Thesis statements (including other written exercises) will be evaluated on a Pass/Fail basis. A passing grade will be given if the written assignment demonstrates that the student has given a good faith effort to complete the assignment.

You must bring two copies of the thesis statement to class. One copy should be printed on the Thesis Statement Form, and turned in at the beginning of each class. You will keep the second copy of the thesis statement to be used in class discussion. The Primary Traits Analysis below refers to the criteria by which the thesis statement will be evaluated.

Primary Traits Analysis

Academic Problem for Interpretation
	The problem should be related to the essay topic (but should not simply repeat the essay topic); it should raise questions about the assigned biblical texts.
Thesis
	The thesis should be the synopsis of an argument addressing the problem. The thesis will state the solution to the problem.
Evidence
	The evidence should support the thesis and may come from a wide range of sources: the biblical text, other ancient Near Eastern texts, historical and archaeological materials, and the social world of ancient Israel.

One point will be given for the successful completion of each part of the thesis statement, for a maximum of three points.