How to write a thesis for AP lit

1. Understand the Prompt

Before writing a thesis, carefully read and analyze the prompt. Make sure you fully understand what it's asking you to do. AP Literature prompts typically ask you to analyze themes, literary devices, character development, or the relationship between form and content in a given text.

• Look for key terms: Identify specific aspects of the text you need to address (e.g., character conflict, symbolism, narrative structure).

• Focus on the prompt’s action words: These could include terms like "analyze," "discuss," "explore," or "evaluate."

2. Formulate Your Argument

Your thesis should clearly state your interpretation or argument in response to the prompt. This argument will guide the body paragraphs of your essay.

• Take a stance: A thesis needs to be debatable, meaning that someone could disagree with it.

• Be specific: Avoid vague statements. Be precise in identifying the literary element or theme you are going to discuss.

• Stay focused: Narrow your scope to something manageable. A broad thesis will make your essay unfocused and too general.

3. Structure the Thesis

A well-crafted thesis typically has two key components:

• The claim: This is your main argument, answering the prompt directly.

• The rationale (or reasoning): This explains how or why your claim is true, often providing a hint of the evidence or literary techniques you will discuss in your body paragraphs.

Example of a weak thesis (too vague):

• "The theme of loneliness is important in Of Mice and Men."

Example of a strong thesis (specific and arguable):

• "In Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck uses the motif of animal imagery and the contrast between dreams and reality to explore the dehumanizing effects of isolation on individuals during the Great Depression."

4. Refine the Language

The wording of your thesis should be clear, concise, and formal. Avoid overly complicated phrasing or vague qualifiers like "seems," "might," or "could be."

• Instead of writing: "It seems that Steinbeck might use animal imagery to show loneliness..."

• Write: "Steinbeck uses animal imagery to symbolize the isolation and powerlessness felt by characters in Of Mice and Men."

5. Avoid Plot Summary

A common pitfall is turning the thesis into a mere summary of the plot. Your thesis should not just state what happens in the text but instead offer a deeper analysis of how literary techniques or themes are used.

Weak thesis (plot summary):

• "In The Great Gatsby, Gatsby loves Daisy, and they have a relationship."

Stronger thesis (analysis-focused):

• "In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald critiques the American Dream by depicting Gatsby's obsessive love for Daisy as a symbol of unattainable idealism, highlighting the moral decay beneath the pursuit of wealth and status."

6. Test Your Thesis

After writing your thesis, ask yourself a few questions to make sure it's effective:

• Is it specific and arguable? Can someone disagree with it, and is it focused on a clear literary point?

• Does it address the prompt directly? Ensure it answers what the prompt is asking, without drifting off-topic.

• Does it set up your body paragraphs? A good thesis should provide a roadmap for your essay’s structure, hinting at the main points you will develop in your analysis.