Writing a Thesis Objectives Y W B A

Writing a Thesis

Objectives Y. W. B. A. T. : Develop a strong Thesis Statement Write an outline for an Essay Identify positive and negative aspects of Absolutism

Thesis Definition: A statement or theory that is put forward as a premise to be maintained or proved. Key Aspects of a Thesis: One Sentence (usually) Declarative Specific Topic + Opinion What you’re going to write about and how you’re going to make your case

Thesis Statements – Examples The Mandate of Heaven in Han China contributed to power being concentrated in the Emperor because people believed that he was meant to rule, allowed the emperor to take power from the nobles and created a culture of reverence toward the emperor. Declarative sentence? Topic + Opinion? Specific? Do you know what I’m going to talk about in my essay? The United States was justified in dropping atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki because it forced the Japanese to end their participation in WWII, saved countless American lives and proved to Russia that the US had Atomic Weapons. Declarative sentence? Topic + Opinion? Specific? Do you know what I’m going to talk about in my essay?

Thesis Format [TOPIC] [OPINION/ARGUEMENT] because [Reason 1], [Reason 2], and [Reason 3]. Topic: During the run up to the American Revolution, Opinion/Argument: Americans were increasingly frustrated with the British government because Reason 1: the Americans were not represented in British parliament, Reason 2: the British instituted high taxes, and Reason 3: British soldiers were forcefully occupying American homes.

Thesis Statements – Examples The Roman Empire’s long decline was due to environmental changes, bad economic policies and corruption among the emperors. Declarative sentence? Topic + Opinion? Specific? Do you know what I’m going to talk about in my essay? Battle Ground High School is a fantastic place to learn because the teachers genuinely care about the students, resources are abundant and almost all students embody the motto “UTC. ” Declarative sentence? Topic + Opinion? Specific? Do you know what I’m going to talk about in my essay?

Thesis Statements – Rubric 4 Thesis Statement 3 Clear and focused Clear thesis statement. Includes both a topic plus an opinion. and opinion. Engaging However, the word choice that goes choice is fairly generic beyond simple and uninviting. opinion words. Supporting Reasons are logical, Reasons are generally Reasons fully support the logical and/or support thesis and clearly thesis. The author illustrate the author's get's his or her point and persuades across but may not the reader. persuade the reader. Supporting Evidence and facts are Facts/Evidence clearly related to the generally related to the reason and support reason, but do not fully thesis. support thesis. 2 1 Attempted to communicate a topic plus an opinion but is too generic to get a clear sense of the writer's point. Has only a topic or an opinion. Student does not clearly understand the purpose of a thesis. Reasons are somewhat logical but may not fully support thesis. The reader is likely not persuaded. Supporting reasons are not logical or do not support thesis. The reader is confused. Evidence and facts are Evidence and facts only partially related to to not support the reason and may not reasons or thesis. support thesis. Or, 1 Or 3+ pieces of -3 pieces of evidence are missing.

Your Assignment Write an Outline for an Essay Answer this question: Absolute monarchies dominated Europe for many years. Do you think they affected European nations positively or negatively? You need: A thesis statement 3 Supporting reasons 3 supporting facts/pieces of evidence for EACH reason Go to Google Docs