english 111 wk 2 (Nic)

Part A Assignment 2.1 Thesis Statements

Choose one of the following activities to complete for this assignment.

2.1a - Thesis Statements Mad Libs

Using Mad Libs is an interesting and fun way to learn the essential components of sentence structure for kids. However, we can also use them to learn and understand the essential components of thesis statements: a subject, a claim, and reasons for that claim.

By providing the missing parts of the sentence, try to create the most outlandish or funny thesis statement possible. Create the most ridiculous, hilarious, or wildly imaginative thesis statement using the format:

Because of [reason 1], [reason 2], and [reason 3], [subject] is/are [claim].

Mad Lib Thesis Statement Examples:

· Because of an ancient prophecy, the suspicious disappearance of all left socks, and the rise of squirrel espionage, Earth’s squirrels are preparing for intergalactic diplomacy.

· Because of enchanted ramen noodles, the strange silence of pigeons, and a spell written on a bathroom stall, campus libraries are portals to alternate dimensions.

The unpredictable and silly combinations help you internalize the essential components of a thesis (subject, claim, and reasons) in a low-pressure way.

Now think about how that can be translated into a serious thesis statement that provides your reader with vital information about the direction of your essay. A strong thesis is like a roadmap. It gives direction, has a clear point, and offers insight into the essay’s message or theme. It is a summary of the main points you plan to write about and communicates the significance of your topic. The reason for writing your essay is to prove your thesis statement to your audience.

Real Thesis Example:

· Because of the energy production required to charge the battery, the difficulty in disposing of the battery once its life has expired, and the potential for the battery to leak, electric cars are bad for the environment.

Submission Instructions:

1. In an MLA-formatted Word or PDF document, create two (2) outlandish or ridiculous thesis statements. Be as creative as possible and have fun with it!

2. Then create a serious thesis statement about any topic to demonstrate how you have internalized the essential components of a thesis statement.

3. Your MLA-formatted Word or PDF document should contain 3 thesis statements. Attach your document as your assignment submission.

OR

2.1b - “Would You Rather” Thesis Statement Challenge

To write a focused and organized essay, you need a strong thesis statement. It is a summary of the main points you plan to write about and communicates the significance of your topic. The reason for writing your essay is to prove your thesis statement to your audience. It appears at the end of your essay's introduction. Using “Would You Rather” questions as prompts can help you practice formulating a strong thesis statement with all its essential components.

For example, “Would you rather have the ability to fly or be invisible?”

Step 1: Choose a side: “I would rather be able to fly.”

Step 2: Form your claim: “The ability to fly is superior to invisibility.”

Step 3: Add reasons: “The ability to fly is superior to invisibility because it offers more practical applications for travel and rescue, and it would be a unique and exhilarating personal experience.”

Submission Instructions:

Step 1: Choose one “Would you rather?” question from each group to use as inspiration for a thesis statement.

Group One

· Would you rather talk on the phone or text? 

· Would you rather read a paper book or an e-book? 

· Would you rather live in the world of your favorite video game or be best friends with your favorite fictional character?

· Would you rather watch a movie or read a book?

Group Two

· Would you rather be filthy rich and live 400 years ago or be middle-class today?

· Would you rather have more time or more money?

· Would you rather be wise or intelligent?

· Would you rather spend a night in a haunted house or take a final exam you haven’t studied for?

Group Three

· Would you rather live on a boat or an island?

· Would you rather have unlimited access to every show ever made or front-row seats to every concert of your favorite artists?

· Would you rather travel abroad or take a road trip across the U.S.?

· Would you rather land your dream job but must move to a random country tomorrow, or stay in your comfort zone with a decent job here forever?

Step 2: Write your thesis statements in an MLA-formatted Word or PDF document to submit for this assignment. Your document should contain three (3) thesis statements. Attach your document as your assignment submission.

Part B

Thesis Statement Assignment

Thesis statements are like movie, video game, and television series trailers; they give the viewer an insight into the film, video game, or television series and its main points and themes. A strong thesis is like a roadmap. It gives direction, has a clear point, and offers insight about the trailer’s message or theme. Thinking like a trailer editor helps you identify the main argument of a story and summarize it concisely for an audience. Use the trailers in the document below to practice writing strong thesis statements based on visual, thematic, and narrative evidence from the media.

AI Reminder: Review the English department's AI policy located in the syllabus and at the top of the Content area of Blackboard. AI should not be used to write any part of this assignment -- I want your own thoughts.

Step 1: Practice Writing Thesis Statements Using Trailers

Create thesis statements for two (2) of the following trailers. In the attached document, use the Guiding Questions in the document below to assist your viewing and notetaking. You will want to watch each trailer at least twice to get all the important information you will need to write your thesis statements.

045 Thesis Statement_Trailer_Analysis Assignment Revised.docx

Step 2: Reflection on Your Work

Write a short paragraph (150-200 words) about your strongest thesis statement. Answer the following questions in your paragraph.

·       Which trailer did you watch for this thesis statement? Why did you choose this one?

·       Have you seen the film, game, or series before? How did that help or hinder you?

·       Why do you feel this is your strongest thesis statement of the 3 you wrote?

·       What evidence from the trailer did you use to craft your thesis statement? (visuals, audio, dialogue, etc.) Be specific and clearly explain your reasoning.

·       Use the Developing Thesis Statements Handout section “How will I know if my thesis statement works?” from the module to help you justify your thesis statement.

Developing a Thesis Statement Handout.docx

Submit BOTH your 3 thesis statements and reflection paragraph in the same MLA-formatted Word document.

2.1 Thesis Statement Assignment (in Two Parts)

Thesis statements are like movie, video game, and television series trailers; they give the viewer an insight into the film, video game, or television series and its main points and themes. Thinking like a trailer editor helps you identify the main argument of a story and summarize it concisely for an audience.

A strong thesis is like a roadmap. It gives direction, has a clear point, and offers insight about the trailer’s message or theme. Use the trailers below to practice writing strong thesis statements based on visual, thematic, and narrative evidence from the media.

Part 1: Practice Writing Thesis Statements Using Trailers

Watch two movie trailers. Write a one-sentence thesis statement that captures the core conflict or theme of each film.

Use the Guiding Questions below this list to assist your viewing and notetaking. You will want to watch each trailer at least twice to get all the important information you will need.

1. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

Rich in symbolism and themes like hope, unity, and moral struggle—excellent for argumentative writing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbfMDwc4azU

2. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Complex characters, psychological tension, and issues of justice, identity, and gendered power.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVLvMg62RPA

3. American Sniper

Provides moral ambiguity, patriotism vs. trauma, and internal conflict—perfect for analytical thesis claims.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99k3u9ay1gs

4. The Last of Us Part II

Deep emotional stakes and themes of revenge, survival, and identity in a collapsing world.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhII1qlcZ4E

5. Hijack (2023)

High-pressure negotiation, leadership, and morality under stress—ideal for tone and theme analysis.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxwKzsklvJo

6. Moonrise

Visually stunning sci-fi dealing with revenge, loyalty, and ethical warfare—great for discussing broader commentary.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1Y9KkuL2DQ

7. True Detective: Night Country

Haunting atmosphere, slow-burn mystery, and complex female leads—perfect for tone and narrative tension analysis.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bYLx2Nz6H8

8. Stranger Things Season 1

Combining horror, sci-fi, and coming-of-age themes, students can argue about genre, nostalgia, and friendship dynamics.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWxyRG_tckY

9. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Explores freedom, destiny, and resilience through a minimalist, emotionally resonant presentation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rPxiXXxftE

10. Red Dead Redemption 2 – Trailer #3

Western themes of honor, loyalty, and survival in a decaying world—strong in visual storytelling and character depth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaW0tYpxyp0

Guiding Questions for Trailer Analysis

Use these questions while watching each trailer. Take quick notes on:

While Watching:

What is the genre and tone of this trailer?

Who seems to be the main character, and what’s their conflict?

What visuals, music, or dialogue stand out?

After Watching:

Theme & Message

What ideas or themes does the trailer hint at?

What questions does it raise?

Tone & Technique

How does the trailer use color, sound, or pace to influence emotion?

Is there anything ironic, shocking, or emotionally powerful?

Perspective

Whose story is being told?

How are certain characters, events, or ideas portrayed?

Example Thesis Statements

🎬 The Last of Us (game or show)

Weak: It is about a virus and survival.

Improved: The Last of Us trailer presents survival as morally ambiguous, suggesting that in crisis, people become both protectors and threats.

🎬 Everything Everywhere All At Once

Weak: It is about multiverses.

Improved: The trailer uses the multiverse as a metaphor to explore how identity, purpose, and generational trauma affect one woman’s sense of self.

Part 2: Reflection on Your Work

Write a short paragraph (250 words) about your strongest thesis statement. Answer the following questions in your paragraph.

· Which trailer did you watch for this thesis statement? Why did you choose this one?

· Have you seen the film, game, or series before? How did that help or hinder you?

Why do you feel this is your strongest thesis statement of the 3 you wrote?

· What evidence from the trailer did you use to craft your thesis statement? (visuals, audio, dialogue, etc.) Be specific and clearly explain your reasoning.

· Use the Developing Thesis Statements Handout section “How will I know if my thesis statement works?” from the module to help you justify your thesis statement.

Submit BOTH your 2 thesis statements and reflection paragraph on your strongest one in an MLA-formatted Word document.

Part A Assignment 2.1 Thesis Statements

Choose one of the following activities to complete for this assignment.

2.1a - Thesis Statements Mad Libs

Using Mad Libs is an interesting and fun way to learn the essential components of sentence structure for kids. However, we can also use them to learn and understand the essential components of thesis statements: a subject, a claim, and reasons for that claim.

By providing the missing parts of the sentence, try to create the most outlandish or funny thesis statement possible. Create the most ridiculous, hilarious, or wildly imaginative thesis statement using the format:

Because of [reason 1], [reason 2], and [reason 3], [subject] is/are [claim].

Mad Lib Thesis Statement Examples:

· Because of an ancient prophecy, the suspicious disappearance of all left socks, and the rise of squirrel espionage, Earth’s squirrels are preparing for intergalactic diplomacy.

· Because of enchanted ramen noodles, the strange silence of pigeons, and a spell written on a bathroom stall, campus libraries are portals to alternate dimensions.

The unpredictable and silly combinations help you internalize the essential components of a thesis (subject, claim, and reasons) in a low-pressure way.

Now think about how that can be translated into a serious thesis statement that provides your reader with vital information about the direction of your essay. A strong thesis is like a roadmap. It gives direction, has a clear point, and offers insight into the essay’s message or theme. It is a summary of the main points you plan to write about and communicates the significance of your topic. The reason for writing your essay is to prove your thesis statement to your audience.

Real Thesis Example:

· Because of the energy production required to charge the battery, the difficulty in disposing of the battery once its life has expired, and the potential for the battery to leak, electric cars are bad for the environment.

Submission Instructions:

1. In an MLA-formatted Word or PDF document, create two (2) outlandish or ridiculous thesis statements. Be as creative as possible and have fun with it!

2. Then create a serious thesis statement about any topic to demonstrate how you have internalized the essential components of a thesis statement.

3. Your MLA-formatted Word or PDF document should contain 3 thesis statements. Attach your document as your assignment submission.

OR

2.1b - “Would You Rather” Thesis Statement Challenge

To write a focused and organized essay, you need a strong thesis statement. It is a summary of the main points you plan to write about and communicates the significance of your topic. The reason for writing your essay is to prove your thesis statement to your audience. It appears at the end of your essay's introduction. Using “Would You Rather” questions as prompts can help you practice formulating a strong thesis statement with all its essential components.

For example, “Would you rather have the ability to fly or be invisible?”

Step 1: Choose a side: “I would rather be able to fly.”

Step 2: Form your claim: “The ability to fly is superior to invisibility.”

Step 3: Add reasons: “The ability to fly is superior to invisibility because it offers more practical applications for travel and rescue, and it would be a unique and exhilarating personal experience.”

Submission Instructions:

Step 1: Choose one “Would you rather?” question from each group to use as inspiration for a thesis statement.

Group One

· Would you rather talk on the phone or text? 

· Would you rather read a paper book or an e-book? 

· Would you rather live in the world of your favorite video game or be best friends with your favorite fictional character?

· Would you rather watch a movie or read a book?

Group Two

· Would you rather be filthy rich and live 400 years ago or be middle-class today?

· Would you rather have more time or more money?

· Would you rather be wise or intelligent?

· Would you rather spend a night in a haunted house or take a final exam you haven’t studied for?

Group Three

· Would you rather live on a boat or an island?

· Would you rather have unlimited access to every show ever made or front-row seats to every concert of your favorite artists?

· Would you rather travel abroad or take a road trip across the U.S.?

· Would you rather land your dream job but must move to a random country tomorrow, or stay in your comfort zone with a decent job here forever?

Step 2: Write your thesis statements in an MLA-formatted Word or PDF document to submit for this assignment. Your document should contain three (3) thesis statements. Attach your document as your assignment submission.

Part B

Thesis Statement Assignment

Thesis statements are like movie, video game, and television series trailers; they give the viewer an insight into the film, video game, or television series and its main points and themes. A strong thesis is like a roadmap. It gives direction, has a clear point, and offers insight about the trailer’s message or theme. Thinking like a trailer editor helps you identify the main argument of a story and summarize it concisely for an audience. Use the trailers in the document below to practice writing strong thesis statements based on visual, thematic, and narrative evidence from the media.

AI Reminder: Review the English department's AI policy located in the syllabus and at the top of the Content area of Blackboard. AI should not be used to write any part of this assignment -- I want your own thoughts.

Step 1: Practice Writing Thesis Statements Using Trailers

Create thesis statements for two (2) of the following trailers. In the attached document, use the Guiding Questions in the document below to assist your viewing and notetaking. You will want to watch each trailer at least twice to get all the important information you will need to write your thesis statements.

045 Thesis Statement_Trailer_Analysis Assignment Revised.docx

Step 2: Reflection on Your Work

Write a short paragraph (150-200 words) about your strongest thesis statement. Answer the following questions in your paragraph.

·       Which trailer did you watch for this thesis statement? Why did you choose this one?

·       Have you seen the film, game, or series before? How did that help or hinder you?

·       Why do you feel this is your strongest thesis statement of the 3 you wrote?

·       What evidence from the trailer did you use to craft your thesis statement? (visuals, audio, dialogue, etc.) Be specific and clearly explain your reasoning.

·       Use the Developing Thesis Statements Handout section “How will I know if my thesis statement works?” from the module to help you justify your thesis statement.

Developing a Thesis Statement Handout.docx

Submit BOTH your 3 thesis statements and reflection paragraph in the same MLA-formatted Word document.