Session+14

Session 14

**14.1 - Brainstorm**

What is a thesis statement? Why are thesis statements so important?

A thesis statement tells the reader what the topic is going to be and how they are going to prove it, and it answers the question that was asked. It's almost like a map so thjat you don't get lost threw the paper. Thesis statements are important because it helps the reader get a better understanding of the whole picture, and it helps organize facts.

**14.2 - Defining Thesis Statements** Copy and paste the following to your notebooks:

__Thesis Statements__ a. What is my topic? b. What argument am I prepared to make? c. How can I state my argument as clearly and powerfully as possible? d. Is my statement a direct answer to the question or response to the prompt or claim about the topic?
 * 1) A thesis statement is an argument. It is a 1-2 sentence statement of the purpose of your essay: what will you be proving to the reader in the essay?
 * 2) It should be toward the end of an introductory paragraph and include enough specifics that the reader has a general idea of the key points you will make to support your biggest claim.
 * 3) Your thesis statement should likely be a compound sentence, including a preview of the major points you will make to support your big claim. So, instead of writing a simple thesis statement like "The end of World War II brought about major consequences" you should probably write something like "When World War II ended in 1945, the major consequences included the division of Germany, the start of the United Nations, and the beginning of the Cold War."
 * 4) To write your thesis, ask yourself 4 questions:


 * DEFINE compound sentence.
 * In number 3, explain why the second example thesis statement is better than the first.

Compound Sentence- A sentence that contains at least two idependent clauses. The second thesis is clearly stated, and gives you the consquences which each consquence will be a paragraph on how and why they were. This particular thesis gives you a brief view of the point and what will be proven. The writer is telling you that the consquences are such and such and this is why and it lead to this because. This statement is very clearly written.

**14.3: Examples** For each of the following statements, highlight the choice you think is better. Then explain why you think it is the better choice.

__//Example: //__ //**Prompt ****:** Explain the relationship between nationalism and sectionalism in 1850s America. // //**Choice 1:** In 1850s America, nationalism was being overshadowing by growing sectionalist developments as the debate over the spread of slavery reached its highest points and set the stage for the start of the Civil War. // //**Choice 2:** American nationalism grew after the victory in the Mexican-American War in 1848 and the resulting land acquisitions. // //**Answer:** Choice 1 - The first thesis statement is better because it directly responds to the essay prompt, is clearly written, and includes specifics of the argument that will be made in the essay. Meanwhile, the second choice seems to be off in terms of time period and does not include enough specifics. //

__Student work__: **Choice 1:** Aid from the French helped turn the tide of the American Revolution toward victory for the colonists. This, in addition to their previously held advantages of strong military leadership and homeland advantage, led the colonists to win the war and gain their independence. **Choice 2**: In the late 18th century, after years of protesting unfair laws and many key battles, the American colonists won independence from their mother country of Great Britain.
 * //Prompt A// **: Why were the American colonists successful in winning independence from the British in the late 18th century?

Choice 1 It's clearly stated in my opinion and tells you the topic and isn't just a bunch of words on the paper, it makes sense.

**Choice 2:** Leading up to the Civil War, the abolition movement in America was divided, but ultimately remained united enough to push leaders of the country to end slavery forever.
 * //Prompt B://** In what ways was the abolition movement of 19th century America divided?
 * Choice 1**: The abolition movement of 19th century America was divided in terms of both tactics and goals, as there were strong, differing opinions over how to most effectively make abolition occur and the process by which complete abolition should be sought.

Choice 2 is clearly stated and in the complete thesis form.

**//Prompt C//:** To what extent did Andrew Jackson’s presidency benefit the United States of America? **Choice 1:** Despite his record on treatment of Native Americans, Andrew Jackson’s presidency greatly benefited the U.S. due to his administration’s work on expanding voting rights and economic policies. **Choice 2:** Andrew Jackson was the eighth president of the United States and known for being the symbol of Jacksonian Democracy.

I don't think either of these are good thesis statements. I feel like they could be worded differently to give a little more information.

**14.4: Practice thesis writing**


 * //Choose five// of the topics/questions/prompts below to create a thesis statement. Remember: your thesis should be a compound sentence.

__//Incorrect: McDonald's is the best just because.//__


 * 1) What is the best fast food restaurant operating today?
 * 2) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Asses this statement: no movie should ever have a sequel.
 * 3) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Should immigrants be allowed into the United States if they cannot speak basic English?
 * 4) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">What are the reasons that a ratings system has been implemented for video games?
 * 5) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Why are there different age limits set on driver’s licenses (varies by state), voting (18), and alcohol use (21)?
 * 6) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Should the United States ever attack another country that has not attacked the U.S. first?
 * 7) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">To what extent is Malden High School a great place to go to school?
 * 8) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Compare apples and oranges.
 * 9) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Analyze the reasons for which some teenagers drop out of school.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">1. Five guys has to be the best food restaurant operating today, because the burgers are so juicy, it fills you up, and the fries hands down beat any other fast food restaurant

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">2. I disagree with "No movie should ever have a sequel", because theres occasions when it's needed, some sequels are great, and if someone really likes the movie. 3. I feel immigrants should not be allowed in the US if they do not speak english because, mostly everything is in English and when trying to correct one it's like talking to a brick wall, why be here if you can't speak english, and how are they suppose to abide by our rules if they don't understand? 7. Malden High is a great place to go, because the teachers are very trusting and you get a different view of them from freshmen year-senior year, the student body is a great variety, although a bit intimidating if your knew, and anyone in the whole school will always be there for any student no matter what, which is a good feeling. 8. Oranges are so much better than apples because oranges are juicy, you can peel them, and the taste is quinching.

**14.5 - Response to the Casey Anthony Trial**

Using the thesis guidelines above and the two articles you found about the Casey Anthony trial, write a one paragraph response to the trial.

Prompt: Do you think Casey Anthony murdered her daughter?

In 5-7 sentences, using evidence from the articles you linked and from your own opinion of the trial. Include a compound thesis statement!

When it comes to the Casey Anthony trial I do not have one good thing to say because she didn't report that her daughter was missing a month later, she was last seen with Casey Anthony, and the fact that her mother called the police almost a month later telling the police that Caylee is missing, and that her daughters car smells like a dead body. What more do they want for evidence? Casey's own mother called about a month later to report Caylee missing, and told the cops that her daughters car smelt like a dead body. Plus poor little Caylee's remains were found not too far from Casey's house. Coincidence much? My heart breaks for Caylee, she was so young and had her whole life ahead of her, and unfortunatly her physico mother took that away in seconds, and is getting away with it.

**14.6 - Memory and Study Skills**

How do you remember information? How do you study?

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I usually have to write something down a few times, or keep saying it over and over in my head. If it's something that I'm interested in, I don't have to worry about it cause that's all I will think about for awhile. If something catches my eye, and that I'm interested into it, I will usually remember it, other than that i try to write thing's down, or put them in my cell phone to remember what, and when.