1. Welcome to Humanities Today is Wednesday, February 19, 2014 and you will need: Notebook Writing tool Class Folder All editorials Any late work Start up is a Good Grammar lesson

2. Then versus Than and Comparisons Then is a description of time I wrote the outline and then I wrote the introduction Then is also used in if/then statements If I want to be a good writer, then I have to practice Than is used when making a comparison She writes stronger introductions than I

3. Then/Than Practice 1. Avi saw his first violin concert when he was 3 years old. Since than/then, he has been fascinated by stringed instruments. 2. Yanni would rather eat 20 pieces of broccoli than/then touch a single green bean. 3. Finish your homework, than/then we can go for a bike ride. 4. “Fluffy, no!” Mrs. Hall scolded, scooping the cat up. “You know better than/then to walk on the kitchen table.” 5. For some people, staying away from chocolate is easier said than/then done. 6. “Don’t forget,” Shawna called, “we’re meeting at the museum at five o’clock. I’ll see you than/then ! ” 7. He is taller than/then I/me.

4. Comparisons with Than When making a comparison with "than" do we end with a subject form or object form, "taller than I/she" or "taller than me/her?" The correct response is "taller than I/she." We are looking for the subject form: "He is taller than I am/she is tall." (Except we leave out the verb in the second clause, "am" or "is.") I am tall. He is taller. He is taller than I am tall. Or He is taller than I.

5. Start Up SEE THINK WONDER CONNECT

6. Daily Learning Target I will be able to write a thesis for my editorial. Progression of Learning I can explain the characteristics of a good thesis statement I will create a thesis statement for my Makah whaling controversy persuasive essay. I will identify evidence to support my thesis

7. Purdue OWL: Thesis Writing

8. Characteristics of a Thesis 1. A sentence………. 2. …….that contains an opinion 3. …….which is worth talking about.

9. To build your own thesis: First, state an opinion Ask and answer a question. “How do you feel about Makah whale hunting?” I am opposed to Makah whale hunting. I support Makah whale hunting.

10. To continue building your own thesis: Then, add details….. Explain why the stance you take is interesting. I am opposed to Makah whaling. “because,” a list a comparrison

11. Next, get rid of anything that is impossible to prove. I am opposed to Makah whaling, because it stupidly violates the whale’s right to happiness. “Should have” superlatives notvague words mostgood leastbad worststupid best things/stuff

12. Next, remove redundancy We know it’s your opinion. I am opposed to Makah whaling, because it violates the whale’s right to happiness.

13. Next, remove because Makah whaling, because it violates the whale’s right to happiness. Makah whaling violates the whale’s right to happiness. Whaling helps the Makah preserve their cultural values.

14. Valuable Community Feedback Write your thesis as neatly as you can on the top half of an index card. On the bottom half list your illustration ideas. Makah whaling violates the whale’s right to happiness. Whale’s communication Sam Shepard’s beliefs Divide the reverse into quadrants

15. Valuable Community Feedback Round 1: Collect and shuffle When you have a card, read it at least three times. Check to see if the thesis contains a clear opinion. It may have gone wrong, if they wrote: a fact a waffle (it contains the word or? Yes, you believe….. Or No, I can’t tell because….. Yes, an opponent might say,…..Or, no you should offer more to disagree about by saying.

16. Valued Community Feedback Rounds two to four: Leave the card on the table and move to a new one. Three minutes with each card.

17. “I can write a thesis statement” A thesis statement should… Be your main argument Be clear but arguable Be supported by the rest of your editorial Usually… There is no “because” It is one or two sentences What is your perspective on the Makah Whaling Controversy? Write your thesis statement on a notecard Is it clear yet arguable? Is it enough to be the main argument of a whole editorial?

18. Notecard Pass Every time we pass, write a constructive or positive piece of feedback on: The clarity of the thesis The arguability of the thesis The suitability of the thesis for a whole editorial

19. Papers Back

20. Fist to Five I wrote a good thesis statement for my editorial. Reflection Question 1. How good is your thesis statement (1-5)? Explain Homework Finish or revise your thesis for Thursday. Turn in any missing assignments.

21. Notes Got better as the day went on A lot to do in one class Could work on identifying thesis statements earlier during the work with the editorials and even on writing introductions for some of the editorials as a practice (or this lesson could focus on that and they could write their own the next day)