Unit 3 Seminar

WELCOME!

So glad you are here.We will begin right at 10pm.

Unit 3 Seminar

RESEARCH TO

THESIS STATEMENT

Seminar Agenda

Questions

Choosing a sub-topic

Creating a research question

Thesis statement

Unit 3 Assignments

Questions or Concerns

Choosing a sub-topic

How do you feel about your sub-topic?

Is it just right? Not too big… Not too small…

What questions do you have?

We’ll work in partners to talk about your sub-topics.

Choosing a Sub-topic

With your partner:

Discuss why you chose your sub-topicOR What topics you are considering.

Share what sources you’ve foundORExplain any difficulties you’ve run into while trying to find sourcesWhat can you do to solve this problem?

Your Research Question

So now you have your sub-topic-If you don’t, keep your project ideas in mind to see which would fit the best with the criteria we are discussing.

What will your research question be?Check out these resources that we took a quick look at last week.

Critical Thinking

What is an Argument?

Share your research question with the class.

The Thesis Statement!

Sometimes we hear the word thesis and it is a little scary- but don’t be overwhelmed.

You have your topic and your question. Now it is time to turn it into your thesis statement that will guide your research and your writing.

This is exciting!

The Thesis Statement!

First, let’s look at what makes a good thesis statement: It should be contestable, proposing an arguable point with which people could reasonably

disagree. A strong thesis is provocative; it takes a stand and justifies the discussion you will present.

It tackles a subject that could be adequately covered in the format of the project assigned. It is specific and focused. A strong thesis proves a point without discussing “everything

about …” Instead of music, think "American jazz in the 1930s" and your argument about it. It clearly asserts your own conclusion based on evidence. Note: Be flexible. The evidence

may lead you to a conclusion you didn't think you'd reach. It is perfectly okay to change your thesis!

It provides the reader with a map to guide him/her through your work. It anticipates and refutes the counter-arguments It avoids vague language (like "it seems"). It avoids the first person. ("I believe," "In my opinion") It should pass the So what? or Who cares? test (Would your most honest friend ask why he

should care or respond with "but everyone knows that"?) For instance, "people should avoid driving under the influence of alcohol," would be unlikely to evoke any opposition.

From http://www.sdst.org/shs/library/thesis.html

The Thesis Statement!

Now we’ll look at examples of weak thesis statements and talk about how to improve them.

These examples are from www.mce.k12tn.net/reading39/paragraph.../Thesis%20Statement.ppt

A thesis statement should not be too broad.

Too BroadThe world is a magnificent place to live.

BetterGood teachers make Mountain City Elementary

a fantastic school.

Which sentence is too broad to be a good thesis statement?

A. One reason to live in Mountain City is access to many wonderful places to fish.

B. Mountain City is a great place to live.

Too Broad

Mountain City is a great place to live.

A thesis statement should not be too wordy.

WordySome problems with Mountain City Elementary

School is that it needs a larger playground, an air conditioned gym, an auditorium, restrooms connected to each classroom, running water in the classrooms, and a number of other physical changes to the building.

BetterMountain City Elementary needs several

changes to its facility to make it a better school.

Which sentence is too wordy to be a good thesis statement?

A. Abe Lincoln was one of the best presidents the United States has ever known.

B. Abe Lincoln was an excellent speaker, the 16th President of the United States, a liberator of slaves, and united the North and South at the end of the American Civil War.

Too Wordy

Abe Lincoln was an excellent speaker, the 16th President of the United States, a liberator of slaves, and united the North and South at the end of the American Civil War.

A thesis statement should not be too general.

Too generalMountain City Elementary is a good school.

BetterDaily writing practice has led to improved

writing skills for the students at Mountain City Elementary.

Which sentence is too general to be a good thesis statement?

A. Music makes people happy.B. Music therapy is useful in relieving stress and other conditions.

Too general

Music makes people happy.

A thesis statement should not be a title.

A titleCost of Living

BetterThe cost of living in Mountain City is lower

than in most other cities in the United States.

Which sentence would not be a good thesis statement because it is a title?

A. Good teaching has led to an increase in TCAP scores at Mountain City Elementary.

B. Rising TCAP Scores at Mountain City Elementary

A Title

Rising TCAP Scores at Mountain City Elementary

A thesis statement should not be a a fact.

A factThe average temperature for Mountain City in

winter is 34 and in summer is 75 degrees.

BetterThe climate in Mountain City is ideal for

outdoor sports.

Which sentence would not be a good thesis statement because it is a fact?

A. The recycling of one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours.

B. Recycling is one of the most important jobs a person can do to protect our environment.

A Fact

The recycling of one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours.

The Thesis Statement!

Okay, so now that we are experts, we are going to work with your partners again to create a thesis statement.

Let’s do some practice with all together. Sub-topic: Social networking sites Research Question: Do social networking sites have a

responsibility to protect the privacy of their users? What would your thesis statement be?

The Thesis Statement!

Okay, so now that we are experts, we are going to work with your partners again to create a thesis statement.

Let’s do some practice with all together. Sub-topic: Assistive Technology for the hearing

impaired Research question: How can hearing impaired

students and their teachers benefit from assistive technology that is available?

What would your thesis statement be?

The Thesis Statement!

Now, with your partner, discuss your research question and work together to create a thesis statement for each of you.

You will have 5 minutes. Then come back to the group and share your thoughts and any questions you have.

Questions?

This is challenging stuff! Feel free to email me as you work on creating your thesis statement.

We really are in this together! There are a lot of resources out there to help you create a thesis

statement and organize your paper. You can research how to write a research paper!

Next week: We’ll discuss how your personal historical context affects your

perception of events, interpretations of what you read, opinions on art, etc. How do your childhood experiences, gender, culture, religious upbringing, etc. affect your view of events? Share an example of when you had a very different opinion of an event or piece of work due to your personal historical context.

We’ll be using AIM to break into small groups next week. It is fun! Please send me your AIM login. If you do not have one, please open an account.

Winter Break Reminders

Unit 3 is a 4 day unit: December 22nd and 23rd, January 3rd and 4th.

Unit 2 grades will be posted by tomorrow.Unit 3 grades will be posted by Sunday,

January 9th.I will not be checking email during Winter

Break.Enjoy the time off and Happy Holidays!