Argumentative Problem- Solution Essay

Select a topic (a problem), then identify an audience, focus it around a purpose, utilize an appropriate tone, and use ethos, pathos, and logos to support your argument.

* Ban List: Unless you have a very compelling idea, smoking (any kind), abortion, capital punishment and gun regulation are not good topics for this paper.*

Be sure essay contains:

- Select a problem that's not on the ban list

- What is/are the background of the topic/topics involved? What are the causes of the issue? Examine those causes. [These might be used as part of the introduction]

*Keep focused only on the most important and recent things that your audience needs to know about the problem that leads into your argument: definitions, events, etc.

*Don't start too vague or too far back in time.

- Focus on one specific part of the problem or cause

*What is the Problem? [Describe in Introduction]

- Select a solution to that problem or cause [This can be a partial solution]

- What is your argument?

* Remember to make a specific argument.

* What evidence are you basing your argument on?

* Remember, the audience you are targeting does not agree with you.

~What can persuade them?

- Why is your issue important? [This might also be part of the introduction]

* How does it affect society today?

* Why do people need to accept your argument?

- Develop logical, ethical, and emotional appeals to support your argument and convince your readers.

* Don't use all emotional appeals or logical appeals; blend the types of arguments you use.

- Cite at least three sources

[You may use more]

* Be sure you are using reliable sources.

- Include a Works Cited