1. I. Getting From Topic To Thesis Defining the Main Idea 1

2. Table of Contents Jamie’s Assignment3 Selecting a Topic4-6 Creating a Thesis7-8 Jamie’s Thesis Question9 Jamie’s Tentative Thesis10 2

3. 3 Jamie’s Assignment * Write a 5-7 (Does not include title page/works Cited Page)page research paper on the topic “Youth Violence.” Explore the cause of one aspect of youth violence and argue for a solution. * Please include at least five cited sources and use MLA format. See “What is Argumentative Writing?” File Attachment here Research Paper Day 2

4. 4 Violence in Video Games Violence in Music Television and Violence Rap e Racism and Violence Sports and Violence Violence vs. Self (suicide or eating disorders) Which topic to choose?

5. 5 I love to watch TV! This topic is going to be fun! I don’t think there is any link between real and TV violence. I’m picking “Violence and Television.”

6. 6 What Is a Thesis? A thesis asserts the point or makes the argument the paper will prove. Conclusion

7. How to Create a Thesis The best way to create a thesis is to ask a central research question. The ANSWER to the question is the THESIS. 1.Purdue Online Writing Lab http://owl.english.purdue.edu/workshops/hypertext/Researc hW/point.htmlPurdue Online Writing Lab 2.Harvard Writing Center http://www.fas.harvard.edu/%7Ewricntr/documents/Thesis. htmlHarvard Writing Center 7

8. Jamie’s THESIS QUESTION Does watching violence on television cause teens to commit real-life violence? (And if so, what action should be taken?) 8

9. Jamie’s Tentative Thesis Now Jamie has to go to the library to do research. 9 There is no link between teens watching television and committing real-life violence.

10. Ways to Explore the Selected Topic Make an Outline of ideas Cluster/Map ideas Do a Free write. ***See Examples of all following this slide. 10

11. Jamie’s Scratch Outline 11

12. Jamie’s Free Write 12

13. Jamie’s Cluster/Map 13 TV Violence/Teen Violence Responsibility Case Histories Research studies Columbine Violent TV shows Teens Parents TeachersGovernment Cartoon violence