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Crafting a strong thesis statement is crucial for any analytical essay, particularly when addressing complex works such as Mark Twain's *Huckleberry Finn*. A quality thesis should be a complete sentence that expresses a clear opinion without outlining main ideas, which become topic sentences in the paper. It acts as a roadmap for your reader, guiding the structure of your argument. Revising your thesis is essential; ask if it comprehensively answers the prompt, if it can be challenged, and if it addresses "how" and "why". Strive for specificity and connection to broader themes.
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Review: Thesis Statements Write this information in your notes Quality thesis statements possess the following: • It should be a complete sentence. • It should express an opinion. • It should NOT include your main ideas (typically THREE), which eventually become your topic sentences. Those should be introduced in your focus or preview statement. • It is a road map for the reader and will dictate the formation of your entire paper!
Revising Thesis Statements • Multiple revisions- thesis statements are the MOST important part of your paper! Some ideas to ponder about thesis statements: • Do I answer the prompt completely? Reread the prompt in order to ensure you answered the prompt completely. • Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? If your thesis has facts that no one would, or even could disagree with, it’s possible your thesis is simply a summary and not an argument. Make your thesis statement a “thinker, not a stinker!”
Does your thesis pass the “tests”? • Is my thesis statement specific enough? If your thesis contains words like “good” or “successful,” see if you can be more specific: why is it “good” or “specific”? • Does your thesis pass the “so what” test? If your reader’s response is “so what,” then your thesis probably needs clarification, or to connect to a larger issue. • Does your thesis pass the “how” and “why” test? If your reader’s response is “how” or “why,” it most likely needs to be more specific or contain more guidance for the reader. So what!?
Write an analysis of some aspect of Mark Twain's novel Huckleberry Finn… Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn is a great American novel. • Analyze, don’t summarize. • Not interested in your opinion, but rather WHY it’s a great novel. For example, what about the novel’s structure lends itself to be great? What about it’s commentary on race relations, about coming of age, or the American dream?
Write an analysis of some aspect of Mark Twain's novel Huckleberry Finn… In Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain develops a contrast between life on the river and life on the shore. • Better, you’ve highlighted an important aspect of the novel. • But, SO WHAT!? What does this idea signify? What’s the point of the contrast? More revision!
Write an analysis of some aspect of Mark Twain's novel Huckleberry Finn… Through its contrasting river and shore scenes, Twain's Huckleberry Finn suggests that to find the true expression of American democratic ideals, one must leave "civilized" society and go back to nature. • Now we’re talking!
What did we learn? • Thesis statements are impossible to write in “one shot.” • Thesis statements require your brain to hurt. • Thesis statements must be revised repeatedly.
