1. Agenda 10/30/09 ► Pair Share ► Introduction Paragraph Notes ► Ben Comen Video/Article ► Thesis Statement practice ► Learning Targets:  Understand HTMT  Write a thesis statement

2. Thesis Statement ► Write down what you think a thesis statement is (it’s OK if you don’t know, just write what you think). ► Turn to the person next to you and share your ideas.

3. Thesis Statement ► A thesis is your opinion plus a reason why.

4. Thesis Examples BAD Melinda has a miserable freshman year and struggles in her classes. AVERAGE The plot of the novel reveals how communication has an effect on people’s happiness. GOOD Because the character Melinda struggles emotionally, she is faced with internal conflicts.

5. Introduction Paragraphs: HTMT ► Hook : Grab the reader’s attention by addressing something most people can relate to and that you can connect to your topic. ► Transition : Move from the general ideas in your hook, to the topic you will discuss in your essay. ► Map : Identify the main points you will make in your essay. This is a map for your reader to follow. ► Thesis : This should be a statement that is arguable. This is the topic for your whole paper.

6. Ben Comen Video ► Watch the Ben Comen video. ► While you watch, think about a thesis statement you could make about Ben. ► Thesis= your opinion + reason why

7. Read Ben Comen Article ► Write a thesis statement about Ben Comen. ► Share your thesis statement with your partner. ► Share your thesis statement with the class.

8. Practice Introduction Paragraph ► Write a practice introduction paragraph.

9. H=Many students go through major transitions upon entering high school. New friends, new classes and new social groups often create mounting pressure for teenagers. T=Because this teenage experience is so common, it is the basic plot for the teen drama television show, “My So Called Life,” where the character, Angela, traverses through the maze of high school. M=Through the course of the show, Angela changes her social group, changes her appearance and begins to change her interests. T=Although Angela strives to be unique, she struggles with her individuality.

10. 1. Why do you think Slim finds Lennie and George’s relationship unusual? 2. What does he mean by, “everybody in the whole damn world is scared of each other? "You guys travel around together?" [Slim's] tone was friendly. It invited confidence without demanding it. "Sure," said George. "We kinda look after each other." He indicated Lennie with his thumb. "He ain't bright. Hell of a good worker though. Hell of a nice fella, but he ain't bright. I've knew him for a long time." Slim looked through George and beyond him. "Ain't many guys travel around together," he mused. "I don't know why. Maybe everybody in the whole damn world is scared of each other." (38)