Assignment:• You are a National Geographic journalist who is writing in

the September/October edition of Explorer Magazine. Considering it is the slightly past the 100th anniversary of the North Pole expeditions, some intriguing data has surfaced that is causing the world to question who really got to the North Pole first!

• Write an article that expresses your opinion as to which explorer arrived first, Peary (accompanied by Matthew Henson) or Cook.

Writer’s Workshop

Writing an Opinionated Article Including a Thesis Statement

What is a Thesis Statement?• It is sentence that expresses your position/opinion on a

given topic.• It creates a direction for your ENTIRE paper. It is kind of

like a roadmap for your paper.• Usually it is a complex sentence…(more on this to

come!)• It makes a point that is ARGUEABLE!

Where does a Thesis Statement go?

• Because the rest of your paper will support your thesis, it is usually placed at or near the end of the first paragraph – the introductory

paragraph.

Now, let’s look at Now, let’s look at

what a Thesis Statement what a Thesis Statement

is NOT!is NOT!

Thesis Statements Are Not

As Hard As You May Think…

A Thesis Statement is NOT…

• It is never a question; it should be the answer to a question.

• It is NOT a fact. It is your opinion.

• It is not an announcement of a subject.

(example: “This paper will explain…”)

Two Main PartsA thesis statement is usually is made up A thesis statement is usually is made up of two parts:of two parts:

ANDAND

It must be made available to any qualified student in the United States.

Affordable EducationFor Example:For Example:

Statement Created From Thesis Above:

“To compete well in the global economy, the United States must make higher education affordable for any student who qualified academically.”

More Examples of Thesis Statements…

ANDAND

Yosemite National Park is the perfect place to vacation.

Yosemite National Park

For Example:For Example:

Statement Created From Ideas Above:

“Because of the fun recreational activities, the beautiful scenery, and the economical lodging available, the best place for the perfect family is Yosemite National Park.”

More Examples of Thesis Statements…

ANDAND

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day

Most Important MealOf the Day

For Example:For Example:

Statement Created From Ideas Above:

“Because it gives the person all the essential nutrients that the body requires, and also help the body in facing the challenges of the day, I believe a healthy breakfast is the most important meal of the day.”

Teacher Model of Thesis Statement

Based on the claims presented in the texts, write an essay in response to the following statement from the last unit we explored: “Amundsen arrived at the South Pole first because he was more prepared.”

ANANDD

Amundsen’s South Pole Discovery Amundson arrived at the South Pole first.

Thesis Statement Created From Ideas Above:

“Roald Amundsen was the first person to discover the South Pole because he was prepared for the expedition.”

(Will be revised later in the lesson!)

So Where Does a Thesis Statement Belong?

Your Introductory Paragraph

Think of your introduction

paragraph like a funnel.

When writing an introductory paragraph:When writing an introductory paragraph:1.1. First - Grab you readers attention with a general statement about your topic .First - Grab you readers attention with a general statement about your topic .

3. Last, end your introduction with a thesis statement that tells 3. Last, end your introduction with a thesis statement that tells your reader what you intend to prove to them about your topic.your reader what you intend to prove to them about your topic.

Attention Grabbing

Opening / A HOOKBrie

f

Explanation

of t

opic

Thesis

2. Second, give your reader a brief 2. Second, give your reader a brief explanation (2-3 sentences) explanation (2-3 sentences) of what you will be explaining of what you will be explaining about your topic.about your topic.

First Focus-Focus-YourYour

THESISTHESIS

Teacher Model of Introductory Paragraph

Attention Grabbing

Opening / A HOOK

Remember this?

HOOK:

“Have you ever wondered who discovered the South Pole first and how he or she was able to accomplish it? “

Now, write your own HOOK on the Student Handout!

Start with a HOOK:1. Question – a question that focuses the reader on the subject of the writing.

OR

2. Quote- a line of dialogue

Teacher Model of Introductory Paragraph

Have you ever wondered who discovered the South Pole first and how he or she was able to accomplish it? In the year 1911, two men ventured out with this goal in mind! Roald Amundsen and Captain Robert Scott were competitors and one of them conquered the South Pole before the other! In my opinion, Amundsen was the first person to discover the South Pole because he was more prepared for the expedition.”

HOOK

Discussion of topic

Thesis Statement

Body Paragraphs

• Model of the ACES STRATEGY• Within each body paragraph, make sure to include:

– Textual evidence that will support your opinion.

– Complex Sentences (see Complex Sentences PowerPoint and Student Handouts /Mini Lesson)

Continue Rough Draft on the Student Handout

(Before moving on to the concluding paragraph, see the Writing Complex

Sentences Mini Lesson)

Revise rough draft by adding complex sentences

Concluding Paragraph

• The easiest paragraph in your essay!

• The very LAST paragraph!

• Contains three-four strong sentences.

You should…• Restate your thesis and your prompt! You may begin this

by saying something as simple as

“In conclusion…”

• Remind the reader of the most important ideas in your essay!

You must not…• Do not give any NEW information.• Do not include any more examples/supportive

detail.

Teacher Model of Concluding Paragraph

In conclusion, I feel that Amundsen was the first person to discover the South Pole. Because this explorer was conditioned prior to the race, an experienced explorer, and proven to be a practical individual, Amundsen accomplished the goal before Captain Scott!

Restatement of thesis/prompt