1. “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.” What to to write?!? write?!? What to to write?!? write?!? Evaluating the Prompt – Thesis Write On!

2. Evaluating the Prompt – Thesis “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.” Evaluating the Prompt Evaluating the Prompt Spend some time on the following steps: Determine the type of essay you are writing. Explain or inform Explanatory? Explain or inform Opinion or belief Argumentative? Opinion or belief Tell a story Narrative? Tell a story Analyze the topic of the prompt What exactly are you supposed to write about? Identify advanced vocabulary Which words in the prompt should you include in the essay?

3. Example Example Write On! Prompt: Many people take great pride in exhibiting the characteristics of a good citizen. Think about what types of characteristics make up a good citizen. Now write to explain what makes a person a good citizen. type What type of essay are you writing? Explain = Explanatory essay exactly What exactly are you write about? supposed to write about? Explain what makes a person a good citizen. ExhibitCharacteristicsCitizen Identify advanced vocabulary: Evaluating the Prompt – Thesis “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.”

4. PRACTICE PRACTICE Write On! Prompt: Many people are dog-lovers while many others prefer cats or other animals as pets. Think about which pet you think is better. Now write to present your opinion about which animal makes the best pet. What type of essay are you writing? Opinion = Argumentative essay exactly write about What exactly are you supposed to write about? Your opinion about which animal makes the best pet. Identify advanced vocabulary: PreferPetAnimal Evaluating the Prompt – Thesis “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.”

5. Using Prior Knowledge & Character Traits Using Prior Knowledge & Character Traits Gather your thoughts… IDEASIDEASIDEAS! Using Prior Knowledge & Character Traits Using Prior Knowledge & Character Traits Gather your thoughts… IDEASIDEASIDEAS! Evaluating the Prompt – Thesis Write On! Powerful & Significant “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.”

6. Evaluating the Prompt – Thesis Write On! “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.” Activate Prior Knowledge Read the prompt carefully – make sure you understand what the subject is. Write down all thoughts you have about the subject. Use your own knowledge base to get started.

7. Responsibility Honesty Kindness Self-Control Respect Tolerance Citizenship Cooperation If appropriate, try to incorporate at least one character trait into each essay you write. Using the following character traits (or variations) will help make your writing powerful and effective. “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.” Use Character Traits Evaluating the Prompt – General Statement

8. Evaluating the Prompt – Thesis “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.” Avoid first person pronouns (most of the time) * I * me * my * we * us * our * Avoid narrative elements (unless you are writing an Argumentative essay) * I think * I believe * I want * I should * My reasons * My opinion Avoid using the words you, you’re, your (anywhere in the essay!) Do not “speak” to the reader Avoid abbreviations, symbols, or “IM talk” Avoid abbreviations, symbols, or “IM talk” USE capital letters and commas correctly List reasons in a standard thesis: strongest, weak, strong

9. Evaluating the Prompt – Thesis Vending machines should be in our school because they make money, offer choices, and hungry. provided in they students get “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.” Important Facts about Thesis Statements Capitalize first word of a new sentence and proper nouns Never place a comma before or after because Commas in a series for reasons (a, b, conjunction c) Commas in a series for reasons (a, b, conjunction c) Always check your thesis for agreement and revise!

10. List Ideas by using Prior Knowledge & Character Traits Write On! Good Citizen obeys rules & laws helps others honest respectful kindness picks up trash respect the environment Prompt: Many people take great pride in exhibiting the characteristics of a good citizen. Think about what types of characteristics make up a good citizen. Now write to explain what makes a person a good citizen. Evaluating the Prompt – Thesis “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.”

11. List Ideas by using Prior Knowledge & Character Traits List Ideas by using Prior Knowledge & Character Traits List Ideas by using Prior Knowledge & Character Traits List Ideas by using Prior Knowledge & Character Traits Write On! Prompt: Many people are dog- lovers while many others prefer cats or other animals as pets. Think about which pet you think is better. Now write to present your opinion about which animal makes the best pet. Cats Calming Cuddly Friendly Playful Easy to care for Fish Quiet Provide a peaceful environment Easy care Dog Playful Loyal Protector Man’s best friend Active Evaluating the Prompt – Thesis “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.”

12. Thesis Statement Your Road Map to a Great Essay! Thesis Statement Your Road Map to a Great Essay! Evaluating the Prompt – Thesis Write On! “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.”

13. Thesis Statements Statements Thesis Statements Statements Evaluating the Prompt – Thesis Write On! Thesis Statement Last sentence in introduction Answers question posed in prompt Clear and to the point Prepares reader for rest of essay Can stand on its own “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.”

14. Evaluating the Prompt – Thesis “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.” Steps to develop Thesis Statements Evaluate Ideas Choose best Incorporate a character trait if you can Analyze Word Choice Choose powerful words Use wording from the prompt Double Check Conventions Check spelling and punctuation Be sure everything agrees in case, tense, and number Parallel structure is evident Use time-order transitions to begin each statement FirstNextLast First, Next, Last Kick it up! Will an implied thesis work for your style? Decide which type of thesis will flow with your writing.

15. Standard & Implied Thesis Statements Thesis Statements Standard & Implied Thesis Statements Thesis Statements Write On! Will an implied thesis work for your style? Kick it up! Standard Thesis Statement A Standard Thesis Statement lists the main ideas, which will make up the body of the essay, right in the statement. Implied Thesis Statement An Implied Thesis Statement alludes to the ideas which will follow, but it does not list them in the statement. Evaluating the Prompt – Thesis “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.”

16. Example - Detail Statements or a Thesis Statement: Write On! Prompt: Many people take great pride in exhibiting the characteristics of a good citizen. Think about what types of characteristics make up a good citizen. Now write to explain what makes a person a good citizen. Choose best ideas: Obeys rules/laws Helps others in community communityShow respect respect Thesis Statement: Being a good citizen means demonstrating obedience for laws, respect, and cooperation within one’s community. Kick it up! Use an Implied Thesis Statement: Since we are all part of society, it is imperative to demonstrate the qualities of an upstanding citizen. Evaluating the Prompt – Thesis “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.”

17. Writing an Implied Thesis Statement Write On! Before you write an implied thesis, make sure to evaluate and choose the best ideas. Before you write an implied thesis, make sure to evaluate and choose the best ideas. Decide on the main focus of the essay. For a persuasive essay, note an opposing viewpoint. Follow the formula: LB, S when writing an implied thesis statement. Before writing, let’s review the formula: LB, S Kick it up! Evaluating the Prompt – Thesis “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.”

18. Writing an LB, S An LB, S is a Left Branch (subordinate clause) followed by a complete sentence. A subordinate clause begins with a subordinating conjunction and is followed by a subject and a verb. Writing an LB, S An LB, S is a Left Branch (subordinate clause) followed by a complete sentence. A subordinate clause begins with a subordinating conjunction and is followed by a subject and a verb. Write On! Although rock music is popular A subordinate clause does NOT make sense by itself. Although rock music is popular, I prefer to submerge myself in the melodies of classical music. usic. Evaluating the Prompt – Thesis “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.”

19. Write On! IMPORTANT: You need to be able to recognize subordinating conjunctions. after although as because even though until before since so that unless when while Evaluating the Prompt – Thesis “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.”

20. Write On! Writing an Argumentative Implied Thesis Writing an Argumentative Implied Thesis When you are writing an Argumentative Essay, an implied thesis statement will allow you to address an opposing viewpoint but place the focus on your point. Format the “left branch” to address the opposing viewpoint. While backpack searches may seem like an invasion of privacy, the safety of students, faculty, and staff is the primary concern. Will an implied thesis work for your style? Kick it up! Evaluating the Prompt – Thesis “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.”

21. Practice Practice Practice Practice Prompt: Many people are dog- lovers while many others prefer cats or other animals as pets. Think about which pet you think is better. Now write to present your opinion about which animal makes the best pet. Evaluating the Prompt – Thesis “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.”

22. Evaluate Ideas & Analyze Word Choice for Thesis Statements Modify word choice Choose 3 best ideas Dogs are the Best Pet Loyal Loyal companion PlayfulProtector Guardian Man’s Best Friend Active Evaluating the Prompt – Thesis “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.”

23. Write Thesis Statement Write Thesis Statement Write On! Will an implied thesis work for your style? Kick it up! Without a doubt, a dog makes the best pet because it is a loyal companion, a guardian, and always active. Kick it up! Use an Implied Thesis Statement: Although some people feel a cat is the best pet, a dog truly makes the ultimate companion. Evaluating the Prompt – Thesis “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.”