Time: 10-15 Minutes

·         Define a thesis statement

·         Explain the purpose of a thesis statement

·         Show what type of writing uses a thesis statement

·         Explain where in the essay the thesis statement is usually found and why

·         Show how supporting details are guided by the thesis statement

·         Write about 5 statements on the board and students identify  the thesis statements

·         Students state the intent of thesis statements in identified essays

·         Show students different formats of writing the thesis statements

·         Explain that thesis statements are usually arrived at after research and are not usually the first thing a writer writes

·         Students check if their thesis is strong by:

-          Checking if the essay answers the thesis question

-          Checking if the thesis statement takes a position that others might challenge

-          Ensuring that the statement is not too vague but is specific and answerable

-          Ensuring that the thesis statement passes the “so what?” test

-          Checking to ensure that the essay answers the thesis question

-          Ensuring that the thesis statement is not too open or too wide to be answered within the essay’s limits