Due: Friday, September 16th

The following things should be done by Friday:
1. Aphorism project: Up through summarize the article.
2. Steps 1-3 with the 4 topics: Family, Pets, Food, Sports
       - make sure that each step is labeled clearly.
       - also make sure that you do all of Step 1 first... then Step 2... Step 3..
      -  do not put into your notes. You will turn in at the end of Step 8
3. Make sure that the diagnostic test for No Red Ink is done.

For Friday:
1. Take VERY good notes on the following material. I will go over it on Friday.

STEP 4 of Writing: Writing a THESIS OR CLAIM. 

Definition of THESIS: arguable main idea of a paper or paragraph

Purpose of Step 4: to provide analysis and argument of a topic, as well as providing a clear road map for the writer and the reader. 

Formula of a thesis: Subject + Attitude or Belief about this subject + Blueprint = Thesis

Checklist for evaluating a thesis:

1. Is the thesis/claim debatable? 

2. Does it answer an intellectual question? 

3. It is not a statement of fact (consider the audience). 

4.  Does it clearly point the direction of the argument (limiting it scope).

5. Is the language vivid and clear?

6. Is the point I’m making one that would generate discussion and argument, or is it one that would leave people asking, “So what?” (does it pass the "how" and "why" test?)
7. Does it use an active verb? (Avoids "Be Verbs... is, are, am, were)

Review and take notes over the following links:
http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/thesis_statement.shtml 
http://www.csus.edu/englishta/ta/inclassactivities/Writing%20a%20strong%20thesis%20statement.doc 

** Try the revise exercise at the end.