Transcript Creating Thematic Statements

Creating Thematic
Statements
It’s as easy as 1 – 2 – 3!
Step 1


In looking at the quotation that you have
chosen, what is the abstract concept, or
theme, from your
banned/challenged/censored book that
is most prevalent – let’s go with
courage.
Write it down above or below your
quotation as the start of your thematic
statement.
Step 2


What is the author trying to argue about
the abstract concept that is courage?
How does courage function at this point
in the text?
This is your assertion about the
thematic idea. Write it down next to the
abstract idea. This assertion should be a
complete sentence (although you will
add to it).
Step 3



Finally, add a qualifying clause to your
statement. The qualifying clause should
follow the assertion.
A qualifying clause typically begins with
one of the following words: when,
because, unless, even, so that, whether,
if.
Consider the context of the assertion.
Example




Courage allows a person to succeed,
even in the most difficult situations.
Courage = theme
Courage allows a person to succeed =
thematic assertion
even in the most difficult situations =
qualifying clause
Good Examples From 1st Period



Friendship can be strong, even when the
pairing of people doesn’t appear to be
compatible.
Ignorance limits the ideas a person can
have when the person has no words to
express those ideas.
Nostalgia can cause people to behave in
a way that may be perceived as
abnormal, when the reflection is on a
time that is socially taboo.
More Good Examples



Depression motivates people to make
irrational decisions, even if they are
normally a rational person.
Fear can disable a person, even if there
is little chance that they may suffer a
physical wound.
Honor is valued in order to uphold a
person’s reputation.
Even More Examples




Shame can be disabling even when one
feels what they are doing is right.
Religion is constantly changing because
there are always different ideas created
by others in exotic places.
Sacrifice is necessary when a society
wants to make technological advances.
Insecurity can be disabling when one
doesn’t fit society’s standards.
2nd Period has examples, too!



Propaganda controls the thoughts and
ideas of our society, although we are
blind to the power it possesses.
Arrogance is the curse of the successful,
because they have yet to understand
failure.
Indoctrination presents new ideas to
people so that a leader can get others to
follow.
More 2nd period examples! Yeah!



Narcissism leads man to invest in
appearance when the belief that he is
the best is present as up-keep is a
testament to perfection.
Selfishness is common and apparent in
society because of the violent acts that
citizens commit for personal reasons.
Lust provides the darker side of a high
moral society when sexual entertainment
comes at the demoralization of women.
Whoa, 2nd period had a lot of
deez




Passion withheld can ruin a society if
people aren’t allowed to express
themselves.
Cockiness creates self-centered people
when values are not shared.
Sadness can cause suspicion if it is
taken seriously.
Death seems close and inevitable when
a person regularly faces it.
6th Period can play too!


Religion is a sensitive topic capable of
creating controversy among a group of
people when the ideas of one group
differ, or are challenged, by another
group with a different idea or outlook.
Consumerism can corrupt people when
one only thinks about the materialistic
things that surround them.
6th Period gotz some mo.



Science does not deeply impact many
people when its discoveries are not
relevant to society.
Freedom is beneficial because it allows
a person the opportunity to expand their
ideas, or develop as an individual, or
chase their dreams.
Freedom is life-changing unless the
dreadful past is haunting.
OMG, you thought we were done
with 6th period. Not so fast,
Grover Cleveland!



Fear allows leaders to maintain their
power when those in opposition do not
take action to make change.
Patriotism can be viewed in more than
one way, because different cultures or
social groups have their own values and
ways of thinking.
Friendship is dependable because it can
function as a mutually beneficial
relationship.