Day 5: Introductions and Thesis Statements

Objectives: Students will be able to…

·         Identify the types of hooks used in introduction and learn how to write a hook

·         Understand the broader concept of broad to narrow found in introductory paragraphs

·         Identify and practice writing different types of thesis statements

·         Identify common pitfalls in thesis writing and strategies for correction

Teacher note: need to explain outline homework.

[5 min] Introduction Goals and Topics for the lesson  9:30-9:35

Slides 1-3. To begin, you may follow along with the INTRODUCITON PPT. Also please make sure that you get the handout titled INTRODUCTION AND THESIS HANDOUT. Please make sure to check Outline Homework under Unit 1. This  is due on Thursday. 

[15 min] Introduction Structure Lecture/Handout   9:35-50

Slides 4-5. We will cover the basics of introduction structure. Read the two sample paragraphs found in Part I from the INTRODUCTION AND THESIS HANDOUT. Answer the question 1-3 in small groups and then hold class discussion on topics. While discussing the structure, you can make reference to the samples on  PPT slide 6-7.

[20 min] Hooks 9:50-10:00

Slides 9-11. Now we are going to focus on the first sentences that take place in an introduction. The goal of this part is to provide us with some strategies to begin essays. . Turn to Part II of the INTRODUCTION AND THESIS HANDOUT.  Work in pairs to complete the exercise. Then, Finish “Hooks” by reading the Research Paper Hooks and identifying a strategy. Discuss as a class some common traits among them. 

Remember, these samples do not represent ALL research papers and in fact there is variety of hooks.  Pay attention to how research papers begin in their field and follow suit.

[10 min] Thesis statement review   10:10-10:20

Refer to the last part of the INTRODUCTION AND THESIS STATEMENT HANDOUT as we go over a review of Thesis statement basics. 

1. What type of grammar do you see that many of these thesis statements have in common?
2. Do you see any thesis statements that begin with “I think” “I believe” or “In my opinion”?

[30 min] Workshop: Outlining/Drafting An Introduction  10:20-10:50

For the last part of today's class, I will be going over our next major assignment. Please click on the link Outline Directions under Unit 1. This will be due on Friday. I will be leaving this last part of class as time to begin revising our introduction paragraphs. Please pull up your diagnostic essay and begin revisions.

Homework:  Outlines are due this week. Check Unit one for deadlines and directions. Also, I had made suggestions on Writer's Help for Thesis and Introduction work. 

Lesson Materials:

INTRODUCTION PPT

INTRODUCTION AND THESIS HANDOUT
OUTLINE HOMEWORK

Thesis Key

Backup Materials in Drive

Resources

Hacker, D. & Sommers, N. (2012) Rules for Writers: Instructor’s Edition