essay

Researched problem-solution argument instruction

PURPOSE and GENRE This project, a researched argument, can be the continuation of the work you have done in the previous unit. While in the previous unit, you did your own first-hand field research, in this unit, you will be working on finding secondary sources on your chosen subject. In this argumentative essay, you will need to support a solution to a problem and make effective argument. Different from the informative purpose in the previous project, your purpose is to persuade your targeted audience so that they side with you or take the actions that you urge them to take. You will need to persuade your audience why they should side with you or take the actions. You should use researched information rhetorically to achieve the persuasive purpose of your writing.

Chapter 15 (proposing a solution; solution argument) in A&B Guide to Writing provides a detailed description of the genre of a problem-solution essay. We will discuss a few samples of argument in this chapter and from other sources, including an article that we have read in unit 1, which are all researched problem-solution arguments.

AUDIENCE

Like in previous unit, you need to target a SPECIFIC audience, and remember, your instructor is only your secondary audience. The College of the Overwhelmed book targets three audience groups to help solve the college students’ mental health problems: Schools, parents and students themselves. Decide who your primary audience would be: whose minds you would need to swing? Who has the power to solve the problem? Who can you influence? Your audience needs some background on your topic and why they should care before they can be persuaded to act or to agree with you. TASK Write a 1000+ word (approx. 4-5 pages + works cited page) essay that addresses your chosen issue. You must:

1. Describe the background, cause, and significance of your pursued problem. Research should be provided and cited, summarizing and citing credible views that already have addressed the topic as background, and supporting that your topic is timely and significant. Employ rhetorical appeals to effectively create presence for the topic or the impact of the topic. You may also want to integrate your primary research result as you establish the presence of the problem. ( Topic/Problem explanation )

2. Propose a perspective or establish a solution to the problem of your research. You will need to provide details of your solution and support your solution point by point. ( Solution )

3. Justify your stance/perspective by showing how solution(s) is sound and well supported. You may argue from principle, consequence, and analogy/precedent. Provide valid evidence to support your stance. Address complications, counterarguments, alternatives, resistance points, questions, and/or concerns likely to be posed by your audience. ( Justification )

ORGANIZATION There are different ways to organize your essay based on your topic and rhetorical decisions. As a writer, you will need to think about how to establish your logos in writing with the organization of the essay. No matter what organizational scheme you use, you will need include the following components in your writing:

1. Presentation and justification of the topic and present the problem (Introduction)

2. Presentation of your solution (Thesis)

3. Justification (Why should audience support your? what are your major evidence?)

4. Summary and Rebuttal of Opposing Views (Address the counterarguments / alternative voices)

5. Call for action and support (Conclusion)

Some of the above components may go hand-in-hand with each other, for instance, when you present the solution, you may also want to provide the justification or the rebuttal of opposing views. You don't have to follow the exact order of the above components. Create your own writing logic that would be meaningful for your audience.

RESEARCH

This argument should be research-based not opinion-based. One purpose of research is to use evidence to change the way a community thinks about an issue and take some actions to make some changes.

In this essay, you should cite no less than SIX major secondary sources, which all should have a strong presence in your final draft. To ensure credibility of your argument, FOUR of the sources must originate from the credible library database system. You need to establish yourself as a trustworthy, knowledgeable writer (ethos) who supports his/her points with good evidence. You are NOT restricted to English sources; credible sources that are written in other languages can be used as well. But of course, when you write the paper, you need to establish the credibility of the source, translate the source information into English, and write in English. Also, you are not restricted to textual sources. Credible visual sources work just fine, such as TED talks. You may also choose to use the field data that you have obtained via interviews, surveys or other route.

Annotating the sources is an important research skill. You need to practice this skill. In writing up your essay, you need to think about how to incorporate the sources in your writing to show your in-depth rather than superficial engagement with the sources. Show me the evidence of your "Scuba diving", rather than "Jet-skiing" in doing research.

GRADING CRITERIA Grading will be based on the below criteria:

· Well defined topic and a strong presence of the problem, sufficient background information and persuasively presented significance of the problem;

· Clear, specific, argumentative thesis statement that provides a clear solution for the problem

· Logical and well-supported justification with credible evidence

· Objectively presented counterarguments, which are addressed effectively

· Effective conclusion in call to action or support

· Effective use of secondary research

· Correct documentation format, appropriate in-text citation and bibliographic information

· Effective writing process with feedback taken from peers and the instructor

· College level appropriate, genre-appropriate style/tone/grammar, well-achieved coherence and unity

IMPORTANT DATES (Subject to change if deemed necessary)

Brief annotated bibliography due: Sun. April 2

First Draft Due: Sun. April 9

Individual conferencing: Tues. April 11 and Wed. April 12 (No class on Wed. April 12)

Peer-review: Fri. April 14

Self-editing and peer-editing: Mon. April 17.

Final Draft Due: Wed. April 19