Writing a Theme

Definition:

A theme is an expository essay on a topic that you choose or have been given. The traditional form has an introductory paragraph, three paragraphs in the body, and a concluding paragraph.

Characteristics:

A five-paragraph theme has:

1. an introductory paragraph which may include an attention getting device such as:

• asking a question or questions;
• making a controversial or surprising statement;
• setting the scene by using a description;
• beginning with some conversation;
• starting with a short story;
• giving some statistics which may surprise or alarm the reader;
• referring to a current or historical event;
• using a quotation, aphorism or proverb;
• giving an unusual opinion.

2. a topic statement in the first paragraph which clearly states the theme of the paper and the way in which it will be developed.

3. a separate paragraph in the body for each main point developed.

4. a topic sentence in each main paragraph.

5. transitional words and phrases to connect ideas within paragraphs and between paragraphs.

6. a suitable form of development such as: cause and effect, classification, comparison and contrast, description, persuasion, or process analysis;

7. A concluding paragraph which brings the theme to a close.

Two Paragraph Theme

• A two paragraph theme has a brief introduction, thesis sentence and supporting ideas for the first main idea.
• The second paragraph introduces the second main point, followed by some supporting sentences and ending with a concluding sentence which sums up both paragraphs.

Three Paragraph Theme

• A three paragraph theme has a brief introduction, thesis sentence and supporting ideas for the first main idea.
• The second paragraph develops the second main idea.
• The third paragraph develops the third main idea and has a concluding sentence which sums up the main points of the theme.

Four Paragraph Theme

• A four paragraph theme is usually made up of two main ideas.
• It is similar in pattern to the five paragraph theme, but with one fewer main ideas.

Six Paragraph Theme

• A six paragraph theme is similar to the five paragraph theme except that it develops four main points.
• A thesis is simply a very long theme dealing with more complex ideas.
• Paragraphs in a thesis serve a number of purposes.
• In addition to introducing and concluding sections in the paper, they serve as transitions, that is, smoothing the movement between ideas and sub-sections.

Before Writing

Decide on your topic and what you want to say about it. Depending on your focus, you may use one of a variety of methods of organizing and developing your theme. You may wish to use comparison and contrast, process analysis, classification, definition, or cause and effect.

Write a quick list of possible points you would like to cover in your theme. This is only to get you started thinking and it is possible to add or remove points while you are writing. Having a list of points makes it easier for you to write your thesis statement.

Writing the Thesis Statement

The thesis statement serves several purposes in your theme. It usually does one or more of the following:

• Gives the main topic you plan to cover in your theme
• Lists the number of main points you will make
• May indicate how you will organize your paper

For example, if you are writing a theme on three characteristics of a good teacher, you may write a thesis statement similar to this:

Researchers say the best educators share the following characteristics. They have a good grasp of their subject area, have high expectations of their students, and are warm and caring when approached by their students for help.

References:

Sorenson, Sharon. Webster's New World Student Writing Handbook. 3rd ed. New York: Macmillan, 1997.