Day 5 of 30
Introduction strategies: context and thesis placement
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Learning Objective
Students will explore introduction strategies and context and thesis placement through guided practice and application.
In this lesson, we'll explore introduction strategies: context and thesis placement. Strong literacy skills open doors to learning in all subjects.
A thesis statement is the central argument or claim of an essay, stated in one to two sentences, usually at the end of the introduction. A strong thesis: (1) states a specific, arguable position—not just a fact; (2) answers the question "So what?"; (3) previews the main supporting points; (4) is neither too broad nor too narrow. Weak: "The Great Gatsby is about the American Dream." Strong: "Fitzgerald uses Gatsby's unfulfilled obsession with Daisy to critique the destructive illusion at the heart of the American Dream." Your thesis drives every paragraph—if a paragraph doesn't support it, it doesn't belong. Revise your thesis as you draft; it will sharpen as your argument develops.
As you work through today's material, pay attention to the examples and try to identify the patterns or strategies being used. This will help you apply these concepts to new problems.
Take notes on key points and make connections to what you've already learned in previous lessons.
The process of decoding and comprehending written text
The process of composing text to communicate ideas
Instructions
Materials Needed
- Text passage
- Notebook
- Highlighter
Teaching Tip
For advanced learners: Encourage deeper analysis and real-world connections. Consider extension activities that allow students to apply introduction strategies: context and thesis placement to novel situations.