Class 17

EWRT 1A

Agenda1. Review• Describing the problem• The solution: the thesis• Outlining the plan

2. Planning for objections: the counterargument3. Evaluating Alternative Solutions4. Research? • Investigate• Interview• Read

Essay #4Looking at the parts of the essay

Presentation of the problem: Look at what you have. Add the following:

A few sentences that argue that the problem exists.

A few sentences that argue that this problem is serious.

A few sentences that outline the causes of this problem.

What are the consequences of failing to solve the problem?

Make a list of the consequences of failing to solve this problem.

Put the list into paragraph form.

Thesis Statement: Review

You have probably written your thesis statement already. If so, refine it, and copy it into your draft here.

If you have not yet written it, write one or more sentences to serve as your tentative thesis statement. In most essays proposing solutions to problems, the thesis statement is a concise announcement of the solution. Think about how emphatic you should make the thesis and whether you should forecast your reasons.

Description of the proposed solution

Read your first draft of your proposed solution.

Explain why it would solve the problem.

Show why or how it is possible.

Revise!

List of steps for implementing the solution

You should have written out these steps for your homework.

Now, put your steps into paragraph form. Make sure to use transitions and connecting words so the paragraph does not read like a list. Explain what you mean as you go through the steps.

Planning a Counterargument

Anticipate Objections.

Write a few sentences responding to the following objections you think are most likely:

We can’t afford it.

It would take too long.

People would not do it.

Too few would benefit.

You would benefit personally.

We already tried that, with unsatisfactory results.

Consider Alternative SolutionsThis requires thinking! Remember, ultimately, you are going to show why your solution is better than these alternatives!

Considering Alternative Solutions

List two or three alternative solutions that others have proposed or tried. You may have discovered these alternatives while you were looking for a good solution. You may find other alternative solutions when you start your research. You do not have to list every solution that has been mentioned, but you should include the most popular or serious alternatives. If you include only obviously weak solutions in your argument, your credibility will be harmed and you could be accused of committing the straw man fallacy, which involves directing your counterargument against an alternative that nobody takes seriously anyway.

Developing your evaluation of alternative solutions

Write a paragraph for each alternative solution you think you should include in your argument. Describe the alternative solution fairly, quoting supporters if possible. Then work out the reasons you believe the alternative solution

would not be feasible,

would not solve the problem,

would not be approved,

would be hard to implement, or

would be too costly, disruptive, or time-consuming to put into effect.

Plan Follow-Up Research. Add notes to those you took

yesterday about the kinds of information you think would help make your counterargument convincing for your readers and where you think you can find this information.

Homework Post #20

Notes and brainstorming for your counterargument Your consideration of alternative solutions

Make notes about what kind of information you need to support your arguments. Bring those notes to the Library Workshop: Class 18

Study for Vocabulary Test 4: 19-23