Microtheme (Thesis – Support)

What is it?
A microtheme is a shortened, focused piece of writing that includes a thesis statement and 2-3 body paragraphs. As an exercise in critical thinking and concise, clear writing it leaves out some of the essay elements including introduction and conclusion paragraphs.
The idea behind a microtheme is to present an argument about an assigned topic or question as clearly and concisely as possible, without sacrificing evidence to support the microtheme’s thesis. In order to create such a concise argument, you should not include introductions and conclusions.

It will be impossible for you to create a well-written microtheme in one sitting, particularly because attempting to limit yourself to 750 words as you are discovering your ideas and the best way to support your thesis will likely prove difficult.

You should expect to revise your microtheme before you submit it. You need to assure your essay has the organization and supporting points you want. Next, eliminate extraneous points and ideas, and finally work on clarity and conciseness of word choice, etc. I encourage you to follow the steps below as you work on each microtheme:
1) Begin by thinking about your writing prompt while you are reading. Then, mark poignant passages as you read that could support an answer to your question or help you identify a worthy topic. This will keep you from reading your chapters two times (= save time). Annotate

2) Pre-write (short notes) in response to the assigned reading (or in response to a question if given). Focus on coming up with as many ideas and supporting points as you can, and do not concern yourself with length. Do work to find specific textual evidence—quotes, elements of an author’s style, plot events, etc. Your pre-writing could be a free write (paragraphs that just ramble) a web, or lists. Take notes on your group discussions.

3) In order to draft, go back over your pre-writing and look for the main idea or thesis which emerges. Highlight or note places where you use the best supporting arguments for this thesis. Create a SHORT outline (see sample format below) in which you present as directly as possible your thesis and supporting points. Include your textual support in this outline (OR number it in your pre-write), and think through an explanation of how/why the textual evidence supports your thesis. Remember that quotes and other evidence cannot stand alone, but must be explained in your own words to be convincing.

4) Writeyour microtheme using this outline.

5) Review your microtheme and revise, making sure your argument has sufficient support and is not hidden behind vague language. Trim out wordiness so that you are as close to the 750 word limit as possible.

Sample Outline Format:
First paragraph:
Your thesis statement that presents your argument (opinion) in response to the writing prompt.
Body Paragraph One:
States one part of your argument and its relationship to your thesis.
1 – Set up your evidence2 – evidence (go to the text, make it small), use MLA in-text citation3 – Color commentary
1 – Set up your evidence2 – evidence (go to the text, make it small), use MLA in-text citation3 – Color commentary
1 – Set up your evidence2 – evidence (go to the text, make it small), use MLA in-text citation3 – Color commentary
Concluding thought for this point
Body Paragraph Two:
States one part of your argument and its relationship to your thesis.
1 – Set up your evidence2 – evidence (go to the text, make it small), use MLA in-text citation3 – Color commentary
1 – Set up your evidence2 – evidence (go to the text, make it small), use MLA in-text citation3 – Color commentary
1 – Set up your evidence2 – evidence (go to the text, make it small), use MLA in-text citation3 – Color commentary
Concluding thought for this point
You may or may not have space and/or need for the third paragraph.

You do not need to put MLA header or a title.

Just put your name in the upper left-hand corner of the first page.

Then, specify what parts of the book you are responding to.

You may write on a chapter, many chapters, etc.

You may also one to write on a shorter section – such as a page or two smaller parts in or across chapters.

Don’t forget to indicate your choice in the upper left-hand corner under your name.

How do I find a topic for my microtheme?
Finding a topic to write about in a short and sophisticated manner might be one of the most difficult things you do. In general, you can keep in mind the following question:
How does the author use language (organization, use or mis/use of evidence, rhetorical devices, etc, etc, etc) to convey his/her purpose about one topic? This could be a purpose about a character, relationship between characters, a setting, a theme, etc.
But, you may find yourself wanting to write about something else that you notice as interesting in the book.
The important part to remember is that you are not writing a personal reaction.
This is a thesis – support analysis of the author’s work. So you are arguing that the author is making an engaging point (stating what that point is) and examining how or why she is making this point. Hey, this is basically lit analysis. YEPO!
You will always have a group discussion of your “section” of the book before you write your microtheme. These discussions are designed to help you find what is significant in the text in order to find a topic for your microtheme.

How to prepare & conduct your group’s class discussion.

1)Read the appropriate sections before you get to class.

2)As you read, post-it interesting elements. Write a note on the post-it so you don’t forget why you chose this section.

3)When you get to the class discussion, your group has a choice of what to do during the 25-minute discussion.

  1. You can conduct the Final Word protocol. (See attached instructions as a reminder)
  2. You can complete a set of Connection Circles (attached). To complete Connection Circles, you start by filling in each of the circles. For example, you could fill them with topics/themes, characters, symbols, important passages, or a mix of these things. Then, as a group, you discuss the connection between the items you have chosen. Draw a line to connect two circles and make a brief note about what forms that connection. Keep going as far as you can.

4)By the end of the 25 minutes, you should have an idea of what you want to write about in your micro-theme. If you don’t, you might want to call one of your group members or schedule a lunch date and have them assist you in finding a focused idea.

Important Dates

Reading to be completed / Reading Due Date / Writing Due Date / Writing Group
Tuesday 10/22 / Suggested: Thursday 10/24
Will be accepted through Monday 10/28 / A
Tuesday 10/29 / Suggested: Thursday 10/31
Will be accepted through Monday 11/4 / B
Monday 11/4 / Suggested: Thursday 11/7
Will be accepted through Monday 11/11 / A
Monday 11/12 / Suggested: Thursday 11/14
Will be accepted through Monday 11/18 / B

Grade

10 points per class discussion = 40 points formative. I will want to see your evidence of reading and active participation in the conversation.

40 points per microtheme = 80 points summative. No revisions on microthemes. No conferences on microthemes (unless I specify otherwise). If you choose

to share, critique, and edit each other’s microthemes is up to you.

A/A+ paper: The paper was magnificent, a masterpiece of critical thinking and cogent writing. The topic is worthy of contemplation and completed in a intriguing manner. A well-integrated airtight analysis was presented that did an exceptional job of supporting the paper’s major purpose statement. (Wow, passive construction). No major writing flaws were present, and the discussion was clearly written and easy to follow. By the way, the main thesis had me hooked.
A- /B+ paper: The paper was coherent and the analysis made sense. Relevant analysis (moments of insight), but the overall discussion lacked the integration, creativity, or thoughtfulness of a Tour de Force. A few writing problems may have been present, but not enough to distract the reader. I would consider this a normal grade for a microtheme.
C paper: This paper demonstrates a significant amount of work was invested in the paper, but one or more important flaws exist in either the analysis or the writing itself. It might serve as a well-thought and well-done draft, but it is not yet a polished work.
D paper: Dead man’s land between a C and a F
F paper: Huge flaws exist in both the analysis and the writing, so large that I believe you desperately pounded out the first and only version of the paper the morning it was due. Or, no paper was submitted for grading.