T.E.E.S.

Writing workshop
January 2014 Professional Development Alliance College-Ready Public Schools Thelma Chen

Step 1: Thesis/Claim
Answers the essential question Your argument/ claim The point that you want to prove The whole reason for your essay/paragraph.

No thesis, no essay/paragraph.

Step 2: Explanation/Reasoning
You must explain, summarize and elaborate on your thesis here

Define key terms, re-word your thesis.

The statement keeps everyone on the same page It helps readers to understand clearly, and specifically what you wish to say The purpose is to get the reader and the author on the same page. It assumes that the reader is unknowledgeable.

Reasons (Introduced for 2014-2015 school year)

Step 3: Evidence
Here is where you insert your proof. Proof = quote, or examples supporting your argument. Usually your proof will come from a primary source document. However, secondary sources are considered evidence as well Proof can be examples

Step 4: Significance
Explain your evidence and why it is significant Here is where you explain why your evidence is important How it proves your claim

How it connects to the big picture

Warrant (introduced for 2014-2015 school year) Must use significance language

In Order to be successful, all parts of each step must connect directly to each other. Thesis/Claim: This is your response to the essential question. Explanation/Reasoning: In other words, in addition, again, in briefBECAUSE (reasoning) __________________________________________ Evidence: For instance, for example, according to, __________________________________________ __________________________________________ _ Significance: This is where you connect your evidence to your overall point. (Refer to the historical significance graphic organizer)

Exemplar
Essential Question: Was Manifest Destiny a justifiable cause for westward expansion expansion? T: Manifest Destiny was not a justifiable cause for westward expansion. E: In other words, the belief that the U.S. has the right to the territory from the Atlantic to Pacific oceans was not a good reason to take land from Native Americans. E: According to the Supreme Court, when the Cherokee nation took their case against Andrew Jacksons Indian Removal Act to the court, it ruled that the Cherokee were entitled to their land. S: This is significant because Manifest Destiny negatively impacted the lives of Native Americans and therefore

Exemplar-Essay
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