HOW HAVE AMERICANS CONTINUALLY CHALLENGED THE IDEAS OF FREEDOM AND JUSTICE?

Developing a Thesis

Developing a thesis is like building a bridge; there is a cross-beam (driveway) that has to be held up by strong columns in order for the bridge to function.

Developing a Thesis Claim

A claim is a one-sentence statement that• Makes an assertion or takes a stance• Is based on a generalization• Is not a fact• Is debatable• Must be presented in the introduction of the essay

When making a claim, ask yourself any of the following:• What point am I trying to make?• What am I trying to say?• What am I getting at?

Developing a Thesis

Example of a claim:• Depression affects people. (weak

because it is not debatable)• Depression is a complex condition.

(stronger because it presents an assertion that needs to be supported with evidence)

Developing Supporting Details

Remember the bridges? The columns supporting the bridges are STRONG! The same is true for your claim; you must have supporting details that your audience will consider strong and relevant.

Developing STRONG Supporting Details

Your thesis will need at least 3 supporting details. Supporting details provide the means for reinforcing the claim, and can be organized in different patterns:• Categories/topics• Time frames/chronological periods• Cause/effect

Developing STRONG Supporting Details

Examples of supporting details:• Categories/topics–Depression is a complex condition,

which requires an understanding of its causes, symptoms, and available treatments.

Developing STRONG Supporting Details

Examples of supporting details:• Time frames/chronological periods–Depression is a complex condition, the

treatment of which has undergone dramatic changes as the medical field progressed from the late 19th century into the mid-20th, and finally into the early 21st century.

Developing STRONG Supporting Details

Examples of supporting details:• Cause/effect–Depression is a complex condition,

which may be caused by any combination of biological, genetic, and environmental factors.

Developing STRONG Supporting Details

Your thesis will need at least 3 supporting details. Supporting details provide the means for reinforcing the claim, and can be organized in different patterns:• Categories/topics• Time frames/chronological periods• Cause/effect

Developing a Thesis

It is time to begin to build your speech (your bridge). Write a WORTHY thesis! Show off your intelligence! I will circulate to check it for you.

Performance Task, Present a Persuasive Speech, p. 323-325

Due Dates:Reading Homework:9/18/15 - Speech Thesis is due9/22/15 – Research citations due9/24/15 – Rough Draft – in-class peer review9/29 & 30/15 – Speech Presentations Days

Performance Task, Present a Persuasive Speech, p. 323-325

Complete your planning sheet. This will be turned in with your essay and be counted toward your grade.