Introduction to Thesis Statements (High School)

Thesis Statements p. 39

Goal:

I can demonstrate an understanding of the essential elements of a thesis statement.

I can write a thesis statement.

On Page 40, create a KWL chart about Thesis statements and complete the “Know” column.

What is this short film about?

Click Me!

By taking the time to slow down and take notice of the bright colors in the air and joyful faces of the participants during India’s “Festival of Colors,” we can better appreciate the beauty in life and other cultures.

What is a thesis statement?

A sentence near the beginning of an essay that states your point of view and gives a summary of the argument you’ll make in the rest of your paper.

A thesis statement:

expresses the writer’s position or interpretation of a particular subject.

makes a claim that others might dispute.

is included in the opening paragraph.

answers the question of the writing prompt.

tells the reader what to expect from the paper.

Two ways to create a thesis:

Thesis then Evidence

Decide your idea first and find facts to fit

Gives you a good focus for your reading.

BUT… you may be influenced by your thesis and miss other good evidence.

You might have to change your thesis if you can’t find the facts!

Evidence then Thesis

Find the facts first, then create a thesis that fits.

It’s harder to know what to focus on as you’re reading.

BUT you have a more open mind

You collect more evidence than you need.

Elements of the Thesis

TOPIC

EVIDENCE

OPINION

On page 38, # your paper 1-5

Quick Quiz!

1. True or False: When I write a thesis statement, I will include my opinion.

2. True of False: It’s bad if someone disagrees with the opinion in my thesis statement.

3. Which paragraph of your essay has your thesis statement?

4. Finish the sentence: A thesis statement is like a road map because it _____________________________________.

5. True or False: I have to decided on a thesis statement before I start writing my essay.

6. True or False: I should never change my thesis statement once I’ve started writing my essay.

7. Name the three elements of a thesis statement.

From Question to Thesis

“Read the passage carefully. In a well-written essay, explain how the author uses imagery, figurative language and detail to characterize Scrooge.”

TOPIC

EVIDENCE

OPINION

Scrooge’s personality/characterImagery, figurative language and detailDetermined by the essay writer!

In A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, the author uses many different types of figurative language to characterize Scrooge.”

TOPIC

EVIDENCE

OPINION

Scrooge’s character

“many different types of figurative language”

In A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, the protagonist Scrooge is portrayed as the archetypal greedy, cold-hearted character through Dickens’ use of figurative language, such as similes and metaphors.

TOPIC

EVIDENCE

OPINION

Scrooge’s character

figurative language – similes and metaphorsScrooge is greedy and cold-hearted

Evaluation of Thesis Statements

Write the following sample thesis statements, and then identify from the thesis statement the subject and the writer’s opinion.

Color #1: What is the topic of the student’s essay?Color #2: What literary elements (the concrete evidence) will the author use?Color #3: What is the writer’s claim?

In The Diary of Anne Frank, Goodrich and Hackett use dialogue and stage directions to reveal a young heroine who is an ordinary teenager with extraordinary maturity.

Color #1: What is the topic of the student’s essay?Color #2: What literary elements (the concrete evidence) will the author use?Color #3: What is the writer’s claim?

In the excerpt from Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus’ strong diction and religious references reveal his belief that his defense of Tom Robinson is both moral and mandatory.

Write your own Thesis:

The prompt: “Through words and actions, a character can “come to life” for a reader. In a well-developed, multi-paragraph essay, discuss how the character of Atticus reveals meaning in the novel. Support your opinion with specific evidence from the text.

The topic of you essay is:_______________________________What kind of evidence will you use?_______ and _________Your opinion: (What meaning in the novel is revealed in Atticus’s words and actions?) ____________________________

REFLECTIONp. 40

•Complete the “I learned” column of your KWL chart.•Include at least 3 statements of what you learned.

•If you have new Questions about thesis statements, add them to your “Want to know” column.