1. Poorly constructed or incorrect sentence structure
Thesis Statement Rewrite
Poorly constructed or incorrect sentence structure
No or weak counterclaim
Run on or more than one sentence
No evident opinion stated
Too little info on opinion
These same five criteria will be used to grade a new thesis statement. This time it’s 50 points. Each of these will take off 10 points.

2. A formula:
It has been said
Some believe that
While some may say
An argument could be made that
One position states that or
One argument for counterclaim ;
counterclaim
because
The three supporting points you will discuss in your body paragraphs. or
however
but
In contrast
When in fact
On the other hand ,
Your argument
(Write these as a series with commas.)
Some believe that the antiquated solution of making up snow days at the end of the school year is efficient because it has historically been the most effective method; when in fact, “at home education” during these days away from school can be a great alternative because students can stay current with curriculum, teachers can get their necessary hours in, and summer plans for students and teachers will not be affected.

3. Model Introductory Paragraph
for “Sin Tax” Prompt
Good afternoon and thank you for the opportunity that you have given some of us to appear today and express our opinions on this very important decision that you, our city council has to make in the upcoming weeks. We truly do appreciate the work you do on our behalf on a daily basis and we hope that you continue to keep our best interests at heart. The prospect of a new state-of-the-art health center is certainly exciting and is something that will surely benefit members of our community. What is in question, however is the controversial proposal for how to fund this ambitious project. Some may say that the proposed thirty percent tax on junk foods and fatty snacks is a great way to fund the new health center because it’s the quickest way to raise revenue; however, this new “sin tax” is unwise because most of the people being taxed will not even use the health center, thirty percent is much too steep to suddenly impose on the population, and better financial planning and management would have already guaranteed funds available for this center. If you will allow, I would like to elaborate a bit on these points.