1. Thesis Writing 101: A Practical Formula for Writing Effective Thesis Statements *Use the following template to write very effective thesis statements. Write the thesis in the following order. 1) Topic = Subject 2) Direction = verb + 3 ideas ___, ___ and ___ (use adj. for each) 3) Claim = a verb telling what purpose the literary elements are serving; what are the literary elements doing?

2. Thesis 101 p. 2 Example of thesis layout: In “insert poem or story title here” (subj.)…[author’s name] uses ____, ____ and ____(direction)...to _____(claim)...

3. Sample Thesis for “The Scarlet Ibis” In “The Scarlet Ibis,” James Hurst uses dark imagery, death-filled symbolism and powerful metaphors to show how Doodle’s brother still struggles with his role in Doodle’s death.