FREEWRITE

For 15 minutes write down any thoughts you have about your controlling idea in progress.

Write whatever comes to mind. Why do you hold that opinion?

Come up with as many reasons, examples, strengths, limitations as possible.

SUCCESS CRITERIA FOR TODAY

1. Refine Controlling idea and draft thesis
2. Brainstorm development
3. Find evidence and piece of your essay

YOUR OPINION MATTERS

Use the freewrite to revise your controlling idea.

That becomes your rough draft for a thesis.

Controlling idea frames

• [Topic] is critical because of [Reason 1], [Reason 2], and [Reason 3].

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• Although many believe [Opposing View], [Topic] actually [Your Assertion] due to [Reason].�
• [Topic] + [Verb: improves/impacts/creates] + [Specific Aspect] by [Evidence/Action].�
• To address [Problem], it is essential to [Action] because [Reason].

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EXAMPLE: Failure is fundamental to growth as a human, and overprotective parents prevent this learning and growth from happening.

CLAIMS MINI LESSON

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Reasons

• A reason explains why a claim is valid. It is the writer’s justification for his or her opinion. A reason must be supported by evidence, or proof.�
• Example: Why people should support free-range food.
• Free range chickens are healthier to eat
• Free range chickens are more humane

CLAIMS MINI LESSON

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Because free-range chickens and eggs are raised in a more humane and healthy way than commercial chickens, we consumers should support the free-range industry.

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REASONS

• Free-range chickens are raised in a humane environment.�����
• Free-range chickens produce healthier eggs than commercial chickens.

EVIDENCE

• Certified Humane free-range chickens are required to have at least 2 square feet of living space and be outdoors a minimum of 6 hours per day.
• Free-range chicken eggs have 1/3 less cholesterol, 1/4 as much saturated fat, and more nutrients than in traditional commercially produced eggs.

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Evidence

• anecdotes
• examples
• descriptions
• facts
• statistics
• quotations from experts or authorities
• quotations from a text

CLAIMS MINI LESSON

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Selecting relevant sources & notes

Thesis: Homework isn’t an effective way to increase student academic success in high school.

Find support for thesis

Quotations

Statistics

Ideas/details

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Google! Key terms

• Issues with homework in schools
• Negative impact of homework on students
• Student success and homework

BRAIN DUMP

What are reasons? How to they connect to your main claim?

What kinds of evidence can you use?

CLAIMS MINI LESSON

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