Do Not…

Poorly Written Statements

• ...express the theme as a subject or topic

• The theme is goals for the future.

• ...express the theme as an adage or familiar saying

• Crime doesn’t pay

• ...express the theme as a moral

• It’s wrong to gossip about people.

• ...make a thematic statement too general.  
  
• Avoid broad generalizations with words such as everyone, always, 
  
• never, and all
  

• Poverty causes crime.

• ...refer to specific characters in a thematic statement

• Montag learned not to trust others around him.
  

Do…

Well-written Statements

• ..express the theme as a general comment on a subject
  

• People with realistic goals tend to be more successful than those who put little thought into their futures.
  

• ...express the theme in your own words
  

• People who commit crimes may be punished in unexpected ways.
  

• ...express the theme as an insight into life
  

• Gossip can cause serious damage to a person’s reputation.
  

• ...use qualifying words in a thematic statement, such as sometimes, can, may, and often
  

• Poverty may transform honest people into criminals.
  

• ...draw a general insight from a character’s behaviour
  

• Friends are not always trustworthy.