Writing Thesis and Topic Sentences

Review of Theme

• What is a theme, and why does it matter?

• Find the three theme sentences you wrote.

• First let’s check the format. This will make writing the thesis sentences easier.

Writing the Thesis Sentence• For this paper you are focusing on a theme

(message or lesson learned) and two literary devices that the author uses to show that lesson.

• You are going to choose two of the following devices:

Personification, symbolism, foreshadowing, simile and metaphor (or whatever else; you’re smart,

figure it out)

• Look at your literary device sheet we filled out after we read. Which examples do you best understand or feel most comfortable to write about?

Thesis Sentence FormatIn (title of story), (author) uses (2 literary

devices) to show that (topic) + (opinion)

In “ The Scarlett Ibis,” James Hurst uses symbolism and personification to show

that trying to conform can have negative consequences.

Does your sentence use this form?

Writing Topic SentencesThesis

Device #1Topic Sentence starts

the paragraph and mentions 1st literary

device

Device #2Topic Sentence starts

the paragraph and mentions 2nd literary

device

ExampleExample of

literary device use

ExampleExample of

literary device use

ExampleExample of

literary device use

ExampleExample of

literary device use

Writing Topic Sentences

• Each topic sentence will focus on one of the two literary devices you mentioned in your thesis

• In “The Scarlet Ibis,” James Hurst uses symbolism and personification shows that trying to conform can have negative consequences.

Body Paragraph

#1

Body Paragraph

#2

Writing a Topic Sentence

• Use the following format

In TITLE, AUTHOR uses (literary devices) to show (theme).

• Topic sentences are more detailed and specific than your thesis statement.

• You will be preparing the reader to understand how the examples in your body paragraph show the theme you chose to write about in your paper.

• Let’s look at an example…

Writing Topic Sentences

Topic Sentence

• James Hurst uses personification to show how Doodle’s death was caused by his brother forcing him to conform.

• Notice the addition of characters’ names so the sentence would make sense and flow nicely.

• Also notice it is more specific about events in the story.

Complete Basic Outline

Thesis: In “The Scarlet Ibis,” James Hurst uses symbolism and personification to show that trying to conform can have negative consequences.

Topic Sentence #1: James Hurst uses the Scarlet Ibis as a symbol to show how, like Doodle, the Ibis is out of place and unaccepted.

Topic Sentence #2: James Hurst uses personification to show how Doodle’s death is caused by his brother’s desire for him to conform.

Now using the proper format write your two topic sentences.