Thesis statements
I can construct my own thesis statement in response to a prompt.
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General
A clear thesis helps a writer tell their reader what an essay will be about. A thesis statement also requires the writer to take a position on something, which is an important part of argumentative writing.
A strong thesis statement is important to a good introductory paragraph. An introductory paragraph may typically look like:
1. Hook (maybe a question, statistic, or definition)
2. Background of the topic being discussed
3. Thesis & reasons supporting the thesis
Students are prompted to ask themselves three questions when forming a thesis statement:
1. Does my statement take a position on a topic?
2. Does my statement answer the essay question?
3. Does my statement use clear and precise language?
This lesson helps students recognize strong and weak theses in this fun lesson, enriched with plenty of pictures and class discussions.
Standards
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.1a
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.1a
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.1a
Learning objective
Students will be able to construct their own thesis statement in response to a question and evaluate the strength of a thesis statement.
Introduction
Students will read a short paragraph about being on the phone while driving and identify the claim. They will also read a short passage about fresh fruits and veggies and identify the claim. Explain why writing a strong and clear thesis statement is important.
Instruction
Go over thesis statements and their purpose. Students will learn how to test a thesis statement's strength by asking:
1. Does my statement take a position on the topic?
2. Does my statement answer the essay question?
3. Does my statement use specific and precise language?
They will also learn what the thesis statement should not include, such as what the essay is about or ask questions. Next, students will read examples of strong thesis statements and tell what makes them strong. They will evaluate thesis statements and tell whether they are strong or weak. Students will then practice forming their own thesis statements in response to questions, like, "Should high school seniors be required to take a year off before college?"
Quiz
Students are given ten questions which check their understanding of the key concepts of the lesson.
Closing
At the end of the lesson, students will be asked to reflect on the characteristics of a thesis statement, and what makes a thesis statement strong. They will also have new strategies for forming strong theses statements of their own.
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About Gynzy
Gynzy is an online teaching platform for interactive whiteboards and displays in schools.
With a focus on elementary education, Gynzy’s Whiteboard, digital tools, and activities make it easy for teachers to save time building lessons, increase student engagement, and make classroom management more efficient.