Let’s review!
Paragraphs and Essays have 3 parts—
Paragraphs
Essays
Topic sentence
Body (details!)
Closing sentence
Introduction (containing thesis statement)
Body (details that support thesis)
Conclusion
An essay is an extension of the one topic paragraph!
So, how does that work?
An analogy:
Topic sentence is to paragraph as thesis statement is to an essay
So . . .if you were assigned to write a paragraph about the
causes of the Civil War, your topic sentence might
look like:
Although many people think that the Civil War was fought
because of slavery, it was actually more complicated.
What will this paragraph be about?
Now, if you were given the SAME topic, but had to write an
ESSAY, instead of a topic sentence, you would have to write
an introductory paragraph.
Within the introductory paragraph, you would include a
thesis statement (a topic sentence for your essay)
Write an essay that discusses the causes of the Civil War
Between the years 1861 and 1865, the United States of America
engaged in a war between the states; the Civil War. Although many people think that
the Civil War was fought primarily because of slavery, it was actually more
complicated. The Civil War was fought because of the South’s fear of losing their
state’s rights and slavery issues.
What will this essay be about? What is the thesis statement?
Instead of briefly naming the reasons for the war (as in a paragraph), each body
paragraph of this essay will define an explain each individual reason.
That’s all well and good, but how do I write a thesis statement?
Writing Thesis Statements
An effective thesis statement tells the reader specifically what you plan to
write about.
In a longer essay or research report, your thesis statement generally comes at
the end of your opening/introductory paragraph.
How Do I Formulate a Thesis?
A thesis statement usually takes a stand or expresses a specific feeling about,
or feature of, your topic.
How Do I Formulate a Thesis? (cont.)
First, read the prompt.
Then, think…list all the ideas that pop into your head that
ties back to the prompt: Brainstorm!
EXAMPLE:
Writing assignment: Write an essay that explains what it means to be a good
friend.
Specific Topic: Being a good friend
Thesis Statement: When you are a good friend, you are loyal and you listen.
Have fun
Hang out
Listen to your problems
Share interests
loyalty/has your back
Helps you with class work
You try! (in your notebook on the left or “reflective/output” side)
Writing assignment: Write an essay explaining why a student should study.
Specific Topic: studying.
Thesis Statement:
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
______________________________________.
Writing assignment: Write an essay that explains how to keep healthy.
Specific Topic: Keeping healthy
Thesis Statement: _______________________________________
_______________________________________
______________________________________.
To go in your notes (as a GRADED ASSIGNMENT):
You will be given 3 prompts. For each topic, you must formulate a possible
thesis statement. Remember, use the first three steps on your handout!
Prompt (writing assignment): Write an essay explaining why it’s important to
never give up.
Specific topic:
Thesis Statement:
Prompt (writing assignment): Write an essay that explains why education is
important.
Specific topic:
Thesis Statement:
Prompt (writing assignment): Write an essay that explains what it means to be a
hero.
Specific topic:
Thesis Statement:
THE PLAN:
Tomorrow we will use these thesis statements
to begin writing introductory paragraphs!