1. Thesis Statements
Written Assignment

2. Basic Requirements
A thesis statement is a single sentence in the introductory paragraph of an essay.
An effective basic thesis statement does three things:
Presents a topic
Presents a precise opinion or stance
Presents a blueprint or plan for the discussion of the topic

3. A thesis should… Take a stand rather than announcing a subject.
Announcement – The thesis of this paper is the development of the character Jack Merridew in Lord of the Flies.
Thesis – In the novel, Lord of the Flies, Jack Merridew goes from a proper English choir leader to an animal-like predator focused only on killing.

4. A thesis should… Be narrow and focused rather than broad.
Broad – The Coronado dress code has many unfair elements.
Narrow – The primary problem of the Coronado dress code is the lack of opportunity for student self expression.
Be specific rather than vague or general.
Vague – Jack Merridew is a bully.
Specific – Jack Merridew uses fear and intimidation to force the boys on the island to comply with his commands and remain in control.

5. A thesis should… Have one main point rather than several main points.
More than one – Edgar Allan Poe’s unfortunate adulthood provided him with countless topics on which to base his works, and he became the focus of the studies of many scholars.
One main point – Edgar Allan Poe’s unfortunate adulthood provided him with countless topics on which to base his most successful and intriguing works.

6. WA Examples
In both, “Powerful Death” and “Those Lives,” the theme of death is portrayed through the different styles represented through the narrations.
Jelloun uses the multiple storytellers telling the story of Ahmed’s life to reflect society’s effects on the individual.
Dalene Matthee uses Elias van Rooyen’s abuse to cause Benjamin to overlook his identity as a Komoetie, while he is in the Forest.
The narrative technique in "The Sand Child" creates an unclear plotline and questions the validity of the events of Ahmed's life, creating an outside conflict within the novel.

7. The End
Clear Topic
Precise Opinion
Plan