Creating Thematic Statements It’s as easy as 1 – 2 – 3!

Step 1 In looking at the quotation that you have chosen, what is the abstract concept, or theme, from your banned/challenged/censored book that is most prevalent – let’s go with courage. Write it down above or below your quotation as the start of your thematic statement.

Step 2 What is the author trying to argue about the abstract concept that is courage? How does courage function at this point in the text? This is your assertion about the thematic idea. Write it down next to the abstract idea. This assertion should be a complete sentence (although you will add to it).

Step 3 Finally, add a qualifying clause to your statement. The qualifying clause should follow the assertion. A qualifying clause typically begins with one of the following words: when, because, unless, even, so that, whether, if. Consider the context of the assertion.

Example Courage allows a person to succeed, even in the most difficult situations. Courage = theme Courage allows a person to succeed = thematic assertion even in the most difficult situations = qualifying clause

Good Examples From 1st Period Friendship can be strong, even when the pairing of people doesn’t appear to be compatible. Ignorance limits the ideas a person can have when the person has no words to express those ideas. Nostalgia can cause people to behave in a way that may be perceived as abnormal, when the reflection is on a time that is socially taboo.

More Good Examples Depression motivates people to make irrational decisions, even if they are normally a rational person. Fear can disable a person, even if there is little chance that they may suffer a physical wound. Honor is valued in order to uphold a person’s reputation.

Even More Examples Shame can be disabling even when one feels what they are doing is right. Religion is constantly changing because there are always different ideas created by others in exotic places. Sacrifice is necessary when a society wants to make technological advances. Insecurity can be disabling when one doesn’t fit society’s standards.

2nd Period has examples, too! Propaganda controls the thoughts and ideas of our society, although we are blind to the power it possesses. Arrogance is the curse of the successful, because they have yet to understand failure. Indoctrination presents new ideas to people so that a leader can get others to follow.

More 2nd period examples! Yeah! Narcissism leads man to invest in appearance when the belief that he is the best is present as up-keep is a testament to perfection. Selfishness is common and apparent in society because of the violent acts that citizens commit for personal reasons. Lust provides the darker side of a high moral society when sexual entertainment comes at the demoralization of women.

Whoa, 2nd period had a lot of deez Passion withheld can ruin a society if people aren’t allowed to express themselves. Cockiness creates self-centered people when values are not shared. Sadness can cause suspicion if it is taken seriously. Death seems close and inevitable when a person regularly faces it.

6th Period can play too! Religion is a sensitive topic capable of creating controversy among a group of people when the ideas of one group differ, or are challenged, by another group with a different idea or outlook. Consumerism can corrupt people when one only thinks about the materialistic things that surround them.

6th Period gotz some mo. Science does not deeply impact many people when its discoveries are not relevant to society. Freedom is beneficial because it allows a person the opportunity to expand their ideas, or develop as an individual, or chase their dreams. Freedom is life-changing unless the dreadful past is haunting.

OMG, you thought we were done with 6th period OMG, you thought we were done with 6th period. Not so fast, Grover Cleveland! Fear allows leaders to maintain their power when those in opposition do not take action to make change. Patriotism can be viewed in more than one way, because different cultures or social groups have their own values and ways of thinking. Friendship is dependable because it can function as a mutually beneficial relationship.