First Story
The basic facts or context of a topic.
What is a first-story thesis?
A thesis that includes an arguable point.
What is a second-story thesis?
The third story connects the argument to this.
What are broader implications or bigger picture?
This type of thesis would argue: “Horror films create fear by using shadows.”
What is a two-story thesis?
The first element in an MLA header is the author’s name, answering this question.
What is "Who wrote it?"
A first-story thesis is not arguable. (T/F)
What is False?
The second story must connect these two stories.
What are the first and third stories?
The third story builds on the second story to address these elements.
What are consequences or real-world impacts of the argument?
A thesis stating: "Horror movies reflect society's darkest fears and anxieties."
What is the third story?
This rhetorical device appeals to logic and reason.
What is logos?
The only type of information found in the first story.
What are facts?
This story often focuses on providing an arguable, analytical perspective on these.
What are key points or issues in the topic?
This story adds depth to the thesis by doing this.
What is connecting the argument to larger themes or issues?
A thesis analyzing how horror films evolve over time based on cultural shifts.
What is the second story?
MLA in-text citations should include these two elements.
What are the author’s last name and page number?
The purpose of the first story in a three-story thesis.
What is to provide background information or context?
A second-story thesis challenges the reader by doing this.
What is presenting a unique interpretation or viewpoint?
The third story expands on the potential consequences of the argument or its relevance.
What are long-term effects or societal implications; the big picture?
A thesis suggesting that the music and sound in horror films trigger primal fear responses in audiences.
What is the second story?
These are the “1-2-3” steps for correctly formatting a Works Cited entry.
What are Author, Title, Details?
A first-story thesis lacks this key component.
What is analysis or argument?
The second story demonstrates this about a writer’s thinking.
What is critical thinking?
The third story addresses how the argument might influence these future areas.
What are future research, policies, cultural shifts, etc.?
A thesis arguing that lighting design in horror films transforms mundane scenes into terrifying ones.
What is the second story?
This mnemonic device helps you remember how to format an MLA Works Cited page.
What is "Annie’s Tea Cup Was Perfectly Ready for Lemonade"?