JOURNAL

1. Inquiry: How can anecdotes help establish a sound claim (thesis statement) in an introductory paragraph? JOURNAL “A thesis statement is the single, specific claim that your essay supports. A good thesis statement is not simply an observation, a question or a promise. It includes a topic, a precise opinion, and reasoning.” ~ Joseph L. Rotella In eight or more complete sentences, respond to the following based on the above quote: • Explain the argument made by Rotella. • Why does he provide examples of what a thesis statement is and is not? • Why doe he state that a thesis statement is “not simply” an “observation, a questions or a promise”? • What is the difference between this assertion and his definition of a thesis that follows? Explain. Vocabulary Preview Thesis: the primary position taken by a writer or speaker Claim: seethesis

2. Inquiry: How can anecdotes help establish a sound claim (thesis statement) in an introductory paragraph? Homework #8 : Due Monday! This assignment counts as a quiz and you MUST bring a hard copy to class! Failure to do so will result in a ZERO! Choose ONE school you are thinking of applying to an write an introductory paragraph to the question on the website for this school. Be sure to include a new anecdote and a successful thesis statement in this paragraph. Note: This assignment must be typed in 12 point Times New Roman font, be double spaced, have an MLA formatted heading in the upper left corner of the page and include a title!

3. Inquiry: How can anecdotes help establish a sound claim (thesis statement) in an introductory paragraph? Mini-Lesson: What is a thesis statement? A thesis statement is the most important sentence in your paper! • A one-sentence guide for your readers explaining what you will prove in your paper. • An opinion statement for which you will present supporting evidence. • A clear expression of YOUR viewpoint, which must be a claim that others might dispute. How does one create a thesis statement? Choose an issue you’d like to explore. Write a few questions you might want to answer in your research paper. Compose a few complete sentences that answer the questions.

4. Inquiry: How can anecdotes help establish a sound claim (thesis statement) in an introductory paragraph? Task: Discuss the story that is being illustrated in the adjacent cartoon. Based on the image, and the way the term is used contextually, explain what you think anecdote might mean? Anecdote: a short account of a particular incident or event, especially of an interesting or amusing nature.

5. Inquiry: How can anecdotes help establish a sound claim (thesis statement) in an introductory paragraph? Note: The sheet you are receiving has a variety of examples of anecdotes that writers have used to “hook’ their audience. You will see that the anecdotes range from quickly re-telling a story to quoting an expression and some even ask a question to begin. Remember… However you choose to create your anecdote, just remember to relate to your reader – you want to grab his/her attention!

6. Inquiry: How can anecdotes help establish a sound claim (thesis statement) in an introductory paragraph? Activity #1 • Read “Anecdotes as Entry Points…” • Identify the anecdote used to segue into the major claim or thesis. • Underline the thesis statement and explain why the author chooses to use the proceeding anecdote as a way to transition into the major claim. Questions for Thought • Why do writers choose to use anecdotes to transition into major claims? • How does the use of an anecdote help a writer establish a claim? • How effective is the specific anecdote used in your assigned introductory paragraph in developing and transitioning into the major claim? Explain. • What advice would you give this writer in order to strengthen the relationship between the anecdote and the thesis employed? Explain.

7. Inquiry: How can anecdotes help establish a sound claim (thesis statement) in an introductory paragraph? Homework #8 : Due Monday! This assignment counts as a quiz and you MUST bring a hard copy to class! Failure to do so will result in a ZERO! Choose ONE school you are thinking of applying to an write an introductory paragraph to the question on the website for this school. Be sure to include a new anecdote and a successful thesis statement in this paragraph. Note: This assignment must be typed in 12 point Times New Roman font, be double spaced, have an MLA formatted heading in the upper left corner of the page and include a title!

8. Inquiry: How can anecdotes help establish a sound claim (thesis statement) in an introductory paragraph? Activity #2 Task: Use the following essay prompt to write an intro with an entering anecdote and a solid thesis statement: “Indicate a person who has has a significant influence on you, and describe that influence.”

9. Inquiry: How can anecdotes help establish a sound claim (thesis statement) in an introductory paragraph? Summative Assessment In complete sentences, explain how an anecdote can help a writer establish a thesis statement and a gripping introductory paragraph.

10. Inquiry: How can anecdotes help establish a sound claim (thesis statement) in an introductory paragraph? Journal: In eight or more complete sentences, respond to the following: Explain the argument made by Rotella. Why does he provide examples of what a thesis statement is and is not? Why doe she state that a thesis statement is “not simply” an “observation, a questions or a promise”? What is the difference between this assertion and his definition of a thesis that follows? Explain. “A thesis statement is the single, specific claim that your essay supports. A good thesis statement is not simply an observation, a question or a promise. It includes a topic, a precise opinion, and reasoning.” ~ Joseph L. Rotella Vocabulary: thesis, anecdote, claim Mini Lesson: Thesis Statement Application: • TASK A: Read “Anecdotes as Entry Points…” Identify the anecdote used to segue into the major claim or thesis. Underline the thesis statement and explain why the author chooses to use the proceeding anecdote as a way to transition into the major claim. • TASK B: Use the following essay prompt to write an intro with an entering anecdote and a solid thesis statement: “Indicate a person who has has a significant influence on you, and describe that influence.” Essential Questions: • Why do writers choose to use anecdotes to transition into major claims? • How does the use of an anecdote help a writer establish a claim? • How effective is the specific anecdote used in your assigned introductory paragraph in developing and transitioning into the major claim? Explain. • What advice would you give this writer in order to strengthen the relationship between the anecdote and the thesis employed? Explain. Summative Assessment: Answer inquiry! Homework: #8 : Due Monday! This assignment counts as a quiz and you MUST bring a hard copy to class! Failure to do so will result in a ZERO! Choose ONE school you are thinking of applying to an write an introductory paragraph to the question on the website for this school. Be sure to include a new anecdote and a successful thesis statement in this paragraph. Note: This assignment must be typed in 12 point Times New Roman font, be double spaced, have an MLA formatted heading in the upper left corner of the page and include a title!