Hi,
Below are the instructions from the professor; we are technically combining papers 1 and 2 and elevating the research more, presenting counterarguments/other points of view, digging deeper into the issue and providing the best possible solution, and providing more context.
Our research focuses on selecting one of the many wicked problems the world faces. The topic I selected is “Street Gangs,” I intend to write about what they are, their root causes, their history, their adaptability, and their power. One interesting fact is that there is currently a promising solution to eradicate and control such groups; of course, modifications can be made to the policy to fit each country’s needs, but the President of El Salvador seems to be having success. I included a few research about this topic as well as providing you an outline that could possibly help you; feel free to take a look if not create your own.
Professor Instructions:
Please submit a 10-page pre-write/draft for review by 11:59 PM PST. Ensure that the submission contains an introduction paragraph(s) with a thesis statement. Outline the expected sections in the paper. Dedicate 1-2 pages of the submission to expanding on the solution(s) focus of Paper 3 by proposing an arguable solution to the issues discussed in Papers 1 and 2.
Note: This draft will be peer-reviewed by your classmates.
5 % of this grade is your pre-writing/rough draft
Paper 3
Context: In Paper 1, you defined an issue or problem by describing and showing the characteristics of that issue. In Paper 2, you took the next step in developing your research by tracing the history of that problem or by creating a comparative study of existing work in a literature review. In Paper 3, you will combine and revise these first papers and extend to include a counterargument(s), a refutation of the counterargument, and proposal of a solution to the problem.
The goal of Paper 3 is to create a fully formed research paper that could be submitted for review of potential scholarship. As such, it is expected that research done in Paper 1 or 2 is likely to be replaced or elevated before the Paper 3 submission. The combination of Papers 1 and 2 is expected to make up about half of the final draft for Paper 3, with the remaining pages being devoted to new work that presents and refutes a counterargument(s) and proposes a possible solution, arguing that solution as the best possible solution at present given available information/your research.
In a basic break down:
Introduction paragraph(s)
3-5 Pages spent defining the problem (its effects and characteristics) and answering the “so, what?” question.
3-5 Pages spent on a historical casual analysis of the problem or on a literature review analysis of comparative studies
7-10 Pages presenting a claim regarding a possible solution to the problem based on its definition and causes/available information; presenting a credible counterargument(s) to the proposed solution that is followed by a refutation of that counterargument.
Conclusion
Counterargument(s) & Refutation:
A crucial approach to validating your argument involves refuting opposing viewpoints:
demonstrating the flaws in their logic
factual inaccuracies
or deliberate attempts to mislead
This may include:
exposing false premises
erroneous causal explanations
invalid evaluations
or ineffective solutions proposed by alternative arguments
Remember: considering various positions on your topic not only showcases your comprehensive understanding but also enhances your credibility by demonstrating a well-rounded perspective. The purpose of your refutation is twofold: first, to establish that your argument is more persuasive, effective, or logical than alternatives; and second, to position yourself as a credible authority on the topic. To achieve this, provide a detailed, objective summary of the argument you disagree with in your own words. Construct a thorough refutation by highlighting incorrect assumptions, errors in logic or fact, or any biases present in the opposing argument. Support your position with relevant research sources that align with your perspective.
Ensure the refutation remains relevant to the argument you are constructing for your final essay and avoid creating or using a logical fallacy.
You may include an additional counterargument outside of the expected solutions section. An example of other counterarguments you could include are: Those that say the issue isn’t genuinely a problem or those that have alternative opinions on causes. Direct your refutation against a secondary source, avoiding primary materials like claims made in advertisements. This approach ensures a robust and well-supported refutation to strengthen your final essay.
*For more assistance and guidance on this element please refer back to the Canvas module- Week 11.
Proposal of “Best” Possible Solution (for now):
Propose the best possible solution, based on your research, to the problem you have described in your previous essays. You are required to locate and use at least three research sources in your essay (course texts do not count toward your total, though you may use them in your essay).
In essence, this is an argumentative research paper focused on presenting the best possible solution given your research on available information. This is not a persuasive essay for one side, nor is it a defense for multiple solutions. Make sure your paper is addressing this key aspect of the prompt.
