October 16th

1. Review:

Thesis: Arguable statement which is the main idea of your paper/paragraph

Formula: Subject + Attitude/Belief +(because) Blueprint = Thesis

Thesis Checklist:

• Answer to an intellectual question (research question)
• Must be arguable/debatable (not a statement of fact)
• Points the direction of argument (how and why?)
• Passes the "so what" test
• Language is vivid and clear

2. Types of Claims- These will help you address a subject in an effective manner.
Purdue OWL Thesis/Claims

3. Practice thesis writing. In your notes, using the types of claims notes, formula, and then the checklist, write a thesis for each of the following topics.

Remember to write the research question first... the types of claims and/or Bloom's question stems can help you approach these topics.

Kansas City Sports
Iphones
Friendship
High School Activities
Happiness

4. When you are done, go through the checklist to make sure that you have addressed all components of a strong thesis. Look over the formula... do you have all three components? Write down what type of claim you are using for each thesis... is it cause and effect? Definition? Value? etc.?

5. For Tuesday, on your own paper, review the 9 thesis statements on the following handout. Identify if they are strong or weak.. .and why? Rewrite the weak thesis statements.

Thesis Practice Handout