“Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.”

What to write?!?

Evaluating the Prompt

– Thesis

Write On!

Evaluating the Prompt

– Thesis

“Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.”

Evaluating the PromptSpend some time on the following steps:

Determine the type of essay you are writing.Explanatory? Explain or informArgumentative? Opinion or

beliefNarrative? Tell a story

Analyze the topic of the promptWhat exactly are you supposed to write about?

Identify advanced vocabularyWhich words in the prompt should you include in the essay?

Example

Write On!

Prompt:Many people take

great pride in exhibiting the characteristics of a good citizen.

Think about what types of characteristics make up a good citizen.

Now write to explain what makes a person a good citizen.

What type of essay are you writing?

Explain = Explanatory essay

What exactly are you supposed to write about?

Explain what makes a person a good citizen.

Exhibit

CharacteristicsCitizen

Identify advancedvocabulary:

Evaluating the Prompt

– Thesis

“Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.”

PRACTICE

Write On!

Prompt: Many people are

dog-lovers while many others prefer cats or other animals as pets.

Think about which pet you think is better.

Now write to present your opinion about which animal makes the best pet.

What type of essay are you writing?

Opinion = Argumentative essay

What exactly are you supposed to write about?

Your opinion about which animal makes the best pet.

Identify advanced vocabulary:PreferPetAnimal

Evaluating the Prompt

– Thesis

“Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.”

Using Prior Knowledge & Character Traits

Gather your thoughts…

IDEASIDEAS

IDEAS!

Evaluating the Prompt

– Thesis

Write On!

Powerful & Significant

“Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.”

Evaluating the Prompt

– Thesis

Write On!

“Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.”

Activate Prior Knowledge

Read the prompt carefully – make sureyou understand what the subject is.

Write down all thoughts you have about the subject.

Use your own knowledge base to get started.

Responsibility Honesty Kindness Self-Control

Respect Tolerance

Citizenship CooperationIf appropriate, try to incorporate at least one character trait into each essay you write.

Using the following character traits (or variations) will help make your writing powerful and effective.

“Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.”

Use Character Traits

Evaluating the Prompt – General

Statement

   

Evaluating the Prompt

– Thesis

“Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.”

Avoid first person pronouns (most of the time) * I * me * my * we * us * our *

Avoid narrative elements (unless you are writing an Argumentative essay)

* I think * I believe * I want * I should * My reasons * My opinion

Avoid using the words you, you’re, your (anywhere in the essay!) Do not “speak” to the reader

Avoid abbreviations, symbols, or “IM talk” 

USE capital letters and commas correctly

List reasons in a standard thesis: strongest, weak, strong

 

Evaluating the Prompt

– Thesis

Vending machines should be in our school because they make money, offer choices, and hungry.

provided in

they

students get

“Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.”

Important Facts about Thesis Statements

Capitalize first word of a new sentence and proper nouns

Never place a comma before or after because

Commas in a series for reasons (a, b, conjunction c) Always check your thesis for agreement and revise!

List Ideas by using Prior Knowledge & Character Traits

Write On!

Good Citizen

obeys rules

& lawshelps others

honest

respectfulkindness

picks up

trash

respectthe

environment

Prompt:Many people take great pride in exhibiting the characteristics of a good citizen.

Think about what types of characteristics make up a good citizen.

Now write to explain what makes a person a good citizen.

Evaluating the Prompt

– Thesis

“Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.”

List Ideas by using Prior Knowledge & Character Traits

Write On!

Prompt: Many people are

dog-lovers while many others prefer cats or other animals as pets.

Think about which pet you think is better.

Now write to present your opinion about which animal makes the best pet.

Cats

• Calming• Cuddly• Friendly• Playful• Easy to care for

Fish

• Quiet• Provide a peaceful environment

• Easy care

Dog

• Playful• Loyal• Protector• Man’s best friend

• Active

Evaluating the Prompt

– Thesis

“Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.”

Thesis Statement

Your Road Map to a Great Essay!

Evaluating the Prompt

– Thesis

Write On!

“Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.”

ThesisStatements

Evaluating the Prompt

– Thesis

Write On!

Thesis Stateme

nt

Last sentence

in introducti

on

Answers question posed in prompt

Clear and to

the point

Prepares reader for

rest of essay

Can standon itsown

“Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.”

Evaluating the Prompt

– Thesis

“Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.”

Steps to develop Thesis StatementsEvaluate Ideas

Choose bestIncorporate a character trait if you can

Analyze Word ChoiceChoose powerful wordsUse wording from the prompt

Double Check ConventionsCheck spelling and punctuationBe sure everything agrees in case, tense, and numberParallel structure is evident

Use time-order transitions to begin each statementFirst, Next, Last

Kick it

up!

Will an implied thesis work for your style?

Decide which type of thesis will flow with your writing.

Standard & Implied

Thesis Statements

Write On!

Will an implied thesis work for your style?

Kick it up!

A Standard Thesis Statement lists the main ideas, which will make up the body of the essay, right in the statement.

An Implied Thesis Statement alludes to the ideas which will follow, but it does not list them in the statement.

Evaluating the Prompt

– Thesis

“Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.”

Example - Detail Statements or a Thesis Statement:

Write On!

Prompt:Many people take great pride in

exhibiting the characteristics of a good citizen.

Think about what types of characteristics make up a good citizen.

Now write to explain what makes a person a good citizen.

Choose best ideas:Obeys rules/lawsHelps others in communityShow respectThesis Statement:

Being a good citizen means demonstrating obedience for laws, respect, and cooperation within one’s community.

Kick it up! Use an Implied Thesis Statement:Since we are all part of society, it is imperative to demonstrate the qualities of an upstanding citizen.

Evaluating the Prompt

– Thesis

“Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.”

Writing an Implied Thesis Statement

Write On!

Before you write an implied thesis, make sure to evaluate and choose the best ideas.Decide on the main focus of the essay.For a persuasive essay, note an opposing

viewpoint.Follow the formula: LB, S when writing an

implied thesis statement.Before writing, let’s review the formula: LB, S

Kick it up!

Evaluating the Prompt

– Thesis

“Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.”

Writing an LB, S

An LB, S is a Left Branch (subordinate clause) followed by a complete sentence.

A subordinate clause begins with a subordinating conjunction and is followed by a subject and a verb.

Write On!

Although rock music is popularA subordinate clause

does NOT make sense by itself.

Although rock music is popular, I prefer to submerge myself in the melodies of classical music.usic.

Evaluating the Prompt

– Thesis

“Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.”

Write On!

IMPORTANT: You need to be able to recognize

subordinating conjunctions.

after

although

asbecaus

e

even though until

before

since

so that

unless

when

while

Evaluating the Prompt

– Thesis

“Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.”

Write On!

Writing an Argumentative Implied Thesis

When you are writing an Argumentative Essay,

an implied thesis statement will allow you to address an opposing viewpoint but place the

focus on your point.

Format the “left branch” to address the opposing viewpoint.

While backpack searches may seem like an invasion of privacy, the safety of students, faculty, and staff is the primary concern.

Will an implied thesis work for your style?

Kick it up!

Evaluating the Prompt

– Thesis

“Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.”

Practice

Prompt: Many people are dog-lovers while many others prefer cats or other animals as pets.Think about which pet you think is better.Now write to present your opinion about which animal makes the best pet.

Evaluating the Prompt

– Thesis

“Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.”

Evaluate Ideas & Analyze Word Choice for Thesis Statements

• Modify word choice• Choose 3 best

ideas

Dogs are the Best Pet

Loyal

Loyal companion

Playful Protector

Guardian

Man’s Best Friend Active

Evaluating the Prompt

– Thesis

“Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.”

Write Thesis Statement

Write On!

Will an implied thesis work for your style?

Kick it up!

Without a doubt, a dog makes the best pet because it is a loyal companion, a guardian, and always active.

Kick it up! Use an Implied Thesis Statement:Although some people feel a cat is the

best pet, a dog truly makes the ultimate companion.

Evaluating the Prompt

– Thesis

“Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.”