Let us be frank! Writers learn that crafting a thesis statement is not that difficult if one peals back the layers. After watching several videos about the elements of a thesis, class members read the article "Lettuce Club helps students have fun, Romaine calm during testing." Scholars then learn how to develop a claim about the club and subtopics that support their claim. A fresh and crisp approach to crafting thesis statements.

Concepts

thesis statements, the writing process, argumentative writing, evaluating claims, evidence, logical reasoning, expository essays, research writing

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Instructional Ideas

• Enlarge, color print, and post the Writing Road Map infographic
• Laminate the infographic to permit reuse
• Review the steps for creating a thesis statement before assigning each essay
• Use the PowerPoint to guide the lesson

Classroom Considerations

• Instructors need to register for a free Newsela account to access the Lettuce Club article
• Requires projection equipment for the videos and the PowerPoint presentation and copies of several handouts are also required

Pros

• Teacher's notes offer additional information on how to support learners
• Includes three options that may be used to evaluate the lesson

Cons

• None

Common Core

W.9-10.4