Tuesday, 10/22/13

Copy down HW

Get out HW to be checked

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Be ready for Chapter 6 quiz

Argument and Explanatory

Who can summarize the differences between argument and explanatory writing?

How is argument writing different than persuasive writing in elementary school?

Crafting Thesis Statements

English 6 GT

What is a Thesis Statement?

A thesis is a much more sophisticated topic sentence.

It answers a question but also provides reasons for why that answer is correct

It organizes the paragraph or essay

It is the first sentence in a paragraph response

It is the last sentence in the Introductory Paragraph in a multi-paragraph essay

A Good Thesis Statement should…

Be able to stand aloneTell the reader exactly what you will be arguing/explaining in the paperSet up the order and organization of the paper (Be a roadmap for your paper)Include ALL main points you will be discussingAnswer the questions HOW or WHYNot be too general or in the form of an announcement (In this paper I will argue…)

Thesis Statement Format

CLAIM + CONTROLS (usually 2-3)

Controls are reasons WHY your claim is correct or methods of HOW your claim is done

Example Thesis Statements

The poet paints a visual for the reader by using imagery, metaphors, and similes. Connell creates a dark and anxious mood in “The Most Dangerous Game” through the literary elements of figurative language and setting.

Example Thesis Statements

Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy because it has a tragic hero, that character has a tragic flaw, and he brings about his own downfall.

America should have year-round schooling because students in these schools have higher standardized test scores and do not “burn out” easily.

Argument vs. Explanatory

An argument thesis is DEBATABLE

Someone could argue against you

You support it with research and evidence, but the claim is not necessarily 100% PROVEN with data or evidence

It is still an opinion (a well-supported opinion, but still an opinion)

Argument vs. Explanatory

Explanatory writing is based in fact and proven evidence or data

It is NOT debatable

Someone cannot argue against you

You are providing information or explaining a topic and demonstrating how proven evidence shows the claim to be true/accurate

Argument vs. Explanatory

Most literary analysis is argument because people can analyze things differently, and most literature is open to interpretation

Science Essays tend to be more explanatory, but you could have an argument question as well

History could be both

Words to Look For…

Words that show value are always going to hint that it is argument writing– Important– Best– Worst– Most– Least– Effective

Words to Look For…

Words that show opinion are going to hint at argument writing– Should

– Remember that most literary analysis is argument, because your interpretation might not be the same as someone else’s

What Follows a Thesis Statement?

Thesis Statement

Control 1– Provide Evidence to Support– Explain Evidence

Control 2– Provide Evidence to Support– Explain Evidence

Does this look familiar???

Providing Evidence

What is the difference between controls and evidence?

Where can evidence come from?– Quote from the literature– Research– Data from a lab, Math Equations– Polls, Interviews– Textbooks– Observations (especially scientific)