In addition to continuing researching, today, students will work on their introduction with thesis statements.

Benchmarks

8.4.1.2.1 Pose questions about a topic in world history; gather and organize a variety of primary and secondary sources related to the questions; analyze sources for credibility and bias; suggest possible answers and write a thesis statement; use sources to draw conclusions and support the thesis; and present supported findings and cite sources.

6.14.1.1 Write arguments focused on discipline-specific content.

a. Introduce claim(s) about a topic or issue, acknowledge and distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically.

6.14.2.2. Write informative/explanatory texts, as they apply to each discipline and reporting format, including the narration of historical events, of scientific procedures/ experiments, or description of technical processes.

a. Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and information into broader categories as appropriate to achieving purpose; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.

I can statements:

• I can research a topic and create a thesis statement using contemporary world history.
• I can create a written document that includes an introduction, body and conclusion, based upon a geographic or world history topic.

Complete the following activities in order to learn how write your introductory paragraph with a thesis statement.

1. View the following video on thesis statements.

2. View the following set of thesis statements from the Minnesota History Day resource Thesis Do's and Don't's. Read each statement and determine which creates a more effective introduction with thesis. What makes one of the statements better than the other?

3. Use the following resource, Thesis Development Worksheet to guide your through the process of creating a thesis statement of your own.