In order to practice the are of thesis writing I have students work on Thesis statements for homework. The final product is shared with me via their Google Drive. Here are the explanations and expectations I shared with my students:
Crafting a Thesis Paragraph: The purpose of a thesis statement/paragraph is to clearly lead the reader through your essay. A solid thesis will clearly make a claim or argument and provide organized/categorized evidence to forecast what the essay will be about. Think of your thesis as the “road map” to your essay. It will provide the reader with the stops along the way to the final destination—the conclusion. Be sure to make your C.A.S.E in your thesis statement!
Element #1: Set the Historical Context This should be to 2-3 sentences setting the historical context for the essay prompt
Element #2: State Claim/Argument This element should tell the reader what your argument or claim that you will present or prove.
Element #3: Organized your Categories This element should organize your evidence and forecasting what the essay will be focusing on'
STEP #1 Generate notes to support the prompt
STEP #2 Formulate your Thesis paragraph is response to the following prompt:
Prompt: The ability and the willingness the Framers had for compromise was reflected in the creation of a constitution that successfully addressed the needs of the young republic. Explain how the following reflects the validity of this statement: Representation, Slavery and democratic rights
STEP #3 Create a Google Doc - name it in the following format - your initials + thesis statement - REH Thesis Statements
STEP #4 Highlight each element of your Thesis paragraph using the following colors:
Element #1: Set the Historical Context This should be to 2-3 sentences setting the historical context for the essay prompt RED
Element #2: State Claim/Argument This element should tell the reader what your argument or claim that you will present or prove. GREEN
Element #3: Organized your Categories This element should organize your evidence and forecasting what the essay will be focusing on BLUE