Sophomore Persuasive Essay

What is a thesis statement?

• A thesis statement is a concise opinion statement that tells your reader what your essay will be about. It is a guide for your essay. It can be argued. It is in the first paragraph, and it is most likely the last sentence in the first paragraph.

Working Thesis

• You should start with a “working” thesis. It is expected that you might have to revise your thesis in the process of writing your essay. The evidence you gather may lead you to a conclusion you didn't think you'd reach.

What does TWB formula stand for?

Thesis with Blueprint

A thesis with a blueprint is an easy way to organize a five-paragraph essay. The “blueprint” is a map or guide for your paper. It will tell the reader what you will cover in your 2nd, 3rd, and 4th paragraph.

TWB Formula

Limited subject + precise opinion

(because, with, by, through, when)

Item, item, item

Limited subject + precise opinion (because, with, by, through, when) item, item, item

TWB Backwards

(because, with, by, through, when)

Item, item, item

limited subject + precise opinion

(Because, with, by, through, when) item, item, item limited subject + precise opinion

Example of TWB

Chick-fil-A is unsurpassed as the best fast food restaurant in Arizona because of their delicious chicken, outstanding employees and service, and low prices.

Example of Backwards TWB

• Because of their delicious chicken, outstanding employees and service, and low prices, Chick-fil-A is unsurpassed as the best fast food restaurant in Arizona.

Helpful Links

• http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/thesistatement.html

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

• http://www.camlang.com/sp004.htm

• http://www.asmadrid.org/library/thesis_statement.htm

• http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/thesis.html

The 5 paragraph essay

• Introduction– 1st paragraph

• Body Paragraphs– 2nd paragraph– 3rd paragraph– 4th paragraph

• Conclusion– 5th paragraph

Introduction

• Opens with a hook

• Transitions to Thesis with Blueprint

Body

• Each body paragraph corresponds to the “item,item,item” in the blueprint

• Topic sentence at the beginning of each paragraph-relates directly to one of the “items” in the blueprint.

• Only info that directly relates to the topic sentence should be in each paragraph!

Body

• Incorporate EXPLANATIONS (your thoughts/opinions on the topic.)

• Back explanation with EVIDENCE (quotes, statistics, facts.)

Conclusion

• Restate thesis.

• Wrap up essay.

• Don’t introduce any new information!

• End with a bang—something interesting, intelligent, and thought-provoking.