Page 30 - SpringBoard_Writing_Workshop_Grade8_Flipbook

6. To create an effective draft, you will need a thesis to focus the essay. A thesis is not the title of an essay (e.g., Lunches) or an announcement of the subject to the reader (e.g., In this essay, I will tell you about different lunches). Instead, a thesis statement provides the audience with the point a writer is making about the topic.
Example: “Although they both go by the same name, lunches served at school and those brought from home are often extremely different.”
(This thesis indicates the topic of discussion and takes a position on the topic.)
Using the sentence stem below, write a thesis statement for the sample expository essay.
Sample response:
Although Rudi and Santo have different backgrounds and interests (topic and
compare or contrast), the two teenage boys have surprisingly similar traits (compare or contrast).
Work together to draft a thesis statement for your class essay.
7. With your class, decide how you will organize your body paragraphs to support the thesis. Complete the graphic organizer below by choosing supporting ideas and brainstorming how you will use evidence to develop each one.
Organizing Supporting Ideas aand Details
Supporting Idea
Both lunches from home and school lunches School lunches today provide healthful options, such can be healthful. as fresh fruit and vegetables. Similarly, students who
pack lunches from home can choose to include healthful ingredients. In both cases, student choice is a key factor.
Evidence: Details, Examples, Facts
Writing Workshop 3 • Expository Writing: Compare and Contrast 5
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