1. + Warm Up Pick up the grammar warm up and complete it. You have 5 mintues.

2. + Comma or no comma Fused sentences (AKA run-on sentences) are two independent clauses smashed together with no punctuation. Incorrect grammar Comma splices are two independent clauses combined using a comma. STILL incorrect grammar!! Two independent clauses must use a comma AND conjunction to be combined. Otherwise, use a period or semicolon (if you know how)

3. + Writing the Argument Essay: Constructing a Thesis ENGLISH 1301

4. + The Position An argumentative paper makes a claim about a topic and justifies this claim with specific evidence. The claim could be an opinion, a policy proposal, an evaluation, a cause-and- effect statement, or an interpretation. The goal of the argumentative paper is to convince the audience that the claim is true based on the evidence provided.

5. + Argumentative Thesis Statement Example: High school graduates should be required to take a year off to pursue community service projects before entering college in order to increase their maturity and global awareness. The paper that follows should: Present an argument and give evidence to support the claim that students should pursue community projects before entering college

6. + Your goals Write an argument to convince the audience concerning the nature of happiness Develop a statement that reflects your argument Construct at least three crucial points to prove your argument Offer examples, details, facts, anecdotes (but watch the use of “I”), etc. Ultimately, your audience should be convinced that you understand something profound about the nature of happiness.

7. + Is this thesis good or bad? The state of happiness is subjective. Happiness is subjective and is not easily described since it may vary as a result of numerous factors, among them culture and social class. I believe happiness is subjective and based on numerous factors. Happiness is getting what you want because that makes everyone feel better. It is important that one understand that happiness is subjective, based on ever-changing ideas and circumstances.

8. + Thesis Checklist Did I answer the question? Re-reading the question prompt after constructing a working thesis can help you fix an argument that misses the focus of the question. Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? If your thesis simply states facts that no one would, or even could, disagree with, it’s possible that you are simply providing a summary, rather than making an argument. Is my thesis statement specific enough? Avoid making broad, general statements.