T hesis Statement We build a paragraph around 3 sentences Sentence 1 establish context Sentence 2 build a bridge to the thesis Sentence 3 state a clear thesis Some English teachers name them differently ID: 201821
Download Presentation The PPT/PDF document "Writing a introductory Paragraph with" is the property of its rightful owner. Permission is granted to download and print the materials on this web site for personal, non-commercial use only, and to display it on your personal computer provided you do not modify the materials and that you retain all copyright notices contained in the materials. By downloading content from our website, you accept the terms of this agreement.
Slide1
Writing a introductory Paragraph with Thesis StatementSlide2
We build a paragraph around 3 sentences:
Sentence #1 – establish context
Sentence #2 – build a bridge to the thesis
Sentence #3 – state a clear thesisSlide3
Some English teachers name them differently
The hook
Background information
ThesisSlide4
THE PROMPT
What do you believe is the most significant cause of the American Revolution? Slide5
Sentence #1: Context, what is the essay about?
Do
Use dates and historic references.
Refer to place if it is relevant to the question.Mention conflicting groups or social forces.Don’t
RESTATE THE QUESTION!Provide irrelevant information (duh)Have I mentioned; Don’t restate the question.Slide6
Poor sentences:When studying the American Revolution, it is interesting to ask: “What is the major cause of the war?”
(Don’t restate the question.)
There is an increasingly heated debate in our nation today over the causes of the American Revolution. (
Don’t restate the question.)The War of 1812 had a greater impact on the formation of our country than the American Revolution. (Don’t
p
rovide
irrelevant
information.) Slide7
Good sentences:During the 1770’s , one of the major conflicts between the colonies and England was excessive taxation.
Do: Use
dates and historic references.Arguments about the causes of the American Revolution vary, people have debated the relationship between colonies and England since the revolutionary period.
Do: Refer to place if it is relevant to the question.Since the end of the French and Indian War, the relationship between England and its colonies has been strained.
Do: Mention
conflicting groups or social forces.Slide8
Sentence #2: The Bridge
Do:
Show the connection between the general question and your specific thesis.
Imply what you intend to prove. Name the general evidence you will adduce.Don’t
Narrate the writing process.Reword sentence #1.fill space with pointless wordsSlide9
Good sentences:
The
tension between the colonists and British troops can be seen in the events in Boston.
DO: Show the connection between the general question and your specific thesis.Debate over taxation policies escalated tensions between the colonies and Great Britain.
Do: Imply what you intend to prove. The French and Indian War created the need for taxation of the colonies. Do: Name
the general evidence you will adduce.Slide10
Poor sentences:
In this essay, we will see
why the colonists were upset about taxation.
Don’t: Narrate the writing process.The matter of taxation can never be taken lightly, and has had countless and immeasurable impacts on the political, social and economic, blah, blah,
blah…… fill space with pointless words
#1 said:
During the
colonial period one of the major issues was taxation.
#2
says: The
conflicts between the British and colonial taxation
fostered repeated
disagreements.
DON’T:
Reword sentence #1Slide11
#3 The Thesis: This should be the easiest one. Make a clear, unambiguous statement of what you are going to prove.
Do:
Take a side!
Chose a position for which evidence exists.Respond to the question
Don’tClaim your position is obvious or universally accepted (it’s not).
Get caught up in you personal beliefs.Slide12
Good sentences:
The Tea Act had the greatest impact on the hostile relationship between the colonists and the king which ultimately leads to revolution.
DO:
Take a side! Chose a position for which evidence exists.The colonists resented the idea that their individual rights violated in the Quartering Act which was a major cause of the American Revolution.
Respond to the questionSlide13
Poor Sentences:
In some ways the
British were right in their taxation and in other ways they were wrong.
It is patently obvious to even the most casual observer the British in tended to…Today, historians are united in their recognition of the
colonial anger which…DON’T: Claim your position is obvious or universally accepted (it’s not).
My dad says
the king
should be tarred and feathered, then pilloried (once we figure out what pillorying is
)
Get caught up in you personal beliefs.Slide14
IF YOU GET STUCK
:
What is the question asking? Make a
list to help you:What?Who?
Where?When?Why? (why not?)2. Work backward from your thesis. Never mind what you believe, WHAT CAN YOU PROVE?
Make an outline of the evidence, then state your thesis.
3.
P
araphrase you
own sentence. This can reveal clarity of meaning,
(or
the lack of it
.)Slide15
Grading:
In the context of a 50 point essay:
5 points total:
1 for context, 1 for bridge, 3 for thesis OR 5 points, all-or-nothing if you have a clear thesis
As a stand-alone assignment: 10 points total: 3 for context, 3 for bridge, 3 for thesis, 1 for grammar, mechanics, clarity, agreement with
teacherSlide16