Writing Workshop #1 Thesis (Claim) Statements World History Writing Workshop #1 Thesis (Claim) Statements

What is a thesis(claim) statement? - NOTES A one-sentence (usually) statement of the main argument or points you will develop in the essay. A clear claim statement gives an essay direction. Sometimes a thesis is part of a longer introductory paragraph.

What makes a strong thesis(claim) statement? - NOTES 3 KEY ELEMENTS It fully addresses the question It takes a clear and specific position on the question asked It provides the organizational categories that will be used in the essay Some examples: political, economic, social – but there could be more!

Sample #1 – Identify the 3 key elements in each thesis. Question: Was the U.S. justified in dropping the atomic bomb on Hiroshima? Thesis #1: The U.S. was justified in dropping the atomic bomb on Hiroshima for both military and moral reasons. Thesis #2: The U.S was not militarily or morally justified in dropping the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Thesis #3: The U.S. was justified morally but not militarily in dropping the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Thesis #4: The U.S. was justified militarily but not morally in dropping the atomic bomb on Hiroshima.

Sample #2 – Identify which thesis is the most effective based on the 3 key elements. Question: “The reforms of the Progressive Era improved the quality of life for Americans.” Assess the extent to which this statement is valid. Thesis #1: While Progressive era reforms did succeed in improving conditions for most Americans, people were often neglected and left on their own. Thesis #2: While Progressive era reforms did succeed in improving conditions for most Americans, African Americans and Native Americans were often neglected and forced to fight for justice and opportunity on their own. Thesis #3: Progressive reformers achieved a lot during the Progressive Era.

Sample #3 – Rank which thesis is the most effective from 1 (best) to 3 based on the 3 key elements. Question: Analyze the most significant factor that contributed to the decline of native populations. Thesis #1: The most significant factor that led to the Native American population’s devastation was diseases and the attack from the Spanish and English. Thesis #2: The native American populations were decimated because of the Spaniards. Thesis #3: While superior weapons and the cruelty of Europeans contributed to the decline of Native populations, the most significant factor was their susceptibility to foreign diseases.

Sample #4 – In your table groups, decide what each thesis is missing, based on the 3 key elements . Fully addresses the question Takes a position Provides organizational categories

Although New England and the Chesapeake region were both settled largely by people of English origin, by 1700 the regions had evolved into two distinct societies. Why did this difference in development occur? Thesis #1 By the early 1700s events in Europe caused a mass migration to colonial America. Most of these events were political, religious, and economic in nature. Consequently, a variety of individuals and an assortment of reasons found their way to the New England and Chesapeake Bay colonies. Does not take a position.

Although New England and the Chesapeake region were both settled largely by people of English origin, by 1700 the regions had evolved into two distinct societies. Why did this difference in development occur? Thesis #2 The Chesapeake colonies were sharply different from the New England colonies because of the leadership of John Smith, the presence of a high percentage of young men, and the powerful economic motive that drove its founders. Does not fully answer the question.

Although New England and the Chesapeake region were both settled largely by people of English origin, by 1700 the regions had evolved into two distinct societies. Why did this difference in development occur? Thesis #3 Although New England and the Chesapeake appeared to be sharply different from each other, the truth in their founding and their development marked them as similar. Does not provide organization categories.

Although New England and the Chesapeake region were both settled largely by people of English origin, by 1700 the regions had evolved into two distinct societies. Why did this difference in development occur? Thesis #4 The New England and Chesapeake colonies were not the same; that is a good thing. The two colonies had different religions. This led to war with the Indians, which was another way the colonies differed. The weather was different because it was very cold in New England and very hot in Virginia. That led to the adoption of slavery in the Chesapeake region. Does not fully address the question, take a position, provide organization

Although New England and the Chesapeake region were both settled largely by people of English origin, by 1700 the regions had evolved into two distinct societies. Why did this difference in development occur? Thesis #5 New England and the Chesapeake developed very differently because of the differences in the geographic conditions, their economic activities, and the social institutions each of the regions created. Contains all 3 elements!

Tips! NOTES Restate the question/prompt in your claim statement. Closely read the prompt. (If it says most significant factor, only discuss 1!) Include a clear and defendable argument! (Don’t try to get fancy. Just say a clear argument. Also, don’t ever say questions in your openings!) Include your reasoning. Use “because…” and preview your evidence.

Write a claim statement to the following prompt and using this sentence starter: (Remember the tips!) What is the best candy? Why? Sentence starter: The best candy is ________________. Some reasons __________ is the best are: __________, _____________, and _________________. Now write your claim again using different wording.