Begin by identifying a problem in society. This could be an injustice, danger, misunderstanding, controversy, or any other situation that would benefit from reexamination or change. A sampling of problems from this morning's headlines includes the following:
- The male characters on the program Girls are inauthentic.
- Despite similar costumes, modern Tea Party values conflict with the values present in Colonial Williamsburg.
- The Caveman Diet lacks scientific rigor.
- People in Ohio are being unfairly jailed for unpaid debts.
If you choose a well-known social issue (e.g.: gun control, abortion, capital punishment) be very careful to choose a very specific aspect of that issue in order to avoid simply restating the well-known, tired arguments on either side of each of these issues.
Similarly, be sure to choose a manageable topic. No one is going to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in 1500 words.
Once you choose a suitable topic, you will write a 1500 word essay that accomplishes the following:
- Describes the situation and demonstrates that a problem truly exists.
- Proposes a specific response (or solution) to the problem.
- Convincingly argues that the proposed response is the best response.
This should be enough to get you started. Please come to Wednesday's class with a list of five possible topics (no need to type this, but you will hand it in). More specific requirements and guidelines will be posted later this week.
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