Writer

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Writers Workshop

• AP European History

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• Dont let this be you...

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The Thesis Statement

• A thesis statement is a formal statement of the
  main idea that you want to present, which can be
  supported with evidence. Generally, a thesis
  statement appears at the end of the first
  paragraph of an essay, so that readers will have
  a clear idea of what to expect.
• A thesis statement has 2 parts
• Your topic - AND -
• Your claim in regards to that topic

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In other words

• SUBJECT
• YOUR CLAIM THESIS

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Avoid creating thesis statements that are simply
statements of fact or based on emotion/opinion.

• Wrong Steroids are hormone-like substances that
  act upon muscle tissue to make it stronger. (This
  is a simple statement of fact needing no
  support).
• Wrong Steroid use is a foolish way to improve
  athletic performance. (This is a personal opinion
  based on emotion rather than reason).
• Wrong Steroids can be dangerous. (This is a
  self-evident statement of truth).

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Create a thesis statement that takes a
stand.State your claim, and then set out to
prove it!

• Correct Repeated steroid use poses a health risk
  to athletes and undermines the integrity of
  athletics. (This is a formal statement of the
  main idea, with a claim that can be supported by
  evidence.)

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• Wrong Al Capone was a gangster in Chicago in the
  1920s.
• Correct Al Capone became the most legendary
  gangster in the 1920s because of his ability to
  run his business syndicate like a government.

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• Wrong Amelia Earhart was the first woman to fly
  across the Atlantic Ocean.
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• Correct Amelia Earharts daredevil attitude
  toward flying and nonconformist conduct paved the
  way for women to challenge themselves in the 20th
  century.

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Test your thesis statement!

• Do I answer the essay question?
• Have I made a claim?
• Can my thesis be proven?
• Does my essay support my thesis?

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Did you write a good thesis statement?

• As you write and continually revise your paper,
  its okay to change your thesis statement.
  Sometimes you really dont know what you want to
  say until after youve started writing.