Thesis statement defined
 A thesis statement is the idea the writer intends to
prove in the essay.
 It is the main point and the controlling idea of a
piece of writing
 EVERYTHING in the writing should relate DIRECTLY
to the thesis statement.
Basic “rules” of thesis
statements
 They usually are placed toward the end of the
introduction paragraph.
 A writer must have a thesis statement prior to
writing the paper, or the paper will lack coherence
and focus.
 They are, in fact, statements; they are NOT
questions.
 Brief essays (shorter than ten pages) usually have a
ONE-sentence thesis statement.
For the purposes of this
class
 A thesis statement will never be a mere fact.
 Boring/trite/cliché/predictable/dull theses will be
rejected.
Parts of a thesis statement
 Subject *
 Your opinion about that subject *
 Concrete evidence for that opinion *
*MORE TO COME ON THESE TOPICS
Subject
 Usually an abstract concept, such as
characterization, tone, theme, mood, etc.
 Because it is abstract, it will require a certain depth
of thought to fully comprehend.
 If you are responding to a prompt from a teacher,
the subject will already be noted.
 If it is your responsibility to devise your own prompt
(as it is when a teacher asks you to write about
something very broad—like, for instance, movies),
you must focus the thesis, yourself.
Your opinion
 This portion of the thesis statement is the “value
judgment.” It’s a deeper, more profound version of
“good” or “bad.” (Note: don’t ever use those
words….)
 The opinion must require some evidence.
 Facts are not opinions.
Concrete evidence
 This is textual support for your opinion.
 Sometimes the area will be specified in the prompt.
 Example: Determine how archetypal imagery
demonstrates the theme of the poem.
 This prompt notes two areas of required evidence:
examples of archetypal imagery AND proof of the
poem’s theme
Examination of theses
 Here is a sample prompt for which you might write a
thesis statement:
Read the passage carefully. In a wellwritten essay, explain how the author
uses imagery, figurative language, and
detail to characterize Scrooge.
(continued)
Examination of theses
(continued)
 What are the questions of this prompt?
1. What kind of character is Scrooge? (the abstract)
2. What literary elements reveal that characterization?
(the concrete)
3. What is your opinion about Scrooge’s character?
(continued)
Examination of theses
(continued)
 Here is a thesis statement that is typical of many
beginning writers:
In A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, the author
uses many different types of figurative language to
characterize Scrooge.
Examination of theses
(continued)
 Here is a thesis statement that answers the questions of
the prompt:

In Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, the
protagonist, Scrooge, is portrayed as the
archetypal greedy, cold-hearted character
through Dickens’ use of figurative
language, such as similes and metaphors.
 Side note: authors are referred to by LAST name once
both names have been established.
Evaluation of theses
 Read the following sample thesis
statements, and then identify from the
thesis statement the subject and the
writer’s opinion. Write one sentence
that specifically explains what makes
each an effective thesis statement.
Evaluation of theses
(continued)
 Read the following sample thesis statements, and then identify
from the thesis statement the subject and the writer’s opinion.
Write one sentence that specifically explains what makes each an
effective thesis statement.
 Teacher prompt: Read the following poem carefully.
Then, in a well-organized essay, analyze how the
speaker uses literary techniques to reveal his
attitude toward the subject of the poem.
 In Sonnet 18, Shakespeare’s use of personification
and critical comparisons clearly reveal his disdainful
attitude toward death.