1. Learning Target: I can create an effective statement of purpose and thesis statement
Do Now: Read over the list of possible research topics for this essay.
Based on the topic you chose, pick a sentence starter and create a complete sentence.
I want to learn about... I want to know why... I want to know how...

2. When to write a thesis
Now that you have some research done and guidance in doing more research, we need to understand what a thesis statement is.
YOU CANNOT WRITE A THESIS UNTIL YOU HAVE INFORMATION!
Let’s see why…

3. What is a Thesis Statement?
A thesis statement is a strong statement that you can prove with evidence. It is not a simple statement of fact. A thesis statement should be the product of your own critical thinking after you have done some research. Your thesis statement will be the main idea of your entire project. It can also be thought of as the angle or point of view from which you present your material. 

4. Research is a process made up of many small steps. What Next
Research is a process made up of many small steps. What Next? Steps in the Research Process
1. Define your research needs
2. Develop a research strategy
3. Conduct searches for information
4. Evaluate the resources that you find
5. Incorporate and cite the information you use

5. Defining Your Research Needs
Make sure that you understand your assignment.
The next step in the process is defining what you need.
Then distinguish between different types of resources to decide which to use.

6. Developing a Research Strategy
Break down the main concept into smaller concepts and think of keywords.
If your topic is “Does watching TV cause violence?”, break down your idea into at least two concepts.
CONCEPT 1[ Media
CONCEPT 2 [Violence

7. Developing a Research Strategy Think of Synonyms Often, there is more than one word that you can use to search for your topic
CONCEPT 1 - media
Synonyms - television, mass media
movies, mass communications
CONCEPT 2 - violence
[Synonyms - riots, aggression, violent behavior

8. Conducting Searches for Information Note!!! Important!!!
Do not search using long phrases such as,
“How does advertising cause violence”
Should cell phones be banned while driving?
Does rap music effect the behavior of teenagers in America?
REMEMBER --- Use KEYWORDS and combine them using - AND -

9. Possible thesis statement
Statement of Purpose
Possible thesis statement
"I want to learn about what has influenced the music of 50 cent."
The music of 50 cent has been heavily influenced by (you fill in the blank).
"I want to find out some ways to stop teen gang activity."
Teen gang activity in the United States can be stopped by a combined approach which consists of supervised youth programs, more job availability, and closer family relationships.
"I want to know how close we are to a cure for AIDS."
Although much research has gone into finding a cure for the AIDS virus, we are no closer to a real cure than we were when the disease first became known.
"I want to know why Christians and Muslims fought so hard with each other during the middle ages."
Even though Christians and Muslims were supposedly fighting for religious dominance in the medieval world, their motives were strongly affected by the desire for land and economic power.