Thomas and Chambers is an essay format created by Professor Michael Thomas and Professor Catherine Chambers that encourages student writers to explore a particular subject with larger and more meaningful questions Thomas and Chambers essay format challenges student writers to look beyond surface-level arguments and get at the heart of a topic.
Student writers using the Thomas and Chambers format are encouraged to explore a particular subject through five elements: context, history, setting, interpretation, and synthesis. Context allows student writers to bring the reader up to speed on the topic they are exploring, while history encourages students to look at the topic’s roots, origins, and connections. Setting helps students to gain insight on what is currently happening with the topic, while interpretation allows for student writers to form their own interpretations about the topic. Lastly, synthesis assists in connecting ideas together to form a strong, unified argument.
Examples of Thomas and Chambers essay topics include:
1. Exploring the rise of social media and its implications for our generation
2. Examining the implications of artificial intelligence and automation on our society
3. Investigating the effects of climate change on our environment
4. Analyzing the current state of gender roles and how they are impacting our culture
5. Examining the rise of corporate power and its implications for our democracy