1. There are established steps in the WRITING PROCESS, but people individualize them. The first step of P.O.W.E.R. is:
PREWRITING
Exploring your ideas about the topic
Developing a “rough” thesis statement

2. Visual Reference 1: Paragraphs and Sandwiches
When we are first learning to write extended thoughts, we are taught to write paragraphs.
Topic Sentence
Several supporting details
Conclusion

3. Visual Reference 1: Paragraphs and Sandwiches
Even though our language changes as we get closer to college, we are still using the same organizational structure.
Claim
Textual evidence/analysis
Re-PHRASING
of claim

4. Dobermans are intimidating
Claim: Doberman Pinschers
make great guard dogs
Key:
Claim
Evidence
Conclusion
Dobermans are intimidating
This structure helps me outline what I am going to say. Here I can visually see how my argument is developing.
When planning my paragraph, I need to have specific evidence to support my main idea.
These dogs are also vigilant
Dobermans are even-tempered
Reiterate your claim in the conclusion, and if necessary transition to
the next idea.
If your family is looking
for an effective guard dog,
Doberman Pinscher is the ideal breed.

5. EXAMPLE Paragraph from diagram
Doberman Pinschers are outstanding guard dogs. In addition to being very loyal to their owners, Dobermans have quite an intimidating appearance. Dobermans are also incredibly alert and agile, making them ideally suited for protecting one’s family or property. Another trait found in this breed of dog is patience with small children. This can be important if you want the benefit of a guard dog, without the unpredictability of some other breeds. For these reasons, Doberman Pinschers make exceptional guard dogs.
Key:
CLAIM
EVIDENCE
RESTATEMENT OF CLAIM

6. If I can write a good PARAGRAPH… Dobermans are intimidating
Claim: Doberman Pinschers
make great guard dogs
Key:
Claim
Evidence
Conclusion
Dobermans are intimidating
If I can write a good
PARAGRAPH…
When planning my paragraph, I need to have specific evidence to support my main idea.
These dogs are also vigilant
Dobermans are even-tempered
Reiterate your claim in the conclusion, and if necessary transition to
the next idea.
If your family is looking
for an effective guard dog,
Doberman Pinscher is the ideal breed.

7. I can nurture and develop that paragraph into something much greater…

8. Thesis: Doberman Pinschers make great guard dogs
because they are intimidating1, vigilant2,
and even-tempered3.
Thesis key:
Topic
Opinion
Reasons
Dobermans are intimidating1
A. black coat
B. short tail and ears, like a fighting breed (Hoyt 76, Jameson 122)
C. lean and muscular
D. prominent teeth
Because I know exactly what SUPPORTING ARGUMENTS I am going to make, I can put my textual evidence in the appropriate sections. I can also easily tell whether or not a fact belongs in my paper.
When I find quotes, I can make notes indicating where I will use each fact.
II. These dogs are also vigilant2
A. always alert
B. they actively roam their territory (Simpson and Kale 230)
C. have a better sense of hearing than smell (Arnold 24)
SEE ANYTHING FAMILIAR?
III. Dobermans are even-tempered1
A. good with kids
B. don’t bark unless provoked (Hoyt 33)
C. usually exhibit clear warning signs before attacking (Arnold 37)
Restate the thesis in the conclusion, but use synonyms and different phrasing.
If your family is looking
for a scary, watchful, but predictable
guard dog, Doberman Pinscher is the ideal breed.

9. In college writing, essays are guided by a
THESIS
ANOTHER USEFUL ANALOGY. . . Thesis statements give the reader a roadmap. They indicate what arguments the writer is about to explore, as well as what aspects of those arguments will be featured on the tour.

10. TOPIC+OPINION+REASONS=
Thesis
By now you should believe that if you can write a paragraph, you can write an essay,
but let’s talk about thesis statements.

11. Sample thesis 1: ANIMAL RIGHTS topic+opinion+reasons=THESIS
Acts of violence against animals should be punished with harsh mandatory sentencing because animals have feelings1, they serve useful societal functions2, and violence against animals often foreshadows sociopathic behavior3.
Thesis key:
Topic
Opinion
Reasons
Most beginning academic writers should try to get their
thesis statements into one sentence.

12. Sample thesis 2: SCHOOL REFORM topic+opinion+reasons=THESIS
Rural high schools should focus on academics by requiring student uniforms1, mandating two years of foreign language credit for every graduate2, and demanding a 2.5 GPA for anyone wanting to participate in athletics3.
Thesis key:
Topic
Opinion
Reasons
This thesis shows a slight deviation. This author did not
suggest reasons, but still gave some qualifying grounds on
which he or she can base an argument about school reform.