SMALL GROUPS: Review the essay description. Brainstorm a list of possible angles one might take on this assignment.
SHARE OUT!
- What is thesis?
- Identify topic sentences
- Identify Evidence and Analysis
DRAFT THESIS STATEMENT On whiteboard or post-it or table
Self-critique based on criteria...
The Thesis Statement (THE CLAIM)
1. How does a thesis function in a literary analysis?
The thesis statement makes an interpretative claim about the work.
2. What makes for a good claim about literature/film/art, etc?
It states your conclusions/interpretations about the work. Whatever the claim, you must be able to support it with evidence.
Not summary, but interpretation.
It doesn’t just state the obvious; it expresses an interpretation that reasonable people could disagree with.
It is specific and focused without being so narrow that there is insufficient evidence.
It generally expresses one main idea. If compound ideas are stated in a thesis, the relationship between them is very clear.
Try to use sophisticated phrasings beyond "This poem is about...."
Often employs the title and/or author as the subject of the sentence
And, as ever, good claims ....
debatable
are specific and focused
avoid stating the obvious
are clearly and eloquently stated
avoid the first person (AVOID “I think, I believe, My opinion is, etc.”)
can be supported with sufficient evidence
Have Jessica come critique your thesis once you have revised.
GATHER EVIDENCE (see overview doc for links to resources)
OUTLINE/PLAN (due Sunday@ midnight)
DRAFT DUE TUESDAY 3/1 FOR CRITIQUE!
WRITING CONFERENCES Mon-Wed for my feedback!