AP LANG Thesis Statements High School vs. College Level Literary Analysis

High School Thesis Statements Short, concise sentences where a writer states exactly what will be argued in the essay. They tend to be argued only by plot summary and/or pointing out an author’s use of literary terms (imagery, metaphor, tone, etc.) They tend to lean toward agree or disagree only without saying anything else. 3-prong thesis statements keep them stuck in the formulaic 5-paragraph structure. William Golding’s Lord of the Flies shows the benefits of collaborative leadership in that the boys all feel included, it ensures a better chance of long-term survival, and it avoids the dangers of authoritative rule.

Sample HS Level Theses William Golding’s Lord of the Flies contains many examples of strong leadership styles that the reader can analyze. Too vague and broad in scope. Not very interesting.

Sample HS Level Theses William Golding’s Lord of the Flies illustrates the struggles between collaborative and authoritative leaders through the characters of Ralph and Jack. Doesn’t take a stance on the issue. Can be argued using plot summary. Not very interesting.

Sample HS Level Theses Even though Jack’s leadership in William Golding’s Lord of the Flies leads to destruction, careful analysis reveals that it is actually more effective than Ralph’s collaborative approach. Contradicts itself. Not very interesting.

Sample HS Level Theses The benefits of Jack’s authoritative leadership in William Golding’s Lord of the Flies outnumber those of collaborative leadership, proving it to be a superior form of government. Getting better, but still vague in its scope. Not very interesting.

What do all HS level thesis statements have in common? They are not very interesting for a college professor to read!

College Level Thesis Statements Set up (not summarize) the academic argument about to unfold in the body paragraphs. They make promises about what ideas the essay will explore. Go beyond the text by stating something insightful or by connecting it to other ideas not found in the text itself.

Five ways of looking at a thesis 1. Fits nicely into the Magic Thesis Template. By looking at ______, one can see _____ (which most readers don’t see); this is important because ____.

Five ways of looking at a thesis By looking at ______, Insert something specific from the text. one can see _____ (which most readers don’t see); Insert what the specific thing symbolizes or why it’s important. Challenge yourself! Try to pick out something unique about the text. this is important because ____. Insert an observation about something OUTSIDE of the text (about society, humanity, gender roles, racism, attitudes, religious beliefs, etc.)

Five ways of looking at a thesis 1. Revise your Magic Thesis Template. By analyzing the leadership style of Jack in William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, one can see the destructive nature of all authoritative rulers obsessed with their own image of power, highlighting the dangers of such leaders even in dire circumstances.

Five ways of looking at a thesis 2. Say something a little strange (or unexpected). By analyzing the evolution of the spears in Lord of the Flies, one can see how Jack’s obsession with hunting results in the boys’ increasing lust for domination over nature, reflecting mankind’s dangerous desire for power and size, especially in the development of weaponry.

Five ways of looking at a thesis 3. Creates an argument that builds from one point to the next (makes promises that will be fulfilled in the body paragraphs) William Golding’s Lord of the Flies demonstrates the superior ability of authoritative leadership to effectively maintain order in the face of chaotic circumstances, as Jack clearly illustrates through his domination over Ralph in the quest to be chief.

Five ways of looking at a thesis 4. Says something about the text(s) you discuss exclusively. William Golding’s Lord of the Flies demonstrates the dangers of authoritative leaders who are obsessed with power. William Golding’s Lord of the Flies demonstrates the superior ability of authoritative leadership to effectively maintain order in the face of chaotic circumstances, as Jack clearly illustrates through his domination over Ralph in the quest to be chief.

Five ways of looking at a thesis Makes most of the plot irrelevant. William Golding’s Lord of the Flies illustrates the struggles between collaborative and authoritative leaders through the characters of Ralph and Jack. The contrasting leadership styles in William Golding’s Lord of the Flies prove the benefits of Ralph’s collaborative leadership style, allowing society to concentrate on the importance of working for the greater good. Can’t be argued using plot summary. The writer must concentrate ONLY on key, well-chosen scenes that relate to “working for the greater good.”