 It
is a CONVERSATION
between you and your
sources, not just using them
because they agree with your
point
 It shows the COMPLEXITIES of
an issue, not black and white
… Many doctors warn about the risks of childhood
obesity because it is obviously a problem in our
society. Scientists repeatedly warn about the
repercussions of a “steady diet of McDonalds and
Burger King” at such a young age. This is a valid
point that most would not dispute. However, the
fact can’t be ignored many families are not left
with more healthy options. I can recall many times
where a quick on-the-go drive through stop was
required as opposed to the time it would take to
cook a healthy meal. In fact, studies have shown
that “Three quarters of American families choose
to eat out at least once a week due to their busy
schedules.” This shocking statistic seems to only
raise another question: What is so important to
families that they can’t sit down and enjoy a
simple meal on a regular basis? Our priorities are
clearly out of order.
Defend,
challenge or
qualify the statement that
America still provides
access to the American
Dream, to the “tired, poor,
and the huddled masses.”
 Defend:
to back up, to agree
with
 Challenge: to refute, to
disagree with
 Qualify: to limit or modify, to
agree and disagree at the
same time (with reason); to
show a complexity.
D: American Idol is the best show ever.
 C: American Idol has lost its excitement
since it first began.
 Q: American Idol was a groundbreaking
reality show when it first started, but has
been replaced by more interesting
shows like The Voice.

D: Cloning research is vital to the
continuation of our species and should
be funded by the federal government.
 C: Cloning research is immoral and
provides the opportunity for unethical
treatment of Animals.
 Q: Cloning research, while necessary,
should be limited to cases where it would
save human life.

D: Schools should have a strict dress
code to ensure student safety.
 C: Schools should allow students to
express themselves.
 Q: Schools must enforce a balance
between individual liberty and societal
expectations.

America
still provides
access to the American
Dream, to “the tired, the
poor, the huddled
masses”
The New Colossus
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
 Decide
which side you’re
going to take
 Qualify is always best; gives
you something unique to say
 Write a Thesis Statement
 Outline your main points… they
should NOT have anything to
do with your sources
Thesis: Cloning research, while necessary, should be
limited to cases where it would save human life.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Cloning research has proven successful in
the past.
Many diseases could be cured through
information this research provides.
However, biological research always raises
concerns of cruelty to animals.
In addition, many religious institutions are
opposed to cloning on moral grounds.
Ultimately, the medical benefits far
outweigh the controversy
Thesis: Schools must enforce a balance
between individual liberty and societal
expectations.
A. High schools are supposed to be preparing
students for the real world where they’ll
have to conform to expectations.
B. In the same vein, student safety is always
an issue at stake.
C. Of course, teenagers are trying to find their
identity and stifling their creativity could
cause serious developmental issues.
D. Ultimately, schools need to determine how
to best ensure the well-being of all of their
students and can do so with a moderate
dress code that allows for individual
expression within reason.
 Write
your thesis statement
 Write a Main Point Outline
 Choose/Brainstorm which sources
would best fit into your paper.
› One must be Gatsby
› One must be a nonfiction piece from
Unit 1
› Third can be any other piece we have
studied.