1. Brainstorming Your Topic and Your Thesis

2. Step Two: Brainstorming Thesis 1.Your topic must use directly cited examples from the writing of Emerson, Thoreau, Whitman, and the movie Dead Poets Society 2.Your topic must make a connection between the transcendental aspects of the above four sources and your life and/or society 3.Topic Tip: Begin your topic by stating, “Write an essay that analyzes how...” 4.Write at least five topics from which you can choose, then post your topics on our message board at www.mrjeffrey.com

3. Step Three: Brainstorming Thesis 1.Place a star by three topics on which you would most like to write 2.Choose the one topic you most want to write about by putting three stars by it. A. Do a mini brainstorm identifying the themes that relate to your topic B. Then, choose one theme that will be the lead for your essay. 3.Now, in 100 words or more, write a reflective journal entry on that theme.

4. Step Four: Brainstorming Thesis 1.Write your topic at the center of your brainstorm 2.List at least 12 examples that will strongly support your topic 3.Organize at least 9 examples that best support your topic. Organize your brainstorm by type of symbol or by the issue being analyzed. 4.Working from your brainstorm and topic, state your thesis in one sentence 5.Revise your thesis until it clearly states your objective as a writer