CLAIM TO THESIS TYPES OF EVIDENCE

 Sometimes in professional essays the claim may be implicit, but in formal essays that you will write for class, the claim is traditionally stated explicitly as a one sentence thesis statement that appears in the introduction of your argument.  To be effective, a thesis statement must preview the essay by encapsulating in clear, unambiguous language the main point or points the writer intends to make. CLAIM TO THESIS

 Closed thesis statement = limits the number of points the writer will make  Example: The three dimensional characters, exciting plot, and complex themes of the Harry Potter series make them not only legendary children’s books but enduring literary classics.  This thesis asserts that the series constitutes a “literary classic” and specifies three reasons – each of which would be discussed in the argument. A closed thesis will often include (or implie) the word because.  Example: The Harry Potter series has become a legendary children’s book and enduring literary classic because of its three-dimensional characters, exciting plot, and complex themes.  Take away: a closed thesis is a reliable way to focus a short essay in a timed situation. CLOSED THESIS

 Regardless of the type of evidence a writer chooses to use, it should always be relevant, accurate, and sufficient.  Relevant evidence is evidence that specifically applies to the argument being made.  Accurate information means ensuring information is not taken out of context and that it is from credible sources. EVIDENCE

 Types  historical information – can provide background and context  Expert opinion – a person who has published research on a topic or whose job or experiences gives him or her specialized knowledge. Need to make sure your expert is seen as credible by your audience.  Quantitative evidence – statistics, surveys, polls, census information SECOND HAND EVIDENCE

 Specific and Accurate Evidence: Before any writing can take place, you must gather evidence to explore the validity of the assertion.  Evidence used to support the "Agree or Disagree Question" must be specific and accurate—named and factually correct MAKE SURE YOUR EVIDENCE IS SPECIFIC AND ACCURATE!

 Write a meaningful opening sentence or two that makes a personal observation about the focus of the question that reveals your thinking.  DON’T write flowery, general beginnings. Get right to the point!  Use the first sentence or two to begin to define the meaning of the assertion. Allude to something here that will be finished in the conclusion.  End with the thesis you wrote while brainstorming. (Note: weak openings are forgiven if the paper ends strongly. If running out of time, skip part of the body to make your conclusion.) ORGANIZING THE ESSAY

1.Topic sentence/claim – refers to thesis found in introduction 2.Concrete detail sentence #1 shows support for the topic sentence (For example…) 3.Commentary 4.Commentary 5.Concrete detail sentence #2 shows support for the topic sentence (In addition…) 6.Commentary 7.Commentary 8.Concrete detail sentence #3 shows support for the topic sentence (Furthermore…) 9.Commentary 10.Commentary 11.Concluding sentence – sums up the paragraph ORGANIZATION OF PARAGRAPHS

 Make sure you take a paragraph to clearly summarize what the assertion is saying into your own words.  Use a variety of evidence—aim to include at least three different examples. (This will give you at least a six paragraph essay form)  In your intro, you must clearly state your purpose. (Thesis)  Use examples that support your thesis. Don’t claim to know something about the larger topic and then give examples that prove otherwise.  Read the assertion carefully—it is impossible to score above a 3 or 4 if you misread the prompt.  Fully explain your examples—figure about a paragraph for each specific topic/ example.  At some point make a connection between the prompt and real life experience. FINAL THOUGHTS