1. Writing a Thesis Statement
Lesson 1
Claim + Reasons = Thesis

2. Writing an Opinion Essay
Student Unit Objective: I can write an opinion essay. Student objective: I can list the steps in developing a thesis statement for an opinion essay.
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3. I can list the steps in developing a thesis statement for an opinion essay.

4. What is a THESIS STATEMENT?
A thesis statement is a sentence that tells what the whole essay is about! The thesis statement is the most important sentence in our essay! When we start writing our opinion essay, a thesis statement will be written in the first paragraph.
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5. Before you develop your thesis, you must…

6. Our
Pull apart
the Prompt.

7. Then, closely
read the text.

8. Then you are ready to…

9. …develop your
Thesis!

10. The Thesis Statement
A thesis statement tells the reader how you will answer the question from the prompt. A thesis statement should also tell your opinion that answers the question from the prompt. Your essay will be built around your thesis statement. You will use your body paragraphs to argue and defend your thesis statement.
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12. Claim + Reasons = Thesis Statement

13. Claim

14. Reasons
A 3 point thesis statement is best.

15. Thesis Formula

16. What is the first step when given an opinion essay to write?

17. What do you do after you Pull apart your Prompt?

18. Now, you are ready to write your thesis statement. Where do you begin?

19. What is the thesis statement formula?

20. Thesis Formula

22. Write a Thesis Statement
Prompt: Write an essay for your science class web site arguing whether or not mistakes are a key part of discoveries.
Reasons:
Mistakes are part of learning.
It’s important to take risks when learning.
Mistakes help you learn faster.
Look at the information provided. First, let the students read the simple prompt. Underline or write down key words. Then look at the reasons. Are these reasons for or against making mistakes? Once you’ve determined this, use the thesis formula to write a thesis statement.

23. I can list the steps in developing a thesis statement for an opinion essay.

24. WRITE DOWN THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THIS PROMPT.
You have read two text: Gasp! The Benefits of Child Labor in the Developing World and Child Labor: How to Help. After reading the two articles, you felt strongly about the issue and wanted to write a letter to the editor of your school newspaper giving your opinion as to whether or not child labor has a place in our society today. Be sure to use facts and details from both passages to support your essay. Follow conventions of standard written English.
Manage your time carefully so that you can • Plan your essay • Write your essay • Revise and edit your essay
Your written response should be in the form of a multi-paragraph essay.

25. Write a paragraph explaining how you write a thesis statement.
Look at the information provided. First, let the students read the simple prompt. Underline or write down key words. Then look at the reasons. Are these reasons for or against making mistakes? Once you’ve determined this, use the thesis formula to write a thesis statement.

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