Literary Analysisand the Schaffer Method

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Thesis Statements

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Writing a Thesis

A thesis indicates the topic of your paper and an opinion

A thesis should be arguable, meaning most people would not jump to that conclusion. You are trying to prove something, not write a report.

Formula: In [title of text], [author’s name] uses the theme of [your theme] to illustrate/underscore/show [what you want to prove].

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Thesis Statement

In The Crucible, Arthur Miller uses the theme of confession to show that the characters blacken their souls instead of actually purifying them.

This should get the response “What? If you confess, then you are doing something good, right?”

You have to convince them that you are right.

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Non-literary Examples

Because Banana Herb Tea Supplement promotes rapid weight loss, it poses a danger to customers.

Does it express an opinion?

Does the statement seem arguable?

Would regular people think the supplement is dangerous? Why or why not?

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Non-literary Examples

World hunger has many causes and effects.

Is it an opinion?

Is it obvious?

How can we make it better?

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The Crucible

In The Crucible, Arthur Miller uses the theme of hysteria.

What is missing?

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Now You Try!

Separate into groups

Develop some thesis statements for your theme

Choose one that you would like to use

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Body

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Chunks/Paragraph

Topic Sentence... How are you going to prove your thesis?

Concrete Detail... What evidence (quote) do you have?

Commentary... Why is that evidence important?

Commentary... So what?

Closing Sentence... How

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Outline/ Pre-writeI. Thesis statement

A. Evidence 11. So what2. So what

B. Evidence 21. So what2. So what

C. Evidence 31. So what 2. So what

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Example of a ChunkThese supplements cause the loss of muscle mass. (TS)One study shows that “84% of weight lost was due to the loss of muscle”(Supplements and More, 68). (CD)Muscle is necessary for the body to function properly. (CM)The loss of muscle is detrimental, especially since the product is marketing the loss as fat loss and users are not losing fat. (CM)This supplement is dangerous because of the false claims made by the company. (CS)

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Intro

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1 sentence description or definition of your theme

3-4 sentences that summarize/ introduce the topic

Thesis statement

Intro

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Intro

Chunks1-3

Conclusion

Essay Requirements

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