Step 1: Brainstorm as many themes are you can for each

category.
Themes + Arguments of the 1920s
The Great Gatsby

Common

Ex: Love People are in

constant search of love
even if they seem to
already have it.

Ex: Health People do not

have a high concern for
their physical health.

The Jungle
Ex: Hardship Hardships
cannot be overcome with
hard work.

Step 2: Write a thesis using your argument.

In the United States during the early 20 th century,
__________________________________. This is
(argument)

shown through ___________________, _____________________, and _____________________.

(Supporting Reason #1)

(Supporting Reason #2)

(Supporting Reason #3)

Step 3: Plan your essay

Common Theme in a Historical Time Period - Theme Essay Outline
Introduction
Connection to Reader:
Introduce Topic:
Thesis:

Body Paragraph #1
Transition:

Topic Sentence:
Context #1:
Evidence #1 (Quote/Paraphrase):
Clarification #1:
Transition:
Context #2:
Evidence #2 (Quote/Paraphrase):
Clarification #2:

Body Paragraph #2
Transition:
Topic Sentence:
Context #1:
Evidence #1 (Quote/Paraphrase):
Clarification #1:
Transition:
Context #2:
Evidence #2 (Quote/Paraphrase):
Clarification #2:

Body Paragraph #3
Transition:
Topic Sentence:
Context #1:
Evidence #1 (Quote/Paraphrase):
Clarification #1:

Transition:
Context #2:
Evidence #2 (Quote/Paraphrase):
Clarification #2:

Conclusion
Restate Main Idea:
Summary of Ideas:
Connection to Real Life:
What can readers learn for modern society?: