Why must a thesis be rejectable if it only restates the obvious?

• obvious claims need no defense and start no argument
• teachers dislike short sentences
• observations are always false

Which sentence could serve as a thesis?

• The novelist argues that guilt edits memory, shown when Lia omits what hurts.
• The novel has twelve chapters.
• The narrator speaks in the first person.

A good thesis fits in one sentence somebody could disagree with.

Circle one:   True   False

A thesis claims the entire novel, all twelve chapters, proves one point, but the essay runs three pages. What is the fix?

• add more claims to fill the pages
• drop all quotes to save room
• narrow it to the chapters the essay can actually defend

Two candidates: the story uses symbolism, versus the brown leaves mark the marriage ending while buds promise a fresh start. Which is the thesis?

• the first, since it is safer
• the second, since it claims something interpretable
• both equally

Which quote better carries an argument about guilt shaping memory?

• the line where she never meant to lie, only to leave out what hurts
• a summary of what happens next in the plot
• a long passage quoted without comment

An essay states a fine thesis, then tours plot points with long unlinked quotes. What is the flaw?

• the thesis is too narrow
• short quotes are banned
• quotes stand unlinked, so none of the essay proves the claim

Notes say: brave mask slips twice, tired of pretending quote, final scene calm. Which thesis reduces them best?

• the novel contains a character who speaks
• her bravery is a performed mask that cracks before the calm close
• bravery is good and tiredness is bad