Friday 28 February 2014

Should Society Act Now to Stop the Effects of Climate Change



Should Society Act Now to Stop the Effects of Climate Change? - Yes
State your position. (why you think we should stop the effects of climate change?)
Explain or illustrate the science that supports your position.
Counter the opposite position.
Summarize the argument and provide your interpretation.
) Make sure your thesis statement ( or assertion) reveals your position. Assertions usually include the words "should or ought" and asks the writer to make a judgment of fact or of value. Recycling should be mandatory because people will not take care of the planet without incentive. Just make sure the assertion you make takes a clearly defined position on the controversial issue.
2) In general, you always want to make sure your assertion is arguable. Again, because our topics are from contemporary issues in science and technology we know they are arguable. However, the assertion still must be consistent with available evidence. Since these issues are constantly being influenced by new research you have to make sure the topic is still arguable based on the existing evidence.. It is impossible to build an intellectual argument on opinion alone. You must use additional sources/research to support the argument that you are making. If you are struggling with your topic, your instructor can provide you with a good starting point so that you can narrow your search to relevant concepts and ideas. Once you write your paper, re-read it and ask yourself "Is this an argument that I realistically can ask people to accept?" Again, you have a page limitation so focus your argument on the most relevant points in support of your assertion.
3) Know what kinds of evidence will be convincing to your audience - in this case your professor and your classmates. Academic arguments appeal primarily to the intellect using logic. So, make sure the reasons used are supported by evidence that defines, defends, and/or justifies it. Be creative with your support (e.g. facts, examples, statistics, expert testimony, etc.).
4) In regard to counter-arguments: You must take into account what people who disagree would say about the argument. Your job is to find the best counter-arguments to your position and address them. Again, many of these are usually pointed out for you in the articles you research. You may also find it useful to ask yourself what bias or opinions will your audience have against your assertion?
5) Introductions and conclusions: Good arguments will have an introduction that will tell the reader: what the issue is, why it is controversial (the background), why it is important (additional background) and what your position is (the assertion).
The conclusion pulls together the entire argument, summarizing and re-stressing the main points. The conclusion offers you the opportunity to suggest further thought regarding the problem or provides additional significant points for consideration .

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