This is how I teach the construction of a thesis statement for literary analysis. I developed it last year.
It’s clean and easy to understand and use.
Students who are weaker writers appreciate it for giving them guidance and boundaries.
Stronger writers enjoy putting their own twist on the “so what?!?” and pushing the edges of what a “literary device” can include.
They’re amazed when they use this model in other classes (history, foreign language, etc) and it works there too. They always ask if I did that on purpose.
This example is easy to chunk in order to teach paragraph development, topic sentences, use of quoted text, and original conclusions.
It can be modified to meet the needs of any grade level, too. Just take out “title” or “literary device” and replace with the focal points of your choice. The “so what?!?” is non-negotiable since it applies necessary critical thinking skills.
(Source: tomesaway)
