1. Focusing QuestionFocusing Question | Mini Lesson | Writer’s Work Time | Lesson SummaryMini LessonWriter’s Work TimeLesson Summary Clarify the Main Idea Objective: To write a main idea (thesis) statement that clearly communicates the article’s topic and angle. Focusing Questions: What is the main idea you want to express? Strategy: To clarify the main idea of the article by writing a few statements that clearly communicate the specific aspect of the topic you will address.

2. Focusing QuestionFocusing Question | Mini Lesson | Writer’s Work Time | Lesson SummaryMini LessonWriter’s Work TimeLesson Summary Mini Lesson Think about your main idea: What was my original topic and angle? What information/ideas did I learn during my research? How does that information fit with my original topic and angle? What is the main idea I want to communicate to my audience? Write your main idea statement. The main idea statement should: –be in the third person –focus on one aspect of the topic –involve conflict or contrast –be formal and authoritative.

3. Focusing QuestionFocusing Question | Mini Lesson | Writer’s Work Time | Lesson SummaryMini LessonWriter’s Work TimeLesson Summary Writer’s Work Time 1.Watch JT’s Think Aloud: Create A Main Idea Statement 2.Think through your main idea using the guiding questions. 3.Write a two-sentence main idea statement that meets the following criteria: –third person (no “I”) –focused on a particular aspect of a topic –involves some element of conflict or contrast 4.Experiment with language to communicate precise ideas.

4. Focusing QuestionFocusing Question | Mini Lesson | Writer’s Work Time | Lesson SummaryMini LessonWriter’s Work TimeLesson Summary What is the main idea you want to communicate in your feature article? Go to the activity Share Your Main Idea in the Online Classroom and post who you plan to interview and two or three questions you plan to ask. Read your partner’s post, then offer suggestions for making the main idea clear to the reader.