1. Do you understand the prompt? Turn it into your
own words.
2. My thesis statement
Often the hardest part of coming up with a thesis
statement is making sure that you are making an argument, and are not just
stating a fact. Here are some ways
to turn an observation (or fact) into an argument (or interpretation):
o Identify a cause or an effect.
o Answer how
or why.
o Evaluate / make a distinction between the two
things being compared. (Say who is
more isolated, or who is affected most by internalized oppression, or
decide whose need for absolute power led to greater
negative consequences.)
o Take a stand on a controversial issue. (Answer a
question like one of these: Is
the creature truly a monster? Does Victor really change by the end of Frankenstein?)
3. The checklist
_____ accurately answers the question asked.
_____ makes an
argument rather than states an observation or fact.
_____ presents
the argument of my essay in one complete sentence.
_____
expresses just one main idea – my argument is focused and can be answered
thoroughly and well in a 1-2-paragraphs.
_____ is
original – my argument aims to present a new idea or conclusion, and doesn’t
just repeat what we’ve already talked a lot about in class.
_____ uses
active, engaging, and specific words.
Some things to avoid ...
1. Speculation (could/would/should are not your friends; use cause and effect instead)
2. Summarizing rather than analyzing the evidence (don't tell me what the quote says; tell me how it proves your thesis statement)
3. Wishy washy statement (maybe, sort of, likely -- all are words to avoid; take a stand and run with it!)
4. I. Yes you are important, but there's no need to write, "I think" or "I believe." I know it's what you believe because YOU are making an argument and YOUR name is on the paper.
Some things to know ...
1. Proper text citation
2. Proper context (no dangling quotes!)
B block: take a look at F block's essay.
F block: take a look at B block's essay.
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