THESIS STATEMENTS
ELA 10-1
Review Assignment
Key Points
-It is the last sentence in your first paragraph of a composition (essay, speech, personal
response, etc)
-It is the most important sentence in your whole essay- be prepared to wordsmyth it!
-It is your direct answer to the PROMPT, and it USES keywords from the prompt.
- It is your CLAIM (your interpretation of the text) and the RESULT/REALIZATION (what
you claim leads to, good or bad). What can we learn that will make us smarter
about life?
-If you haven't already mentioned the title, genre, and author earlier in the introduction,
NOW is the time to do it!
-They express a TRUTH about the human condition, and NEVER mention characters’
names, nor do they sound cliche or preachy.
Literary Analysis Thesis statements EXAMPLES…
PROMPT
THESIS
What idea does the author develop regarding
how individuals face challenges?
Frost *reveals to the reader that challenges can be
extremely isolating, but with perseverance and the
will to survive, anything can be overcome.
What idea does the author develop regarding
personal freedom?
In the play Death of a Salesman, Arthur Miller
demonstrates the idea that personal freedom is
limited by a lack of success.
What idea does the author develop regarding a
guilty conscience?
What idea does the author develop regarding
the significance of personal choices?
A guilty conscience results in paranoia and regret,
as demonstrated in “The Pie”, by Gary Soto.
In “The Lady or the Tiger”, Frank R. Stockton
examines the significance of personal choices;
when one allows jealousy to impair one’s judgment,
it can result in the destruction of a significant
relationship.
*Other words or “reveals’’... (________ the idea that __________)
shows
demonstrates
illustrates
portrays
communicates
exemplifies
Explores
suggests
represents
Then start writing your thesis with some keywords (steal the key ones
from the prompt!). Here are some suggested frames…
When an individual __________________ it leads to ____________________ as
shown in/by ______________________
Or
____(Author)____ explores the idea that ________ when an individual
___________________
Or
In ________ (story), ____(author) explores the importance of
______________________; how one’s ____________________ can lead to
______________________.
Your task…
Find one song, fable, and photograph and…
- write a THESIS statement for each text.
-Provide a 3-5 sentence summary for each text.
-Include a copy of the text along with your thesis statement.
-You may present your work in either docs, slides, or draw.
-Be prepared to share your work .