1. The 6 step method of developing a thesis from a prompt

2. How To Respond to a Prompt 1.) Read the prompt slowly and carefully. 2.) Circle the key words of the prompt. These may include: -verbs (which tell you what to do) -names and numbers (which tell you how much and where to do it) -terms, ie. authors, books, words, images, examples (which will tell you how to do it) >Stop to consider: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?

3. 3.) WTF!? Identify WHAT you must answer Identify the specific TASK you must complete Identify any FORMAT that the prompt asks you to use 4.) Shitty first Thesis: Using key words or ideas from the prompt, try to construct a response to the prompt. 5.) Make sure your answer actually answers the prompt. Is it just inspired by the prompt? If so, that’s not good enough. 6.) Simplify and clarify the wording of your answer so it is as concise, direct, and clear as possible in answering the prompt. Your answer should be 1 sentence (or sometimes two) in length, but no longer.

4. Now You Have a Thesis Statement! Painless, right? Now let’s try with an example…

5. Step 1: Read the prompt (Essay 2, Prompt 1) “For this prompt, your assignment is to argue why at least three largely accepted social behaviors or norms in our contemporary society will be deemed aberrant, and will be viewed negatively, by humans in 2050.”

6. Step 2: What are the key words? “For this prompt, your assignment is to argue why at least three largely accepted social behaviors or norms in our contemporary society will be deemed aberrant, and will be viewed negatively, by humans in 2050.” Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?

7. Step 3: WTF? What must you answer? Which social norms will be viewed negatively in 2050. Identify your Task: To prove that certain things that are acceptable now will be viewed negatively in the future. Identify your Format: Since the prompt calls for analysis of 3 different social norms, and each is a separate argument, the essay will have three body paragraphs divided according to each norm discussed.

8. Step 4: Shitty First Thesis What words did you highlight? Argue why, three, social behaviors or norms, will be deemed aberrant, viewed negatively in 2050 Use them to construct a shitty response: “I argue that three social behaviors or norms will be deemed aberrant and will be viewed negatively by 2050.”

9. Step 5: Does your thesis actually respond to the prompt? “I argue that three social behaviors or norms will be deemed aberrant and will be viewed negatively by 2050.” This thesis is in the ballpark, but it could still be improved. -It doesn’t name the three norms or behaviors -It’s very vague -Viewed negative by whom in 2050?

10. Let’s try again: I argue that [X, Y, and Z] will be deemed aberrant and will be viewed negatively by society in 2050.

11. Step 6: Simplify and Clarify I argue that [X, Y, and Z] will be deemed aberrant and will be viewed negatively by society in 2050. What could be shortened or made clearer here? -“I argue that” is completely unnecessary. You wouldn’t say, “I argue that we should get some pizza.” You would probably just say, “Let’s get some pizza.” We know that you’re arguing because we’re reading your essay.

12. Step 6 continued… New thesis: [X, Y, and Z] will be deemed aberrant and will be viewed negatively by society in 2050. Do you like the way this sounds? Is it the most persuasive wording? Could this be worded any more effectively or more creatively while maintaining the same meaning?

13. Strong Thesis “In the year 2050, humans will look back on today’s society and disapprove of the Guantanamo Bay Prison system, discrimination against women and homosexuals, and the depletion of the environment.”

14. Another Look Prompt: “For this prompt, your assignment is to argue why at least three largely accepted social behaviors or norms in our contemporary society will be deemed aberrant, and will be viewed negatively, by humans in 2050.” Thesis: “In the year 2050, humans will look back on today’s society and disapprove of the Guantanamo Bay Prison system, discrimination against women and homosexuals, and the depletion of the environment.”

15. Group Activity In your groups, try this process with the following prompts: Should athletes who enhance their performance through biotechnology be banned from athletic competition? Define the circumstances in which civil disobedience is acceptable and in which it is unacceptable. Write a five-paragraph essay discussing the ways in which artwork has made a significant impact on your life. Should colleges require all students, regardless of their majors, to complete certain core-curriculum classes? What does society have a right or responsibility to censor and why?