does my thesis answer “how and why”?
Examples from "Thesis Statements." The Writing Center. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Web. 20 Jan

5. Practice: Is this thesis strong enough?
The North and South fought the Civil War for many reasons, some of which were the same and some different.
What reasons?
How are they same? How are they different?
Make sure you are specific on what you are arguing in your essay
Examples from "Thesis Statements." The Writing Center. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Web. 20 Jan

6. Round 2:
While both sides fought the Civil War over the issue of slavery, the North fought for moral reasons while the South fought to preserve its own institutions.
A bit vague
Didn’t they both fight for moral reasons
Examples from "Thesis Statements." The Writing Center. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Web. 20 Jan

7. Round 3:
While both Northerners and Southerners believed they fought against tyranny and oppression, Northerners focused on the oppression of slaves while Southerners defended their own right to self-government.
Any other questions or any corrections you feel it needs?
Examples from "Thesis Statements." The Writing Center. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Web. 20 Jan

8. Round 1: Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn is a great novel. So what?
Why is such a great novel?
Examples from "Thesis Statements." The Writing Center. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Web. 20 Jan

9. Round 2:
In Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain develops a contrast between life on the river and life on the shore.
So what? What’s the point of this contrast?
Why is it such a big deal to you to show this contrast?
Examples from "Thesis Statements." The Writing Center. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Web. 20 Jan

10. Round 3:
Through its contrasting river and shore scenes, Twain’s Huckleberry Finn, suggests that to find the true expression of American democratic ideals, one must leave “civilized” society and go back to nature.
Examples from "Thesis Statements." The Writing Center. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Web. 20 Jan

11. In Class Practice Main Ideas Working Thesis
What are some ideas you are thinking of right now?
What are you trying to prove or argue?
Where would you like your paper to go?
What ideas do you believe will prove your thesis?
Main points that are needed:
Historical background
The impact it made in the day
The impact it still makes today
Have at least 4-5 main points that will back up your thesis

12. Notecards, Thesis, & Main Ideas
Organization

13. Notecards Organization & Purpose
Quote or paraphrase (balance between the 2)
Write a small analysis on it
2-3 sentences total
This will help when writing
Easier to highlight or number them according to the source you got them from
Topics & subtopics on it will help with organizing into main points
Notecards
Organization & Purpose

14. Practice Thesis
What are some concepts that show your topic's importance?
Abigail Adams
Main Concepts
not afraid to give her opinion (in a time where it was looked down upon for a woman to say her mind)
kept a detailed account of American history
helped President Adams with many decisions
gave voice as to why slavery would be the downfall of our nation
big advocate for women’s education & rights

15. Thesis Cont. Fit major ideas into 2-3 sentences at first
Abigail Adams was one of the influential individuals in the world because she helped shape America what it is today. She was an advocate for education for everyone, women’s rights, and she set the bar on how to treat guests at the White House.
Get rid of vague ideas or add more detail as to what you are trying to prove.
Abigail Adams not only inspired and supported her husband as the President, but she also began the difficult task of paving the way for Women’s Rights and education for everyone. Both of these movements are credited to her as well as enlightening the world with American history.

16. Thesis Cont.
Try putting it into 1 sentence (sum up your entire paper in this)
Abigail Adams has been called many things, but the best name given to her has been an advocate toward free and accessible education along with being one of the first advocates for Women’s Rights which has stemmed into the Equal Rights movement of today.
The more you research, write, rewrite, and edit, the more polished your thesis will become.

17. Historical Background
Thesis
Impact (Then)
Historical Background
Impact (Now)
Other Main Idea
Sub Topic 2
Sub Topic 2
Sub Topic 1
Sub Topic 1
Sub Topic 1
Sub Topic 2
Sub Topic 1
Sub Topic 2
Sub Topic 3
Sub Topic 3
Sub Topic 3
Sub Topic 3

18. Historical Background Childhood
Very sick as a girl
Learned through books
Parents were both very moral
Historical Background
Childhood
Was alone most of Rev. War
Farmed, paid bills, raised 4 children
Married at 20
Adulthood
Interested in politics than fashion
Both Mr. & Mrs. very blunt
Wrote letters to Mr. from
Mrs. Adams
1st to live in White House
Made guests feel welcome
Was called “Her Majesty”
1st Family
Impact (Then)
Aided with diplomatic work
Helped him as minister in UK
Sought for advise
Helped Pres. Adams
In need of formal schooling
**Look at quote**
Be recognized for their work
Women’s Rights
Gives a history of the Rev. War
What was it like to be 1st Lady
Shows Adams’ relation-ship
Letters
Impact (Now)
Slavery = threat to nation’s welfare
**Look at quote**
Not afraid to be ridiculed
Helped govern-ment rethink slavery
Strong Opinions
So much history from letters
**Look at quote**
Shaped U.S.A.