For your final essay, you will be creating your own “Happiness Recipe” This means you will think of all of the concepts we have covered in class, as well as others you think of on your own, and decide what truly makes you happy. These things are the “ingredients” in your recipe. Include approximately 3-5.

For example, perhaps I decide that the 3 things in life that I need to work on to be truly happy include establishing a regular exercise routine, incorporating spirituality into my life, and constantly expanding my mind by learning new things.

• I would start by researching what the experts say about these 3 things and how they lead to happiness (“they say”)
• then I would discuss my reactions to these findings, as well as my past experiences and thoughts on these 3 things (“I say”)
• then I would make a plan on how to continue incorporating them even more into my life in the future

Please include research from at least 6 different sources.

Essay should be a minimum of 1,500 words

Remember to include a list of works cited

Final Essay Checklist

Have you remembered to.?  begin with what others say about your topic? (Ch. 1)?  include a thesis statement and underline it??  include quotations from at least 6 different sources??  use quote sandwiches? (introduce the quote, naming the person you’re quoting — include the quote — explain what the quote means in your own words) (Ch. 3)?  use a variety of verbs to introduce your quotations??  remind readers of what others are saying at various points throughout your essay??  clearly express whether you agree, disagree, or both to those you are responding to??  make sure that your argument (your I say) and the argument you are responding to (the they say) address the same topic or issue? Make sure not to go off on a tangent and confuse the reader.?  include a naysayer or a possible objection to your argument? (Ch. 6)?  use metacommentary to explain what you mean (or don’t mean) after you make a point? Use phrases like in other words or don’t get me wrong. (Ch. 10)?  include a title that tells the readers what your main point or issue is? Consider also adding a subtitle. (ex: My Recipe for Joy: Exercise, Spirituality, and Learning for a Life of Happiness)?  include transitions to show how your ideas relate to one another??  show why your argument matters? Don’t assume readers will see why your argument is important or why they should care. Be sure that you have answered so what? and who cares? (Ch. 7)?  include a works cited list at the end of your essay??  use the templates? Pg. 293-306 (in 3rd edition) includes all of the templates in a list format. Bookmark these pages!!!?  proofread your essay before turning it in? Read it silently to yourself at least 3 times, out loud at least once, and try to get someone else to read it for you.?  write at least 1,500 words?