Get into your groups before class begins because you will have 5 minutes to wrap up your GROUP PARAGRAPHS from last class.
1. Warm-up activity--keynote speech:
Watch Steve Jobs’ intro to iphone KEYNOTE SPEECH. Think about how this serves as a great introduction and what Steve Jobs is doing in this introduction.
2. Analyzing sample introduction:
Now it’s time to look at written introductions. First I will put you into pairs. Have a look at the two sample introduction paragraphs - INTRODUCTION 1 and INTRODUCTION 2. After reading the paragraph I assign your group. Try to identify what kinds of things are included in the introduction in the two paragraphs.
3. What to include in introductions:
Now compare what you’ve listed with the points made in the PPT (slides 2-3). The PPT summarizes the components of an introduction of argumentative essays.
4. Good thesis statements vs. bad thesis statements
Work with your partner again on theTHESIS STATEMENT ACTIVITY HANDOUT. Your goal is to identify why the sentences are considered as bad thesis statements. You can skip number six.
5. Thesis statement checklist
Based on the observations from the previous activity, work with your partner and try to come up with a checklist for writing a good thesis statement. Compare your checklist with the one in slide 4 from the PPT.
6. Writing and revising thesis statements
It’s time for you to write a thesis statement. Write a clear thesis statement on the topic “capital punishment“ (the death penalty). Keep in mind the checklist you’ve just come up with. After you are finished writing, I will tell you to switch seats with someone nearby. You then have the opportunity to peer review your classmate's thesis statement. After you receive some feedback from your peers, revise your thesis statement to make it clearer!
Your homework is to brainstorm ideas for argumentative essay topics. You will want to come up with two possible paper topics. After you have the topics, write thesis statements for both of your topics and email me the topics along with their corresponding thesis statements and your name by 7 PM on Thursday, October 21st.
