Jane Shaffer Writing Style Info Thesis Statement a statement having a subject and an opinion.

. The possibility of disagreement is always present. Possible synonyms include argument claim assertion or main idea. The thesis must be proved by reasons not by emotions in order to be proved valid. The thesis statement is the first statement !sometimes called a topic sentence" in a mini essay and usually the fourth statement in the introductory paragraph of the multi# paragraph essays. Example: $tticus %inch in &arper 'ee(s To )ill $ *oc+ingbird models integrity for his children and community !literary based". Example: *y first wee+ at ,avier -ollege Preparatory has been challenging !personal". Concrete Detail facts and e.amples that support the thesis or topic sentence. They include direct /uotations from and summaries or paraphrases of literary te.ts. These must be documented unless they are in the public domain or are common +nowledge. They are another author(s thoughts and words not the student essayist(s. Example: $tticus chose to defend Tom 0obinson against *ayella 1well(s false charge despite the fact that he was ris+ing his reputation as well as his personal safety. Example: In the first place my big sister who arranged to meet me before the bell rang for the first class was delayed in traffic and I had to find my way to my new homeroom by myself. Commentary the student essayist(s opinions and insights not concrete detail. 2ther synonyms include development elaboration and e.plication of the concrete detail. Example3 4This shows that5 $tticus( moral code was stronger than peer pressure or his fear for his personal safety. 4It also suggests that5 he was willing to ris+ the treasures of his good name and economic security in order to show the community the demands of conscience. Example3 4This shows that5 I had to learn to rely on myself right away. 4It also suggests that5 2n the other hand I had to as+ others for help and found out that ,avier had lots of friendly people willing to steer me in the right direction. Concluding Sentence the 6clincher6 at the close of a paragraph or mini essay. It also rephrases the thesis statement and provides a sense of completion to the paragraph. ######################################################################################################### $ mini essay is a simple body paragraph of 7 or 88 sentences composed and arranged in the following order3 Sentence 8 Thesis !Topic" Sentence Sentence 9 -oncrete detail !e.ample to prove:support ;8" Sentence < -ommentary !e.plains why:how the detail proves or clarifies the thesis Sentence = -ommentary !further e.plains or analy>es -?" Sentence @ -oncrete detail !gives a second e.ample to prove:support ;8" Sentence A -ommentary !e.plains why:how ;@ relates to ;8" Sentence B -ommentary !further e.plains or analy>es -?" Sentence 7 -oncluding Sentence !summari>es paragraph restates topic or thesis sentence and does not introduce new information."