English: Thesis and Paragraph Writing / T-E-S-T Method

*THESIS: one sentence that states the topic, position, and main ideas/categories for your essay.

tip 1: look for a number word in the prompt; it tells you how many points to make.

tip 2: use the key words from the prompt in your thesis to phrase the sentence clearly.

Prompt:

Recall three events that changed your life. Explain how each event changed the person

you have become.

Thesis Sample:

Three events that changed my life and the person I have become were when my family moved

out of state, when my dad became deathly sick, and when I repeated sixth grade.

**** *

Practice: Write notes and thesis statements for each prompt below.

A) What three qualities should a good friend possess? Why is each important?

1______2______3______

Thesis: ______

______.

Make notes by listing some reasons why each quality is important:

1 / 2 / 3

B) What three places would you want to go on a vacation? Why did you choose each location?

1______2______3______

Thesis:______

______.

Make notes by listing some details about each location that makes it a good place for a vacation:

1 / 2 / 3

C) Explain what three items you would buy if you had unlimited resources and why.

1______2______3______

Thesis:______

______.

Make notes about what each item can offer or why each item is valuable to you:

1 / 2 / 3

T-E-S-T METHOD for writing fully developed paragraphs

Each step of the T-E-S-T method will be modeled for you based on the following prompt.

Prompt: Describe three of your favorite possessions and explain why each item is valuable to you.

Thesis: Three of my most valued possessions include my drum kit, my dog, and my computer.

Here's how to use the T-E-S-T Method to write the first paragraph:

Topic sentence:
states the main idea/topic for that single paragraph.
(T) One possession that means a great deal to me is my Pearl drum kit, complete with an array of cymbals, a tambourine and cowbell, and snare, kick, and tom drums.
Example 1 sentence:
provides a specific example for your reader to connect to your topic idea.
(E)A primary example of why my drum kit matters so much to me is because it has been a part of my life for nearly seven years, and I play it at least five days per week for an hour at a time.
Support 1 sentences:
sentences that add details to describe/explain an example.
Supporting evidence includes: facts, illustrations, anecdotes, quotes, descriptions, explanations
Support will answer some of these: why? when? where? who? how?
(S) I have always counted on the drums as being a part of my life, and no matter whether I moved, or whether I did well in school, or whether I felt good, the drums were always there for me. I could count on the thumping and smashing sounds to carry me through my days. I play so vigorously that sweat pours down my face and my hands become calloused from the sticks.
Example 2 sentence:
It is always good to add a second example to make your point clear to your reader.
(E2) *An additional reason my drum kit is essential to my life is because it helps me stay in control mentally and emotionally.
Support 2 sentences:
For each example, explain it with more details and descriptions to paint a clear picture.
(S2) Playing drums gives me a chance to release tension when I am angry, nervous, or bored. *Furthermore, playing the drums allows me to feel good about my talent and creative about making music or playing along with a band. I can almost see myself on stage, playing songs like “X” and “Y” in perfect timing with the band. I feel the energy of the music and the rush of being a part of something bigger than myself.
Transition:
word or phrase that connects one idea to the next idea. See the above example for transitions.*
You will also write transitions from one topic to another.
Here's the topic sentence with transition for paragraph 2 of this essay:
(Tr/T) *Along with my drums, a second* item I cherish is my dog, a six-year-old retriever named Jesse.

------PRACTICE the T-E-S-T METHOD------

1. Fill in an item important to you in the space in the topic sentence below.

2. Then, finish the paragraph by writing the E-S-T portion. You'll include a second example and

support section. Remember, use transitions within to link your ideas.

3. Finally, write the third paragraph's topic sentence using a transition between topics 2 and 3.

(T/Tr)Along with my drum kit, a second item that is very important to me is my

______.

(E/Tr)______

______

______

______.

(S/Tr)______

______

______

______.

(E2/Tr)______

______

______

______.

(S2/Tr)______

______

______

______.

(Tr/T for Paragraph 3)

______

______.