Thesis
Statement
Understanding the
Question
• Read the question meticulously,
focusing on keywords and context.
• Example: For a prompt asking
about "the eff ectiveness of
symbolism in conveying the
protagonist’s isolation," your thesis
should specifi cally address how
symbolism highlights this aspect of
the protagonist's experience.
Identify the Main
Idea
• Determine the central theme or
idea from the text that you wish to
explore.
• Example: If the central theme is
"the impact of societal
expectations on individual
freedom," your thesis should
center around this theme, arguing
how the text portrays this dynamic.
Brainstorming
• B ra i nstorm i de a s a nd e v i de nc e a round
the m a i n the m e .
• N ote down di ff e re nt a ngl e s or i nsi ght s
tha t c oul d form the ba si s of y our t he si s.
• Ex a m pl e : Consi de r di ff e re nt soc i e t a l
ex pe c t a ti ons pre se nt e d i n t he tex t a nd
how c ha ra c te rs re spond to the se
pre ssure s. Thi s proc e s s m i ght hi ghl i ght
uni que pe rspe c t i v e s on i ndi v i dua l
fre e dom .
Formulate Your
Thesis Statement
• B ra i nstorm i de a s a nd e v i de nc e a round
the m a i n the m e .
• N ote down di ff e re nt a ngl e s or i nsi ght s
tha t c oul d form the ba si s of y our t he si s.
• Ex a m pl e : C o nsi de r di ff e r e n t so c i e t al
e x pe c t at i o n s pr e se n t e d i n t h e t e x t
and h o w c har act e r s r e spo nd t o t he se
pr e ssur e s. Th i s pr o ce ss mi ght
h i ghl i gh t u n i que pe r spe c t i ve s o n
i n di vi du al fr e e do m.
Incorporate
Literary Devices
• Enhance your thesis by specifying literary devices
that support your argument.
• Example:
"By employing
[imagery/symbolism/characterization], the text
poignantly illustrates the protagonist’s struggle with
[theme], eff ectively [eff ect on the reader or
signifi cance]."
Revise and Refi ne
• Review your thesis statement for clarity and
conciseness. Ensure it's fully supported by
textual evidence.
• Example:
Revise a broad thesis like "The book discusses
love" to a more focused and analytical
statement:
"Through the intricate use of symbolism and
motif, [Title] presents a nuanced exploration
of unrequited love, refl ecting the complexity
of human emotions and social expectations."
