Thesis: Closed or Open?

1. Finish the Staking a Claim activity we began in class on the issue of childhood obesity and the
   contents of vending machines in schools (see Staking a Claim box on pg. 94). Put those claims on your blog in the same post as the following.
2. Then read pages 94-97 in the packet about theses. Do the activity on page 96-7. Be sure to follow all the instructions on pg 96 as it entails more than simply writing a thesis for each one. This goes on the blog in the same post as the claims above.
3. Put these both on the blog in the same post entitled Types of Theses.

Arguably verifiable

Tonight start to look at claims. Read pages 85-86 in the giant packet 'o argument. Then do the activity in the box on pg 86 on your blog. Make sure you follow all of the instructions and rewrite the verifiable claims in such a way to make them arguable claims.

In class, we will go over this activity and start talking about claims of fact, value, and policy. If you would like to get a jump on that to make sure you understand the concept well, read pages 87-92 in addition to the other short reading.

I know why the caged bird can't read....it's a bird.

Over the next few days, we will be looking again at this essay. I urge you to read it again before Monday. If you felt lost or like her argument was just that students don't get lame high school English books, you especially may want to read it again as it may take you some time to come to grips with her argument. On Monday, we will be working in groups on questions 1-3, and 5-10 of the Questions on Rhetoric and Style on page 100. This will also go on your blog.

The Graff template write-up of this due on Monday on your blog.


Good luck finishing your essays! Remember, they are due Saturday at 11:59, not tonight.