Every author takes up a primary topic to impart knowledge or illustrate the effects of a specific feeling or action. As readers, we aim to discover what the author intended to convey.
When we do, it means we have already finished the first phase of creating a thematic essay.
People often compare and try to find similarities between thematic and opinion essays. But there are several differences between these essay structures.Â
On that note, let’s discover what a thematic essay is about.
What is a Thematic Essay?
In a thematic essay, the main idea of a work of literature is developed using literary techniques like:
- Foreshadowing
- Imagery
- Personification
You will have to identify the main topic, comment on the literary strategies used, and convey the theme’s relevance.
Now, finding the most significant and influential subject can be difficult, since there are many to choose from.
Moreover, everyone has a unique perception. This is precisely why reaching a consensus on a central concept is challenging.
How to Pick a Thematic Topic?
When working on a thematic essay, you must be careful about choosing the topic. Consider these hacks when doing so:
Think of examples from your life
Recall the topics you discussed in class with your friends or parents. Do some of these exchanges make you think of a certain book, novel, or literature? Zero down on that!
Note down any thoughts that occur to you
Your most ludicrous ideas may occasionally be the finest course of action.
Name a few of your favourite literary works
Which literary work did you find to be the most moving? Analyse the story’s subject and the issues the author used as a foundation; doing so may inspire new ideas for you.
Examine the specifics of different works of literature
Other works of literature may contain amusing facts that can assist you in developing your theme.
Some Examples of Thematic Essays
An Example of a Thematic Essay’s Introduction
The problem of terrorism is widespread and seems to be worsening despite increased efforts to stop it from escalating. In essence, preventing recruitments of terrorists is an essential counter-terrorism tactic.
Additionally, the effectiveness of it depends on how well we comprehend the terrorists’ recruitment strategies.
A potential member is at risk of succumbing to the “appeal” of terrorism since the recruitment strategies used by terrorist organisations focus on the target’s identity crisis.
An Example of a Thematic Essay’s Body Paragraphs
- Inspiration
One of the main drivers of participation in terrorism is the desire to be a part of an effort that is bringing about a dramatic change in society. For instance, new research indicates that terrorist organisations start dialogues with most young members on social media platforms where subjects related to social, political, and economic injustice are discussed.
The above-mentioned suggests that young people tend to correct all the “wrong-doings” by implementing their knowledge in contemporary society. They desire to make everything right, which seems wrong to them.
As a result, militant views that support terrorist acts can be easily fostered by terrorist recruiters posing as spiritual leaders. They eventually get alienated from the conservative believers, which drives them to seek out organisations that have similar extremist religious ideas.
- Religious Convictions
An individual may support or engage in terrorism because of a fanatical religious belief to fit in with the group.
Mohammed (2020) asserts that continual religious parental pressure leads to the blind indoctrination of teenagers and young adults, which empowers terrorist group recruiters to utilise religious ideas as reasons for terrorism, such as the holy war.
In this instance, Mohammed admits that the mosque is a prime location for terrorist recruitment due to the presence of young people with extremely impressionable minds. Additionally, youths rely on religious instruction to provide them with knowledge that shapes their worldview.
As a result, chauvinistic views that support terrorist acts can be easily fostered by terrorist recruiters posing as spiritual leaders.
They eventually get alienated from the conservative believers, which drives them to seek out organisations that have similar extremist religious ideas.
An Example of a Thematic Essay’s Conclusion
When recruited, most terrorist organisation members go through an identity crisis.
In essence, the need to join a group that opposes societal injustices tolerates extreme religious beliefs, or seeks vengeance for loved ones’ deaths is a clue that recruits frequently struggle with identity crises.
The recruitment cycle should be broken as part of counter-terrorism efforts to weaken terrorist organisations.
How to Execute a Flawless Thematic Essay?
- Students should choose a narrow topic which would be easier to define and discuss. It helps them to generate ideas.
- Students who are writing thematic essays must be concerned about the audience. Therefore, they must work on a proper presentation approach because the audience has some expectations from the writer.
- Before preparing a thematic essay, authors must create an appropriate outline with an annotated bibliography essential for structuring and choosing evidence.
- It enables writers to try out many modes of communication, and maintaining a high level of fluidity is essential during the drafting process.
- Revision and editing the vital process while writing a thematic essay which students should not skip.
- All body paragraphs must include a four-element paragraph structure.
- Remember that the conclusion of your thematic essay should not add any new comment, evidence, arguments or discussion.
Some Thematic Essay Topic Examples
- Sociology
- Important issues facing parents today
- Immigrant families have strong family ties
- Breaking out from the poverty cycle
2. History
- The Holocaust is in our memories
- Landmines in the contemporary political environment
- The reason why Middle Eastern alliances broke down in the 20th century
3. Psychology
- Teenage self-assurance following the advent of social networking
- The effect of abuse on how relationships are built
- Proactive counseling’s success
4. Law
- An absolute democracy
- Privacy protections in the era of big data
- Prison life and the ex-offender experience
What are the Essentials for a Thematic Essay?
- The essay must be focused on the prime theme
- Must develop some examples that support the theme
- Must combine several textual components, such as the plot, characters, place, style, tone, etc.
- Must not be just a plot synopsis
- Must cite examples from the text(s) to prove your point
- Must be well-structured, with an unambiguous thesis statement, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Final Tips,
Since you know the 101 of writing a thematic essay, here are a few more final tips that you need to go through to execute the perfect piece.
While doing this task, make sure:
- To be attentive towards grammar and spelling
- You properly conclude your complete essay so that readers get the ultimate idea.
- Analyse your work before submitting it to your mentor
- Take your time to go through and don’t rush the essay
- And lastly, proofread your entire content
