Interpretation & Writing a Thesis statement

The Lion King -What is this movie REALLY about?

What is this movie really about?

Interpretation -What is the point of the story? What does it mean? Examine: Characters, themes, symbols, word choice, point of view, historical background Come up with an opinion statement. “This story is about……” “It is meant to teach….” “It represents…..”

What to do next -Now that you have your opinion, it must be made into a thesis statement -A thesis is an opinion that can be argued, it is a “claim”. It is the focus of your analysis. -The claim could be an opinion, a proposal, an evaluation, a cause-and-effect statement, or an interpretation GOAL: Convince the audience that the claim is true based on the evidence provided.

Formula: ____________ because____________, ____________, and ______________. (opinion) (reason #1) (reason #2) (reason #3)

-It is narrow and clear? -Is it arguable? -Does it answer “How?” -Does it answer “Why?” -Does it answer “So What?”

In Shel Silverstein’s “The Giving Tree,” the author demonstrates the true nature of unconditional love through allegory, specifically using symbols such as a tree and a selfish young boy. Revised to show the “So what?” factor

In Shel Silverstein’s “The Giving Tree,” the author demonstrates the true nature of unconditional love through allegory, specifically using symbols such as a tree and a selfish young boy. Improved: In, “The Giving Tree,” Silverstein uses allegory and symbols such as a tree and a selfish young boy, to teach the reader about ingratitude and the true nature of unconditional love.

“Green Eggs and Ham”, is a story about overcoming prejudice which is demonstrated through the the unnamed protagonist who refuses to eat green eggs and ham, a character named Sam-I-Am and a series of ridiculous events that test the protagonist’s limits.

“Green Eggs and Ham”, is a story about overcoming prejudice which is demonstrated through the the unnamed protagonist who refuses to eat green eggs and ham, a character named Sam-I-Am and a series of ridiculous events that test the protagonist’s limits. Improved: “Green Eggs and Ham”, is a story about the importance of overcoming prejudice, which is demonstrated through the the unnamed protagonist who refuses to eat green eggs and ham, a character named Sam-I-Am and a series of ridiculous events that test the protagonist’s limits. Or Through the the unnamed protagonist who refuses to eat green eggs and ham, a character named Sam-I-Am and a series of ridiculous events that test the protagonist’s limits, Dr. Suess suggests that in order to overcome prejudice one must face their prejudice.

Dr. Seuss’ story, “The Sneetches” is an allegorical tale about racism and intolerance which is conveyed through the use of symbols such as the two different groups of sneetches, the “stars” and the “star” machine.

Dr. Seuss’ story, “The Sneetches” is an allegorical tale about racism and intolerance which is conveyed through the use of symbols such as the two different groups of sneetches, the “stars” and the “star” machine. Improved: Dr. Seuss’ story, “The Sneetches” is an allegorical tale which teaches the reader about the destruction that racism and intolerance cause, which is conveyed through the use of symbols such as the two different groups of sneetches, the “stars” and the “star” machine. Through allegory and the use of symbols such as the two different groups of sneetches, the “stars” and the “star” machine in, “The Sneetches,” Dr. Suess asserts that giving in to racism and intolerance leads to self-destruction.

The author suggests, asserts, postulates, proposes, affirms, teaches...

Organization Intro paragraph: introduce the story/topic and thesis as last sentence. 1st body Paragraph-Introduce 1st piece of evidence, analyze and tie back to thesis. 2nd Body paragraph: Introduce 2nd piece of evidence, analyze and tie back to thesis. 3rd body paragraph: Introduce 3rd piece of evidence, analyze and tie back to thesis. Conclusion: Sum up all your ideas and

What is this? Why am I reading it? What do you want me to do? Intro paragraph: introduce the story/topic and thesis as last sentence. What is this? Why am I reading it? What do you want me to do?

Set the context –provide general information about the main idea, explaining the situation so the reader can make sense of the topic and the claims you make and support State why the main idea is important –tell the reader why he or she should care and keep reading. Your goal is to create a compelling, clear, and convincing essay people will want to read and act upon State your thesis/claim –compose a sentence or two stating the position you will support

Conclusion Restate the main idea of your essay, or your thesis statement Summarize the three subpoints of your essay Leave the reader with an interesting final impression THIS SHOULD NOT BE BORING! This paragraph should pack a punch!

-A thesis should be clear and concise. -The thesis should appear somewhere in your introductory paragraph, but should not be the first sentence (usually one of the last sentences is best). -Don’t do this: “The point of my paper is…”

Is it too general? -Writing about general things does not tell us anything -Don’t skim the surface or tackle too many points at once -Choose 1 topic or focus to explore in depth

Narrowing the Focus Example: Original thesis: There are serious objections to today's horror movies. Revised theses: Because modern cinematic techniques have allowed filmmakers to get more graphic, horror flicks have desensitized young American viewers to violence. The pornographic violence in "bloodbath" slasher movies degrades both men and women. Today's slasher movies fail to deliver the emotional catharsis that 1930s horror films did.

Be Clear -Make sure that your thesis is as clear as possible. The reader should be able to understand your thesis easily. -Avoid vague words or abstract words such as "society," “values,” or “culture.” -DO NOT ASSUME that the reader knows what you were trying to explain or what you “mean” to say. They can’t read your mind! -that the meaning of a sentence is obvious -Do you need to define your terms or use a different word? -A word like “society” means different things to you than it might to the reader.

Example Original thesis: Although the timber wolf is a timid and gentle animal, it is being systematically exterminated. [if it's so timid and gentle -- why is it being exterminated?] Revised thesis: Although the timber wolf is actually a timid and gentle animal, it is being systematically exterminated because people wrongfully believe it to be a fierce and cold-blooded killer.

Avoid merely announcing the topic; your original and specific "angle" should be clear. In this way you will tell your reader why your take on the issue matters. Original thesis: In this paper, I will discuss the relationship between fairy tales and early childhood. Revised thesis: Not just empty stories for kids, fairy tales shed light on the psychology of young children.

Avoid making universal or pro/con judgments that oversimplify complex issues. Original thesis: We must save the whales. Revised thesis: Because our planet's health may depend upon biological diversity, we should save the whales.

When you make a (subjective) judgment call, specify and justify your reasoning. “Just because” is not a good reason for an argument. Original thesis: Socialism is the best form of government for Kenya. Revised thesis: If the government takes over industry in Kenya, the industry will become more efficient.

Avoid merely reporting a fact Avoid merely reporting a fact. Say more than what is already proven fact. Go further with your ideas. Otherwise… why would your point matter? Original thesis: Hoover's administration was rocked by scandal. Revised thesis: The many scandals of Hoover's administration revealed basic problems with the Republican Party's nominating process.

Is it original? Tip: The point you make in the paper should matter: Be prepared to answer “So what?” about your thesis statement. Be prepared to explain why the point you are making is worthy of a paper. Why should the reader read it?

Choose an interpretation that you like. -Find 3 pieces of textual evidence to support this interpretation -Then create a thesis -Adjust or add in textual evidence as needed.

”Young Goodman Brown” is an inward psychological journey where Goodman Brown discovers evil in himself but refuses to acknowledge it. 2. Young Goodman Brown” is a coming of age story about a man who desires to abandon his faith to have one last “fling,” to “taste the forbidden fruit,” before settling into a strict Puritan life. 3. ”Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote, “Young Goodman Brown,” to expose and denounce Puritan attitudes and hypocrisy. 4. ”Young Goodman Brown” is a story about a loss of innocence and faith. It is a story where a man has the truth revealed to him which causes him to doubt. To create thesis: Add the “How”? “Why?” and “So What?”