Thesis statement

1- Clear, avoids vague language

2- Avoid I

3-Reflects what the text is about

4-Connects all the subelements of the text

5-Makes a "claim"

6-Passes the "so what " test

7- Directs the structure

8- Introduces an essay

9-Determines the type of paper you write

10- Uses literary elements

11- Make use of "quotations"

Three components:
1- What: Claim about the text (interpretation)
2-How: The literary elements( figures of speech, symbolism,theme)
3- Why: The significance of your claim answers the question: so what

Bad thesis statement:
1-This poem shows the narrator comparing his love to a summer's day (plot summary)
2-The poem presents the power of love to conquer death. (too universal)
3-The poem shows how narratives can last while nature cannot. (too general)
4-The poem proves that the pen is mightier than the sword. (cliché)
5-The structure,character and dialogue in the poem show us how human search for knowledge. (list of themes)

Good thesis statement:
Despite it's emphasis on love and physical beauty, the poem reveals the ways in which human can triumph over the vagaries of nature.

Qualities:
-specific
-arguable
-provides a structure for your argument
-Goes beyond "so what?"