1. Opener: Analyze the Prompt. Remember the 4 step Process:
Read the question.
Circle key directional verbs and underline important information.
In your own words, write what the question is asking you to do.
Develop your plan and answer the question.
* Be prepared to share out your thinking.

2. Annotate the article provided using the R.E.A.D. strategy
Refer to your bookmarks for a reminder about marking the text and using symbols as you actively read your articles
Remember to write your thinking in the margins when you use symbols and highlight text.

3. Writing a Thesis Statement
What is your response to the prompt?
In order to answer prompts, it is important to be able to craft effective thesis statements to guide your writing.
There are three elements to a thesis statement:
Identification (What is the topic you are talking about?)
Claim (What do you believe about the topic?)
Forecast (What are the 3 main reasons you can use to support your claim?)

4. Writing a Thesis Statement
You can use this graphic organizer to organize your thinking:
ID – Identify Topic
Claim – What you believe, your insight on the topic
Forecast – 3 general reasons you believe your claim is true
Thesis: (Putting it all together into one sentence.)

5. Writing a Thesis Statement
For example:
ID – Identify Topic
Sports offered in High School
Claim – What you believe, your insight on the topic
They have a positive influence
Forecast – 3 general reasons you believe your claim is true
Teach social skills
Teach time-management
Provide exercise and teach benefits of hard work
Thesis: Practice putting it all together in one sentence with a partner.

6. Answer the prompt Write a thesis statement in response to the prompt.
Make sure it includes the topic, claim and forecast.
Use the graphic organizer to help you organize your thinking.

7. Closer
Rate yourself on your progress for each learning target next to the learning target above. Use the pirate ship scoring rubric to help you determine your score.
Write down something you learned about writing a thesis statement and one question you still have about writing thesis statements.