HCC Why Am I so Angry & What Can I Do About It Problems & Solution Argument Essay

PROBLEMS/SOLUTION ARGUMENT

WHY AM I SO ANGRY AND WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?

You have been reading a lot about how misinformation is being spread and the dangers that these false beliefs can cause within our families, communities, country, and even the global community. The spread of these false beliefs may even be threatening our democratic institutions, health, and overall well-being.

You have also been reading about current rumors and false beliefs in the news. Hopefully, you are actually starting to get angry about this and want to do something about changing it to make it better. This is your task in this assignment: something is not as it should be and you wish it were different.

For this essay, you will be identifying a problem and looking for possible solutions. Your problem topic should relate to topics we have been exploring this semester: bias, false beliefs, fake news, stereotyping, or the political polarization in our country.

• For the Truth, Lies, and False Beliefs unit, you have been reading and writing about the following questions:

  Why is misinformation a problem?
  What can we do to identify false beliefs in ourselves and others?
  How can people become more thoughtful, unbiased consumers of information?

AUDIENCE

You are writing to someone (or someones) who has the power to make the change you seek.

You’ll have to do a thorough analysis of the audience’s needs, attitudes, and knowledge in order to devise an approach to achieving your goal. You’ll probably have to revisit those thoughts throughout your process, to make sure you’re not unintentionally alienating them in ways that will prevent them from appreciating your message.

PURPOSE

You want to persuade. But remember, this is not the persuasion of a small child throwing a tantrum until the authority figure gives in. You need to convince your audience that this change is in everyone’s best interest, not just your own.

PROCESS

1. Feel the passion!

Look over your research from the previous few weeks. What current news topics are you most passionate about and you want to ensure that other people hear the truth about the issues surrounding this topic. Visualize your research. What are the problems? What could be better? Write down everything you can think of, but try to focus on policies and procedures rather than individuals or insignificant events.

2. Find your focus.

From your list, pick an issue that seems important to you and also might impact others. It should be something that, if you can solve it, will have a positive impact on the world beyond yourself. This is your topic for your essay.

3. Consider your audience choices.

What are the different groups affected by this problem? List them. There will be many. We call these people “stakeholders.” Which ones seem both persuadable and able to make changes? This is your audience.

4. Analyze your audience.

Which decision-maker(s) are you going to write to? Why have you chosen them? Consider your audience’s needs, attitudes and knowledge regarding your subject.