THESIS STATEMENT NOTES

1. THESIS STATEMENTNOTES DEFINITION: a thesis statement is the solution to the problem or the main idea (central focus) you have selected to address. It is the statement that connects the main idea (central focus) and the elements you have chosen to organize your thought.

2. WHAT A THESIS STATEMENT SHOULD BE: • It is a complete sentence summarizing your point of view. (Do not confuse “point of view” here with point of view on your literary elements definitions list.) • It is a declaration or promise of your organizing proofs.

3. WHAT ARE ORGANIZING PROOFS: • Organizing proofs are reasons or points of defense that support your main idea (central focus). • Organizing proofs can be anything from literary elements to character traits to pros and cons about a topic. It all depends on the type of writing you are doing.

4. SAMPLE THESIS STATEMENT When reading the novel Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, the character Melinda can easily be described as extremely troubled, awkwardly shy, and terribly lonely. Central Focus: Melinda Organizing Proofs (points of defense about Melinda): • She is troubled. • She is shy. • She is lonely.

5. The short story “Where Have You Gone, Charming Billy?” written by Tim O’Brien is a story focusing on the character of PFC Paul Berlin, who can be classified as a very careful person. Through the characters actions, the reader can tell that Paul Berlin attempts to be extremely safe during his first day as a soldier in the Vietnam War. In an effort to keep himself safe and alive, he recalls what he has been taught during basic training as a soldier. O’Brien, the author writes of the characters actions, “He walked carefully. He remembered what he’d been taught: stay off the center of the path…where land mines and booby traps were planted…” (O’Brien 66-67). The author has created a protagonist who seems to be very cautious, and this is developed through the character’s actions. By knowing and choosing to walk on the side of the road rather than the center, PFC Paul Berlin is being extremely careful. Only through considering Paul Berlin’s actions in the short story “Where Have You Gone, Charming Billy?” can the reader see that the author Tim O’Brien has created a very careful character.