1250-1750-word (+ Works Cited)

How to Turn an Outline Into a Rough Draft

Here is the outline structure for the final paper (Please note that if you wish, you may present the body paragraphs of the counterargument and rebuttal before the three claims of the thesis):

I. Introduction A. Hook (optional) B. Background Info C. Statement of Problem D. Research Question (optional statement of significance here) E. Thesis statement i. Opposition (Counterargument) ii. Assertion (Thesis) iii. Reasons 3+ (Claims)

F. Statement of Significance G. *Optional: Paragraph after introduction that gives more context, additional background info, defines any special terminology, concepts, etc.

II. 1st Body Paragraph(s) supporting Thesis A. Topic Sentence (Claim 1) B. Evidence, Analysis, Significance (quote and paraphrase sandwiches)… C. Significance of claim in support of your thesis

III. 2nd Body Paragraph(s) supporting Thesis A. Topic Sentence (Claim 2) B. Evidence, Analysis, Significance (quote and paraphrase sandwiches)… C. Significance of claim in support of your thesis.

IV. 3rd Body Paragraph(s) supporting thesis A. Topic Sentence (Claim 3): B. Evidence, Analysis, Significance (quote and paraphrase sandwiches)… C. Significance of claim in support of your thesis.

V. Counterargument A. Topic Sentence B. Evidence, Analysis, Significance (quote and paraphrase sandwiches)… C. Significance of claim in support of your counterargument D. Topic Sentence (if supporting counterargument with more than 1 claim) E. Evidence, Analysis, Significance (quote and paraphrase sandwiches)… F. Significance of claim in support of your counterargument

VI. Rebuttal A. Topic Sentence B. Evidence, Analysis, Significance (quote and paraphrase sandwiches)…

C. Significance of rebuttal in the critique of your counterargument

VII. Conclusion A. Restatement of Thesis B. Reminder of why the thesis is better than the counterargument C. Statement of Significance (2-3 sentences) D. Suggest direction for future research

Now, let’s plug in our content with the example argument regarding the universality of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Starting out with our abstract:

There is currently a debate among diplomats, historians, and human rights activists about the degree to which the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) actually represents universal human values. On the one hand, some claim it reflects Western bias, stemming from concepts of cultural, historical, relativism prevalent since Enlightenment-era Europe (citations here). On the other hand, others have pointed to a common set of values in the document that are truly universal in nature, representing the ideals found in a diverse range of historical traditions and foundational texts (citations here). I found evidence of this universality with foundational texts A, B, and C from distinct non-Western religious and philosophical traditions. However, texts D and E point to a more complicated picture. With respect to what it means to live the good life and the teachings of these diverse historical sources, how can we characterize the overall conceptual and historical basis of the UDHR? Although some argue that the concept of human rights contained in this document is based in “Western” thinking and therefore inapplicable to non-Western states, a close reading of Confucian and Islamic texts shows that the ideals contained in the UDHR are in fact universal. This can be seen in the principles of community, responsibility, and state-society relationships found in Confucian and Islamic texts.

… we begin fleshing it out into our introduction, which provides a road map to the reader for the overall structure of our essay. Notice the color coding, where the different sections of the statement of the problem, research question, and thesis statement, including the counterargument, thesis, and three supporting claims become the topic sentences of the body paragraphs.

Gray: statement of the problem Fuchsia: research question Aquamarine: counterargument (opposition) Lime green: thesis (assertion) Yellow: three claims supporting thesis (3 reasons): the main claims that constitute the main ideas of the body paragraphs supporting the thesis Dark green/blue: statement of significance Red: Rebuttal (critique of the counterargument)

I. Introduction A. Hook (optional) B. Background Info: Background information about the creation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, with introduction of key pre-modern texts that give us insight into the attempt to view human rights within a universal framework, etc. C. Statement of Problem: There is currently a debate among diplomats, historians, and human rights activists about the degree to which the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) actually represents universal human values. On the one hand, some claim it reflects Western bias, stemming from concepts of cultural, historical, relativism prevalent since Enlightenment-era Europe (citations here). On the other hand, others have pointed to a common set of values in the document that are truly universal in nature, representing the ideals found in a diverse range of historical traditions and foundational texts (citations here). I found evidence of this universality with foundational texts A, B, and C from distinct non-Western religious and philosophical traditions. However, texts D and E point to a more complicated picture. D. Research Question: With respect to what it means to live the good life and the teachings of these diverse historical sources, how can we characterize the overall conceptual and historical basis of the UDHR? E. Thesis statement i. Opposition (Counterargument: Although some argue that the concept of human

rights contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is based in “Western” thinking and therefore inapplicable to non-Western states. ii. Assertion (Thesis): a close reading of Confucian and Islamic texts shows that the

ideals contained in the UDHR are in fact universal. iii. Reasons 3+ (Claims) the principles of community, responsibility, and state-society

relationships found in Confucian and Islamic texts. F. Statement of Significance: By showing how this document represents universal human values, we can gain insight into how diverse cultures can find common ground and engage in a constructive effort to live the good life, both for ourselves and generations to come.

II. 1st Body Paragraph(s) supporting Thesis A. Topic Sentence (Claim 1): The principle of community as laid out in the Universal

Declaration of Human Rights is found in Confucian and Islamic texts. B. Evidence, Analysis, Significance (quote and paraphrase sandwiches)… C. Significance of claim in support of your thesis

III. 2nd Body Paragraph(s) supporting Thesis A. Topic Sentence (Claim 2): In addition, the principle of responsibility as portrayed in

the UDHR is common in both Confucian and Islamic texts. B. Evidence, Analysis, Significance (quote and paraphrase sandwiches)…

C. Significance of claim in support of your thesis.

IV. 3rd Body Paragraph(s) supporting thesis A. Topic Sentence (Claim 3): Lastly, the principle of relations between society and the

state as outlined in the UDHR is also well represented in Confucian and Islamic texts. B. Evidence, Analysis, Significance (quote and paraphrase sandwiches)… C. Significance of claim in support of your thesis.

V. Counterargument

A. Topic Sentence: Though many people argue that the UDHR represents universal human values, there is a convincing argument that it is based in “Western” thinking and therefore inapplicable to non-Western states. B. Evidence, Analysis, Significance (quote and paraphrase sandwiches)… C. Significance of claim in support of your counterargument D. Topic Sentence (if supporting counterargument with more than 1 claim) E. Evidence, Analysis, Significance (quote and paraphrase sandwiches)… F. Significance of claim in support of your counterargument

VI. Rebuttal A. Topic Sentence: Although the core of this claim of Western bias in the UDHR

appears valid, it suffers from a flaw in its reasoning… B. Evidence, Analysis, Significance (quote and paraphrase sandwiches)… C. Significance of rebuttal in the critique of your counterargument

VII. Conclusion A. Restatement of Thesis: After an in-depth analysis Islamic and Confucian texts, the

evidence overwhelmingly points to the conclusion that the values and ideals of basic human rights contained in the UDHR are universal. B. Reminder of why the thesis is better than the counterargument C. Statement of Significance (2-3 sentences): In order to understand how we can

come to a consensus of what it means to live the good life, it is worth pursuing the idea that members of distinct societies and cultures can establish a common frame of reference. One attempt to do this is to collaborate on universal statements about rights that apply to all human beings, regardless of origin, nationality, ethnicity, economic status, gender, etc. In demonstrating the universal nature of the UDHR, we better understand how diverse cultures can find common ground. Therefore, the good life can be seen as a shared goal, leading to a collaborative effort to create a better world for future generations. D. Suggest direction for future research: Future research on international attempts to

improve human rights could look at….

If all of the above highlighted sections are placed where the reader expects them to be, then it will be much easier for the reader to follow your arguments. That is, the yellow topic sentences should be stated clearly at the beginning of each body paragraph. When the reader sees it, he/she will recall it as part of your thesis statement, and know that this is one of the major claims supporting the thesis. Similarly, when the reader reads the topic sentence of the counterargument, they will remember it from the thesis statement (opposition) and know that you are transitioning to the competing argument. From there, it's just a question of filling out each body paragraph, integrating evidence in the form of paraphrases and direct quotes, with citations, and then analyzing how the evidence supports the claims stated in each topic sentence. Make sure to end each paraphraph by summarizing how that paragraph’s claim is significant in supporting the overall argument, whether it’s the thesis or the countergument.

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Tangjian Shi

Shane McClain

8 & 9 | Course Forum

11/29/2024

Food scarcity："Hunger in a World of Plenty: Addressing the Global Food Scarcity

Crisis"

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Introduction

Food insecurity remains a pressing issue in modern society, exacerbated by systemic

inequities and inadequate access to resources. In this context, Food Policy Councils (FPCs) have

emerged as key players in advancing food democracy and addressing food justice. By fostering

collaboration between grassroots organizations and local governments, FPCs strive to create

equitable solutions for impacted communities, particularly those facing barriers to adequate

nutrition. As Berglund et al. note, “FPCs likely benefit from the increased resources and

expertise that food policy staff can provide while still maintaining their focus on the

community’s interests,” thus ensuring that their efforts address systemic challenges while

empowering local populations (Berglund et al. 92). This dual role of advocacy and action

positions FPCs as vital instruments in combating food insecurity and fostering sustainable,

community-driven food systems.

Significance

Food scarcity is such an important issue in light of its profound impact on global health

and social development. Food scarcity is a violation of human rights because it translates into

malnutrition, which brings along with it, most often, conditions that hit particularly hard people

in: children, women, and inhabitants from poor countries. When food is short that impact has

many ramifications individually-speaking. It reduces overall productivity; increases considerable

health care bills; and is a brake on sustainable development. Besides, food scarcity simply adds

to global inequality and makes the world less stable. Areas where millions live in food insecurity

are filled with peril – the hazards of political instability accompany them. People who find it a

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basic necessity to look after themselves by acquiring food locally, inevitably experience

hardships too. For example, research has shown that episodes of starvation are closely correlated

with conflict in several areas of Africa and the Middle East. As the world grapples with problems

such as climate change, population growth, and favorable use of resources, a new and permanent

answer is needed by us all to ensure food security for future generations. Legislators and global

players alike Aswell must act compactly in tackling this issue head-on. If they do not, the end

result could be that our grandchildren live in a less fair world without resilience.

Context

While the reasons behind food shortages in days gone by included natural disasters such

as droughts and floods, what has been conspicuously lacking this year is disease or pestilence to

disrupt grain production. Take the great Irish Potato Famine in the 19th century for example.

Hundreds of thousands starved to death, and millions more fled or were banned from their land,

living in some back-to-the-wall existence from which only slow escape over two decades broke

what had become a normal condition of modern life. But in modern times, food shortages are

increasingly due not to nature's caprice but rather human activity. Food scarcity is a complex

issue influenced by various factors, including income levels, climate change, and socioeconomic

disparities. Income plays a critical role in shaping food consumption patterns. Jore and Sharma

define the "asymptotic level of consumption" as the phenomenon where food consumption

increases with income only up to a certain threshold, after which it stabilizes regardless of further

income growth. This reflects the physiological limits of the human digestive system, which

prevent unlimited food intake even with higher purchasing power. Such insights are crucial for

understanding food scarcity and food security challenges, particularly in regions where income

disparities determine access to adequate nutrition (Jore and Sharma 23–39). The causes of food

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scarcity are multifaceted, including climate change, wars, and economic disparities. Indigenous

communities, such as the Tsleil-Waututh Nation in Canada, illustrate how food scarcity

disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations. For the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, traditional

foods such as salmon, herring, and shellfish are vital not only for subsistence but also for

religious and ceremonial practices. However, environmental degradation and contamination have

severely threatened these food sources. Despite health advisories from the Canadian government

warning against the consumption of contaminated marine foods, many Indigenous people

continue to rely on these resources due to the lack of nutritional alternatives. This underscores

the complex intersection of cultural preservation and food security challenges faced by

Indigenous communities (Spiegel 21).

Defending the thesis

Food shortages are getting worse and worse. Mozi's teachings and the Dao De Jing,

which stress that people need to maintain a compassionate, unified attitude with respect towards

Mother Earth--are ways to resolve this crisis. Mozi focused on universal love, which

contradicted the fragmentation and self-interest that intensified this scarcity as well as prevalent

thinking of the time. It called for people and governments to take their place responsibly instead.

He argues, “if men were to regard the states of others as they regard their own, then who would

raise his state to attack the state of another? It would be like attacking his own” (Mozi 15). This

call for mutual care and collaboration highlights the potential of collective action to alleviate

food insecurity by prioritizing equitable distribution and eliminating partiality. Also the Dao De

Jing underscores the importance of harmony and balance in humanity’s relationship with nature.

Its principle that the sage "nurtures, but does not interfere" advocates for humility in resource use

and alignment with natural processes, rather than exploitative domination (Dao De Jing, Chapter

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2). Together, such a philosophy points to a conclusion that overcoming food scarcity requires

new ways of thinking, on the one hand, practical solutions. Empathy, shared sacrifice, and

recognition of our interconnectedness are seen in this light as just three aspects of mindset

change. This way, by fostering unity and compassion, hungry people are helped in ways that are

both good for humankind as a whole and that make the earth richer. Confucius's philosophy

emphasizes the importance of mutual care and shared responsibility in creating a harmonious

society, offering a valuable perspective for addressing food scarcity. In the Analects, he

advocates, “You want to establish yourself; then help others to establish themselves. You want to

develop yourself; then help others to develop themselves” (Analects 6:28). This principle

emphasizes that individual well-being depends on collective welfare.Fostering empathy and

mutual support, members of a society are interconnected and can act in concert to make sure

access to food and other basic needs is fairly distributed.This way of thinking calls for a turn of

direction-from self-interest to a shared responsibility-evoking cooperation and kindness in

tackling today''s problems of shortage and injustice.

Conclusion

In solving the problem of food rein short supply, a basic change in the way we think

about and utilize the world's resources is needed.Taken together, this consciousness and teaching

has healthy food as its backdrop. Particularly that “All things are empty: Nothing is born,

nothing dies, nothing is pure, nothing is stained, nothing increases and nothing decreases” (Heart

Sutra), provides deep insight into our current problem.They stress not only how inextricably

connected all aspects of the food system are but also that individual fates really change quickly.

It is suggested then that one seeks results free from selfish desires that are sustainable and

conscientious at all times.

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As an example, rice cultivation, which it turns out actually provides one of the foundations for

the world ’s food security, illustrates well needing to take such an all-encompassing approach. In

addition, being aware of the “emptiness” of individual elements like water, soil and human labor

underscores their interrelations. This encourages us to adopt more sustainable habits such as crop

rotation practices which conserve both topsoil and water use. By uniting traditional techniques

with novel agricultural insights, we can build a system that respects natural cycles and promotes

flexibility.

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Works Cited

Spiegel, Samuel J., et al. "Visual Storytelling, Intergenerational Environmental Justice

and Indigenous Sovereignty: Exploring Images and Stories amid a Contested Oil Pipeline

Project." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 17, no. 7,

2020, doi:10.3390/ijerph17072362.

Berglund, Erika, et al. "Advancing Food Democracy: The Potential and Limits of Food

Policy Positions in Local Government." Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community

Development, vol. 11, no. 1, 2021, pp. 81–98.

Jore, Shubhangi, and R. C. Sharma. "Asymptotic Limit of Food Consumption and

Threshold Level of Income: A Panel Data Analysis of Asian Countries." Asian-African Journal

of Economics and Econometrics, vol. 14, no. 1, 2014, pp. 23-39.

Laozi. Dao De Jing. Translated by Peter Merel, Chapter 2.

Mozi. Mozi. Chapter 15, in Mozi, Zhuangzi, Mencius, Xunzi.

Confucius. The Analects. Translated by Edward Slingerland, Hackett Publishing, 2003,

Chapter 6:28.

The Heart Sutra. Translated by C. George Boeree, Ship University,

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