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Organization

Essays start with organization.  And that organization starts with a thesis statement.

Let's start with some definitions so we'll be clear about terms.

First, some definitions:

Thesis Statement: The controlling idea of an essay stated in one sentence, usually the last sentence in the introduction.
Division Statement: A phrase which sets out the different parts/arguments/reasons which prove the thesis of your essay (often part of your thesis). Think of it as a road map to the reader so they can see what’s coming. Each of your body paragraphs needs to be accounted for in your division statement. 
Topic Sentence: The controlling idea of a paragraph. Usually phrased as a statement or claim that needs to be proved, it is related to and helps prove the thesis. Often uses a synonym of one of the divisions from the division statement to cue readers that a particular division is being discussed.

As you see from the definitions above, these three parts -- thesis, division, topic sentence -- work together to provide you, the writer, with a structure you can then follow, and then help the reader by providing an overview of your argument: a not-so-obvious "Hey, this is what I'm gonna' talk about."

What follows below are sample thesis statements and then a format you can use to help structure one of your own.  Note the clarity of the first three, and how the lack thereof in the last effects your understanding of the writer's argument.  After that you find a fill in the blank structure that should help you as you start your own thesis statement.

Thesis Statements

Throughout both books, regret and grief of overcoming an obstacle is used as a recurring theme. Regret is represented through the graphic novel Maus I & II through Vladek's own testimony of survival and loss throughout the Holocaust, Art's attitude of "surviving" his father and heritage, and the symbiotic relationship the pair nurture through both novels.

Peter Kuper's graphic novel, The System, explores the spectrum of morality through the employment of a crafted iconography, illustrative action scenes imbued with cosmic influence, and foreshadowing poetic quotations which convey "the system's" nature.

The simplistic art style, the decentralized composition of the panels, and the use of bird imagery in Destiny all contribute to the theme of isolation.

With Jews depicted as mice, the idea of racism can be focused through the Nazi’s point of view during the holocaust for they had seen the Jewish minority as lesser beings; plus the inclusion of other cultures and their personas given show how commonly associated something can be when compared through stereotype.

Try the starter thesis statement below to get you started:
[The] ____________ in "________" is illustrated/demonstrated/shown/indicated by ___________, __________, and _________.

Topic Sentences

As noted in a definition above, topic sentences flow naturally from thesis statements. They help readers by reminding them of both your thesis and the point that you're going to address in the paragraph that will support the thesis. They help you the writer by keeping you focused on a particular idea (division) and your thesis.

below you'll find a fill in the blank topic sentence that you can use for your own essay (probably with some modifications).  below that you will find topic sentencesfor some of the thesis statements above. Use both for suggestions on crafting topic sentences for your own essays.

Both thesis statements and topic sentences seem rather programmatic: that's because they are. They are specialized sentences meant to guide the reader through an essay.

Thesis
Throughout both books, regret and grief of overcoming an obstacle is used as a recurring theme. Regret is represented through the graphic novel Maus I & II through Vladek's own testimony of survival and loss throughout the Holocaust, Art's attitude of "surviving" his father and heritage, and the symbiotic relationship the pair nurture through both novels.

Topic sentences
Vladek's recounting of his lost relatives is always tinged with regret.

While Vladek seems to avoid survivor's guilt, Art, as many children of holocaust survivors do, seems burdened with grief.

The tug of war between father and son is presented not as a tale of triumph, but one of woe.

Thesis
The simplistic art style, the decentralized composition of the panels, and the use of bird imagery in Destiny all contribute to the theme of isolation.

Topic Sentences
Isolation is literally illustrated by Nuckel's stark, simplistic images.

The isolation of the simple style is amplified by the use of single page panels.

Nuckel's use of bird imagery reinforces his theme of isolation.

For a basic format, try the following starter topic sentence:

Insert division illustrates/demonstrates/shows  wording to suggest/refer back to thesis .