Writing To Defend a Thesis

INTRODUCTION TO WRITING

To examine the cause and eff ect of destruction.How does one go about supporting an argument:

Looking back/researching to see if they have enough evidence to support the argument (Direct quotes and examples)

Choosing topic sentences for each paragraph that come back to the thesis without stating the thesis verbatim – Are there words that you can use in exchange/synonyms so you do not sound repetitive?

Developing an interpretation that will enhance the argument and come back to the thesis

WHAT IS YOUR GOAL?

For each example you provide – Make sure you are: Providing enough context to understand how this example

supports the argument without providing too much so that it strays away from the main point.

Provide a direct quote that SHOWS how this proves the thesis

Provide analysis that comes back to explaining how/why this quote is significant without summarizing the quote!

CONTEXT/ANALYSIS – QUOTE – ANALYSISC, Q, A

The Hook: When one becomes consumed with power, he or she often begins to lose their way.

The myths ________ and _______ by Rosenberg and Baker both have main characters who_________________ (Introduce basic context without repeating words in your thesis)

Lead in: These characters come to find that they cannot take their actions and decisions back and face extreme _______.

Thesis:

INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH

Topic Sentences: Introduce what you will be discussing in the paragraph while making sure it connects back to the thesis.

For example:Thesis Statement: The actions of Erysicthon and

Midas prove that foolishness leads to shame.Topic Sentence: Erysicthon’s rash and careless

decision to ruin another’s property causes him extreme humiliation.

A Topic Sentence IS NOT a summary of the text: Incorrect – Midas is a king who wishes that everything that he touches turns to gold. (Your paragraph is not about everything Midas is touching - It is about the cause and eff ect of his destruction)

TOPIC SENTENCES

11/7 – WHAT ARE OUR GOALS?

Writing Goal: To determine what is essential information to include in the

conclusion paragraph to determine the context I need to place before my quote

so the reader understands the example/quotation To establish focus throughout my essay To add transitional words to my topic sentences

THE CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH

The purpose of the conclusion: The concluding paragraph establishes what you’ve proved in the paper and then broadens out the meaning of what you’ve established in the course of your analysis”

CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH OUTLINE

Summarize main points by expanding beyond the text – While Arachne, Niobe, and Lycaon are mythological characters, it is not uncommon to see their hubristic behavior in the world today. Like these characters, Individuals who allow their skill or trait to define them often do not recognize the consequences for their actions.

Come back to story to sum up main point : Arachne, Niobe, and Lycaon’s stories show individuals what can happen to those who selfishly care about their own accomplishments and needs while ignoring the needs of others.

Restate thesis: The behaviors of these three individuals prove that arrogance leads to ones destruction.

TRANSITIONAL WORDS

words or phrases that show the relationship between paragraphs or sections of a text or speech. Transitions provide greater cohesion by making it more explicit or signaling how ideas relate to one another. Transitions are "bridges" that carry a reader from section to section

Try to add transitional words (See worksheet) to the paragraphs following your fi rst body paragraph

GOAL: PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER WITH FOCUS

Once you have your context, Direct quotes, and analysis outlined, you may now begin writing your rough draft

At times, you might find you need more/less than what is in your outline – Revise accordingly as you write the paragraph

The key is FOCUS: Are you focused on defending your argument? Are your quotes focused on supporting your argument? Does your analysis come back to the thesis/topic sentence? (Use key words in your thesis to help keep you focused!)

11/6 – WHAT IS OUR GOAL?

To define and determine what analysis is and what analysis is not

See Next Slide

ANALYSIS

IS:Interpreting how or

why that quote is significant to your thesis

Determine what “this” is – Is it an action, behavior, remark, attitude, decision etc.

IS NOT:Summarizing the quote

Saying “This shows”

ANALYSIS: SUMMARY

When Arachne believes she is defeated she “knit[s] a rope around her neck and [tries] to hang herself” (Rosenberg, Baker 130). Arachne’s attempt to take her own l ife reveals the extreme consequences of destruction. The fact that she even thinks about infl icting her own punishment demonstrates…

When Arachne believes she is defeated she “knit[s] a rope around her neck and [tries] to hang herself” (Rosenberg, Baker 130). This shows that Arachne is so tired that she decides to taker her own life.