Write an essay, argue that a social problem exists and how it harms us as a society.

Write an essay, argue that a social problem exists and how it harms us as a society.

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.

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.

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