1. Thesis Writing 1.What is a thesis statement? 2.What are the components of a good analytical thesis statement? 3. There are many types of thesis statements. This year we are going to focus on comparative thesis writing. What are the components of a comparative thesis statement?

2. What is a thesis statement? A Thesis Statement Is: a road map for the paper. directly answers the question asked of you. makes a claim that others might dispute. usually a single sentence somewhere in your first paragraph that presents your argument to the reader. The rest of the paper, the body of the essay, gathers and organizes evidence that will persuade the reader of the logic of your interpretation. 5R

3. What are the components of a good analytical thesis statement? Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? If a reader’s first response is “how?” or “why?” your thesis may be too open-ended and lack guidance for the reader. See what you can add to give the reader a better take on your position right from the beginning. Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? If a reader’s first response is, “So what?” then you need to clarify, to forge a relationship, or to connect to a larger issue. 5R

4. Step 1: Create a chart of similarities and differences SimilaritiesDifferences You Member of class 5L

5. Step 2: Take a stand. Based on the chart, are you and another member of the class, more similar or different?

6. Step 3: Begin writing your thesis statement Although ____________ and I are (similar or different) ______________ in that ____________________, we are more (similar or different) _______________ in that ___________________________and we are more (similar or different) _______________ in that______________________________. 5L