THIS IS MY FINAL ESSAY:

Project 2 Research Essay: Thesis, Outline, Draft

You will submit this entire document in Unit 9. You will copy and paste your full draft in the discussion board in Unit 10

You must submit this document in the assessment folder titled Project 2. You must copy and paste the full draft in the discussion board titled Project 2 Peer review for the finished Research Essay to be accepted for evaluation at full value.

Thesis

Note: Please follow this structure _____Title of source_________evaluation of source _______frameworks used (optional). IE) Foodbanks are integral by Alex Boyd(2023) is a great article that uses accuracy, authority, and appeal to emotion to support the main claim. DO NOT WRITE A THESIS ABOUT ANY TOPIC YOU WISH.

Outline

Feel free to use or adapt/ change the outline template below.

INTRODUCTION

Hook or Inciting Idea:

Background Context:

Main Source--author, title, one-sentence summary:

Provisional Thesis:

SUMMARY

Statement of issue/problem, thesis/message, reasons/narrative events:

RESPONSE

1. First claim critiquing the main source (tied to the thesis): TS

• Textual evidence from the main source:
• Textual evidence from (one or more) research source(s):

1. Second claim critiquing the main source:

• Textual evidence from the main source:
• Textual evidence from research source(s):

1. Third Claim critiquing the main source:

• Textual evidence from the main source:
• Textual evidence from research source(s):

CONCLUSION

Restatement of the thesis in new words:

New question(s):

Concluding statement:

Draft

Write a full first draft (Intro, Summary, Critical Response, Conclusion(s), References). Then submit this entire document to the assignment folder and copy/paste just the draft here to the Discussion Board.

Introduction:

How does the design of a city influence our sense of connection and wellbeing? For many, the way a city is structured directly impacts their physical and social engagement, with car-dependent urban planning sometimes limiting daily interactions and personal mobility. This issue is especially relevant in a city like Toronto, where urban sprawl and reliance on vehicles have created barriers to a more community-oriented lifestyle. In her article "Toronto, I love you but you're bringing me down: Why my beloved hometown makes me feel like I don't have a body anymore," published in the Toronto Star on October 5, 2024, Julia Belluz discusses how Toronto's car-centric design contributes to a sense of disconnection and decreased quality of life. Belluz's article is effective because she uses accuracy, relevancy, and currency to support her claim that reducing car dependency and fostering walkable, community-oriented spaces can greatly enhance Toronto's livability.

Summary

Julia Belluz's article, "Toronto, I love you but you're bringing me down: Why my beloved hometown makes me feel like I don't have a body anymore," addresses the issue of Toronto's car-dependent urban design and its negative impact on residents' physical and social wellbeing. After living in walkable, transit-friendly cities like Paris and Vienna, Belluz felt disoriented and disconnected upon her return to Toronto, where car reliance restricted her mobility and social engagement. She argues that by focusing on pedestrian-friendly development and reducing car dependency, Toronto could significantly enhance the quality of life for its citizens. The author supports her claim through accuracy, relevancy, and currency.

First Claim (Accuracy)

Julia Belluz's article accurately portrays the disconnect felt in car-centric cities and its impact on residents' physical and social wellbeing. The author describes feeling "disembodied" in Toronto's car-dominated landscape, stating, "I felt like I didn't have a body anymore... Toronto's sprawling layout made everything more distant and disconnected" (Belluz, 2024).

According to a 2020 study by William Lamond from York University's Faculty of Environment and Urban Change, car-centric planning significantly reduces walkability and access to communal spaces, thereby limiting opportunities for social interaction and fostering a sense of isolation (Lamond, 2020). This aligns with Belluz's sentiment of disconnection and isolation in a car-dependent environment by highlighting how reliance on car travel can reduce social interactions and negatively impact mental health. Lamond's study provides evidence that reinforces the accuracy of Belluz's portrayal of the consequences of car-centric urban planning.

Second Claim (Relevance)

The author's discussion on urban design and wellbeing is particularly relevant to current urban planning debates as more people move to cities. Belluz emphasizes that Toronto's current design could be reshaped to enhance quality of life, stating, "By prioritizing walkable spaces and reducing car dependency, Toronto could make city living more enjoyable for everyone" (Belluz, 2024).

According to a 2020 study conducted by King's College London, even small increases in vehicle emissions were linked to significant spikes in clinical depression among residents in polluted neighborhoods, understanding the mental health costs of car-centric urban environments (Wilson, 2020). Moreover, the study highlighted the benefits of active and public transportation modes, which not only reduce exposure to harmful emissions but also promote mental wellbeing through physical acitivity and social interaction. These findings reinforce Belluz's argument that prioritizing walkable spaces and reducing car dependency could substantially improve urban living and public health.

Third Claim (Currency)

The article's recent publication date enhances its credibility and relevance to ongoing conversations about sustainable urban design. Published on October 5, 2024, Belluz's article discusses Toronto's current state and the impact of its car-reliant culture, making it very significant to readers.

Supporting the currency of Belluz's argument a peer reviewed article published in 2024, "Travel Behaviour and the 15-Minute City" discusses the evolving trends in urban mobility, with a focus on how cities like Toronto are adapting to the concept of the 15-minute city where residents can access essential services within a short walk or bike ride (Yu & Higgins, 2024). This aligns with the current global push for sustainable urban planning solutions to reduce car dependency. This creditable source supports the currency of Belluz's article by pointing toward the issue of car density being an ongoing and current issue.

Conclusion:

The article by Julia Belluz highlights the pressing need for Toronto to shift away from car-centric urban planning and towards a more pedestrian-friendly design that promotes physical and social wellbeing. This shift could transform the quality of life in Toronto, making the city more livable and connected. Will Toronto prioritize walkability and community-oriented spaces as the city continues to grow? And what steps can policymakers take to balance the needs of current infrastructure with a vision for a more inclusive, sustainable future? By reimagining city spaces, Toronto has the opportunity to create an environment where both individuals and communities can thrive.

I HAVE TO DO PROJECT 3 BASED ON MY FINAL ESSAY THAT I PROVIDED ABOVE:

Project 3 Public Communication

From Units 1-11, you analyzed and evaluated a source. For your final project units 11-13, you will give your opinion on the issue/topic from Project 2.

Unit 12: Opinion Piece

1. How do editorials, op-eds, and columns differ as public communication formats? (100 words)

1. Which format of public communication do you prefer, and why?

1. Highlight the public communication piece you will write:Editorial, Op-ed, or Column.

1. State your topic, your thesis, and your support.

What is the debatable question you would like to answer? Turn that question into a statement and give three reasons to support your thesis.

E.g.,) Issue: Foodbanks

Question: Should the government provide more funding to Canadian food banks?

Thesis Statement:The government needs to provide more funding to Canadian food banks because of inflation, low wages, and the high cost of food.

Reasons: inflation, low wages, high cost of food.

Issue:

Question:

Thesis:

Reasons:

1. List Sources 1-3 sources. Find a few sources you used to find information about your topic. You can use the same sources from Project 2 if you wish.

1. What types of Rhetorical Appeals will you use to capture the attention of your audience? (Logical, emotional, and ethical)

1. Write the Opinion Piece

Outline (point form)

Draft 350 words

1. Final written piece (Graded)

Unit 13: Presenting

Analyze the digital presentation: How Books Can Open Your Mind by Lisa Bu

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ibCtsHgz3Y

1. What did Lisa do in her opening to engage the audience?

1. How did she close her presentation?

1. What other techniques did you notice about her presentation that was engaging?

1. What are two delivery techniques Lisa used in her presentation?

At the end of Unit 13:

• Upload this completed file and your audio or audio/video presentation in the Project 3 Public Communication assignment folder. Remember to ensure that you present in a manner that is according to your type of opinion piece. For example, you can take on that tone and voice since the columns are informal and casual. Editorials are more formal, so you may want to take on a more serious manner (similar to news broadcasters)