“Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject .”

1. Evaluating the Prompt – Thesis “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.” What to write?!? Write On!

2. Evaluating the Prompt – Thesis “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.” Evaluating the PromptSpend some time on the following steps: Determine the type of essay you are writing. Explanatory? Explain or inform Argumentative? Opinion or belief Narrative? Tell a story Analyze the topic of the prompt What exactly are you supposed to write about? Identify advanced vocabulary Which words in the prompt should you include in the essay?

3. Evaluating the Prompt – Thesis “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.” Whattypeof essay are you writing? Example Prompt: Many people take great pride in exhibitingthe characteristics of a goodcitizen. Think about what types of characteristicsmake up a goodcitizen. Now write to explain what makes a person a good citizen. Explain = Explanatory essay Whatexactlyare you supposed towrite about? Explainwhat makes a person a good citizen. Identify advancedvocabulary: • Exhibit • Characteristics • Citizen Write On!

4. Evaluating the Prompt – Thesis “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.” What type of essay are you writing? PRACTICE Prompt: Many people are dog-lovers while many others prefer cats or other animals as pets. Think about which pet you think is better. Now write to present your opinion about which animal makes the best pet. Opinion = Argumentative essay Whatexactlyare you supposed to write about? Your opinion about which animal makes the best pet. Identify advanced vocabulary: • Prefer • Pet • Animal Write On!

5. Evaluating the Prompt – Thesis “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.” Using Prior Knowledge & Character Traits Gather your thoughts… IDEAS IDEAS IDEAS! Powerful & Significant Write On!

6. Evaluating the Prompt – Thesis “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.” Activate Prior Knowledge Read the prompt carefully – make sure you understand what the subject is. Write down all thoughts you have about the subject. Use your own knowledge base to get started. Write On!

7. Evaluating the Prompt – General Statement “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.” Use Character Traits ResponsibilityHonesty KindnessSelf-Control Respect Tolerance Citizenship Cooperation Using the following character traits (or variations) will helpmake your writing powerful and effective. • If appropriate, try to incorporate at least one character trait into each essay you write.

8. Evaluating the Prompt – Thesis “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.” Avoid first person pronouns (most of the time) * I * me * my * we * us * our * Avoid narrative elements (unless you are writing an Argumentative essay) * I think * I believe * I want * I should * My reasons * My opinion Avoid using the words you, you’re, your (anywhere in the essay!) Do not “speak” to the reader Avoid abbreviations, symbols, or “IM talk”  USE capital letters and commas correctly List reasons in a standard thesis: strongest, weak, strong

9. Evaluating the Prompt – Thesis “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.” Important Facts about Thesis Statements Capitalize first word of a new sentence and proper nouns Never place a comma before or after because Commas in a series for reasons (a, b, conjunction c) Always check your thesis for agreement and revise! provided in Vending machines should be in our school because they make money, offer choices, and hungry. they students get

10. Evaluating the Prompt – Thesis “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.” List Ideas by using Prior Knowledge & Character Traits Prompt: Many people take great pride in exhibiting the characteristics of a good citizen. Think about what types of characteristics make up a good citizen. Now write to explain what makes a person a good citizen. Write On!

11. Evaluating the Prompt – Thesis “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.” List Ideas by using Prior Knowledge& Character Traits Prompt: Many people are dog-lovers while many others prefer cats or other animals as pets. Think about which pet you think is better. Now write to present your opinion about which animal makes the best pet. Write On!

12. Evaluating the Prompt – Thesis “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.” Thesis Statement Your Road Map to a Great Essay! Write On!

13. Evaluating the Prompt – Thesis “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.” Thesis Statements Write On!

14. Evaluating the Prompt – Thesis “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.” Steps to develop Thesis Statements Evaluate Ideas Kick it up! • Choose best • Incorporate a character trait if you can Analyze Word Choice Will an implied thesis work for your style? • Choose powerful words • Use wording from the prompt Decide which type of thesis will flow with your writing. Double Check Conventions • Check spelling and punctuation • Be sure everything agrees in case, tense, and number • Parallel structure is evident Use time-order transitions to begin each statement • First, Next, Last

15. Evaluating the Prompt – Thesis “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.” Standard & Implied Thesis Statements A Standard Thesis Statement lists the main ideas, which will make up the body of the essay, right in the statement. Kick it up! An Implied Thesis Statement alludes to the ideas which will follow, but it does not list them in the statement. Will an implied thesis work for your style? Write On!

16. Evaluating the Prompt – Thesis “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.” Example - Detail Statements or a Thesis Statement: Prompt: Many people take great pride in exhibiting the characteristics of a good citizen. Think about what types of characteristics make up a good citizen. Now write to explain what makes a person a good citizen. Choose best ideas: Obeys rules/laws Helps others in community Show respect Thesis Statement: Being a good citizen means demonstrating obedience for laws, respect, and cooperation within one’s community. Kick it up! Use an Implied Thesis Statement: Since we are all part of society, it is imperative to demonstrate the qualities of an upstanding citizen. Write On!

17. Evaluating the Prompt – Thesis “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.” Writing an Implied Thesis Statement Before you write an implied thesis, make sure to evaluate and choose the best ideas. Decide on the main focus of the essay. For a persuasive essay, note an opposing viewpoint. Follow the formula: LB, S when writing an implied thesis statement. Kick it up! Before writing, let’s review the formula: LB, S Write On!

18. Evaluating the Prompt – Thesis “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.” Writing an LB, S An LB, S is a Left Branch (subordinate clause) followed by a complete sentence. A subordinate clause begins with a subordinating conjunction and is followed by asubjectand a verb. Although rock music is popular, I prefer to submerge myself in the melodies of classical music.usic. Although rock music is popular A subordinate clause does NOT make sense by itself. Write On!

19. Evaluating the Prompt – Thesis “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.” IMPORTANT: You need to be able to recognize subordinating conjunctions. after even though until although before unless since when as so that while because Write On!

20. Evaluating the Prompt – Thesis “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.” Writing an Argumentative Implied Thesis When you are writing an Argumentative Essay, an implied thesis statement will allow you to address an opposing viewpoint but place the focus on your point. Format the “left branch” to address the opposingviewpoint. Kick it up! While backpack searches may seem like an invasion of privacy,the safety of students, faculty, and staff is the primary concern. Will an implied thesis work for your style? Write On!

21. Evaluating the Prompt – Thesis “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.” Practice Prompt: Many people are dog-lovers while many others prefer cats or other animals as pets. Think about which pet you think is better. Now write to present your opinion about which animal makes the best pet.

22. Evaluating the Prompt – Thesis “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.” Evaluate Ideas & Analyze Word Choice for Thesis Statements • Choose 3 best ideas • Modify word choice

23. Evaluating the Prompt – Thesis “Good critical writing is measured by the perception and evaluation of the subject.” Write Thesis Statement Without a doubt, a dog makes the best pet because it is a loyal companion, a guardian, and always active. Kick it up! Use an Implied Thesis Statement: Although some people feel a cat is the best pet, a dog truly makes the ultimate companion. Kick it up! Will an implied thesis work for your style? Write On!