Thesis

A thesis (claim) is...

• a statement that someone wants to discuss or prove with evidence.
• Ex: I don't think students should pick where to sit because it causes confusion that isn't necessary.

Additionally, a thesis (claim) statement...

• contains a subject and an opinion.
• Subj: Should students choose their own seats?
• Opinion: No--causes confusion

Subject + Opinion =
Thesis

How do I write it?

First...

• Consider the subject.
• Form an opinion.
• Then, CLEARLY state it.

A CLEARLY stated thesis (claim) is

• Short and Simple
• Usually 1 or 2 sentences

I don't think students should choose where to sit because it causes confusions that isn't necessary.

I don't think students should choose where to sit because it causes unnecessary confusion.

Next...

• Check to see if your thesis is wishy washy.
• A thesis should be declarative--a clear statement.

Wishy Washy?

Wishy Washy

• Lacking Decisiveness
• Not having or showing strong ideas or beliefs about something (unclear)
• Rambling thoughts

I don't think students should choose where to sit because it causes unnecessary confusion.Also, someone might be left out or what if there is a substitute?

Wishy Washy to Clean and Clear

• Students shouldn't choose where to sit because that causes unnecessary confusion.
• Students shouldn't choose where to sit because someone might be left out.

Thesis:Recap

• A thesis is a statement that someone wants to discuss or prove with evidence.
• Short and Simple
• Not Wishy Washy
• A clear statement--Declarative!

State your case!

Shared Writing

Introductory Paragraph

• Hook/Lead
• Background
• Thesis

Hook/Lead

Hook/Lead Examples

• Have you ever wanted to chew gum in class?
• Have you ever been caught chewing gum in class?
• Gum at school is a contentious issue.

Background Info.

Background Info. Examples

• Depending on whose class you're in, some teachers will ask you to spit it out, while others don't mind at all.

Example #2

• When I'm told I can't it is frustrating, especially since some teachers allow gum chewing while others do not.

Thesis/Claim

Thesis/Claim Examples

• Students should be allowed to chew gum at King because it is scientifically proven to reduce stress, improve memory, and enhace your focus.

In Sum/Purpose

• Hook/Lead
• Background Info
• Thesis/Claim

In-Class Writing

Should 6th graders at King Middle School be required to change into P.E. uniforms?

First

• Brainstorm Pros/Cons with a partner
• In other words, view the debate from both sides of an argument

Then

• Repeat the process with a different partner.
• Meaning, you'll collaborate with someone new in order to brainstorm additional Pros/Cons previously unconsidered

Afterwards

• Use a graphic organizer to independently write an introductory paragraph in favor or against P.E. uniforms

Before Independence

Should King students be allowed to eat off campus?

Why?

• To show you how to engage with this activity.
• To show you a new "move" in argumentative writing.
• To talk about sentence stems.

Body Paragraphs

One way to envision a paragraph is as a “complete MEAL,” with the 4 components including a...

...including a M.E.A.L.

• Main idea
• Evidence
• Analysis and
• Link/Last thought back to the larger claim.

The Main Idea (M)

• The main idea is the paragraph's central focus/claim--Topic Sentence.
• In other words, a T.S. is what you are trying to discuss/prove within a paragraph

Evidence (E)

• Evidence is the specific details that support a "main idea."
• Guiding Question: What in the text made you think that?

Your evidence could be information from a text---it could be a quotation or paraphrase from a reading. It could also be an anecdote or personal experience.

Analysis (A)

• Evidence, however, should not be left to speak for itself.
• Evidence should therefore be analyzed, or explained with your perspective for why it matters or how it supports your claim. (let me explain..")
• Guiding question: Dig Deeper--Why did you use this evidence?

Last Thought/Link (L)

• A last thought rewords or wraps up your "main idea", leaving a reader know he/she understands the focus of the paragraph.
• For some papers, sometimes you need to write multiple paragraphs. Add a link between them--these "Links" help launch your writing into your next point smoothly.

M.E.A.L. Reviewed

• Main Idea--Topic Sentence
• Evidence to support
• Analysis (explanation)
• Link/Last thought

Sample Paragraph

Roles

• Main Idea--Topic Sentence
• Evidence to Support
• Analysis (of "why")
• Link/Last thought

Directions

• Read "Cars vs Bikes" and underline (ctrl+u) or bold (ctrl+b) a specific component of M.E.A.L.--depending on your role.
• You'll have 8 minutes to work independently.
• Then, you'll share your thoughts with your group.
• Whole Class to Conclude

Writer's Workshop

Writer's Worshop

• Write Paragraph
• Write your name on the Board.
• Look for someone who needs a partner
• Trade paragraphs, Give Feedback. Revise.

Conclusion

To Begin...

• Conclusion paragraphs must restate or rephrase your thesis.
• It's also helpful to give a signal that the end is here.

Restate/Rephrase Example

• (T) Students should wear uniforms at school because they enforce positive attitudes, prevent teasing, and help find children when necessary.

Restate/Rephrase Example

• (C) All in all, middle school students at King should wear uniforms because they enforce positive attitudes, prevent teasing, and help find children when it is really important.
• Variations: All things considered, In Conclusion

Next...

• Conclusions must summarize your best evidence, which confidently connect to YOUR argument

Summary of Evidence Example

• When one considers the benefits this brings to a student’s quality of work, confidence, and safety, then it is clear having everyone wear the same thing is not as terrible as it sounds.

S.O.E, Version 2

• Given uniforms help students produce better work, reduce judgment, and increases children's likelihood of safety in an emergency, then it becomes difficult to argue against them.

S.O.E., Version 3

• To be sure, uniforms will motivate students to produce better work. What's more, they will reduce bullying and increase the chances of lost children being found. Thus, it is clear a standard dress code is wonderful practice.

To Summarize

• Signal an End
• Restate/Rephrase Thesis
• Summarize Evidence
• Confidently Show Your Position