Developing a

Thesis
*Care of The AP Vertical Teams Guide for
English

An effective thesis (main focus, central idea) should

be a generalization, not a fact, which is limited to the
intent or scope of the assignment (164).

You want to write a sentence or two that expresses your

general purpose, not one that specifies a character, a
story, a conflict, etc.
Think in terms of ideas, people!

As a response to a specific prompt, thesis

development should be a three-part process (164).
Step 1: identify or define the task set by the prompt (analyze
how language conveys the authors ideas)
Step 2: consider what needs to be addressed in the response (is
it the theme, conflicts, characters, argument, etc.? Stay on
topic)
Step 3: decide how best to respond (what strategies are you
going to use to explain your analysis? Remember DIDLS?)
*The successful thesis identifies those details while grasping the
complexities of the prompt.*

A Deeper Purpose
The thesis should not be thought of strictly as a single
sentence at the end of the introductory paragraph. Instead
the thesis has two purposes. First, it expresses a central
idea that states the focus that controls the essay. This idea
is then followed by a more directive statement that is
really the organizer of the entire essay (166).

Cmon, baby, lets do the

TWIST.

Tone
Word choice
Imagery
Style
Theme

How to Use the TWIST to Develop a

Thesis
What is the authors tone?
What particular word choice may help you understand the
authors intent?
Is there any specific imagery or use of detail that indicates
the authors attitude?
Does the author demonstrate any characteristic style that
may help your interpretation?