“The Roadmap of your Essay”

Writing Preassessment

Good things: Most writers started with a

hook/attention grabber Sentences for main ideas

Things to Improve: Mostly used a “question” for a hook Too much first-person language Very few correct thesis statements

What is a thesis statement?What is a thesis statement?

One sentence that describes the One sentence that describes the main idea or argumentmain idea or argument of an of an essay. essay.

Only Only oneone sentencesentence

Has a Has a specificspecific topictopic and claim and claim

It It can becan be arguedargued

Good CharacteristicsGood Characteristics

ExampleExample TopicTopic (main idea of what you are (main idea of what you are

writing about)writing about) Claim Claim (what your attitude is toward (what your attitude is toward

the topic)the topic)

Football is a great team sport because every player must work together to be successful.

The driving-age-limit should be increased to prevent more teenage deaths caused by car accidents.

Bad CharacteristicsBad Characteristics

Writing in the Writing in the first personfirst person (I believe, (I believe, In my opinion, etc.)In my opinion, etc.)

Not specific enough Not specific enough or too generalor too general

just stating a just stating a factfact

Bad ExampleBad Example

Football is a great team sport.(too broad; no clear claim to be argued)

I believe technology has improved our lives because it makes it easier to communicate around the world.(first person)

Time to Time to Practice!Practice!

Thesis Statement?Thesis Statement?

The average temperature for the The average temperature for the White Plains in the winter is in the White Plains in the winter is in the 20s, while the summers are very 20s, while the summers are very hot.hot.

1 of 5

Thesis Statement?Thesis Statement?

The White Plains is a great place to The White Plains is a great place to live because of its access to outdoor live because of its access to outdoor sports.sports.

2 of 5

Thesis Statement?Thesis Statement?

In this essay, I will explain why people In this essay, I will explain why people should move to California because should move to California because of its amazing weather.of its amazing weather.

3 of 5

Thesis Statement?Thesis Statement?

Scary movies are fun.Scary movies are fun.

4 of 5

Thesis Statement?Thesis Statement?

Recycling is an important job that Recycling is an important job that everyone should do to protect our everyone should do to protect our environment for future generations.environment for future generations.

5 of 5

Writing Thesis StatementsWriting Thesis Statements

Step 1: Read the promptStep 1: Read the prompt

Step 2: Identify the topicStep 2: Identify the topic

Step 3: Think about your argument or claim Step 3: Think about your argument or claim about the topicabout the topic

Step 4: Write a thesis statement that Step 4: Write a thesis statement that contains the topic and claimcontains the topic and claim

Writing PromptWriting Prompt

Many people enjoy traveling around Many people enjoy traveling around the country. Some fly to different the country. Some fly to different cities, while others prefer to take a cities, while others prefer to take a road trip. Explain what you think is road trip. Explain what you think is the best way to travel.the best way to travel.

Writing PromptWriting Prompt

Many people enjoy traveling around the Many people enjoy traveling around the country. Some fly to different cities, while country. Some fly to different cities, while others prefer to take a road trip. Explain others prefer to take a road trip. Explain what you think is the best way to travel.what you think is the best way to travel.

Thesis Statement:Thesis Statement:

Driving is the best way to travelDriving is the best way to travel because you can stop and explore because you can stop and explore new places at any time.new places at any time.

Writing PromptWriting Prompt

Practice:Practice:

Research shows that a person’s Research shows that a person’s mood can be affected by the mood can be affected by the weather. Some people prefer weather. Some people prefer warm weather, while others prefer warm weather, while others prefer a colder climate. Explain what you a colder climate. Explain what you think is the most enjoyable time of think is the most enjoyable time of year: summer or winter.year: summer or winter.

Time to write some thesis Time to write some thesis statements on your own!statements on your own!

1. Suppose Congress wants to make a new national holiday honoring an important person or event. Choose a person or event you would like to honor. Write an essay to convince members of Congress to accept your choice.

2. Through the years new inventions have changed the way we live. Think about one invention that has had an impact on the way you live. Now write to explain to your teacher how this invention has changed your life.

3. Your principal has asked students to suggest a school rule that should be changed. Think of one rule that you would like to have changed. Write a letter convincing your principal that this rule should be changed. Be sure to support your opinion with convincing reasons and evidence.

4. Every student is required to pass the AIMS test in order to graduate. Many people disagree with this policy. Write a persuasive essay to argue your opinion on this issue: Should students be required to pass AIMS in order to graduate?