Bellringer:

In your own words, please explain what a thesis statement is.

Reminders:

• Due Dates:

– Thesis & rough outline =

• Next time in IMC =

HW =

Learning Objectives

• You will be able to:

1. Explain what a thesis statement is.

2. Construct your own thesis statement.

Goals for Preliminary Thesis:

Why write a thesis now? I haven’t done any research yet.

• Focus your search for information

But…• Be flexible

• Change your thesis if the evidence leads you to do so

• Continue to refine as you do more research

Let’s play: Is it a thesis?

• I think high school sports and extra-curricular activities are good for students.

• ANSWERS?

Let’s play: Is it a thesis?

• I would like to become a chef when I finish school.

• Although both chefs and cooks can prepare fine meals, chefs differ from cooks in education, professional commitment, and artistry.

Let’s play: Is it a thesis?

• Steroid abuse is wrong.

• Steroids, even those legally available, are addictive and should be banned from sports.

What is a thesis statement?

Words to remember…

_ _ _ _ _ _ T _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

_ H _ _ _ _

_ _ E _ _ _ _ _

_ _ _ _ S

_ _ _ _ _ _ I _ _

_ _ S _ _ _ _ _

What is a thesis statement?

A thought-provoking sentence requiring debate rather than a simple retelling of the facts

A thread that will be woven throughout the entire essay

A statement of specific conclusions.• Instead of: “Music”• …think “American Jazz in the 1930’s”

and your comment on the subject.

What is a thesis statement?

A framework that provides focus for gathering research & generating questions

Provides the reader with the author’s clear intention

A declaration of the author’s position on a topic

A good thesis…

• Writing a good thesis can be a difficult step for many students, so

READ THE DIRECTIONS!

A good thesis…

• The best thesis statements:

–1 sentence

–Located at the end of your opening paragraph

–Avoids using vague language (“it seems”)

–Avoids using 1st person (“I believe”, “In my opinion”)

A good thesis…

• Proposes an arguable point.

–Try thinking of your thesis in two parts: a topic & a comment

Requirements:

A preliminary thesis statement:

• Is a hypothesis

• Creates the framework for a rough outline Which should guide your note taking

• Has a topic and a comment

• Includes 3 subtopics in the comment

How to Write a Thesis:

• Steps:

1. Identify topic.

2. Write a research problem.

• What is a research problem?

3. Answer the research problem

How to Write a Thesis:

• Example:

1. Identify topic: World War II

2. Write a research problem:

How did WWII affect the allied powers in the years following 1945?

How to Write a Thesis:

• Example:

3. Answer the research problem

World War II had a devastating impact on Europe, helped end European domination of the world, and solidified the United States as the world power.

How to Write a Thesis: Practice

Now you try the steps: • With a partner try creating a research

question & thesis for:

1. Topic: School uniforms in public schools

2. Write a research problem.• the central question you want to explore.• ask an interesting question

3. Answer the research problem• one sentence answer = thesis

How to Write a Thesis: Practice

Now you try the steps: • With a partner try creating a research

question & thesis for:

1. Topic: Standardized Testing

2. Write a research problem.• the central question you want to explore.• ask an interesting question

3. Answer the research problem• one sentence answer = thesis

Agenda: Apply to Your Topic

1. Use your notes to create a research problem.

2. Based on your knowledge of the topic, write a hypothesis to answer the question.

3. Use the subtopics of your thesis to begin a rough outline.