The topic/issue revolves around the safety and well-being of children and teenagers on social media platforms, particularly TikTok and Meta’s Facebook and Instagram. The main controversy centers around the potential harm these platforms may cause to young users and the measures taken by the companies to protect them.
Instructions:
1. The introduction paragraph should always begin with an opening hook, introduce the topic and its relevance, and then state your thesis. For an argument essay, the thesis should clearly state the issue’s controversy and your viewpoint/position. For a problem-solution essay, the thesis should clearly state the problem and your viewpoint/position on the solutions. Write your essay intended for a general audience that may have very limited knowledge or awareness of the topic.
2. Begin each body paragraph with a clearly focused topic sentence (identifies the main point that you will be discussing) and provide as well as analyze the supporting evidence you have selected from your research sources. In the body, address the following required elements:
for a traditional argument essay approach:
A. (1 paragraph) background information: in your own words, summarize the history of the issue and explain how this controversy/problem developed. Include relevant events and facts that tell the story in order to help your audience understand how/why the controversy has arisen and become increasingly contentious at this point in time.
B. (2 paragraphs) two supporting arguments: provide a detailed explanation of each supporting argument to prove your thesis/claim, at least 2 compelling pieces of quoted evidence for each, in-text source citations, and your thorough as well as persuasive analysis/reasoning of the evidence.
C. (1 paragraph) one opposing argument: provide a summary of the opposing viewpoint’s 1-2 specific reasons for their disagreement, 1-2 key pieces of their evidence, the sources, and some context/explanation for their perspective
D. (1 paragraph) a rebuttal argument: provide an argument that directly argues against each of the opposing viewpoint’s specific reasons already given. For example, your rebuttal could expose and argue against the flaws or weaknesses with the opposing reasons, the validity of their stated key evidence, and/or their source’s credibility). Your rebuttal should also include rebuttal evidence and source(s) of your own.
for a problem-solution essay approach:
A. (1 paragraph) background information: in your own words, summarize the history of the issue and explain how this issue/problem developed. Include relevant events and facts that tell the story in order to help your audience understand how/why the issue has arisen and has become increasingly troublesome at this point in time.
B. (2 paragraphs) two problem arguments: provide a detailed explanation of each problem that results from this issue, at least 2 compelling pieces of quoted evidence for each, in-text source citations, and your thorough as well as persuasive analysis/reasoning of the evidence. Be sure you persuade your audience of the existence and impact of these problems.
C. (2 paragraphs) two solution arguments: provide a clear solution for each problem (explaining how each solution will address/solve the problem), at least 2 compelling pieces of quoted evidence for support for each, in-text source citations, and your thorough as well as persuasive analysis/reasoning of the evidence.
3. When including research, work on fully integrating or “sandwiching” the quotes/paraphrases by providing a lead-in (author’s name and the general subject/context of the quote) and analysis/explanation/commentary after (to clarify the quote’s meaning, indicate what point it helps to prove/support, and explain why/how). Also, cite sources to give proper credit in MLA format (including both in-text citations and a Works Cited).
4. Be sure you use SIX (6) or more research sources, which should include websites (or web articles), RHC Library database articles (e.g., Proquest, Opposing Viewpoints, SIRS), and/or any other print or video sources.
5. Conclude with a rephrasing of your thesis and a strong commentary (e.g., the wider implications of the issue, speculation about future impact, call to action). You may also end with a relevant quotation, a response to an earlier question, etc..
6. Ensure that all borrowed quotes/ideas in the essay are cited and complete source information provided on a Works Cited page. Complete essay and Works Cited page should be at least 6-7 pages total. Lastly, add an original essay title of your own.
7. Re-read, revise, and edit your essay for best results.
