1. Thesis Statements 101 The most important SENTENCE in any text! FLT // I can explain the purpose of a thesis statement, identify the three parts and write my own strong examples.

2. A GOOD thesis sentence has three main parts: 1)the limited subject (what your paper is about), 2)the precise opinion (what you're trying to say about that subject), and 3)the essay map (a brief outline of how you're going to support your claim – should explain “ HOW ” or “ WHY ” your idea/opinion is right or strong; Rationale)essay

3. Basic Example 1)Subject: Restoring old houses (Circle the subject) 1)Opinion: Restoring old houses is rewarding. (underline the opinion) 2)Essay map: It is exciting, relaxing, and satisfying. (box the essay map)

4. Basic Thesis Statement  >Use “ BECAUSE ” to put it all together into a Basic Thesis Statement:  Restoring old houses is rewarding BECAUSE it is exciting, relaxing, and satisfying.

5. Strong Thesis Statement  >Use qualifiers like ALTHOUGH, WHEN, IF, SINCE and revise vocabulary into a Strong Thesis Statement ” :  When antique houses are restored, home-owners not only reap the benefits of a new home but also the excitement, relaxation, and satisfaction of the process.

6. Revision: BASIC to STRONG  Restoring old houses is rewarding BECAUSE it is exciting, relaxing, and satisfying.  When antique houses are restored, home-owners not only reap the benefits of a new home but also the excitement, relaxation, and satisfaction of the process.

7. Dr. Thesis: Diagnosis  Each of the following thesis patients has a sickness. Diagnose the problem and give a prescription. 1) Chefs are better than cooks. 2) Steroid abuse 3) Hip hop is the best thing that has happened to music in twenty years. 4) I enjoy white water rafting.

8. Weak > Basic > Good > Strong  Chefs are better than cooks.  Chefs are better than cooks because chefs have more education, are more professional, and are creative with the food they create.  ALTHOUGH both chefs and cooks can prepare fine meals, chefs differ from cooks in education, professional commitment, and artistry.

9. Weak > Basic > Good > Strong  Steroid abuse  Steroids should be banned from sports.  Steroids should be banned from sports BECAUSE athletes tend to abuse them.  Steroids, even those legally available, are addictive and should be banned from sports.

10. Weak > Basic > Good > Strong  Hip hop is the best thing that has happened to music in twenty years.  Hip hop is the best thing that has happened to music in twenty years BECAUSE it gives kids a way of expressing themselves and is an example of poetry found in the streets.  Though many people dismiss hip hop as offensive, hip hop music offers urban youth an important opportunity for artistic expression, and allows them to articulate the poetry of the street.

11. Weak>Basic>Strong  Discrimination hurts people.  Labels and discrimination are behaviors that occur BECAUSE people are afraid of change.  ALTHOUGH labels and discrimination both show power, the two can do it in ignorant ways that hurt people emotionally, mentally and physically.

12. Basic>Good>Strong  Stereotypes and labels are the main reason why kids get bullied. This form of discrimination should be stopped since it’s hurting people around the world.  How is it hurting people?  How can the thesis power up to a strong example?

13.  Knowledge can make you powerful…

14. Weak > Basic > Great > Strong  I enjoy white water rafting.  I enjoy white water rafting BECAUSE it is challenging and transforming.  A first water rafting experience can challenge the body and spirit and transform an adolescent into an adult.  Although white water rafting can be dangerous, a first water rafting experience can actually challenge the body and spirit and transform an adolescent into an adult.

15. Your Turn to Play Dr. Thesis  For each student thesis, diagnose the problem and the prescription needed. Which part of the thesis is present and which is missing?  Determine if it is Weak, Basic, Great, or Strong.  Revise the thesis into a Great or Strong Thesis.

16. Student Theses  1. Republican presidents have contributed to the “ American Dream ” more so than the Democrats. Missing the essay map Basic Republican presidents have contributed to the “ American Dream ” more so than the Democrats by lowering taxes and increasing job supply.

17. Application Time  Time to apply your knowledge and understanding of thesis statements.  Prompt: Explain Weintraub ’ s argument and discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with his analysis. Support your position, providing reasons and examples from your own experience, observations, or reading.

18.  Which is the most effective thesis statement?  I strongly agree with Mr. Weintraub because of the dynamics and regime of parents ’ lives today and parents wanting to blame everyone and thing but themselves.  In his article “ The Battle Against Fast Food Begins in the Home, ” Daniel Weintraub explains that parents need to take responsibility for the eating habits of their kids, and I agree with his opinion on this matter.  I agree that parents need to take more responsibility for child obesity, but schools, fast food companies and the government also need to take that same initiative.

19. Goal  Write 3 GREAT or STRONG Thesis Statements! Remember to vary up your vocabulary. Try words you ’ ve never used before. Be creative and avoid BECAUSE!