Arguing a Social Issue as a Problem In a 5-7 page essay, argue that a

Arguing a Social Issue as a Problem
 
In a 5-7 page essay, argue that a social problem exists and how it harms us as a society. MLA format 6-8 sources required.
You must choose a topic that in some way relates to a social issue the Mac Donald family faces as they struggle to survive in Southie. My example below is not a problem the family experiences, but you can see the structure to follow.
See below for topics that are restricted from use.

 
Getting started: Constructing the thesis:
 
When we define a problem, the thesis must present that your topic is having negative effects of society– a serious problem that we must look at, be aware of, and want to change.  So for example, when looking at the topic of childhood obesity, the statement of the problem– the thesis statement– needs to include that the potential risks and decline of health is destroying/ impacting their quality of life. (remember that the thesis statement usually comes at the introduction. For this essay assignment, the intro is quite lengthy).
 
The introduction will need to provide some background info that will bring the reader to the conclusion of your thesis statement.  It sets them up with the history and part of the population of whom we speak. This is the “who is doing what to whom?”  For example, what ages do you and your sources consider childhood and what is considered obese?

Notice that your introduction describes the situation as it exists. For example,  the topic of obesity might look at the average size of children and the sedentary life they live. You might start with a narrative hook of the typical eating habits in the day in the life of a typical child: what’s for breakfast: pop-tarts, lunch: hamburger and french fries, and dinner: pre-packaged frozen meals.  Add up the total in-take of fat and calories for the day.  Then follow with the statistic of how much energy one would have to be expended to not gain weight, or you might start using the EXIGENCE of the RHETORICAL SITUATION like a commercial for kids getting to join slim for life or Weight Watchers. Why on earth would kids need to join?
 The intro begs to give the reader the “did you know” type of info. This is where we remember the audience in the rhetorical situation. Again, the intro sets the scene and gives us the picture we need to be dealing with.  How many kids in the US are overweight? At what point do we consider a child obese? How much fat is necessary for a growing child?  Then the statement of the problem will by necessity follow: too many kids are suffering from obesity and it is affecting, not only their quality of life but actual life span– longevity (thesis statement).
 Developing the Body:
Then the body addresses the reasons as to why we should care about the problem and the reasons that support its existence and dangers. For example, developing the idea that childhood obesity is a problem requires reasoning and proof.  In a definition of the problem argument, you must provide reasoning that will make your audience care enough to want to do something about it.  Why should I care that children are obese? Now answer the why portion: (LOGOS) because obese children are suffering from diabetes.  Then develop the reason with the how so (ETHOS/ LOGOS)– the EVIDENCE (see handout over types of evidence): how many children diagnosed and how this affects their life– a lifetime of meds, potential blindness, and any other effects. Then answer the so what: (PATHOS) living with disease affects them emotionally.  They cannot participate in normal childhood activities. Why do I care that they can’t participate? (more PATHOS)– bring in a story of kids who want to be a part of team sports but are ostracized because of inability to perform.( we all can associate with this type of vulnerability).
 
Follow with more reasons:  Use the most compelling information you find in your research.
Reasons are developed by:
stating, explaining, proving, and then making relevant to the thesis statement
 
 Further the development because the argument is complex: (the A paper)
For example, Why else is it a problem to have a nation of obese children: Because the problem manifests itself two-fold.  A poor diet encourages the sedentary life they already live.  Now show how much eating in front of the tv and the amounts of junk food they are passively consuming.  Follow with how these affect the body and the detriments they cause (so what).
 Conclusion:
DO NOT propose a solution! We will look at solving later. Call your audience to action via caring about these victims or recognizing the potential dangers. You may point them in the directions of solutions– the idea of where we should begin to look
For example, with obesity, maybe it is looking into more labeling, programs designed for kids, lessening the school day….etc. But do not go into specific– just bundle. 

Things to think about:
 As you explore the research and reasoning, do you see how complex your issue is? Are you explaining the complications to the reader? Beware of too much information for information’s sake. Long definitions of diabetes complications are not necessary for the obesity topic as presented in this example.
 
Are you getting to the root of the problem? A definition of the problem must prove that the issue exists.  For example, the opposition would say that obesity is their choice.  Is it?
 
***Restricted topics (Not allowed): 
#1. ABORTION (no avenue for mediation)
2. ANY topic that insults or stereotypes a particular religion
3.Guns (policy arguments can feel redundant in this 3 part assignment)
 
Formatting:
MLA:  no cover page, includes Works Cited page (does not count towards length), uses parenthetical citation format
No block quotes
Times New Roman or Calibri 12 point font. 1 inch margins
No I or you