Brainstorming Your Topic and Your Thesis

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Brainstorming Your Topic and Your Thesis
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Step Two Brainstorming Thesis

1. Your topic must use directly cited examples from
   the writing of Emerson, Thoreau, Whitman, and the
   movie Dead Poets Society
2. Your topic must make a connection between the
   transcendental aspects of the above four sources
   and your life and/or society
3. Topic Tip Begin your topic by stating, Write
   an essay that analyzes how. . .
4. Write at least five topics from which you can
   choose, then post your topics on our message
   board at www.mrjeffrey.com

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Step Three Brainstorming Thesis

• Place a star by three topics on which you would
  most like to write
• Choose the one topic you most want to write about
  by putting three stars by it.
• A. Do a mini brainstorm identifying the
  themes that relate to your topic
• B. Then, choose one theme that will be the
  lead for your essay.
• Now, in 100 words or more, write a reflective
  journal entry on that theme.

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Step Four Brainstorming Thesis

1. Write your topic at the center of your brainstorm
2. List at least 12 examples that will strongly
   support your topic
3. Organize at least 9 examples that best support
   your topic. Organize your brainstorm by type of
   symbol or by the issue being analyzed.
4. Working from your brainstorm and topic, state
   your thesis in one sentence
5. Revise your thesis until it clearly states your
   objective as a writer