Thesis Statement: Use the sentence starter in the box to the right to write your thesis statement. You will just need to add the theme found in the story.

(The theme is the overall message of the story that the author wants the reader to know.)

In the short story “Basketball Blues,” the author uses characterization and conflict to present the theme of….

In the short story "Basketball Blues," the author uses characterization and conflict to present the theme of perseverance and overcoming challenges.