Prompt:
You will write an argument essay that answers the following question:
What is a specific problem that exists at Cerritos College, and what is an effective solution to this problem? *
* NOTE: If you currently attend (or previously attended) another college, you can write about a problem that occurs at that college instead.
You will identify a certain problem that students encounter at the college (for example, parking problems, textbook prices, construction noise, etc.). You will explore how and why this problem negatively impacts students. Here are some questions to consider: How long has this problem existed? Why is it a serious problem? In which ways does this problem negatively impact students? Is this a well-known problem, or might people not be aware of this problem? Does this problem impact all students or a particular group of students? Why is it important to address this problem in a timely manner?
After you present the problem, you will then offer a solution to that problem. Your solution must be logical and possible, and you must provide details about how this solution will be achieved and why it’ll be effective. Here are some questions to consider: Will the solution cost money, and where will the money come from? How long will it take to develop and accomplish the solution? In which ways will the solution benefit students? What concerns might people have about the solution, and what is your response to these concerns? Why will your solution be more effective than other potential solutions?
You must use at least two academic sources in order to support and sustain your argument. You need to analyze and interpret your sources in order to demonstrate the ways in which your sources connect to and support your essay’s thesis.
You will need to use MLA format to give credit to your sources with both in-text parenthetical citations and a Works Cited page. For information on citing sources with MLA format, please refer to “Documenting Sources” on pages 423-443 of Elements of Argument.
For information on incorporating quotations into your paragraphs, check out the strategy of Context/Quote/Analysis.
For information on formatting your in-text parenthetical citations, check out MLA Format for Quotes & In-Text Citations.
For information on formatting your Works Cited page, check out Documenting Your Research Using MLA Style (9th ed.).
To locate sources for your essay, check out the following resources:
Talon Marks Newspaper
Cerritos College Library Databases
“Current Issues in Education” Research Guide
“College Education – Its Value” Research Guide
Structure:
Your essay should include a one-paragraph introduction that provides an overview of the problem and explains why the problem needs to be addressed. Your introduction also needs an underlined thesis sentence that states your viewpoint on the problem and offers a clear solution.
Thesis Example: Many students are late to class due to the lack of adequate parking spots at Cerritos College; however, building a four-story parking structure in Lot 7 will enable students to find a parking spot easily and arrive on time to class.
Thesis Example: Students often eat unhealthy snack food due to the shortage of nutritious food options, and so Cerritos College’s student government should create a plan that encourages healthy food companies to sell their products on the college campus.
Your essay will also need several body paragraphs that offer support for your assertions. Your support will come in the form of evidence and appeals to needs and values. Your body paragraphs should fully explore the specific problem and its effective solution. For more information on incorporating support for your viewpoint, please refer to the following pages of Elements of Argument:
“Evaluating Factual Evidence,” pgs. 200-201
“Evaluating Expert Opinion,” pg. 205
“Strategies for Evaluating Appeals to Needs and Values,” pg. 218
Your essay should include a one-paragraph conclusion that paraphrases your thesis and main points. Your conclusion will emphasize the seriousness of the problem and the effectiveness of the solution.
You must also include a Works Cited page that properly identifies and gives credit to your sources. You must use a separate sheet of paper for your Works Cited page. (For an example of a Works Cited page, please refer to page 443 of Elements of Argument.)
Essay Format:
The Rough Draft must be at least 500 words minimum. Your Rough Draft must be typed and posted in the “Peer Review.”
Your Final Draft must include at least 1,000 words minimum of polished prose. Your Final Draft should be typed, double-spaced, and should use 12 pt. Times New Roman font.
Write your last name and the page number on the upper right hand corner of each page of your Final Draft.
The header for your essay should be single-spaced and placed in the upper left hand corner of your first page. This is the header for your Rough Draft:
Your Name
Ms. Mata
English 103
1 July 2024
ROUGH DRAFT
This is the header for your Final Draft:
Your Name
Ms. Mata
English 103
6 July 2024
FINAL DRAFT
The essay should have a title that is centered at the top of the page, below the header.
Because this is a Problem/Solution Essay, please use the third person (he/she/it/they/students). Do NOT use first person (I/me) or second person (you/your).
In order to identify typos, please proofread your essay before turning it in.
GRAMMAR, PUNCTUATION, AND FORMAT COUNT ON THIS ESSAY, so please contact me or the Success Center if you have any questions or concerns about your essay.
