Tuesday, October 10th

1. Step 3 of Writing- Breaking Down the Topic is due today. You should have broken down each topic to a manageable size. Label these clearly.

2. Take VERY good notes on the following material. I will go over it on Thursday.

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)

3. Review and take notes over the following links:
Thesis Handout 

http://www.csus.edu/englishta/ta/inclassactivities/Writing%20a%20strong%20thesis%20statement.doc 

** Try the revise exercise at the end.