Exercises — Week 2: Week 2 — Thesis Statements

2 hands-on tasks. Do them in order; each one feeds the Canvas item it names.

30 min · written

1. Thesis Builder

Choose a debatable issue from current events.
Write a one-sentence thesis using this frame: '[Specific claim] because [reason], even though [counterclaim].'
Test it: is it debatable? Does it go beyond the obvious? Is the reason logical?
Revise once based on your own test, then write a sentence explaining what you changed.

Turn in / bring: Draft thesis, revised thesis, and explanation of your revision.

40 min · written

Repeat the Entry 1 process with a new passage.
This time, your 300–400 words must include a visible concession ('Although critics argue...') and a rebuttal.

Turn in / bring: Complete journal entry submitted per Mr. Gray's directions (due 2026-09-19).