MONDAY, November 16th

1. Take out your ten thesis/claim statements.

2. For EACH statement, you need to write the counter claim.. This is the opposition side to this argument.. do not go to the polar opposite side for this exercise... Your argument, if you have developed it well, should not be extreme and obvious (therefore having a direct opposite side). Look to reasons why someone (people) would disagree with your claim.  Write this statement as well as you were supposed to write your initial thesis.

So now.. you should have your initial thesis/claim... and its counterclaim.

3. Switch your papers with a classmate. Give them both your initial thesis and your counterclaim.

They need to assess each thesis (just the thesis) for the following standards:

   A. Has the topic been broken down and/or processed (not transferred right into subject of formula)

   B. Is the stance arguable? Look at the thesis first and then look at the counter.. Is the counter a logical opposition stance?

   C. Does the thesis continue on and answer HOW or WHY? (and is it narrowed down from the presented topic?)

   D. Is the writing concise? Is the argument easy to figure out? (not garbled up in the writing)

Provide as much feedback as possible.

4. Once you have been given back your thesis statements, you need to pick your 5 BEST. If you need to edit and make adjustments, do so. For each of the 5, you need to come up with 3 major supporting points for your argument...   Ask yourself the question, "why is this true?"  Make these reasons as broad as you can at this point.  (DUE TUESDAY).

Bring these 5 thesis statements and the support with your counterclaims on TUESDAY.

I will see you tomorrow!