Researched Problem Analysis Essay
Minimum Length: 800 words (approximately three pages)
Research Requirement: Quotations or Paraphrased Ideas from Anchor Article and Two Additional Sources
Topic: Any Problem Related to Food, Eating, Food Industry, etc.
Anchor Articles: All Articles Read During Weeks 10 and 11
“Escape from the Western Diet”
“Food as Thought”
“Don’t Blame the Eater”
“What You Eat Is Your Business”
In addition to the article discussed in class, you should use two outsides sources, but the essay should consist mostly of your writing—your interpretation of the information for your outside sources and your explanation of the problem. Your thesis will, however loosely, follow this template:
“Although the causes of __[briefly state your problem]__ are complex, the most important contributing factors are _____________________. Some effects of this problem include _______________________ and ___________________ tend to be most affected.”
Please use, if only loosely, the following organization. Note that these are just sections; it does not matter how many paragraphs are used to complete each section.
Introduction and Thesis—This section might present some history or pertinent background information on the issue. Or, you might begin by describing an example or case study of the problem you are discussing. Beginning an introduction with a short vignette (a portrait of someone whose life reflects the example you discuss) can be very effective. This section ends by stating clearly your thesis, which should minimally state your problem and its major causes and/or effects and consequences.
Support—In this section, which will be multiple paragraphs, explain the major causes and effects expressed in the thesis in detail and provide appropriate outside information.
Conclusion—At this time, remind the reader of your thesis but discuss the bigger picture: how does your problem affect society at large? What are some potential solutions to your problem? What can your reader gain by understanding the complexity of your problem? What might be lost if your problem goes ignored? Use the templates in the “So What? Who Cares?” section of our text.
Tips for Success
Make sure your problem is actually a problem, and not an attempt at a solution or a state of mind.
To keep your essay focused and persuasive, consider narrowing the scope of your problem, for instance, by location or age-group.
Write a double-spaced, three-page essay in 12 point and Times New Roman font. Format your paper according to MLA guidelines: include a heading on the top left corner of your essay (your name, my name, the course title, and the essay due date), double-spaced, a centered title, 12 pt. font, Times New Roman, 1” or 1.5” margins.
Use the MLA Guidelines located at the Purdue Owl for help on properly formatting your essay.
You will need a Works Cited page on which you will cite your outside sources. Refer to the link above, the Purdue Owl, for help on your Works Cited page. Let me know if you have questions about this requirement.
Focus on eliminating any fragments, comma splices, and run-on sentences. For additional instructions and practice on avoiding these common sentence structure errors, please consult the Purdue Owl .
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B9WknenzgESqRklJbHgwS1dhZzA/view?resourcekey=0-Bd42iMAUOOmziogEuQfjkA
