Starting Points: Analyzing Stories

Printed Page 472

A Clear, Arguable Thesis

How can I find a good story to write about?

  • Find a story to write about. (pp. 473–74)
  • Analyze the story. (pp. 475–79)

How do I decide on a main idea and develop a thesis?

  • Determine the writer’s purpose and audience. (p. 459)
  • Assess the genre’s basic features: A clear, arguable thesis (pp. 459–60)
  • A Clear, Arguable Thesis: Getting Beneath the Surface (pp. 469–70)
  • Analyze the story. (pp. 475–79)
  • Formulate a working thesis. (pp. 479–81)
  • A Troubleshooting Guide: A Clear, Arguable Thesis (p. 487)
Table 10.5: STARTING POINTS: ANALYZING STORIES
A Well-Supported Argument

How do I support my ideas?

  • Assess the genre’s basic features: A well-supported argument. (pp. 461–62)
  • A Well-Supported Argument: Pairing Textual Evidence with Analysis (p. 470)
  • Analyze the story. (pp. 475–79)
  • Formulate a working thesis. (pp. 479–81)
  • Provide support for your argument. (pp. 481–82)
  • To build on your support, consider doing outside research. (pp. 482–83)
Printed Page 473
A Clear, Logical Organization

How should I organize my argument so that my audience can follow it easily?

  • Assess the genre’s basic features: A clear, logical organization (pp. 462–63)
  • A Clear, Logical Organization: Coordinating Key Words and Topic Sentences (p. 470)
  • Create an outline that will organize your argument effectively. (p. 483)
  • Draft your analysis. (p. 484)