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Writing Workshop: Thesis Statement and Skeleton Outline_bls128
Course Information
Course name: Writing Workshop
Course link: Canvas Commons
Course date: January 24, 2022 - June 3, 2022 (16 weeks)
Semester: 4th semester, bachelor's degree in English language teaching
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The thesis statement is the "bridge" between a problem statement and skeleton (essay) outline:
- Problem statement
Thesis Statement
Remember that a thesis statement should have three sections:
- Transition
Sentence connector, introductory phrase, or subordinating clause connects what was said in the introduction paragraph (i.e., context of the problem, background information, etc.) to the thesis statement.
The thesis statement should include a topic (stated explicitly, without using a personal pronoun), which relates directly to the target audience of the essay. The topic is usually the subject of the sentence. Notice "there is/there are" is not being considered.
The opinion can also be considered your position, overall claim, main viewpoint, etc. The opinion is your verb phrase that might also include relevant phrases that provide additional information. The verb phrase in a thesis statement should not include a copula verb (i.e., "to be", etc.)
Introduce your three key points by using the subordinating conjunction, "because"; that is, the key points are reasons that justify the "why", as an example. The connector or conjunction directly relates to the one main question word used in your problem statement. Choose one question word for stating your key points.
For a five-paragraph essay, consider listing three key points that will be the basis for each of your topic sentences that begin each of your three body paragraphs. The key points in your thesis statement are more general while the topic sentences state the same key points but more specifically (i.e., additional adjectives, phrases, and/or clauses).
Example: Because English language learners often get distracted with technology, English language teachers should use cell phones in the class because they allow learners to interact with classmates outside of class, they allow learners to connect with outside experts, and they allow teachers to provide more timely feedback.
Skeleton Outline
Based on your thesis statement, create a skeleton outline that includes 1) a thesis statement and 2) three topic sentences that later will begin your three body paragraphs.
English language teachers who allow learners to use cell phones outside of class create interactive learning opportunities that are not possible in the classroom alone. (Topic sentence #1)
English language learners interact with classmates outside of class...
- evidence 1
Using cell phones to access online spaces, English language learners can reach outside experts to learn more about the subject matter. (Topic sentence #2)
Connecting with outside experts through the use of cell phones provide...
- evidence 1
English language learners receive more timely feedback by setting up social media learning spaces for one-to-one teacher-to-student engagement. (Topic sentence #3)
English language teachers can assess learners throughout the learning process...
- evidence 1
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Music: Clover 3 by Vibe Mountain Video Link: https://youtu.be/GU3ABAWA-Jk ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
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By Benjamin L. Stewart, PhDCourse Information
Course name: Writing Workshop
Course link: Canvas Commons
Course date: January 24, 2022 - June 3, 2022 (16 weeks)
Semester: 4th semester, bachelor's degree in English language teaching
---
The thesis statement is the "bridge" between a problem statement and skeleton (essay) outline:
- Problem statement
Thesis Statement
Remember that a thesis statement should have three sections:
- Transition
Sentence connector, introductory phrase, or subordinating clause connects what was said in the introduction paragraph (i.e., context of the problem, background information, etc.) to the thesis statement.
The thesis statement should include a topic (stated explicitly, without using a personal pronoun), which relates directly to the target audience of the essay. The topic is usually the subject of the sentence. Notice "there is/there are" is not being considered.
The opinion can also be considered your position, overall claim, main viewpoint, etc. The opinion is your verb phrase that might also include relevant phrases that provide additional information. The verb phrase in a thesis statement should not include a copula verb (i.e., "to be", etc.)
Introduce your three key points by using the subordinating conjunction, "because"; that is, the key points are reasons that justify the "why", as an example. The connector or conjunction directly relates to the one main question word used in your problem statement. Choose one question word for stating your key points.
For a five-paragraph essay, consider listing three key points that will be the basis for each of your topic sentences that begin each of your three body paragraphs. The key points in your thesis statement are more general while the topic sentences state the same key points but more specifically (i.e., additional adjectives, phrases, and/or clauses).
Example: Because English language learners often get distracted with technology, English language teachers should use cell phones in the class because they allow learners to interact with classmates outside of class, they allow learners to connect with outside experts, and they allow teachers to provide more timely feedback.
Skeleton Outline
Based on your thesis statement, create a skeleton outline that includes 1) a thesis statement and 2) three topic sentences that later will begin your three body paragraphs.
English language teachers who allow learners to use cell phones outside of class create interactive learning opportunities that are not possible in the classroom alone. (Topic sentence #1)
English language learners interact with classmates outside of class...
- evidence 1
Using cell phones to access online spaces, English language learners can reach outside experts to learn more about the subject matter. (Topic sentence #2)
Connecting with outside experts through the use of cell phones provide...
- evidence 1
English language learners receive more timely feedback by setting up social media learning spaces for one-to-one teacher-to-student engagement. (Topic sentence #3)
English language teachers can assess learners throughout the learning process...
- evidence 1
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
Music: Clover 3 by Vibe Mountain Video Link: https://youtu.be/GU3ABAWA-Jk ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬