2. Writing... When we write for this class, we our essentially proving an argument. We will learn a method of organizing our thoughts that will help you for the rest of your educational career

3. AEA A= Assertion You may have called this a “topic sentence” at middle school. An assertion is a one sentence statement in support of or against a thesis. An assertion is the writer’s opinion.

4. E= evidence Evidence consists of the facts or ideas that support the assertion. Evidence is primary or secondary. Primary comes directly from a qualified expert; secondary comes directly from a printed source that is reputable. Evidence supports the assertion made by the writer.

5. Analysis Analysis explains how the evidence supports the assertion. Analysis consists of the writer’s thoughts and ideas. There will be more analysis than evidence or assertion.

6. Prompt: Do dogs or cats make better pets? Assertion: Because dogs are useful around the house, dogs make better pets. Evidence: “78percent of dog owners report that their dogs alert them when someone comes to the door” (Thompson 31). Analysis: A pet that can bark or alert its owner when something out of the ordinary happens is very useful. A dog serves as an early warning system for its owners by barking. This could potentially stop a threat.

7. Because dogs are useful around the house, dogs make better pets. “78percent of dog owners report that their dogs alert them when someone comes to the door” (Thompson 31). A pet that can bark or alert its owner when something out of the ordinary happens is very useful. A dog serves as an early warning system for its owners by barking. This could potentially stop a threat. Furthermore, “dogs can be trained to fetch household objects” (Smith 81). A dog can potentially help its owners with everyday household tasks. It could go get slippers or even the newspaper. These characteristics clearly show that dogs are an asset to their owners.