Humanities Homework Help

Your Argument Essay (ProblemSolution) will be at least 4 pages +5 lines (on the 5th page) and no more than 5 pages and be completed following proper MLA format. (Note: if your essay is shorter than the minimum length, then 1 point will be deleted for each line short; also, the required Works Cited page is not included in the length count)

Rhetorical Situation:

G/S – academic argument essay (problem/solution); you are the author
A – Professor, classmates and a broad American audience who need to hear your view
P – Demonstrate to the professor and classmates that you understand and can apply the principles of academic argumentation in writing.
T – informed, personal, reasonable (1 person allowed)

Topic: st
The topic choices for the argument (problemsolution) essay come from the Tuesdays with Morrie journal topics. Pick one focus and develop an essay using at least four (4) sources to support your ideas.

• Journal 1: People seem to be more narcissistic, cynical, or isolated than ever. It seems like joy and hope are diminishing and darkness is expanding. Explain reasons for this condition (real or imagined) and explore solutions for making the world a better place. What can we do as individuals, or communities, or maybe even countries, to make the world a better place?
• Journal 2: Is it possible to live a life without regrets? Maybe not completely, but it is certainly possible to minimize regrets. Discuss what causes regrets and what mindset, strategies, habits, or choices one should implement in order to build a life with few regrets.

Journal 3: During “The Fourth Tuesday We Talk About Death” chapter, Morrie says, “Everybody knows they are going to die, but nobody believes it. If we did, we would do things differently.” Explain some of the problems with living life carelessly, and then propose some essential solutions for being intentional or mindful in creating a life of value.

Description of Assignment:

An argument paper seeks to change the ideas or actions of an audience through a systematic explanation of reasons why an idea or plan is more valid or practical than the current generally accepted system of thought or behavior. The key to a good argument is persuasion. Keep in mind the following:

• Know your audience. All persuasion begins on common ground. The goal is to move your audience from one place to another, not to vent your position or try to convince your audience to agree with you 100%.
• Give three to four reasons you think your thesis can be supported. Each of those reasons will be a section of the essay (typically one or more paragraphs per reason). Back up your points. Logos and Ethos are important. Use a variety of types of evidence to move the

widest number of people with your argument. Limit emotional appeals or appeals based

on Pathos. Use pathos strategically but do not overuse.
• Refute “the other side.” It is not enough to make good points. Once you have established

your case, you must address detractors and show why an opposing viewpoint is faulty.