Lesson Plan: Crafting A SMART Thesis Statement
Classical Studies
Objective
To help students learn strategies for developing a strong thesis statement by presenting the paradigm of a SMART thesis, a valuable tool in evaluating the different aspects of a complex and strong thesis statement
Estimated Time
15-20 minutes
Work Completed Before Class
None
In Class
- Discuss the basics of a thesis. Hold a class discussion: Why is a strong thesis statement so important? Brainstorm ideas about what makes a strong vs. weak thesis statement. (5-10 minutes)
- Present the concept of a SMART thesis statement. A SMART thesis statement has the following six attributes:
- Alludes to structure: prepares the reader for the type and order of evidence you will discuss
- Specific: expresses one main idea with specific language
- Manageable: deals with a subject that can be adequately treated given the nature and length of the assignment
- Arguable: focuses on a subject about which reasonable people could disagree
- Relevant: gets to the heart of the text or topic and is non-obvious
- Takes a stand: asserts your conclusions about a subject
- Present one strong and one weak thesis. Discuss how these can be evaluated and improved using the A SMART thesis statement.
- Present the handout titled "A SMART Thesis Development Worksheet." Students should prepare this for next class as they continue researching and honing their thesis statement. (10 minutes)
Claudia Filos
Developed at Brandeis University through a grant from the Davis Educational Foundation