1. THESIS STATEMENTS JUST DO IT! I KNOW YOU CAN!

2. Formula: 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 = A+ 1. Determine your topic 2. State your Opinion 3. Give the Reason 5. Put everything together

3. 1. Determine your Topic In this essay we are writing about Arthur Miller’s purpose for writing The Crucible and the changes he made in his characters to reflect his feelings about America in the 1950’s. Ask yourself: What personalities did he use to portray different aspects of the trials? What kind of words, sentence structure, literary devices etc… did he use to create the mood/tone of the play? Why did you enjoy reading this play? What elements did it have that the Scarlet Letter did not have that made it remain popular for decades? Once you have answered these questions, DETERMINE YOUR TOPIC!

4. Example Topic Arthur Miller uses The Crucible to express his discontent with the American government. CHECK FOR Author, Title of Play, Opinion. BUT WAIT THERE IS MORE! How does he do this?

5. Give the Reason - Think of your answer to the prompt: - How does the author accomplish this? - What made you think this? - What steps did he take to get there? - What was the result? - Why is this important?

6. Example Reason How? Arthur Miller accomplishes this by creating a mood of unrest, building events to create hysteria, and writing an emotionally compelling story. CHECK FOR: 1, 2, and 3 ways the author confirms your opinion DO NOT FORGET TO INCLUDE YOUR CHARACTER. THINK OF YOUR OWN ORIGINAL IDEAS.

7. Put Everything Together Topic: Arthur Miller uses The Crucible to express his discontent with the American government. Reason: Arthur Miller accomplishes this by creating a mood of unrest, building events to create hysteria, and writing an emotionally compelling story. Example Thesis Arthur Miller uses The Crucible to express his discontent with the American Government by creating a mood of unrest, building events to create hysteria, and writing an emotionally compelling story.

8. VIOLA! - BEFORE ASKING FOR HELP CHECK FOR: - Author and Title - Opinion - 1, 2 and 3 ways your opinion is proven. YOUR THESIS SHOULD HAVE makes a specific statement about the topic of your essay provides a "road map" for those who read your essay Introduces your character makes a claim that might be disputed concludes your introduction paragraph links ALL of the information in your essay