Monday, Nov 11

Do Now

• Fill out the "Daily Check in"

Agenda

• Complete "Civil Disobedience" assignment
• As a group,
  • Discuss your annotated paragraphs from "Civil Disobedience" in order to come to a consensus about what you think about Thoreau's ideas
  • Write a thesis. 
  • Plan out an essay in which you write claims defending your group's thesis that use quotes from Thoreau's essay as supporting evidence.

Notes on THESIS WRITING
A thesis is an informed opinion or statement of intent which must be a part of ALL other elements of a an essay. 
Theses are...

• Arguable! You are entitled to an opinion. Your opinion is valid and has value. 
• Supportable! The thesis statement itself is not a fact statement but is stated as fact (does not have an "I think" or "the reader can see" statement) and can be backed up with evidence.
• Specific! This opinion should be more than just agreement or disagreement with an idea. Your opinion loses its value and validity if you cannot communicate it effectively and efficiently.

  EXAMPLES: Great thesis: While Thoreau's ideas on civil disobedience have been used selectively in history to bring equality to oppressed populations, ultimately it is not the breaking of laws that will transform a country; rather, the focus on educating citizens on justice and understanding perspective will lead to a more sustainable form of equality. 

Not so great thesis: Thoreau is a patriot. His ideas of breaking laws should be followed. 
This is arguable and supportable, but not specific at all.