Conceptual thesis patterns (what Grade 8/9 arguments sound like)

Key steps (method)

• Start with a concept, not a character: power, guilt, responsibility, identity, control, love.
• Use one of these thesis patterns:
  • Tension: Although X seems…, ultimately…
  • Journey: At first…, but as…, the writer suggests…
  • Critique: The writer uses X to expose/criticise…
  • Dual reading: X can be read as…, yet it also…
• Make sure the thesis answers the question wording.

Common mistakes

• Writing a thesis that’s just a description (“Macbeth is ambitious”).
• Trying to sound clever but not answering the question.
• Forcing multiple interpretations into the thesis without evidence.

Support videos

• Grade 9 thesis GCSE English search: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=gcse+english+grade+9+thesis

Notes