Download Sample Qualifying Theses

Name___________
PERIOD__
Directions: Read each of the following thesis statements and evaluate their logic,
potential for a supporting essay, and effectiveness. If you see any thesis that is not A
quality, revise it until it is!
Sample Qualifying Theses:
1. Through Catherine’s madness, Bronte chastises the oppressive gender
expectations of her time period.
Although Ms. Wright’s argument that Bronte chastises the oppressive gender expectations of
her time period is true, Catherine’s madness is not to be blamed, but rather her behavior and
internal conflicts which cause madness.
Though Ms. Wright is correct in saying that Bronte is chastising the oppressive gender
expectations, what she fails to realize is that it is not specifically through Catherine’s
madness that Bronte reveals this.
2. Through Catherine’s madness, Bronte chastises the oppressive social hierarchy of
her time period.
Although Catherine’s battle with madness does indeed reveal the inherent flaws within the Victorian social
hierarchy, Ms. Wright fails to take into account that Catherine herself, plagued by a host of psychological
problems and delusions, is at partial fault for her current state, alleviating the blame ascertained with the
upper class’ supposed role in such matters.
3. Catherine’s madness is self-imposed, and therefore not a true mental illness.
Ms. Wright’s main point that “Catherine’s madness is self-imposed” is valid because of the fact that
she inflicts suffering upon herself, and therefore is subject to be diagnosed with a mental illness
holds true, but is incomplete as Ms. Wright fails to take into consideration that other people had
imposed on her attributes as madness.
Ms. Wright’s argument is only partially correct because Catherine did inflict
madness upon herself, but that does not necessarily mean that it is not a
mental illness.
4. Catherine’s behavior is merely a fictional depiction of a tortured spirit and holds
no scientific grounds as a true mental illness.
Ms. Wright’s main point that Catherine’s behavior merely displays a tortured spirit is valid because
there is no evidence that proves it is a true mental illness, but she fails to consider that Cathy is also a
young adolescent who responds immaturely to a stressful situation.
Ms. Wright’s main point that Catherine’s behavior is merely a fictional depiction of a tortured spirit and holds no
scientific grounds as a true mental illness is valid because Catherine’s actions and emotions can be associated with that
of a tormented soul, but the statement is inaccurate due to the teacher’s failure to consider Catherine’s symptoms of
bipolar disorder.
5. Catherine’s mad behavior is an intentional method of manipulating her husband
and not true mental illness.
While Ms. Wright correctly deems Catherine as intentionally manipulative, she fails to
realize that the insane can retain their motives.
Ms. Wright’s point that Catherine’s mad behavior is an intentional method of manipulating her husband
ad not a true mental illness holds true, but unconvincing because Catherine’s delirious state of mind
causes a need for attention rather than a want for attention.
6. Although Catherine exhibits symptoms of depression, they are merely indications
of a more elaborate mental illness.
Although Catherine does not exhibit symptoms of depression, her symptoms strongly indicate a brief psychotic
episode as shown through the shredding of her pillows, hallucinations, and fluctuating behavior toward others,
which are merely indications of a more elaborate mental illness with histrionic disorder.
Ms. Wright’s thesis concerning Catherine’s mental stability is justifiable in every
aspect but for the statement that Catherine’s symptoms are a result of a mental
illness, as opposed to a psychological disorder.
7. Although Catherine is deemed mad by Nellie, she has not lost control of her mind.
Ms. Wright’s main point, “Although Catherine is deemed mad … she has not lost control of
her mind” is valid as she is consciously aware of her actions…
Ms. Wright’s assertion that Catherine “has not lost control
of her mind” is valid because it accounts for Cathy’s
raging hormones—a result of pregnancy—but fails to address
the possibility that Cathy’s “madness” is caused both by
delirium and the said pregnancy, and that though she may
have lost part of her mind, she has not lost complete
control of it.
8. Catherine’s deceptive choice to behave madly is a result of narcissism alone.
Ms. Wright’s assertion that “Catherine’s deceptive choice to behave madly is a result of
narcissism alone” is valid because Catherine exhibits a “pattern of grandiosity” and “need
for admiration,” but is incomplete because Ms. Wright fails to consider other factors,
such as Catherine’s pregnancy and illness, that may have contributed to Mrs. Linton’s
madness.