Working on Strengthening Your Thesis
The one part thesis (or the basic thesis) – This thesis is simple and
direct; it is most common.
“In the ‘General Prologue,’ Chaucer utilizes his ability to manipulate certain
words and their definitions to characterize the Squire.”
The two (or three) part thesis – This type of thesis usually has to address
several components of an assignment, and does so in two or three parts.
“Through careful analysis of specific imagery and articulate word choice
in the Inferno, Dante illustrates his own character as an individual in need
of spiritual progression.”
“These dichotomies allow J.R.R. Tolkien to define many key components of
his created world, which are intentionally established to maintain balance,
allude to good and evil acts, and to portray those elements in the novel where
good can be seen in evil and evil can be seen in good.”
The comparison thesis – The purpose of this thesis is to compare two
characters, themes, ideas, etc. from different works of literature.
“Jane Eyre shows how developing an identity can benefit an individual, learning
to forgive and love, while Pip illustrates how developing a conscious can
hinder one’s character, seen through his poor treatment of Joe.”
The complex thesis – This thesis contains three or more clauses, making
it complex. This thesis is tough to write, but can really set up your
essay well.
“Lending itself to many characteristics of avant-garde genre, the production
of Spring Awakening had an array of unique effects that developed the intended
themes of Frank Wedekind, allowing the audience to be absorbed into the calculated
interpretation of the producers.”
Now, it’s your turn to work on different theses. Take your partner’s
introduction and complete the following steps.
1. Read your partner’s entire introduction.
2. Identify which type of thesis your partner has (basic, two part, complex,
etc.).
3. Locate what sentence you believe your partner’s thesis to be, and write
it on the lines below.
4. Decide how strong this thesis is by circling a number. The thesis’
strength is determined by how well it informs the reader what the essay will
be about.
Very weak 1
2 3
4 5
6 7
8 9
10 Very strong
5. Does the thesis make an argument? Yes
No
Not sure
6. What three words are strong and make this thesis an actual argument?
_________________________ __________________________
________________________
7. What three words could be changed to make this thesis stronger?
_________________________ __________________________
________________________
8. Do you have any other suggestions for your partner?
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