Thesis Statements! A Guide

What is a “GREEN” word? A “GREEN” word is – ABSTRACT (broad) – HIGHLY CONNOTATIVE (multiple meanings/interpretations) – VALUE-DRIVEN (influenced by personal beliefs, values, morals, etc.)

EXAMPLE: "Wealth" Is "wealth" an abstract idea? Does wealth have connotative significance? Does your definition of "wealth" say anything about what you value?

YOUR TURN Review your sections and pull out a list of Green Words. You should have at least 5, if you do not, add to the list now. Remember: Green Words should provide characterization of Hamlet based on sarcasm, suicidal tendencies, etc.

So how does this help me write a better thesis? Your thesis should be driven by a combination of strong green words Because of their connotative, value-driven nature, a “green” word based thesis will automatically drive your paper toward persuasion.

Step One: Find Your Claims Look in your Conclusion: – Circle your main claims about Hamlet as a man – Circle what you said Hamlet’s fatal flaw is – Circle who is the better choice for King, Hamlet or Fortenbras, and why These are the broad pieces for your thesis – Remember, your thesis goes from broad to specific

Step 2: Find Your “Because” Claims Circle your conclusions about characterization of Hamlet from each body paragraph. This should be in the topic sentence. – What we know about Hamlet because of his sarcasm – If Hamlet is sane or insane – What we know about Hamlet because of his suicidal tendencies and self-deprecation – What characteristics/personality traits are highlighted by 2 foils – What we know about Hamlet because of his procrastination and indecision

Combine Conclusion Claims(Broad Claims) and Specific Claims (Because Claims) Your claims from your conclusion are your “big picture” ideas Your claims from your body paragraph are your reasons why you came to your decision on your “big picture” idea “Hamlet ultimately loses his throne to Fortinbras, a much worthier ruler because of Hamlet’s procrastination and indecision in the play. Although he is a solid planner and of sound mind, his lack of self- confidence, his arrogance, and his cowardice contribute to his downfall as well as the deaths of many other characters.”

Write another sentence using three of your green words, BUT this time follow this formula: Create and “although” statement using ONE green word in the dependent clause (at the beginning) and TWO in the independent clause (back half). Example for The Glass Castle: Although the Wells children grow up in deprivation, their determination and intelligence drive them to become successful human beings. – deprivation = counterargument – Intelligence/successful= arguable point to prove in essay