Download Your Thesis Statement

Assignment:
• You are a National Geographic journalist who is writing
in the September/October edition of Explorer Magazine.
Considering it is the slightly past the 100th anniversary
of the North Pole expeditions, some intriguing data has
surfaced that is causing the world to question who really
got to the North Pole first!
• Write an article that expresses your opinion as to which
explorer arrived first, Peary (accompanied by Matthew
Henson) or Cook.
Writer’s Workshop
Writing an Opinionated Article Including a
Thesis Statement
What is a Thesis Statement?
• It is sentence that expresses your
position/opinion on a given topic.
• It creates a direction for your ENTIRE paper.
It is kind of like a roadmap for your paper.
• Usually it is a complex sentence…(more on
this to come!)
• It makes a point that is ARGUEABLE!
Where does a Thesis Statement go?
•
Because the rest of your paper will support
your thesis, it is usually placed at or near
the end of the first paragraph – the introductory
paragraph.
Thesis Statements Are Not
As Hard As You May Think…
Now, let’s look at
what a Thesis Statement
is NOT!
A Thesis Statement is NOT…
• It is never a question; it should be the
answer to a question.
• It is NOT a fact. It is your opinion.
• It is not an announcement of a subject.
(example: “This paper will explain…”)
Two Main Parts
A thesis statement is usually is made up of two
parts:
AND
Affordable Education
For Example:
It must be made available
to any qualified student in
the United States.
Statement Created From Thesis Above:
“To compete well in the global economy, the United
States must make higher education affordable for any
student who qualified academically.”
More Examples of Thesis Statements…
AND
For Example:
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park
is the perfect place to
vacation.
Statement Created From Ideas Above:
“Because of the fun recreational activities, the beautiful
scenery, and the economical lodging available, the best place
for the perfect family is Yosemite National Park.”
More Examples of Thesis Statements…
AND
For Example:
Most Important Meal
Of the Day
Breakfast is the most
important meal of the
day
Statement Created From Ideas Above:
“Because it gives the person all the essential nutrients
that the body requires, and also help the body in facing the
challenges of the day, I believe a healthy breakfast is the
most important meal of the day.”
Teacher Model of Thesis Statement
Based on the claims presented in the texts, write an essay in
response to the following statement from the last unit we
explored:
“Amundsen arrived at the South Pole first because he was
more prepared.”
AN
D
Amundsen’s South Pole Discovery
Amundson arrived at the South Pole first.
Thesis Statement Created From Ideas Above:
(Will be revised
later in the lesson!)
“Roald Amundsen was the first person to
discover the South Pole because he was prepared
for the expedition.”
So Where Does a Thesis
Statement Belong?
Your Introductory Paragraph
When writing an introductory paragraph:
1. First - Grab you readers attention with a general statement about
your topic .
2. Second, give your reader a brief explanation (2-3 sentences)
of what you will be explaining about your topic.
3. Last, end your introduction with a thesis statement that tells your
reader what you intend to prove to them about your topic.
Attention Grabbing
Opening / A HOOK
Think of your introduction
paragraph like a funnel.
Thesis
First
FocusYour
THESIS
Teacher Model of Introductory Paragraph
Attention Grabbing
Opening / A HOOK
Remember
this?
Start with a HOOK:
1. Question – a question that
focuses the reader on the
subject of the writing.
OR
HOOK:
2. Quote- a line of dialogue
“Have you ever wondered who discovered the South
Pole first and how he or she was able to accomplish
it? “
Teacher Model of Introductory Paragraph
HOOK
Discussion
of topic
Thesis
Statement
Have you ever wondered who
discovered the South Pole first and how
he or she was able to accomplish it?
In the year 1911, two men ventured out
with this goal in mind! Roald
Amundsen and Captain Robert Scott
were competitors and one of them
conquered the South Pole before the
other! In my opinion, Amundsen was
the first person to discover the South
Pole because he was more prepared for
the expedition.”
Body Paragraphs
• Model of the ACES STRATEGY
• Within each body paragraph, make sure to
include:
– Textual evidence that will support
your opinion.
– Complex Sentences (see Complex
Sentences PowerPoint and Student
Handouts /Mini Lesson)
Continue Rough Draft on the Student Handout
(Before moving on to the concluding
paragraph, see the Writing Complex
Sentences Mini Lesson)
Revise rough draft by adding
complex sentences
Concluding Paragraph
•
The easiest paragraph in your essay!
•
The very LAST paragraph!
•
Contains three-four strong sentences.
You should…
• Restate your thesis and your prompt! You may
begin this by saying something as simple as
“In conclusion…”
• Remind the reader of the most important ideas
in your essay!
You must not…
• Do not give any NEW information.
• Do not include any more examples/supportive
detail.
Teacher Model of Concluding Paragraph
Restatement of
thesis/prompt
In conclusion, I feel that
Amundsen was the first
person to discover the
South Pole. Because this
explorer was conditioned
prior to the race, an
experienced explorer, and
proven to be a practical
individual, Amundsen
accomplished the goal
before Captain Scott!