Thesis Blueprint Worksheet
Thesis Blueprint
Building Your Argument for Persepolis
Name:
Date:
1
The Foundation: What is a Thesis?
A thesis statement is the "map" for your essay. It tells the reader exactly what you believe (your claim) and what three points you will use to prove it (your reasons).
The Thesis Formula
Topic Persepolis
Your Opinion Your Claim
The "Because" 3 Reasons
2
Inspection: Spot the Strong Statement
Weak (Under Construction)
"Marji grows up during the Iranian Revolution and many things in her life change forever."
Problem: It's too vague. It doesn't list the 3 specific reasons the essay will discuss.
Strong (Move-In Ready)
"In Persepolis, Marji loses her innocence because of government rules, the loss of friends, and the reality of war."
Success: It has a clear claim and three specific supporting points (pillars).
3
Blueprint Your Ideas
Choose one theme from the list below to focus on:
Identity & Growth
The Impact of War
Family Resilience
Religious Tension
Construction Work Area
Main Claim (Your opinion about the theme):
Example: "Marji shows courage by speaking up against her teachers..."
Pillar (Reason) 1
Pillar (Reason) 2
Pillar (Reason) 3
4
Final Assembly
Your Completed Thesis Statement
In the graphic novel Persepolis,
because
,
, and
.
Thesis Blueprint Answer Key
Blueprint Key
Teacher Resource & Exemplars for Persepolis
Answer Key
1
Analysis Section Key
Identifying the Weak Thesis
Students should identify that the weak example is a fact or a summary rather than an argument. It lacks specific "pillars" (reasons) to support the claim.
Identifying the Strong Thesis
Students should notice the parallel structure of the three reasons. Each reason provides a specific category that a body paragraph will cover.
2
Exemplar Statements by Theme
Theme: Identity & Growth
"In the graphic novel Persepolis, Marji develops a strong sense of individual identity because she questions religious authority, she embraces Western culture, and she survives life-changing trauma."
Theme: The Impact of War
"In the graphic novel Persepolis, the Iran-Iraq war destroys the childhood of an entire generation because it creates constant fear, it causes the loss of loved ones, and it forces children to face mortality too early."
Theme: Family Resilience
"In the graphic novel Persepolis, Marji's family provides the necessary foundation for her survival because they encourage her education, they teach her to stand up for her beliefs, and they sacrifice their own safety to protect her."
3
Scaffolding Tips
For Struggle with "Claim"
- Ask: "What is your biggest takeaway from Marji's story?"
- Give a binary choice: "Does Marji become stronger or more broken by the end?"
For Struggle with "Reasons"
- Ask: "Find 3 specific chapters that support your claim."
- Provide a word bank of themes (Freedom, Loss, Rebellion, Family).
