ARC:
Writing Strong Thesis Statements
Sample thesis formula #1
Subordinating conjunction
+ what others are saying about this topic
+,
+ your assertion
List of subordinating conjunctions:
although
as
as soon as
because
before
despite
even if
even though
every time
if
since
unless
until
whereas
while
* Bold, italicized conjunctions on the list are easiest to incorporate
Sample thesis statements
Despite the fact that today’s society places emphasis on many different priorities such
as money, fame, and education, being a “true man” consists of being a person who
sets all of that aside and forms their own opinion without society’s influence driving
their thought process.
Although many may believe that anyone who conveys authority can be deemed a man,
it is not necessarily true. To be a man, one simply mustn’t follow the crowds.
I believe it’s safe to say that Colonel Sherburn and Emerson’s definition that a man is
an individual and a leader, is exactly what we are.
Sample thesis formula #2
Formula for tackling an argument prompt:
They say – what others are saying – experts and people invested in the topic
I say – your angle
So what? – why this topic matters on a greater scale – what are its long term
effects or “in order to” (confusing between argument and rhetorical analysis)
Despite the common misrepresentations of a leader, Emerson
and Sherburn have proclaimed a valid truth about people: to be a
true “man,” one must be a leader, one who is not afraid to reject
the common principles of society if the need arises. A real leader
is one who strives to bring about a positive change in society
through just actions and hard work, even if they must stand
alone.
Workshop: Writing a thesis statement for the prompt
Checklist for Thesis
• Uses accurate and specific adjectives—rhetorically accurate adjectives
(not “good,” bad,” “positive,” “negative,” etc.)
• Takes a stand
• Sets up the argument for that stance
• Does not have to be one single sentence
• Is tailored to the purpose of the essay
Today’s Assignments
• By the end of the hour:
– Finish research and
Complete your Works
Cited page. Need help?
Download the sample at
http://brunskoleenglish.
weebly.com/arc.html
– Write your thesis
statement
– Turn in both (your thesis
may be typed on the
BOTTOM of your Works
Cited) by the end of class
today
• By Monday:
– Read and take notes on
pages 47-78 in Steps to
Writing Well
– Complete p. 57 C and 62
A
Need more help with
Works Cited? See pages
532-568 in The Bedford
Handbook. Citing online
journals  p. 552
Print to: HELIBPR0002
Three Options for Friday:
1. Required: Turn in Thesis Statement and
Works Cited page for Social Networking
Argumentative Essay
2. If you did not do Friday Reading and turn in
a Friday Reading Response last Friday, you
will be Friday Reading.
3. If you completed Friday Reading last week,
work on Steps to Writing Well notes, pp. 4778 and exercises on p. 57C and 62A. Due
Monday.