Social Problems
Description: For your final essay, I would like you to think about a problem that impacts you on a daily basis. This could be an issue that you encounter through your job, on Broward College’s campus, or in your individual community. For instance, you might focus on employers who monitor their employees’ social media accounts, a minimum wage that doesn’t not cover current costs of living, restrictive college textbook costs, a lack of local leash laws in your city, etc. Then, you must argue for a particular change that you would like to occur in order to resolve this problem. Use a combination of both outside sources and your own observations and experiences to develop specific evidence for your argument. Note: Before choosing your topic, consult the list located on the second page of this assignment sheet, which contains ten overused persuasive essay topics that I strongly urge you to avoid.
WRITING TASKS:
· Before you begin your essay, you should choose which stance you will take on the topic (i.e., are you for the topic, against it, or some combination of both). Then, develop a strong, specific thesis that argues a specific claim about that topic (i.e., don’t simply argue “I am for ______” or “I am against ______”). Remember that you must argue about a specific change that you want to see happen in order to rectify your issue.
· To help build the ethos and logos appeals of your argument, you will be required to use at least three sources in your essay. While you may reference sources like personal blogs or Wikipedia in your paper, two of your three sources must be more credible (e.g., articles from magazines, journals, or newspapers; books; government websites, etc.).
· Consider the audience of your essay. Will your reader be receptive to your argument, or will they be strongly opposed to your claims? Your audience’s reaction to your thesis will determine a number of things in your writing, including structure, tone, and evidence. Also, keep in mind that while recognizing opposing viewpoints certainly lends credibility and ethos to your argument, you don’t want to undermine your own claims. Give credit and acknowledgement to other opinions, but simultaneously reinforce your own ideas.
