A.S.S. Method

Assert

Support

Summarize

Assert

• Assert (verb) – To state positively; to put forward boldly or forcefully.

• Assertion (noun) – A positive, often unsupported declaration.

• For example: Illegal immigration contributes to California’s

economy. ORIllegal immigrants are draining California’s

economy

Support – Prove it!

• Support (verb) – To bear the weight of; to maintain in position, hold up; to furnish corroborating evidence.

• Evidence (noun) – The data on which a conclusion or judgment can be established.

• Fact (noun) – Information presented as true and accurate.

Support Sample

• “Illegal immigration provides net economic benefits to domestic residents….” (2005 Regional Economies Project)

OR• “Officials in California report that providing illegal

immigrants social services costs the state $3 billion annually.” (Close up Foundation)

Summarize

• Summary (noun) – A condensed statement of the substance or principal points of a larger work.

• Connect the paragraph to the thesis in your essay.

Summary Sample

• Thesis: Punitive immigration policies futilely attempt to restrict entry into the US, wasting taxpayer dollars.

• Summary and link to thesis: If the evidence shows an economic gain from illegal immigration, why on earth are we spending tax dollars to keep folks out?

Summary Sample 2

• Thesis: Current immigration laws don’t go far enough in keeping out illegal aliens.

• Summary and link to thesis: Thus, ineffective border control is costing California taxpayers dearly in health care and social services.

Sample Paragraph Illegal immigration contributes to California’s economy. According to the 2005 Regional economies project, “Illegal immigration provides net economic benefits to domestic residents….” If the evidence shows an economic gain from illegal immigration, why on earth are we spending tax dollars to keep folks out?

Sample Paragraph 2 Illegal immigrants are draining California’s economy. The Close Up Foundation reports that providing illegal immigrants social services costs California $3 billion annually. Thus, ineffective border control is costing California taxpayers dearly.