Step+3

== =I-Develop a Strong Plan based upon a FOUNDATIONAL Thesis Statement=


 * = I-Search Planning Template 1 =
 * = I-Search Planning Template 2 (Made by []) =
 * ** Preparing Questions - leading to sub-topic headings Template **

1) **GETTING STARTED: Introductory Paragraph ...** ** get the reader ready for your THESIS STATEMENT. **
 * Keep these points in mind: **
 * The introduction clarifies the “subject” of your essay to the audience.
 * It should capture the attention of the audience by presenting the topic, debatable issue, or subject of the essay.
 * The paragraph should begin broadly and should gradually become more specific as you move toward the thesis statement.
 * ** PURPOSE - ** Your purpose will be to INFORM your audience about your topic.
 * ** AUDIENCE -** Who are you trying to inform Keep this in mind and address them appropriately and thoroughly.

>
 * Writers sometimes use the following DEVICES to begin their essays:**
 * 1) Anecdote -A short account (or [|narrative]) of an interesting or amusing incident, often intended to illustrate or support some point.
 * 2) Analogy - A short account in which one idea, process, or thing is explained by [|comparing] it to something else.
 * 3) @Quotation - Click to see an excellent example
 * 4) Startling Statement - Click to see an excellent example
 * 5) Definition - Define a word that is essential for your reader to comprehend your essay. Try to avoid quoting a dictionary because dictionary language is not "catchy". (The thesis is in bold.)
 * 6) Description - Check out these specific examples. (The thesis is in bold.)
 * 7) Providing Examples- Introductions can captivate a reader's interest by beginning with a specific or several related examples. (The thesis is in bold.)

The thesis of your writing, which is usually the last sentence of the introduction, summarizes opposing arguments and states with clarity the points that you will argue. In essence, the thesis statement reveals the “topic” of your essay.
 * THESIS STATEMENT: **

To help build your thesis statement, turn your research question into a statement and then add the main points of your research to create a short summary of the research results and a "map" for the audience. Let's look at our young man who is interested in managing his asthma:

By adding a COMPLEX sentence using an AAAWWUUBI at the beginning, you now will have a more sophisticated thesis statement. For example: //Although asthma can be a debilitating disease,// I can manage...

Return to your Statement of Purpose/Research Goal and take it to the next level: Examples


 * 2) WRAPPING IT UP: Concluding Paragraph ** ...tie it all together and leave the reader with a sense of completeness.

A conclusion is, in some ways, like your introduction.
 * Restate your thesis. (You may use key words from the original thesis.)
 * summarize the main points of evidence for the reader.

You can usually do this in one paragraph. In the following example, the thesis statement is in **bold.** Notice that it is written in 2 sentences. This is a stylistic choice for impact. > **Example:** > **The problem of teen gang violence can be eliminated. It will, however, take time, money, and a combined effort on the part of many people.** Organized, free, after-school programs such as: sports teams and games; art, music, and drama activities; internships in local area businesses and professional organizations; and interesting volunteer activities in the community would help engage teens in worthwhile pursuits outside of school hours. More job opportunities for teens, especially those funded by state and local programs, would offer income for teens as well as productive work for the community. Outreach to families through schools, community organizations, and places of worship would help promote inter-generational activities that could improve family closeness, helping teens to work on their problems at the family level, instead of taking them to the streets. If these programs can be implemented, we will surely see a decrease in teen gang activity and safer streets and neighborhoods for us all. > > (Retrieved on March 23, 2012 from http://www.crlsresearchguide.org/18_Writing_Conclusion.asp )