Banned Book Research Paper Assignment English 9 Thesis Statement Banned Book Research Paper Assignment English 9

Introduction A thesis statement provides the following for your reader and your paper: Notifies the reader of your original idea regarding your topic. Expresses a specific feeling about a subject or highlights a specific feature of it. Provides a tone (feeling), focus and direction for your writing.

Thesis Formula Formula: A specific subject (bungee jumping) + a specific feeling or feature (stretches safety to the limit) = an effective focus or thesis statement. Bungee jumping stretches safety to the limit.

Argumentative Thesis Statement For the purpose of this paper, you will be presenting an argument and identifying your position about that argument. State your position or claim for the reader. Provide the reasons/evidence (research) to support this claim.

The Argument While your general argument will be based upon your position regarding the banning of your book, your thesis statement will give original, specific ideas about the topic. You will then use your paper to prove and show support for your claim.

Argument Example “Slavery didn’t cause the civil war.” “Romeo and Juliet should not be read in schools because of sexual and violent content.” Hint: The banning of your book is the argument.

Thesis Examples “Disagreement between the North and South over tariffs and states’ rights was a more significant cause of the Civil War than were opposing views about slavery.” (This is a strong thesis statement that makes CONTROVERSIAL claims against which people could argue, and it clearly identifies specific economic and political factors). “Although Romeo and Juliet contains aspects of sexual and violent content, there are powerful and meaningful themes that are worth discussing and learning.” Hint: Your thesis is your position on the banning of your book.

Some things to consider… A thesis statement should be neither obvious or vague. A thesis statement must be arguable and controversial. It should be possible for someone to come up with a reasonable argument contradicting your own.

Introductory Paragraph The first paragraph of the paper describes the focus of your argument and your reason for making it.

In the paragraph, you should: A: Attract the audience. B: Provide background information, must include title and author. C: Central thesis. Argument plus your position. D: Divisions. The support (research) you will discuss in your paper…banning, author, your thoughts.

Example: A: In the constitution, it states the guarantee of freedom of speech and of the press. B: Even though this is stated in a government document, book banning flourishes today. The Butterfly Revolution by William Butler is a book about a young boy who goes to camp for the first time, and has the worst time of his life. C: Although vile social habits, belief in atheism, and plots of overthrowing adult authority is not suitable for readers, this book should not be banned. D: Authors of banned books and challenged books have tried to express their feelings and thoughts, but they have been rejected for the inappropriate novels to stop young people from reading them.

Example of a good introductory paragraph In the constitution, it states the guarantee of freedom of speech and of the press. Even though this is stated in a government document, book banning flourishes today. The Butterfly Revolution by William Butler is a book about a young boy who goes to camp for the first time, and has the worst time of his life. Although vile social habits, belief in atheism, and plots of overthrowing adult authority is not suitable for readers, this book should not be banned. Authors of banned books and challenged books have tried to express their feelings and thoughts, but they have been rejected for the inappropriate novels to stop young people from reading them.