This time make a conscious
attempt to begin to isolate the single most important generalization the
author makes: his thesis. Follow his line of thought; try to get some sense
of structure. The thesis determines the structure. Once you begin to sense
the structure, you'll be able to determine the thesis. What is the main point
the author is making? Where is it? Remember, examples or "for
instances" are not main points. The thesis is the generalization the author
is attempting to prove valid. Your job then is to ask yourself, "What is the
author trying to prove?'.