AP Independent Book Project: Final Exam
Thematic Essay: An explication and discussion of one of the novel’s themes. The theme may relate to human
nature, relationships, society etc. It is an abstract concept that becomes concrete through its representation in
characters, action, and imagery in the work. Your thesis should address not only the theme but how the author
develops that theme. You may wish to approach this essay by considering the author’s purpose in writing the
novel and how different elements of the work support that purpose. You may wish to approach the theme from
one of the following ways. You might isolate the main conflict in the book, identify how the elements of that
conflict come together in the climax, and determine what the resolution to that conflict suggests. Alternatively,
you might trace recurrent patterns of images throughout the work and recognize their function in illuminating
and developing the novel’s theme. Remember, each novel will have several themes.
(3 pages minimum)





Your final exam essay is due Monday, May 11 (A Day) or Tuesday, May 12 (B Day)
Everything should be printed and ready to turn in at the beginning of the class period
No late projects will be accepted—no exceptions
You must turn in your rough draft with your final essay
Note: The Final Exam is 20 percent of the semester average and is a requirement of this course. Failure
to take the final exam at the scheduled time will result in a failing grade and possible failure of the
course.
Formatting Requirements: Papers that deviate from this format will not be accepted.
Papers should be:
 Typed
 double-spaced
 12 point Times Roman font
 default margins (1.25” left and right, 1” top and bottom)
 Include page #s and your name as a header on each page
 Direct quotations should be followed by author’s last name a page # in parentheses
Papers should be free from spelling and grammatical errors. Multiple errors in either of these areas will result
in a failing grade.
Plagiarized papers will receive a zero with no opportunities for revision.
Constructing your Thesis Statement
EXAMPLE of a THEMATIC STAMENT: In Cold Sassy Tree, Olive Ann Burns presents the idea that death
is not only an ending but also a chance for new beginnings when those who are still alive take the opportunity to
learn from it.
Work: _____________________________ Thematic Idea: _______________________________
Model: In ______________________________________, ____________________ presents the
(Name of literary work)
(Name of the author)
Idea that _______________________ _________________________________________________________
(thematic idea)
(assertion about what the literature teaches the reader about the thematic idea)
EXAMPLE of a THESIS STATEMENT that contains a THEMATIC STATEMENT:
Through the symbol of the scarlet letter and his characterization of Hester in The Scarlet Letter,
Hawthorne reveals the theme that conforming to society’s moral code can cause an individual to
compromise her identity.