While a thesis is not required for a literacy narrative, including one can give the narrative its significance and transform it from a personal story to one with larger, universal interest.

Thesis (main claim): The shift from print to online news provides unprecedented opportunities for readers to become more engaged with the news, to hold journalists accountable, and to participate as producers, not simply as consumers.

Subclaim: Print news has traditionally had a one-sided relationship with its readers, delivering information for passive consumption.

Subclaim: Online news invites readers to participate in a collaborative process—to question and even contribute to the content.

Subclaim: Links within news stories provide transparency, allowing readers to move easily from the main story to original sources, related articles, or background materials.

Subclaim: Technology has made it possible for readers to become news producers—posting text, audio, images, and video of news events.

Subclaim: Citizen journalists can provide valuable information, sometimes more quickly than traditional journalists can.

Thesis (main claim): Taylor ignores economic realities and incorrectly assumes that closing big-box stores such as Wal-Mart is a positive move.

Subclaim: She uses nostalgic language instead of dealing with economic realities.

Subclaim: She incorrectly assumes that small businesses are always the most consumer-friendly.

Subclaim: She equates big-box stores with hyperconsumerism.

Original source: Taylor, “Big Box Stores Are Bad for Main Street”