Organizer for Theme Analysis Essay
Introductory Paragraph:
•	Title, genre, author and brief (1-2 sentences) summary of first selection.
•	Title, genre, author and brief (1-2 sentences) summary of second selection
•	Thesis statement (central idea of the essay). What is the common theme in
both selections?
Body paragraphs:
•	Discuss the first selection (fiction). Don't retell the story, instead explain
what the theme is, providing examples from the text. You may end up
retelling part of the story, but the summary should not overpower the
narration. Use your note-taking organizer to help you with this task (1 or
more paragraphs).
•	Discuss the second selection (non-fiction). Don't summarize the whole
article; rather explain how the theme is made clear through the words, the
tone and attitude of the author. Provide textual references and examples, and
use your note-taking organizer for the task. (1 or more paragraphs)
Concluding paragraph:
•	Restate your thesis statement and summarize the main points of your essay,
perhaps providing a comparison between the two texts. For example,
although the underlying theme is the same for both selections, the theme is
addressed very differently in each one.
•	You may include a personal reflection or connection to the readings.
Some guiding questions that may help you with the body paragraph that examines
the fiction piece are: How does the plot support the theme? What happens in the
story that reveals the theme? What elements does the author use to reveal the
theme? What role does figurative language and strong imagery play in the revealing
of the theme?	
Guiding questions for the non fiction piece: How does the author reveal the theme? Is it stated anywhere in the article? What elements help to reveal the theme? (For example, the direct statements of the author, his opinions, his tone, or his attitude).