Final answer:
The thesis statement from the historical essay is a claim of policy because it advocates for a specific action concerning Washington, D.C.'s statehood. The claim is supported by examining historical intention and assessing economic outcomes. Building a strong case requires authoritative information and the flexibility to adjust the claim based on the evidence available.
Step-by-step explanation:
The thesis statement in question makes a claim of policy, as it proposes a specific course of action that should or should not be taken, which is the non-admission of Washington, D.C. as the 51st state. The claim fits this designation because it directly addresses whether a change should occur regarding the political status of the nation's capital. To support this claim, the author should provide evidence that is both historical and economic in nature. Historical evidence might include documents, records, or interpretations of the Founding Fathers' intentions. Economic evidence could be comprised of economic analyses, data, budget reports, and precedent cases where changes in statehood did not result in economic benefits.
Collecting evidence is crucial for building a strong argument, especially when drafting an argumentative essay. It involves analyzing relevant readings, staying open to altering the claim if the evidence does not support it, and following guidelines to locate authoritative information. In supporting a claim, it is important to use evidence that is true and credible, and one must be willing to modify the stance if necessary.