1. Sophomore Persuasive Essay

2. What is a thesis statement? A thesis statement is a concise opinion statement that tells your reader what your essay will be about. It is a guide for your essay. It can be argued. It is in the first paragraph, and it is most likely the last sentence in the first paragraph.

3. Working Thesis You should start with a “working” thesis. It is expected that you might have to revise your thesis in the process of writing your essay. The evidence you gather may lead you to a conclusion you didn't think you'd reach.

4. What does TWB formula stand for? Thesis with Blueprint A thesis with a blueprint is an easy way to organize a five-paragraph essay. The “blueprint” is a map or guide for your paper. It will tell the reader what you will cover in your 2 nd, 3 rd, and 4 th paragraph.

5. TWB Formula Limited subject + precise opinion (because, with, by, through, when) Item, item, item Limited subject + precise opinion (because, with, by, through, when) item, item, item

6. TWB Backwards (because, with, by, through, when) Item, item, item limited subject + precise opinion (Because, with, by, through, when) item, item, item limited subject + precise opinion

7. Example of TWB Chick-fil-A is unsurpassed as the best fast food restaurant in Arizona because of their delicious chicken, outstanding employees and service, and low prices.

8. Example of Backwards TWB Because of their delicious chicken, outstanding employees and service, and low prices, Chick-fil-A is unsurpassed as the best fast food restaurant in Arizona.

9. Helpful Links http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/thesis tatement.htmlhttp://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/thesis tatement.html http://www.sdst.org/shs/library/thesis.html http://www.camlang.com/sp004.htm http://www.asmadrid.org/library/thesis_stat ement.htmhttp://www.asmadrid.org/library/thesis_stat ement.htm http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts /thesis.htmlhttp://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts /thesis.html

10. The 5 paragraph essay Introduction –1 st paragraph Body Paragraphs –2nd paragraph –3rd paragraph –4th paragraph Conclusion –5th paragraph

11. Introduction Opens with a hook Transitions to Thesis with Blueprint

12. Body Each body paragraph corresponds to the “item,item,item” in the blueprint Topic sentence at the beginning of each paragraph-relates directly to one of the “items” in the blueprint. Only info that directly relates to the topic sentence should be in each paragraph!

13. Body Incorporate EXPLANATIONS (your thoughts/opinions on the topic.) Back explanation with EVIDENCE (quotes, statistics, facts.)

14. Conclusion Restate thesis. Wrap up essay. Don’t introduce any new information! End with a bang—something interesting, intelligent, and thought-provoking.