THESIS STATEMENT

WHAT IS A THESIS STATEMENT?

A thesis statement expresses your opinion about a topic.  It is the basis of the introductory paragraph of your essay.

It should be a single complete sentence.

You must be sure you can support the opinion in your thesis.

THESIS RULES

A thesis statement should: Never be an open-ended question Be limited to mentioning only those points you plan to discuss in your essay

Never be so broad that it’s difficult to discuss all relevant information

Only present one specific idea; not multiple ideas

HOW TO WRITE A THESIS STATEMENT

To create a thesis statement simply follow this formula:

TOPIC  +  OPINION  =  THESIS STATEMENT

STEP 1 Choose your paper topic

1. Think of theme Golding develops in the novel. What are his attitudes towards human nature, modern society, or human destiny? Is Golding a pessimist or an optimist about the future of mankind? Defend your answer with specific textual evidence.

2. How does Golding use symbols to portray his message?

3. Trace the idea of the beast from the beginning to the end. Examine how the idea changes and why.

STEP 2 Move into groups based on your

chosen paper topic Brainstorm

Write down as many points as you can think of about your paper topic the chart paper in the middle of your group

STEP 3 Look at your brainstorming list and identify at least three ideas you feel confident you can make an argument about

Write those three ideas on your thesis organizer

STEP 4 Write the rough draft of your thesis

using your three ideas: Sentence Stem-

_______________________(argument) is illustrated/shown/etc…in Lord of the Flies

by/through/etc…______________, _________, ______________________.

STEP 5 Write three things you feel you

understand about thesis statements

Write two things you still have questions about

Write one thing you do not understand about thesis statements