Analytical Thinking and Writing In All

Subject Areas

Expository Text Structure:

Proposition-Support(Persuasive, Position paper)

Non-fiction Text Structures(how authors organize nonfiction texts)

Students need to be taught text structures so that they can successfully read and write non-fiction.

• Compare-Contrast• Cause-Effect• Goal-Action-Outcome

(procedure/process, sequential/chronological order, order of importance)

• Problem-Solution• Proposition-Support (persuasive,

position)• Concept-Definition (descriptive)

What is a proposition-support essay?

“Proposition” is a fancy word for argument. A proposition-support essay uses logic and

reason to show that one idea is more legitimate than

another idea.

Why is it important?• Understanding proposition-

support texts helps students become critical readers.

• Mississippi writing assessments require students to produce a persuasive piece.

• Many questions on college entrance tests target an author’s point of view and require analysis of supporting arguments.

Students’ awareness of text structures improves reading

comprehension.

Use “Say Something” to encourage

your students to think as they read.

Brainstorm topics in your content area where

students can use supporting evidence to

persuade readers to accept a specific

viewpoint.

Persuasive writing in Math?

• There is only one even, prime number, 2. (proposition) How can you explain that? (support)

•  “If you convert feet to inches, you divide the number of feet by 12,” said Katye. Buffi argued, “No, you multiply the number of feet by 12.” With whom do you agree? (proposition) Why? (support)

• Don Know said, “Whenever a rectangle’s perimeter increases, its area also increases.” C.I. Know said, “That’s true. I can prove it.” Do you think this can be proven? (proposition) If so, prove it. If not, tell why. (support)

Persuasive writing in Social Studies?• Western Hemisphere Competency 5.a.

Based on your knowledge of US History, discuss how technology has/ has not impacted the development of the Western Hemisphere (proposition). Support your claims with factual evidence (support).  • Mississippi Studies 3.f.Examine the environmental problems of Mississippi and propose (proposition) a solution for one of the three reporting areas illustrated at www. Epa.gov/myenv/MYENVIEW. Support your proposition with facts from the data collected (support).

Persuasive writing in Science?• 6th Grade Competency 2.a. Atoms of a given element are all alike, but

atoms of other elements have different atomic structures. (proposition) How do you explain this? (support)

• Genetics 3.f. Develop and present a

scientifically-based logical (support) argument (proposition) for or against moral and ethical issues related to genetic engineering.

Persuasive Writing in Technology?

• You have been hired to set up a network for a new corporation. Give a recommendation (proposition) on the

type of network the corporation needs. Provide

reasons to support your recommendation (support).• You have a ten-page essay due for your

English class. Which input device should you use to complete this task? (proposition) Support your answer. (support)

Tool for Proposition-Support Thinking and Writing

Tree Map

Proposition Pro (or con) with

supportingdetails

Pro (or con) with

supportingdetails

Pro (or con) with

supportingdetails

Order of Operations for Essay WritingBegin with your topic.

Brainstorm on a Thinking Map, jot list, etc.

Analyze and summarize information on the Thinking Map, etc. to determine your thesis statement.

Use information on Thinking Map, etc. to determine supporting ideas and write topic sentence for each idea.

Find supporting evidence to explain supporting ideas in detail in the body paragraphs.

Incorporate transitions to combine and explain your ideas.

Write your hook (tells why we care, states thesis).

Write your conclusion (rewrite the thesis, revisit main points from body paragraphs and hook).

Using the Writing Order of Operations in Social Studies

1. Begin with a topic: Gun control

2. Brainstorm on a Tree Map.

Gun controlCon Con Con

Mass killingsMetal detectors in schools

Danger to law

enforcement

3. Analyze the Tree Map to determine a thesis statement.

Gun controlCon

Con

Con

Mass killingsMetal

detectors in schools

Danger tolaw

enforcement

Summary : (issue + point of view = thesis)Enforced gun control would save lives.

Con

4. Create a thesis statement based on the analysis of the Tree Map.

Issue + writer’s point of view = thesis statement

THESIS: Action needs to be taken to decrease the number of semiautomatic weapons being bought and used in America today .Remember: The thesis statement is themost important element of the essay!

Now it’s your turn……

1. Choose a topic from your group’s previously created list of topics in which the writer can persuade readers with supporting evidence.

2. Create a Tree Map showing the proposition and support.

3. Analyze the Tree Map to summarize the pros and cons of the proposition.

4. Create a thesis statement for a proposition-support essay.

Tips for Writing a Proposition-Support

EssayIntroduction• Hook (How will this proposition-support

essay help someone better understand the proposition and agree with it AND why doing it is important in the big picture)

• Thesis statement (expresses a clear point of view or opinion-no wishy washy thesis statements allowed!)

The Body• Writers need solid supporting ideas to

develop an argument.• Each paragraph should be focused on

a single idea that supports the thesis.• HOWEVER, write as many paragraphs

as needed to support the thesis.

The Body• Use statistics, research, real-life

experiences /antecdotes or examples to support the argument.

• You have to convince the opposition! The writer must anticipate and overcome objections that the opposition might raise.

• It is very important that the tone be reasonable and that the presentation be factual and believable.

• The first-person point of view should only be used in a paragraph that supports real-life experiences/

antecdotes. Otherwise, third-person point of view should be used.

Proposition-Support Transitions

Use transition words to help the reader follow the flow of ideas.• conclusion

• viewpoint• opinion• if…then• belief• idea• hypothesis• based on• no one can

refute

• logic• research• expert

verification• reason• sufficient

evidence• proof• theory• it could be

argued that

The Essay’s Conclusion

• Restate the thesis statement using different wording and/or;

• Revisit the main points from the body paragraphs and/or;

• End on some memorable thought, such as a relevant quotation, interesting twist of logic, or some call to action that is related to the hook.

Remember! Content-area teachers are not responsible for GUM (grammar, usage, mechanics, and spelling).

Teachers of all subjects are responsible for:• Thesis statements• Organization• Transitional language• Content

Back in the Classroom• Post the proposition-support transition

words in your classroom.• Model the “Say Something” strategy for

your students and have them practice the strategy as they read a proposition-support text.

• Use the annotated proposition-support essays to help your students become analytical readers and writers.

• Have your students write a proposition-support essay.

• Model writing each part of the essay and provide feedback during the drafting stage.