Writing a Thesis Statement and Paraphrasing for Note-taking

After researching an issue introduced in Tyson Miller's Dream of a Nation: Inspiring Ideas for a Better America, writers develop an original thesis statement and craft an analytic essay using evidence collected in their research.

Practice writing effective thesis statements with this helpful worksheet. Young readers take five statements that are vague ("The Jonas Brothers are cool."),  and then rewrite the statements to make them more specific. Use this activity...

After reading on the topic of their paper, high schoolers work in pairs to assess how to write powerful, precise thesis statements. The introduction contains three statements: a universal statement, a bridge statement, and a thesis...

Set up your writers for writing strong introductions with a formula for putting together supported thesis statements. This reference page breaks the process down and provides an example of how to compose a thesis statement, develop a...

Here's a great idea—use Aesop's Fables to teach kids about thesis statements.

Introduce expository writing with a unit that asks writers to craft an essay to explain a belief, value, or priority that is important to them. Mini-lessons within the unit focus on crafting thesis statements and conclusions, selecting...

Help your middle or high school class generate ideas for writing through class discussions. Next, explore organizational strategies to facilitate planning which help learners create a coherent essay complete with introduction, main...

Writing a thesis statement is a skill in itself, not something you can gloss over and expect young writers to understand. As part of a unit on persuasion, or to analyze rhetorical strategies used in informational texts, start here to...

The writing process has never been easier with this digital approach. Learners use pre-made templates designed specifically for the type of paper they are assigned, and move through each step of the writing process from drafting to...

Bring research papers into the 21st century using this guide to Inspiration Software. Using a pre-made template, learners research and fill in various sections to organize their findings for the perfectly structured paper. They keep...