Formulating a Thesis
Statement
Mr. Parker
9th Literature and Composition
What is a three-point thesis?
 What is a three-point thesis?
 A statement in the introduction
paragraph that states all three points
that will be discussed in an essay
 Example: Romeo and Juliet’s secretive
actions, impulsive decisions, and lack of
common sense lead to their demise at
the end of the play.
What is an Umbrella Thesis?
 What is an umbrella thesis?
 The point of your paper—a
statement in the introduction
paragraph that condenses all
of the points that will be
discussed into one overall
point
 For a literary essay, the thesis
should be an argumentative
statement that tells an
interpretation of the work.
 Example: Romeo and Juliet’s
impulsivity leads to their
demise at the end of the play.
More on thesis statements
 What is a good umbrella
thesis?
 A declarative sentence
that states clearly the
main point you want to
make.
 Why is it called an
umbrella thesis?
 All the points you plan to
discuss in essay should fit
under the umbrella of your
thesis statement.
More on thesis statements
 A good thesis may also:
 Make a comparison or contrast:
 Example: Mercutio’s view of love in Romeo and Juliet
differs from that of Romeo; Mercutio sees love as a
game whereas Romeo views it as a serious matter of
the heart.
 Focus on the causes or effects of a particular event,
condition or change:
 Example: A number of ill-fated events make Romeo
and Juliet’s deaths in the play inevitable.
 Propose a solution to a problem or recommend a
policy.
 Example: Romeo and Juliet could have avoided their
tragic demise if they had not acted in such an
impulsive fashion throughout the play.
More on thesis statements
 A good thesis is NOT:
 A statement of fact:
 William Shakespeare modeled his play The Tragedy
of Romeo and Juliet after an earlier story.
 A personal opinion:
 I think Romeo and Juliet is a great story.
 A vague generalization:
 Romeo and Juliet had a lot of problems throughout
the play.
 A question:
 Were Romeo and Juliet’s impulsive actions a
contributing factor to their demise?
How do I write an umbrella thesis?
 Convert the three
 Example: Romeo and
ideas you plan to talk
Juliet’s secretive actions,
about in your essay
impulsive decisions, and
into one
lack of common sense
comprehensive
lead to their demise at
statement.
the end of the play.
 Romeo and Juliet’s
impulsivity leads to their
demise at the end of the
play.