PRINCIPLES OF THESIS STATEMENTS
STEP #1: START WITH THE BASICS
In the [genre] [Title], [Author] [verb = develops] the idea that [make an assertion—a claim or argument—about what the text specifically has to say about the thematic idea you have selected].
In the [genre] [Title], [Author] [verb = develops] the idea that [make an assertion—a claim or argument—about what the text specifically has to say about the thematic idea you have selected].
- SIMPLIFIED: In the [genre] [Title], [Author] [verb] the idea that [assertion about theme]
- EXAMPLE: In the short story “Bullhead,” Leigh Wilson illustrates that clinging to a memory from our past can prevent a person from appreciating their present life.
STEP #3: BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER
In the [genre] [Title], [Author] [verb = develops] the idea that [make an assertion—a claim or argument—about what the text specifically has to say about the thematic idea you have selected], [qualifying statement—where you further explain or explore your idea more specifically how this specific text addresses the thematic idea].
In the [genre] [Title], [Author] [verb = develops] the idea that [make an assertion—a claim or argument—about what the text specifically has to say about the thematic idea you have selected], [qualifying statement—where you further explain or explore your idea more specifically how this specific text addresses the thematic idea].
- SIMPLIFIED: In the [genre] [Title], [Author] [verb] the idea that [assertion about theme], [qualifying statement].
- EXAMPLE: In the short story “Bullhead,” Leigh Wilson illustrates that clinging to a memory from our past can prevent a person from appreciating their present life, even causing pain in others.
- EXAMPLE:In the short story “Horses of the Night,” by Margaret Laurence, she demonstrates how illusions are an easy source of escape; however, clinging to them will cause an inevitable loss of self.
- EXAMPLE: In Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s short story “The Yellow Wallpaper,” she shows that security is the trade off for independence, but the sacrifice that is made comes at a cost - either a loss of self, or a life of compromise.
- EXAMPLE: In Ken Kesey’s One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, he demonstrates how an individual can start off with an insignificant and meaningless purpose, but can become so altered by their environment that it catalyzes a transformation in both themselves and others around them.
CONFLICT-DRIVEN ESSAY STRUCTURE
TUTORIALS
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THESIS STATEMENTS: PART 1
This video tutorial (4 minutes, 24 seconds) outlines how to identify, plan, and generate effective thesis statements. It provides a formula for their construction as well as examples based on a popular animated film. THESIS STATEMENTS: PART 2
This video tutorial (8 minutes, 24 seconds) outlines how to structure your supporting evidence and plan it into your thesis statements. It provides as with the last, is provides an examples based on a popular animated film. Below is a copy of the PowerPoint utilized in the video. Both items were created for EDU610 Final Project. |
OTHER VIDEOS WORTH CHECKING OUT
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