1. Instructions & Requirements
For this essay assignment, you will write an argumentative essay that proposes a solution to a particular, local problem. The state is Louisiana and the city is Bogalusa (Country USA). You will identify a problem, analyze the causes and effects of the problem, offer a detailed, feasible recommendation to solve the problem, and identify the benefits and costs (strengths and weaknesses) of your proposed solution. You will anticipate possible objections to your recommendation and also discuss possible alternative solutions and counter them.
Essay is a minimum of 800 words, excluding your Works Cited page..
Essay incorporates a minimum of 3 scholarly sources.
o. You also may use other appropriate, credible sources, but there must be a minimum of 3 scholarly sources found in the Library Databases for this essay assignment.
Relevant and appropriate field research (interviews/surveys) may count as one of your minimum three scholarly sources. You may choose to use both a personal interview(s) and a survey to support your argument; however, field research can only count for one of your required three scholarly sources.
Essay meets genre requirements for a problem-solution essay and demonstrates critical thinking skills. Your essay should examine the causes and effects of the problem and provide a feasible solution that can be easily implemented to solve the problem (or at least make a difference).
Essay avoids plagiarism and follows MLA format for document style as well as for incorporating and citing sources, including a works cited page.
2. Grading Criteria
Essay meets all assignment requirements (including word count, number of sources, and deadlines):
Language and Porm
Essay demonstrates the characteristics of a problem-solution essay, including a thesis statement that is an arguable claim (proposed solution).
Essay demonstrates clear essay structure with an effective title, introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
Writer uses formal academic writing voice and avoids use of second person and unnecessary use of first person. Language use, tone, and style of writing is engaging and pays attention to purpose and audience expectations.
Essay contains few (if any) errors with grammar and mechanics.
Content and Development
Writer provides a sensible solution as they analyze the problem and its causes and effects.
Essay meets minimum word count requirements and includes a well-developed solution to a problem. Writer applies good critical thinking skills to develop and support position.
Writer avoids serial quoting: writer’s voice is prominent in essay and is not overshadowed by
Writer uses rhetorical appeals to persuade readers to the validity of the solution.
Essay includes a discussion on the costs/benefits of implementing the proposed solution (examines the strengths and weaknesses of recommended course of action).
Essay anticipates and responds to possible reader objections and questions, with at least one alternative solution examined and rejected.
Essay is focused and demonstrates unity, coherence, and clarity. (Writer stays on track with thesis, writing is well organized, ideas are logically connected, and sentences are clear in meaning.)
Sources and MILA
Writer uses credible, scholarly evidence to support ideas. The number and types of sources meet assignment requirements (a minimum of three library sources).
Writer effectively integrates use of sources into writing and avoids dropped in quotes. Writer introduces source to reader, correctly cites using signal phrases and in-text parenthetical citations and explains how the source connects to the discussion.
Writer avoids distorting evidence to meet needs.
Essay avoids plagiarism; writer uses MLA style in-text parenthetical citations that coincide with source citations on a Works Cited page; in-text citations and source citations are correctly written. Writer uses MLA document format style
3. Textbook Resources
Writing Matters
Chapter 6f: Revising with Peers, pages 93-94
Chapter 8b: Choosing an Engaging Topic, pages 148-149
Chapter 12: Planning a Research Project, pages 222-236
Chapter 13: Finding Information, pages 237-262
Chapter 18: Documenting Sources: MLA Style, pages 334-396
4. Prewriting
Finding a Problem
First, you need to identify a problem that needs solving. You will want to identify something clear and specific, and generally the best topics for this assignment are problems that you have experienced yourself. Once you have identified your problem, you will need to identify your audience – those who have the power to implement your solution.
Choose a topic that affects you directly or has affected you directly in the recent past or that you have observed. Try to choose the most specific problem you can.
Some of the best topics are ones related to your job or a group that you belong to (such as school clubs, church groups, or other organizations).
Begin identifying a problem by brainstorming groups that you belong to and problems that those groups have.
Start by making a list of groups/activities you participate in, for example: