Mastering Thesis Writing for Argumentative Essays
LESSON PLAN
Subject: English Grammar
Class: JSS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 8
Age: 13-14 years
Topic: How to Write Your Thesis
Sub-topic: Developing Thesis Statements and Writing Argumentative Essays
Duration: 40 minutes
Behavioural Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- Define a thesis statement.
- Turn a topic idea into a thesis question.
- Write a strong thesis statement with supporting reasons.
- Explain the structure of an argumentative essay.
- Understand how to refute objections and create a roadmap in an essay.
Key Words:
- Thesis
- Argumentative essay
- Refute
- Roadmap
- Objections
Set Induction:
The teacher will ask, “If you were asked to write about the causes of divorce, what would your main point be? How would you make your reader believe your argument?” This will introduce the idea of writing a thesis and developing a strong argument.
Entry Behaviour:
Students have prior knowledge of basic essay writing and sentence construction.
Learning Resources and Materials:
- Whiteboard and markers
- Sample essays
- Chart showing steps to develop a thesis and structure an argumentative essay
Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:
Students have already been introduced to essay writing. This lesson will focus on developing strong thesis statements and writing argumentative essays.
Embedded Core Skills:
- Critical thinking
- Communication
- Writing skills
Reference Books:
- Lagos State Scheme of Work for English
- “Writing with Clarity and Purpose” by XYZ Author
Instructional Materials:
- Sample argumentative essays
- Flashcards with thesis examples
Content:
How to Write Your Thesis
Step 1: Turning Your Topic into a Question
To develop a thesis, first turn your topic into a question. For example:
- Topic: Divorce
- Question: Does divorce cause serious problems for children?
Step 2: Answering the Question
The answer to your question becomes your thesis statement.
- Answer: Divorce can cause emotional and social problems for children, making it a major issue to address.
Step 3: Adding a Roadmap
A strong thesis can include a roadmap that briefly explains the key points you will cover in your essay.
- Example: Divorce can cause emotional and social problems for children, which is why addressing mental health, family support, and social integration is important.
Step 4: Refuting Objections
To make your thesis stronger, you can acknowledge opposing views and refute them.
- Example: While some people believe divorce is simply a part of life, studies show that children affected by divorce experience long-term emotional challenges.
Structure of an Argumentative Essay:
- Introduction
- Start with a question, fact, or scenario to grab attention.
- Explain the controversy and present your thesis at the end.
- Body
- Reasons and Support: Present 3 or more reasons why the reader should agree with your thesis. Support these with facts, examples, or expert opinions.
- Refuting Objections: Address any opposing views or objections and refute them with strong evidence.
- Conclusion
- Summarize your argument.
- Urge the reader to adopt your viewpoint or consider the action you are proposing.
Evaluation:
Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct answer:
- A thesis statement is _______.
a) a question b) a summary of your argument c) an introduction - To turn a topic into a thesis, you should first _______.
a) create a roadmap b) answer the question c) ask a question - The “Roadmap” in a thesis tells _______.
a) the conclusion b) the main points you will cover c) the opposing views - Refuting objections in your essay means _______.
a) ignoring other views b) addressing and disproving other views c) giving more reasons for your argument - An argumentative essay should conclude by _______.
a) summarizing your reasons b) restating your thesis c) urging the reader to take action
Class Activity Discussion (FAQs):
- What is a thesis statement?
A thesis statement is the main point or argument of your essay. - How do you turn a topic into a thesis?
By turning the topic into a question and answering it. - What is a roadmap in a thesis?
A brief explanation of the key points that will be discussed in the essay. - Why is refuting objections important?
It strengthens your argument by addressing opposing views. - What is the purpose of the introduction in an argumentative essay?
To present the topic, explain the controversy, and end with your thesis. - How many reasons should you give to support your thesis?
At least three reasons. - What should you include in the body of an argumentative essay?
Reasons to support your thesis and responses to opposing views. - Why is it important to address opposing views?
It makes your argument stronger and more credible. - What is the final point in an argumentative essay?
The conclusion, where you urge the reader to adopt your viewpoint. - Can a question be used as a title for an argumentative essay?
Yes, it can grab the reader’s attention.
Presentation:
Step 1: The teacher revises the previous lesson on essay writing.
Step 2: The teacher explains how to write a thesis statement by turning a topic into a question and answering it.
Step 3: The teacher shows how to structure an argumentative essay, including supporting the thesis with reasons and refuting objections.
Teacher’s Activities:
- Explain the concept of a thesis and its importance in essay writing.
- Guide students through the process of turning a topic into a thesis.
- Provide examples and explanations of argumentative essay structure.
Learners’ Activities:
- Listen to the teacher’s explanation.
- Practice turning topics into thesis statements.
- Work in groups to write short thesis statements and essay outlines.
Assessment:
Students will be assessed based on their ability to create thesis statements and outlines for argumentative essays.
Evaluation Questions:
- What is a thesis statement?
- How do you create a thesis from a topic?
- What is a roadmap in a thesis?
- Why is it important to refute objections in an essay?
- How should an argumentative essay be structured?
- What is the role of the introduction in an essay?
- Give an example of a thesis with a roadmap.
- Why should you address opposing views in your essay?
- What is the purpose of the conclusion in an argumentative essay?
- How can a question be used as a thesis?
Conclusion:
The teacher goes round to review students’ work and provides further explanations where necessary.