Thesis Statement
Expository/Informational Essay: Generating Ideas, Evidence, and a Thesis in Response to a Prompt
1. Annotate the prompt to break down the requirements of your task.
Prompt
Circle or add ** around key verbs. (For example, “explain,” “analyze,” “describe,” or “compare.”)
Underline or add ## around the topic(s) the prompt asks you to write about.
2. Brainstorm ideas and find evidence.
In column 1, write any ideas that come to mind when you think about the prompt.
In column 2, write evidence that supports these ideas.
In column 3, list the source for each piece of evidence (e.g. website or book title and page number).
3. Use your notes from the table above to come up with a thesis statement. Ask yourself:
Do I notice any important patterns in my ideas?
Which of my ideas are best supported by evidence?
What thoughtful and interesting point do I want readers to understand about my topic?
4. Sum up your answer in one sentence as your thesis statement, or central idea, about your
topic.
Ideas Facts, Quotes, or Examples Source
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