Humanity v Nature
For this assignment students will write a persuasive research essay. The essay should explore an environmental topic in a problem/solution format. Students should research and describe a problem currently facing us and our environment. Students should also research and report on solutions to that problem offered by experts. Students should analyze the solutions and discuss which they see as the best and most practical. Each student thesis should make a claim about what they see as the best solution to the problem. Remember a thesis has two parts. First, the claim (what the writer wants the audience to do and or believe). Second, the reasons (why the audience should do and or believe whatever the claim is).
The presentation and analysis of data and expert opinions (evidence that supports the reasons) will take place in the body paragraphs of the essay. Example Thesis: “The best kind of reusable grocery bag is a recycled plastic bag because it is reusable, washable and the materials have already been taken out of the environment.” Here the problem may have been described as all the waste created by disposable plastics. The solution, to figure out what kind of grocery bag is the most eco-friendly.
Topic development will be extremely important. Students will want to choose something manageable (something that isn’t “too big” to write about in the allotted page count). Research will also be essential. High quality sources need to be used—popular media physical resources students may use. Students need to use a minimum of 4 sources. There are a variety of topics students could possibly write on: alternative/sustainable energy, specific endangered species or environments; the impact of the food industry on the environment; what we do with our waste; plastic and waste in the ocean; how will we feed the growing population; rising sea levels and coastal cities. This is a very, very short list to get you started thinking. There are many possible topics. If you have an idea but are unsure, discuss it with me. The essay should be 4 pages in length (5 pages maximum). All essays need to meet the requirements of the good writing rubric on the syllabus. All essays need to use APA for formatting and citation (in-text citations and a works cited page). The assignment is worth 200 Points.
