 A thesis statement expresses your opinion about a topic. It is the basis of the introductory paragraph of your essay.  It should be a single complete sentence.  You must be sure you can support the opinion in your thesis.

 A thesis statement should:  Never be an open-ended question  Be limited to mentioning only those points you plan to discuss in your essay  Never be so broad that it’s difficult to discuss all relevant information  Only present one specific idea; not multiple ideas

 To create a thesis statement simply follow this formula: TOPIC + OPINION = THESIS STATEMENT

 Choose your paper topic 1. Think of theme Golding develops in the novel. What are his attitudes towards human nature, modern society, or human destiny? Is Golding a pessimist or an optimist about the future of mankind? Defend your answer with specific textual evidence. 2. How does Golding use symbols to portray his message? 3. Trace the idea of the beast from the beginning to the end. Examine how the idea changes and why.

 Move into groups based on your chosen paper topic  Brainstorm  Write down as many points as you can think of about your paper topic the chart paper in the middle of your group

 Look at your brainstorming list and identify at least three ideas you feel confident you can make an argument about  Write those three ideas on your thesis organizer

 Write the rough draft of your thesis using your three ideas:  Sentence Stem-  _______________________(argument) is illustrated/shown/etc…in Lord of the Flies by/through/etc…______________, _________, ______________________.

 Write three things you feel you understand about thesis statements  Write two things you still have questions about  Write one thing you do not understand about thesis statements