1. J.M. Collins jolinda_collins@gwinnett.k12.ga.us
Writing Is Thinking
J.M. Collins

2. Better Thinking = Better Writing

3. College thinking is the ability to think critically.
The proof of this ability is the successful construction
of argumentative essays
that stake out and support a position persuasively.
University of North Carolina Writing Center

4. PERSUASION Stake a position. Support an argument. Convince the reader
PERSUASION Stake a position. Support an argument Convince the reader Write a thesis sentence.

5. What is a thesis sentence?
A thesis statement states
the significance
of the subject to the writer.

6. What is a thesis sentence?
A thesis statement states
the viewpoint
of the writer about the subject.

7. What is a thesis sentence?
A thesis statement states
the point to be proved
about the subject.

8. Other names for thesis argument main idea controlling idea
interpretation of a subject, not the subject itself.
The subject, or topic, of an essay might be World War II or Moby Dick. A thesis offers a way to understand the war or the novel that others might dispute.

9. The point of the essay must be direct and clear.

10. Not like this . . .

11. “But I don’t want to give away my ideas in the first paragraph“
Surprise Paper
Academic Essay
Mystery novel
Fairy tale
Short story
Folk tale
Crossword puzzles
Sudoki
Jokes
Riddles
Maze
Direct answer
Focus
Logical Train of Thought
Thinking skills
Connection of thesis
to every paragraph

12. Academic Writing to analyze to interpret to compare and contrast
to analyze
to interpret
to compare and contrast
to demonstrate cause and effect
to take a stand on an issue
to develop a thesis with convincing proof
to argue a position
Always assume that instructors expect an essay that argues a position in a thesis statement, even if the question does not explicitly ask you to do so.
University of
North Carolina
Writing Center

13. Quality of Critical Thinking
Criteria for Success
Quality of Critical Thinking

14. Quality of Critical Thinking
1. Is there evidence for your statements?
2. Have you provided specific details as evidence?
3. Have you examined all possible evidence
instead of using only the evidence that agrees with
your thesis?
4. Have you connected examples of evidence to each
other and to the thesis paragraph?
5. Is the logic of your argument convincing?
6. Is the significance of your viewpoint clear?

15. In other words . . .
Why?
How?
So?
So what?

16. The teacher has read the material.
The teacher cannot read your mind.

17. Essay question #1:
Compare and contrast the reasons why the North and South fought the Civil War.

18. Weak thesis>>>>>>>>>>>
Restates the question without adding any information 
Add information right away.
You are not writing a mystery novel.

19. Weak Thesis
The North and South fought the Civil War for many reasons, some of which were the same and some different.
So what?
What reasons?
How are they the same?
How are they different?
Where is the interpretation? What is the significance?

20. Revised Working Thesis
While both sides fought the Civil War over the issue of slavery, the North fought for moral reasons while the South fought to preserve its own institutions.
Revision has become a working thesis with a reason for war and some idea of the way two sides disagreed.
As essay develops, the writer will see that it is still vague or perhaps that each side had its own idea of morality.

21. Final thesis revision
While both Northerners and Southerners believed they fought against tyranny and oppression, Northerners focused on the oppression of slaves while Southerners defended their own rights to property and self-government.
Revision provides interpretation of evidence that reveals significance of issues of question.
Interpretation of evidence requires proof. The statement needs convincing evidence.

22. Essay Question #2
Write an analysis of any two contrasting images or ideas in Mark Twain’s novel Huckleberry Finn.

23. Weak Thesis Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn is a great American novel.
So what?
Such vagueness leads to a general summary of the novel or your opinion, which is not what the teacher wants.
The teacher expects analysis.

24. Revised Working Thesis
In Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain develops a contrast between life on the river and life on the shore.
So what?
What is the point of this contrast?
What is its significance?
Readers have no reason to disagree.

25. Final thesis revision
Through contrasting river and shore scenes, Twain’s Huckleberry Finn suggests that the only way to find a true expression of American democratic ideals is to go back to nature and leave “civilized” society.
This sentence now is an interpretation of a literary work based on analysis of its content.
This thesis statement requires proof.
Not everyone will agree.

26. Essay Question #3
Was the New Deal of the 1930’s a liberal plan to create a welfare state in America, or was it a conservative defense of American capitalism?

27. Weak Thesis
The New Deal was a conservative defense of American capitalism.
An assertion is not an argument.
It repeats part of the question.
It adds nothing to understanding the issues.
Working thesis: The New Deal was a conservative defense of American capitalism because _________________________________________________.

28. Revised Working Thesis
The New Deal both defended capitalist economic principles and offered government assistance to needy Americans, making it conservative and liberal at the same time.
takes account of evidence and makes argument but is entirely wishy-washy:
vacillates and doesn’t take position
doesn’t answer question by choosing and defending

29. Final thesis revision
Despite its work relief elements, the New Deal is best understood as a defense of American capitalism because its main programs attempted to create a stable environment for private enterprise.
Takes Position
Offers argument
Attends to conflicting evidence
Requires convincing proof

30. There are many “right” answers
Support with logic.
Support with evidence.
State a strong position.
Don’t ignore conflicting evidence.