Op-Ed Thesis Statements

Starter 1:

1. Based on the research you've done, what new opinions or perspectives do you have about your genocide?  List at least two.
2. What is the most important thing you want to communicate about your genocide?  Why should other people care about this?

Op Ed Assignment and Due Dates

750-1000 words (no more, no less!), with a clear and unique perspective.

• Thesis and Evidence List:  Due Weds, 1/30
• Op Ed Rough Draft: Due Thursday, 1/31
• Op Ed 2nd Draft: Due Friday, 2/1
• Op Ed 3rd Draft: Due Friday, 2/1 by end of day to Lori's email
• Op Ed FINAL DRAFT: Due Friday, 2/8 by end of class.

Thesis Criteria

1. Must be arguable (not a fact, or something obvious).  Example: The United States had a responsibility to stop the genocide in Rwanda.
2. Must immediately catch the reader's attention.  Example: The killers in Rwanda were not evil demons, but ordinary men like you, placed in a context where killing seemed like the right thing to do.
3. Must be clear and concise (avoid wordy or overly complex sentences).  Example: The genocide in Rwanda could not have happened without radio propaganda.

Thesis Statements

Write 3 possible thesis statements for your op-ed.  Try to make them fit the criteria above.  They could be 3 completely different perspectives, or the same perspective worded in 3 different ways.

Thesis Critiques

Write your thesis statements on the critique sheet (linked above).  Trade with a classmate.  Repeat (2 rounds of critiques total).

Revise your thesis based on your feedback.  When you feel like you have a solid version, show it to Lori.

Evidence List

For your chosen thesis statement, you need to find evidence.

1. Look through research notes.
2. You should find 6-10 facts, quotes, anecdotes, statistics, etc. that you think would go well in your op-ed, and that would help to support your thesis statement.
3. For each one that you find in your research notes, highlight it and number it so that I can easily check this tomorrow.
4. If you prefer to instead list all evidence in a separate document, that is also acceptable.

HOMEWORK

1. Revise thesis statement.  Come to class tomorrow with a version you are happy with!
2. Finish Evidence List.  DUE: Start of class, Wednesday, 1/30.