Thesis Statement and Topic Sentence Points

Please put a lot of thought into these before posting!

Remember: The thesis needs to build, not simply list. It also needs to have a "so what point" that it builds up to.

It's up to you how many topic sentence points you have, but for a 6-8 page paper, I suggest at least 4. They should be listed in the order you plan on including them in the paper, they must cover the entire thesis, and they must not diverge from (but instead develop) your central argument.

Remember: Topic sentences need to be argumentative points, not facts.

Sign your name! I'll be giving your feedback.

Post by Midnight, Wed. 5/13.

Skeleton Thesis (**Ms. Coppens has added comments**)

After you've revised your thesis statement, type it here and sign your name.

Feel free to give your classmates some feedback if you find anything particularly interesting or well-said or confusing. Even if you haven't read the book, you can still be intrigued by an argument!

Also, please remember that this is a "working" thesis- once you've finished all the writing and analysis, be sure to go back and check that your thesis was fully supported- if not, you need to change what you wrote (or add to it) or change the thesis statement itself.

East of Eden- post 1- What do you think?

So, what did you think of the novel? Give specific details to support your opinion. Be sure to also respond to some of your peers' opinions!

East of Eden- post 2- character

Which character did you find the most fascinating in the novel? Why? Include a quote and page number in your analytical response.

East of Eden- post 3- fear of rejection

How does fear of rejection motivate a character or characters in East of Eden? Give a quote and page number in your analytical response.

East of Eden- post 4- timshel

How does the concept of timshel connect with characters' individual responsibility and potential for happiness? How does a character's ability or inability to believe in Timshel impact his or her life?

East of Eden- post 5- Inner reality versus the surface

What is an interesting example of how characters' inner realities are different from the surface? What point do you think Steinbeck is making through this contrast? Include a quote and page number in your analytical response.

East of Eden- post 6- Good versus Evil

What is an interesting way that the concept of Good versus Evil comes into play in the novel? How does this concept connect with the message of the novel as a whole? Include a quote and page number in your analytical response.