engl 111 (P&E)

Part A

ASSIGNMENT 2.1: 📝Writing Thesis Statements (earl)

Assignment Instructions

Assignment 2.1 Thesis Statements

Choose one of the following activities to complete for this assignment.

2.1a – Thesis Statements Mad Libs

Using Mad Libs is an interesting and fun way to learn the essential components of sentence structure for kids. However, we can also use them to learn and understand the essential components of thesis statements: a subject, a claim, and reasons for that claim.

By providing the missing parts of the sentence, try to create the most outlandish or funny thesis statement possible. Create the most ridiculous, hilarious, or wildly imaginative thesis statement using the format:

Because of [reason 1], [reason 2], and [reason 3], [subject] is/are [claim].

Mad Lib Thesis Statement Examples:

· Because of an ancient prophecy, the suspicious disappearance of all left socks, and the rise of squirrel espionage, Earth’s squirrels are preparing for intergalactic diplomacy.

· Because of enchanted ramen noodles, the strange silence of pigeons, and a spell written on a bathroom stall, campus libraries are portals to alternate dimensions.

The unpredictable and silly combinations help you internalize the essential components of a thesis (subject, claim, and reasons) in a low-pressure way.

Now think about how that can be translated into a serious thesis statement that provides your reader with vital information about the direction of your essay. A strong thesis is like a roadmap. It gives direction, has a clear point, and offers insight into the essay’s message or theme. It is a summary of the main points you plan to write about and communicates the significance of your topic. The reason for writing your essay is to prove your thesis statement to your audience.

Real Thesis Example:

· Because of the energy production required to charge the battery, the difficulty in disposing of the battery once its life has expired, and the potential for the battery to leak, electric cars are bad for the environment.

Submission Instructions:

1. In an MLA-formatted Word or PDF document, create two (2) outlandish or ridiculous thesis statements. Be as creative as possible and have fun with it!

2. Then create a serious thesis statement about any topic to demonstrate how you have internalized the essential components of a thesis statement.

3. Your MLA-formatted Word or PDF document should contain 3 thesis statements. Attach your document as your assignment submission.

OR

2.1b – “Would You Rather” Thesis Statement Challenge

To write a focused and organized essay, you need a strong thesis statement. It is a summary of the main points you plan to write about and communicates the significance of your topic. The reason for writing your essay is to prove your thesis statement to your audience. It appears at the end of your essay’s introduction. Using “Would You Rather” questions as prompts can help you practice formulating a strong thesis statement with all its essential components.

For example, “Would you rather have the ability to fly or be invisible?”

Step 1: Choose a side: “I would rather be able to fly.”

Step 2: Form your claim: “The ability to fly is superior to invisibility.”

Step 3: Add reasons: “The ability to fly is superior to invisibility because it offers more practical applications for travel and rescue, and it would be a unique and exhilarating personal experience.”

Submission Instructions:

Step 1: Choose one “Would you rather?” question from each group to use as inspiration for a thesis statement.

Group One

· Would you rather talk on the phone or text? 

· Would you rather read a paper book or an e-book? 

· Would you rather live in the world of your favorite video game or be best friends with your favorite fictional character?

· Would you rather watch a movie or read a book?

Group Two

· Would you rather be filthy rich and live 400 years ago or be middle-class today?

· Would you rather have more time or more money?

· Would you rather be wise or intelligent?

· Would you rather spend a night in a haunted house or take a final exam you haven’t studied for?

Group Three

· Would you rather live on a boat or an island?

· Would you rather have unlimited access to every show ever made or front-row seats to every concert of your favorite artists?

· Would you rather travel abroad or take a road trip across the U.S.?

· Would you rather land your dream job but must move to a random country tomorrow, or stay in your comfort zone with a decent job here forever?

Step 2: Write your thesis statements in an MLA-formatted Word or PDF document to submit for this assignment. Your document should contain three (3) thesis statements. Attach your document as your assignment submission.

Part B (400 words-I have attached the resources folder for this)

Friday attendance assignment: read chapter 16 of they say I say and take notes

This must be done by Friday as it is attendance. There is no way to make it up.

Instructions:

· go to link from home page here in canvas or otherwise access they say / I say

· read the chapter

· take content notes that cover major concepts, putting things into your own words (70%)

· respond to at least five concepts and or PRACTICE with them by creating examples or otherwise showing your understanding (30%)