OpEd Thesis Statements

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Starter 19

1. Based on the research you've done, what are two perspectives or opinions you've developed about your topic?
2. What do you think is the most important thing you can communicate to other people about your issue?  Why should other people care about this?

Thesis Guidelines

1. Can use a concessive if it is helpful, but you don’t have to if it doesn’t work for you.
2. Must be arguable (not a fact).  Ex: While they initially seem inhumane, in fact the use of sweatshops in the developing world is actually beneficial to the workers.
3. Must immediately catch the reader’s attention (think about word choice and drama).  Ex: The consumption habits of you and I are to blame for the suffering of poor people all over the world.
4. Must be clear and concise (avoid wordy or overly complex sentences—think short and punchy).  Ex: The WTO undermines democracy all over the world.

Write Thesis Statements

Write 3 possible thesis statements for your Op-Ed piece.  These could be variations on a theme (i.e., similar ideas, but worded differently, or three different ideas).

Thesis Critiques

Round 1: Trade with someone at table.

Round 2: Trade with someone at another table.

1. Get statement back, revise.
2. Show Lori when you feel like you have a pretty solid version.
3. Once Lori has approved it, write it on the board with your name

Evidence

1. For your statement, you need to find evidence.
2. Look through research notes.
3. You should find 6-10 facts, quotes, anecdotes, etc. that you think would go well in your op-ed, and that would help to support your thesis statement.
4. Color code or annotate for this.  Or make a list.  Number evidence so I can check it.

HOMEWORK:

Finish Thesis Statement + Evidence Gathering (see above for details).  DUE:  Start of class, Friday 2/6