Thesis statement

1-Clear, avoids vague language
2-Avoid "I"
3-Reflects what the text is about (main idea)
4-Connects all the subelements of the text
5-Makes a claim
6-Passes the "so what ?" test (Provacative)
7-Directs the structure of the argument
8-Introduces an essay
9-Determines the type of paper you write
10-Uses literary elements
11-Makes use of a "quotation" (as evidence to support it)

Three components:
1-What: Claim (interpretation) about the text
2-How: The literary elements (figures of speech, symbolism, theme) Support your claim
3-Why: The significance of your claim answers the question: So what?

Bad thesis statements:
1-This poem shows the narrator comparing his love to a summer's day. (more of a plot summary)
2-The poem presents the power of love to conquer death (too universal)
3-The poem shows how narratives can last while nature cannot. (too general)
4-The poem proves that the pen is mightier than the sword. (cliché)
5-The structure, character and dialogue in the poem show us how humans search for knowledge. (list)

Good thesis statement:
1-Despite it's emphasis on love and physical beauty, the poem reveals the ways in which humans can triumph over the vagaries(changes) of nature. (images, qualities are specific, arguable, provides a structure for your argument, it goes beyond "so what?": it's provocative)