Instruction
LESSON ONE: Theses, Arguments and Claims. TOPIC: What do you mean I ain't getting an 'A'?
Image of a boy inflating a helium balloon shaped like the letter "A" Previously, we concentrated on how to read and annotate a text, but this week we're going to start concentrating more on how texts are put together, and one of the main components of an essay is the THESIS or MAIN CLAIM. The thesis sets up your argument--the main point of what your essay will be about.
IN THIS LESSON WE WILL...
LINK: to the Purdue OWL: "Organizing Your Argument."
POWERPOINT: Review presentation on Types of Claims.
READING & EXERCISE: "Doesn't Anyone Get a C Anymore?" by Phil Primack
DISCUSS: we will also be discussing the reading assignments (discussions will occur in the form of journals, via my comments, and in forums. See which items are prompted during a given lesson).
DRAFTING: Revise your thesis and build your argument for Essay One
DRAFTING: Creating a thesis and building content for Essay One
Now that we've done some reading on creating theses, you're going to use this exercise to create a thesis for Essay One and start to build your argument. Your first paragraph should end in a clear, concise Thesis Statement, that contains your position on an argument. This main claim should be FOR or AGAINST the topic, using material from the readings as evidence to support it. Remember: the evidence you choose should support your thesis, NOT be used to explain the sources. Add an additional paragraph to start building your support.
Write directly to Blackboard. Attachments will NOT be graded. Don't worry about formatting as when you write to Blackboard, it ignores it. Save all your formatting expertise for when you submit a Word document for your essay. DO proofread before you submitting