Thesis Statement Workshop English I

Goals – Why are they important? 1. Define the various parts to a correct thesis statement. 1. Define the various parts to a correct thesis statement. 2. Develop thesis statements for various types of essays. 2. Develop thesis statements for various types of essays. 3. Utilize main ideas to support a thesis statement. 3. Utilize main ideas to support a thesis statement.

Before we begin... Complete the product/service task and come up with one sentence to describe your thoughts. Complete the product/service task and come up with one sentence to describe your thoughts. You may work with a partner. You may work with a partner.

Thesis Statement - Definition single declarative sentence that states what you want your readers to know, believe, or understand single declarative sentence that states what you want your readers to know, believe, or understand Opinion-based, debatable Opinion-based, debatable Last sentence of the introduction Last sentence of the introduction

Example New Jersey’s new anti-bullying law should be enforced in all schools to protect the safety and well-being of students. Why is this an effective thesis?

Three Main Parts A. Set-up – states the subject B. Position – states what should happen C. Rationale – states WHY

Why do we use thesis statements? 1. Central point of essay 2. Focus argument 3. Connects all ideas 4. Answers the question 5. Makes the reader understand your POV

TS for Expository Writing Function – explanation; trying to prove a point with facts Function – explanation; trying to prove a point with facts Example – The Internet has been the most useful service of modern society since it provides an opportunity for all people to communicate and access information equally. Example – The Internet has been the most useful service of modern society since it provides an opportunity for all people to communicate and access information equally.

TS for Persuasive Writing Function – persuasive; trying to change the reader’s mind about a topic Function – persuasive; trying to change the reader’s mind about a topic Example – High school teenagers should be required to complete community service as a graduation requirement to expose students to social and economic challenges in the world. Example – High school teenagers should be required to complete community service as a graduation requirement to expose students to social and economic challenges in the world.

TS for Narrative Function – telling a story; making a reader understand an important event Function – telling a story; making a reader understand an important event Example – The preparation to be in a national soccer tournament has positively shaped my life in that I can apply the persistence, determination and work ethic to succeed in anything I do. Example – The preparation to be in a national soccer tournament has positively shaped my life in that I can apply the persistence, determination and work ethic to succeed in anything I do.

Thesis Statement DO Always draft a thesis after your pre-write and feel free to change it as you write. Always draft a thesis after your pre-write and feel free to change it as you write. Always connect every idea to your thesis. Always connect every idea to your thesis. Always put thesis as the last sentence in your introduction. Always put thesis as the last sentence in your introduction. Only use “I” for a narrative essay. Only use “I” for a narrative essay.

Thesis Statement DON’T Never use “I think” “I believe” or “In my opinion”. Never use “I think” “I believe” or “In my opinion”. Never simply list your three main reasons in the thesis. Never simply list your three main reasons in the thesis. Never ignore a thesis!!! Never ignore a thesis!!!

Supporting a Thesis After pre-writing and developing a thesis, you must always: After pre-writing and developing a thesis, you must always: CONSIDER YOUR MAIN POINTS!! CONSIDER YOUR MAIN POINTS!! Make sure each one connects to your thesis! Make sure each one connects to your thesis!

Example Thesis/Main Ideas NJ’s new addition to its anti-bullying law allows school officials to discipline students after only one incident of “HIB”. Many people have already begun criticizing NJ’s new anti-bullying law claiming that it is too harsh and that “kids will be kids” while others are rejoicing in hopes that it will quell a hostile school environment. NJ’s new addition to its anti-bullying law allows school officials to discipline students after only one incident of “HIB”. Many people have already begun criticizing NJ’s new anti-bullying law claiming that it is too harsh and that “kids will be kids” while others are rejoicing in hopes that it will quell a hostile school environment. Write a thesis stating your position and defend with three main points. Write a thesis stating your position and defend with three main points.

Group Activity 1. Arrange into small groups of 3 or 4 (people are sitting near) 2. Examine each prompt on the next slide. 3. Create a thesis and three main points for your group’s assigned topic.

Group Prompt – Thesis & 3 Main Points Expository Expository –Explain the advantages of the most useful invention in modern society. Persuasive Persuasive –Should the NJ government ban all filming of television shows that portray NJ negatively? (i.e. Jersey Shore, Jerseylicious, Real Housewives, etc.) Narrative Narrative –Describe how your first day at RV impacted you.

Review Responses...

Closing... On the front of your notecard, list three traits associated with a thesis statement. On the front of your notecard, list three traits associated with a thesis statement. On the back, write a thesis statement for the following prompt: On the back, write a thesis statement for the following prompt: Your school is considering cutting all art and music electives due to budget restraints. However, all students will be required to take several courses on money management, life skills and job skills instead. Argue your viewpoint. Should students artistic ability suffer due to poor economic conditions? Argue your viewpoint. Should students artistic ability suffer due to poor economic conditions?