THESIS < -- > REASONS < -- > EVIDENCE

( Central Idea < -- > Main Ideas < -- > Support )

( Judgment < -- > Criteria < -- > Backing )

THESIS:

My opinion of the subject / topic is . . .

My position on the issue is . . .

My point of view on the issue is . . .

I . . . think / feel / believe / argue / assert / recommend . . . that . . .

Examples:

• Poltergeist is a successful horror movie.
   

• At first and final glance, Poltergeist is simply a riveting demonstration of a movie's power to terrify. It creates honest thrills within the confines of a PG rating, reaching for shock effects and the forced suspension of disbelief throughout the movie. (par. 2)

• Unlike most horror flicks, Poltergeist works! Its success is due to excellent characters, music, and special effects -- and to the fact that the story stays within the bounds of believability. (par. 3)

• With its characters, music, and special effects, and its clearly distinguished boundaries of belief, Poltergeist is able to capture its audience with its unique thrills, allowing viewers to link their most inner-locked fears to those on the screen. Poltergeist: It knows what scares you! (par. 14)

REASONS:

I believe . . . [this, my thesis, my recommendation, etc.] . . . because . . .

Brainstorm as many reasons / main ideas as possible, and then review them (1) to eliminate weak arguments, (2) to combine related ideas, and (3) to determine the best order of presentation.

Brainstorm the "opposite" of this statement to consider reasons your "opposition" may have. You will need to address at least some of these opposing arguments -- perhaps the very strongest ones -- through (1) concession, (2) accommodation, or (3) refutation / rebuttal / counter-argument.

Examples:

1. The characters are well developed and the audience can easily identify with them.

2. The music adds to the eeriness of the movie and affects the feelings of the audience.

3. The special effects capture the audience.

4. The movie stays within the bounds of believability.

EVIDENCE:

I can / will support my reasons by providing . . .

Facts
Statistics
Examples -- Brief vs. Extended / Real vs. Hypothetical
Details
Expert Testimony -- Quotations, Paraphrases, Summaries
Textual Evidence -- Quotations, Paraphrases, Summaries
Case Studies
Etc.

Examples:

• References to the movie being evaluated -- its characters/actors, its music, its special effects, and its believability -- through synopsis (summary), description, illustration, examples, and quotation.

• References to other movies in the horror genre for purposes of comparison -- obtained through FIELD RESEARCH.

• Quotations or paraphrases from other (expert?) reviewers -- obtained through LIBRARY / WEB RESEARCH.

ANY QUESTIONS?