2. Writing Boot Camp! Pt. 1 Introductions, Thesis Statements, and Topic Sentences AY! This is General C with PART 1 of your GOSH DANG Writing Bootcamp. Today we will learn how to: WRITE A COHERENT THESIS STATEMENT, COMPOSE LOGICAL TOPIC SENTENCES, AND CONSTRUCT A KILLER INTRODUCTION. NOW OPEN UP YOUR NOTEBOOKS AND GRAB A PENCIL YOU LAZY MAGGOTS!

3. Critical Writing...Huh? Critical writing might be defined in many ways, there are three concepts that you need to understand before you begin to write: – Critical writing is writing done by scholars for other scholars. – Critical writing is devoted to topics and questions that are of interest to the academic community. – Critical writing should present the reader with an informed argument.

4. But ‘Where do I start?’ you might ask... Start with a thesis statement!

5. The Thesis Statement Before Writing a Thesis… – Q: Who is my audience? – A: Someone who is familiar with the text or concept but not with my argument. – Q: What is my purpose? – A: To outline and defend my argument using textual evidence. Finally, my purpose is to state why my argument is important.

6. The Thesis Statement What is it really? – Presents your perspective, opinions, or thoughts on a subject of issue. You cannot write an essay without one. This is your POSITION in ONE sentence. – A simple formula to follow: SUBJECT + YOUR UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE = A QUALITY THESIS DO NOT: – List your body paragraphs – Use “In my opinion” or any variation of the phrase – State a simple fact

7. I have a thesis! Write your topic sentences! Where do I go from here?

8. Topic Sentences What are they? They are the thesis statements of your body paragraphs (1 sentence each paragraph). A good topic sentence does a few things: – Relates to the thesis – Sets up a claim, assertion, argument, or evaluation – Contains a main idea about the topic/position that will be developed in the sentences that follow.

9. Hot dog! I have a THESIS and TOPIC Sentences! Now what? Create your introduction!

10. Introductions An introduction is often the most difficult part of the essay to write. That’s why you need to know WHAT you’re writing about, so that you can work to draw the reader in. An intro includes: – Broad Hook - Works to hook the reader in by creating a relatable connection (1 Sentence). – The link between the very broad hook and your thesis statement. References the components of your paper which will be further developed within the body paragraphs (2-3 sentences). – And finally, your THESIS STATEMENT.

11. Let’s Put It to Work Read the following essay was written in response to the following prompt. Siddhartha has many "helpers" or guides throughout his quest for enlightenment. Choose either one or more of these individuals (including the river) and discuss how they were relevant to the outcome of Siddhartha's journey/quest for enlightenment. HIGHLIGHT the following: – The broad hook that draws the reader in. – The thesis statement – The topic sentences