Writing a Thesis Statement

Definition:

• A thesis statement (TS) is the sentence used to declare what you believe and intend to prove.
• It should be contestable : readers should reasonably be able to discuss it and have an opinion on it.
• IT SHOULD NOT CONTAIN THE WORD 'I' !
• Don't use a question form.
• Background research on the subject has to be done in order to create a thesis based on the fundamental questions related to this subject.
• The thesis is usually located at the end of the introduction.
• It should pass the test of the 'so what?' and 'who cares?' test... meaning that it has to be interesting and related to an important/significant subject.
• Specific topic + Attitude/Angle/Argument = Thesis
  What you plan to argue + How you plan to argue it = Thesis

TS relates to Poe's 'Tell-Tale Heart'

Using literary elements:
- Plot (storyline/action)
- Setting
- Language (simple/metaphor)
- Theme
- Symbolism

DEFEND IT:
- Through the text
- Outside the text

Examples:
Poe recognized himself in the narrator.
- Paint a portrait of the narrator. (use the text)
- Paint a portrait of the author. (research, use biography)

Poe uses the 'vulture eye' as the main symbol in the story.
- Show that eye = paranoia