1. Writing is a skill, it’s hard and that’s why we practice it Do you remember listening to the 6 th grade string orchestra? Was is really good?

2. Did somebody say “thesis statement”?

3. Thesis statement A thesis answers an academic research question

4. Example of an academic question How did physical geography affect the development of Egyptian civilization? Your answer to this is a thesis statement. What does a thesis statement need?

5. Thesis Statement Components All thesis statements should include three main components – Argument Must be debatable Must be able to be supported with FACTS/QUOTES – Specific Argument Detail How? & Why? – Argument Depth So what?

6. A thesis should be Arguable Specific Clear Supported by your evidence

7. Where does your thesis come from? Your evidence guides it! – What does the evidence actually tell you?

8. Building your case with evidence Collect evidence. (What) Consider evidence to determine importance. (Why? Why should other people care?) Apply your own knowledge to further consider evidence. (What do I know?) Analyze evidence to make sure it’s amazing. (What is my strongest evidence?) Create your claim, based on your analysis. (Is it arguable?)

9. What is your evidence? Primary sources Quotations Statistics Graphs Maps

10. Thesis DOs – Create an original statement that answers the question specifically. – Minimize the amount of words. Make each one count. – Narrow down the scope so that it is as specific as possible. – Claim the most significant, coolest thing you can based on your evidence. (What can you prove?)

11. Thesis DON’Ts – NEVER use the word “I” or “You” – NEVER answer the question with the question’s words. So don’t say “Egypt’s physical geography blah, blah, blah…”

12. YOUR TURN OK, now try writing a thesis statement that answers the question (look at your notes!!) How did physical geography affect the development of Egyptian civilization?

13. Example of a decent thesis statement Egypt was able to develop a strong, complex civilization because it had natural barriers, water, and natural resources.

14. Your Prompt Which of these three ancient civilizations was the most successful at maintaining its power and the well-being of its people: the Assyrian Empire, the Persian Empire or the city state of Athens? Develop a thesis and then support your thesis in two paragraphs

15. 3 Paragraph essay : Thesis Use two pieces of positive evidence and two pieces of negative evidence (four total) to support your position You don’t need to write a conclusion

16. Body Paragraphs Your academic writing should include: A topic sentence (also known as a “body thesis statement”) that supports and relates directly to your thesis statement Explanation (of Thesis Statement) Evidence--This is drawn from your sources. It should be specific and detailed. Commentary: Explanation/analysis (this is in your own words)

17. Timeline Tuesday (October 13 th )—We’re in the computer lab to work on essay Thursday (October 15 th ), your rough draft is due for peer edit in class. Monday (October 19 th ) You’ll turn your essay (3 paragraphs total). Thesis statement and 2 body paragraphs