3 Steps for Teaching THESIS STATEMENTS

[@The_Jedi_Teacher]

Great advice. I have been using the John Irish formula for a while in my class and definitely direct students to write a more simplified thesis if they cannot develop a counter-argument. However, I also use the counter-argument as a check for students to ask themselves "Am I making a defensible historical argument?". If I am able to generate a counter argument, or any other reasoning for my response, I probably have created a defensible argument. Even if they may not be going for the full complexity of the essay and get the 7/7 or 6/6 (even though we do try), they know they are fulfilling the requirement for the thesis point.

[@courtneynice6537]

First year AP Teacher here for European History- You have saved me this year. Appreciate you!

[@HeimlersHistoryTeachers]

And I appreciate you right back!

[@justinbedell7902]

Thank you for adding in that last thesis example (restate prompt because A and B). I’ve used that as a stepping stone to understand how to write the full claim formula: CA + 2E + MA (counter-argument, 2 pieces of evidence, my argument). I didn’t know the last option in your video would score the point…albeit shouldn’t the Thesis/Claim have the Counter-Argument so it can be argued later on in the essay for the Complexity point on the AP rubric?

[@HeimlersHistoryTeachers]

Yes, if the essay is going to earn the complexity point it will almost always have a complex thesis…

[@melanilippard4601]

Is this thesis activity in your teacher resource pack?

[@seldonsinq]

But with the second formula, wouldn’t they be more likely not to earn the point because they could just be repeating the question in the first part of that formula? I tell students they won’t earn the point if they just rehash the prompt and I fear that second method will lead to more of that.

[@HeimlersHistoryTeachers]

You’re right: a rehash of the prompt won’t earn a point. However, using the relevant language of the prompt AND adding categories with specific evidence will absolutely earn the point (if done correctly). Using the language of the prompt is a good practice for students who tend to write theses that don’t directly address the prompt. Using that language can help keep them on the proper line of thought…

[@kylekullin2520]

Talk to Tom Petty!

[@StilwellAlston-r1r]

Hernandez Dorothy Thompson Ronald Jones Edward

[@ryanbradley3293]

Well now it’s if you save up 50,000 dollars, you may have a chance at living in a van down by the river