1. Writing a Thesis Statement

2. Subject + Opinion = Thesis statement

3. “Subject” Character from The Crucible

4. “OPINIONS” your thoughts about that character’s personality traits

5. Putting it Together Using all of the elements in the word equation, write a thesis statement illustrating your opinion of the character in the play.

6. Example Thesis Statement Subject: Judge Danforth + Opinion: credulous, self-seeking = Thesis Statement: Judge Danforth in Arthur Miller’s The Crucible demonstrates credulous and self- seeking behaviors.

7. On your own Where do you go from here? 1.Decide on and write down the subject. 2.What is your opinion of the character in the play? 3.If the idea/opinion is too difficult or uninteresting to you, scratch it off of the list and choose another. If all characters “bore” you, you’ll have to settle for something. 4.Now write your sentence.

8. Examples Thesis : Ann Putnam contributes to the hysteria in Salem because of her superstition and jealousy. Topic sentence# 1: Mrs. Putnam’s superstitious beliefs spread the fear of witchcraft. Topic sentence # 2: Mrs. Putnam’s jealousy causes the death of innocent people.