Example Model for Writing Thesis Statements
How to Write a Thesis Statement with "Harrison Bergeron" as a Sample
Jan 2, 2009
When teaching your students to write a clear and concise thesis statement, you should offer them either a set of guidelines or a checklist so that they can progress independently. However, students often learn best by example. So, pairing guidelines with a clear example of how to construct a thesis statement from start to finish will likely produce the best results.
For this example, we have used the text “Harrison Bergeron” by Kurt Vonnegut. This is an excellent story choice for students in grades 8-12 because they are intrigued by the concept of Utopian society and attempts to create it. In this story, Vonnegut criticizes the notion of totalitarian government and warns against excessive government control. Further, it questions individual rights and identity.
Respond to the Prompt
The prompt for writing a five paragraph literary analysis essay is: How does Vonnegut use literary elements to criticize the government? This prompt assumes that students have already discussed the content of the text, so it’s not a matter of whether Vonnegut is criticizing the government; instead, the prompt specifically asks how he does it. So, students need to pay careful attention to the wording of the prompt. It is not, for example, appropriate for students to design an argument to prove that Vonnegut is criticizing society or the individual. With that in mind, students should use words from the prompt to construct a thesis stem that answers the question.
Include a Definite Statement
Students need to select a position in their thesis statements that they can argue wholeheartedly. Instruct them to avoid vague or wishy-washy language that will leave their readers guessing about their positions. A thesis stem that uses language from the prompt and also includes a definite statement could look like this example:
"In ‘Harrison Bergeron,’ Vonnegut criticizes the government by ______________"
Create an Arguable Claim
However students chose to complete this stem, they should be sure that it is a claim that can be argued. Their thesis statement should not include facts because they cannot argue with facts. Instead, it should reflect an opinion that they plan to argue with specific reasons and examples in the body of their essays.
Show Knowledge of the Topic
In this case, students’ thesis statements should reflect that they have not only read the short story but that they are also familiar with the literary elements they’ve selected. If a student selects “flashback” as one of the literary elements that illustrates how Vonnegut is criticizing the government, he would be remiss. It would reveal he didn’t understand that term since there is no use of flashback in this text.
Create Parameters and Outline the Essay
This is an essential purpose of a thesis statement. A three-point thesis statement accomplishes these goals. Now that students have created their thesis stem, they should select three literary elements used in the story to criticize the government. You may want to provide them with a list of literary elements as a reference. Each literary element should then be discussed in a separate paragraph in the body of the essay. Here’s a sample completed thesis that both creates parameters that limit the scope of the essay as well as outlines the body of the essay.
“In ‘Harrison Bergeron,’ Vonnegut criticizes the government by using direct characterization, indirect characterization and external conflict.“
Naturally, students in different grades will be encouraged to select literary elements appropriate to their grade level. To help students select a thesis that will work best for their essay, you may want to brainstorm with them about possible literary elements that would be especially effective. Encourage students to refer back to their thesis statement checklist before constructing the body of their essay.
 |
