THE THEMATIC ESSAY General Info Follow general rules

General Info � Follow general rules for five paragraph essay. � Paragraph 1: Introduction

Theme is… �a statement of truth about society or human nature/the human condition. �broad

Theme is not… � just about the text. � too specific so that it

A Helpful “Formula” �Motivation �This + Subject = Result “formula” is not the be

Using the “Formula” the novel The Giver, for example, we may use the formula

Introduction �Things to include: ◦ Identify the title/author ◦ State the subject to be

Introduction �Types of Narrative Hook: ◦ Question ◦ Relevant fact ◦ Unusual detail ◦

Body 1 � Topic Sentence � Provide evidence to support the topic sentence –

Body 2 � Topic Sentence � Provide evidence to support the topic sentence –

Body 3 � Topic Sentence � Provide evidence to support the topic sentence –

Conclusion �Types: ◦ Closing by return ◦ Thesis restatement ◦ Summary ◦ Climax ◦

Slides: 13

Download presentation

THE THEMATIC ESSAY

General Info � Follow general rules for five paragraph essay. � Paragraph 1: Introduction ◦ Thematic Statement is your thesis statement � Paragraph 2: � Paragraph 3: � Paragraph 4: � Paragraph 5: Body 1 w/ clear topic sentence Body 2 w/ clear topic sentence Body 3 w/ clear topic sentence Conclusion ◦ Closing by Return/Thesis Restatement

Theme is… �a statement of truth about society or human nature/the human condition. �broad enough so that it can apply to many situations outside of the text. �supported and argued using the text as evidence.

Theme is not… � just about the text. � too specific so that it is limited and therefore cannot be applied to various situations. � too broad so that is vague and therefore cannot be applied to various situations. � absolute. ◦ i. e. , use words like “may” rather than “will. ”

A Helpful “Formula” �Motivation �This + Subject = Result “formula” is not the be all and end all to developing theme and thematic essays; it is meant to serve as a guide.

Using the “Formula” the novel The Giver, for example, we may use the formula like this: � Obedience + Truth/Lies = Change � Our thematic Statement may read something like this: � For ◦ “Through one’s obedience, a person may learn about the truths and lies in his or her society and want change. ” or… ◦ “Once an obedient person learns about the truth and lies of their community, they may begin to change and/or want change. ”

Writing the Essay

Introduction �Things to include: ◦ Identify the title/author ◦ State the subject to be discussed ◦ Provide a thematic statement ◦ Mention the 3 ideas to be used for examples ◦ Provide a narrative hook

Introduction �Types of Narrative Hook: ◦ Question ◦ Relevant fact ◦ Unusual detail ◦ Brief Narrative ◦ Thesis Statement ◦ Definition ◦ Personal Experience

Body 1 � Topic Sentence � Provide evidence to support the topic sentence – Quote or paraphrase � Discuss how this information relates or proves thesis.

Body 2 � Topic Sentence � Provide evidence to support the topic sentence – Quote or paraphrase � Discuss how this information relates or proves thesis.

Body 3 � Topic Sentence � Provide evidence to support the topic sentence – Quote or paraphrase � Discuss how this information relates or proves thesis.

Conclusion �Types: ◦ Closing by return ◦ Thesis restatement ◦ Summary ◦ Climax ◦ Call to action