We learn by example and by direct experience because there are real limits to the adequacy of verbal instruction. Malcolm Gladwell,

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We learn by example and by direct experience
because there are real limits to the adequacy of
verbal instruction. Malcolm Gladwell, Blink The
Power of Thinking Without Thinking, 2005

• Agenda
• Return theme statements (partner share and
  compare)
• Thesis construction and evidence gathering
  (individual)
• Homework Come to class on Monday with a clear
  thesis statement, evidence to back up thesis
  statement and warrants to explain evidence
  importance to thesis. Must be typed copy for me
  and for you. Come to class with everything
  printed!!!!!!! I will not let you print during
  class.
• Example here and online

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Rules for a Thesis

• A thesis is never a question.
• A thesis is never a list.
• The thesis must advance an argument.
• A thesis should never be vague, combative or
  confrontational. Avoid being seen as moralistic
  and judgmental.
• An effective thesis has a definable, arguable
  claim. Say to yourself, Perhaps what the author
  says is true, but I am not convinced. I want to
  read further to see how the author argues this
  claim.
• A thesis should be as clear and specific as
  possible. Avoid overused, general terms, and
  abstractions.

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An Effective Thesis

• Cannot be answered with a simple yes or no.
• Is not a topic
• Is not a fact
• Is an opinion.
• Takes practice. If you find a formula to use
  (see examples), make it work for you until you
  understand what you have to do. Once you master
  it, you can try other ways to write a thesis.

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An Effective Thesis

• Has two parts.
• Should declare what will be argued.
• Should telegraph how you plan to argue.
• Could declare the particular support to be used
  to uphold the claim.

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Thesis Statement Websites

• UNC
• Indiana University
• Northwestern
• Purdue
• If these links dont work, just Google
  writing a good thesis statement and you will
  find these sites.
• You must be in View Show mode to get to the
  links

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Examples from past Invisible Man presentations

• Theme statement Through unexpected events can
  come a rebirth of a personality.
• Basic Through what happens to the Invisible
  Man, Ellison illustrates the idea that unexpected
  events can result in a rebirth of a personality.
• Plausible Through the betrayal of Bledsoe and
  the unfortunate events at the paint factory,
  Ellison illustrates the idea that unexpected
  events can result in a rebirth of a personality
  that leads to changes in ones mindset and sets
  them on a new path.
• Better Through Bledsoes betrayal of the
  Narrator and the unfortunate events at the paint
  factory, Ellison suggests that unexpected events
  can result in changes to ones personality and
  new perspectives about life.

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Another Example

• Theme statement Blind loyalty and obedience can
  fuel the power that corrupts innocence and
  disguises reality.
• Basic Invisible Mans moral guidelines show the
  meaning of the work as a whole which is the idea
  that blind loyalty and obedience can fuel the
  power that corrupts innocence and disguises
  reality.
• Plausible Invisible Mans moral guidelines,
  learned during his time at college, show that
  believing others ideas to be right and virtuous
  can be destructive to a persons identity.
• Insightful Invisible Mans moral guidelines,
  forged in his youth through his blind obedience
  to Dr. Bledsoe and Mr. Norton, illuminate the
  idea that believing others ideas to be right and
  virtuous can be destructive to a persons
  identity.