Day 9  Turn in “Sinners”  SSR  SAT Answers: Come to a consensus in your group  Answers  UPCOMING:  Thesis  Argument

Day 10

Context Clues: Write the meaning of the word based on the clues in the sentence 1. Due to the slow growth of jobs in the U.S., many recent college graduates are pessimistic. 2. Many people avoid being inoculated if at all possible. Because of this, they end up getting the flu and infecting others. 3. Some people spurn romantic movies. They groan about their cheesiness and predictable endings. 4. Cassidy was jubilant about scoring a goal in the game.

The bee’s knees. Obviously.

Your Thesis  At the end of your intro paragraph, you need to have the thesis, or the point that your paper is trying to prove.  Your thesis should tell your reader EXACTLY what your essay will be about – there should be no guessing.

THESIS STATEMENT

Thesis Tips  Your thesis should not start with “I” or “I think.” In fact, it should not say “I” anywhere in the thesis (that includes you, my, your, you’re, etc – THIRD PERSON ONLY – exception: autobiography).  The reason for this is that saying “I think” weakens your argument. Saying “I think Skittles are awesome” is not as effective as simply stating “Skittles are awesome.”  The point of the thesis is to turn your opinion into a fact by turning your opinion or “I think” sentence into a fact.  If you don’t think you can prove your thesis, then you need a new thesis.

Time to write your thesis statement! Are you ready? (of course you are!)

Thesis Trick – Step 1  Here’s a trick: write down your opinion (or what you’re trying to prove) in the form of an “I think” statement  Example: I think I have gone through a lot of crazy stuff in my life, and it has helped shape me into the person I am today.

Thesis Trick – Step 2  Then take out “I think,” add transition words, and clean it up (basically, “make it sound good”)  Example: Although I have gone through many trying ordeals in my life, all the crazy stuff I have faced has helped turn me into the person I am today.  Most good thesis statements start with a transition word. This ensures that you are acknowledging the other side.  Also, notice how complex my sentence is? It tells you exactly what my paper will talk about.  Most thesis statements are left branching sentences (not always though!)

Here are some other good transition words you can use:  Despite  Even though  In spite of  While  Because  Can you think of any others?

Thesis Trick – Step 3  Re-write your thesis, replacing your verbs and adjectives with stronger words.  Example: Although I moved, all the adversity I have faced has helped shape me into the kind and thoughtful person I am today.

One more thing about thesis statements, and then I’m done!  The thesis you write right now may very well be considered a “working thesis.”  Because of this, you may have to go back and tweak your thesis to fit your essay.  Keep this in mind. ALL details and evidence have to back up your thesis, even if it means fixing your thesis to do so (or re-writing it).