Decreasing Salmon Populations

Problem: Decreasing Salmon Populations
Solution 1 – Stocking fish from hatcheries
Solution 2 – undamming rivers

Rough draft criteria below.
Problem Solution Assignment:
Supporting an Argument through Comparing and Contrasting Two Solutions
Note: Your instructor may modify the instructions for this major writing assignment.
Minimum word count: 1200 words
Required sources: Three or more. Two out of three must be of an academic nature.
This paper has the most “weight” of any paper in the course and the longest word count requirement.
Closely follow instructions in the module and thoroughly edit your paper for past writing errors and feedback for each stage of the paper.
Some may also call this a “Proposal Paper,” where you propose a course of action. Keep this in mind as you search for assistance using Google.
Main Goal:
Write an argumentative essay that presents a problem and then compares and contrasts two solutions to determine a logical resolution.
Generally, the more local problem you select, the better. However, national or international problems can work if you select two feasible solutions to them.
Sample Topics:
You may choose one of the topics below or propose your own topic for this major assignment.
• Body image: Does the media present unrealistic expectations? How can we raise self esteem?
• Bullying: What forms does it take? Who is responsible for addressing it–parents, teachers, administrators, students?
• Plagiarism: Why is it such a problem today? How can it be prevented?
• Privacy: Do we need it? Is it more important than security?
• Illegal immigration: Is this an economic or race issue? Should states or federal governments regulate?
• Social media: Is it addictive? Has it negatively impacted personal relationships and communication?

Sources:
With this paper, students are responsible for researching 3 credible sources. Two of these three should be academic/scholarly/peer reviewed journal articles. The other required sources (plus any others) can be magazines, news pieces, or government documents located through the databases. Any additional sources beyond these three may be credible, but they do not need to be from the databases specifically.
Requirements:

1. You must have at least 1200 words to earn a passing grade on this assignment. Minimum word count does not include the heading, title, or Works Cited page of your paper. Please use Times News Roman 12-point or a comparable font.
2. You must have an MLA-style header, including a well-worded title or titles which capture the reader’s interest and move him or her to turn the page to read the essay.
3. You must have a clear and developed introductory paragraph that contains an argumentative thesis statement.
4. You must have two or more body paragraphs unified by clear topic sentences and focused on proving the thesis through either the point-by-point or block organizational strategy.
5. You must incorporate material from a minimum of 3 journal, magazine, or government documents, which must be from academic databases. Follow the guidelines above. Any quotes, paraphrases, or summaries must be introduced and incorporated into your own sentences. They must include an in-text citation or acknowledgment in MLA or APA format and a follow-up sentence that clearly relates the material to your own argument. Check past modules for more information about quoting from sources and avoiding plagiarism.
6. You must have a conclusion that brings closure to your entire essay.
7. You must include a Works Cited as the last page of the document. This page must be in MLA format.
8. You must submit your final paper to Blackboard
   Common Errors:
9. Avoid first person (I, me, my, mine, we) and second person (you, your, and understood “you” commands) as well as contractions. This type of wording is considered informal unless it appears in a quote from a source. Hint: Reading your paper aloud can help you spot informal wording.
10. Avoid comma splices and fragments. These errors are major issues that will result in a significant reduction of points. Edit each sentence individually to avoid them.
11. Avoid subject-verb and pronoun antecedent agreement errors through careful editing. These errors can be difficult to locate because they are often found in our speech. Pay careful attention.
12. Avoid dumped quotes. This is when borrowed materials lack a lead-in or phrase of attribution to connect them to your own argument. Also, remember to follow up on any borrowed materials. See quoting examples in past paper modules. Avoid errors you have made on past papers.
    Writing Tips:
13. Make sure that your paper establishes a legitimate problem, presents two potential solutions, and effectively argues for the more reasonable solution.
14. Make sure your paper follows one of the compare/contrast organizational strategies: point-by-point or subject-by-subject. Also, consider transitions as you organize. You want your reader to see the connections between your points.
15. Be sensitive to your audience as you consider your tone and language. If you feel there is a point of contention, acknowledging it and then explaining your point of view can be a helpful way to address this. Reading out loud can also increase your audience awareness because it allows you to hear your arguments in a more objective way.
16. Make sure your argument avoids logic fallacies.
17. Thoroughly review the Four Pitfalls of Comparison/Contrast Writing and eliminate them from your own paper.

For Rough Draft, you will submit a draft. You do NOT need to complete a full draft. However, I require you to submit at least your A) introduction (50%) and Criterion 1 (i.e. 2 paragraphs) (50%). You should also be quoting, citing, and referencing at least one source (-10% if you do not use it).
Please refer to this example: WE12 – Road to LGBTQ Rights.docx WE12 – Road to LGBTQ Rights.docx – Alternative Formats
During our 1 on 1, I would also like to see Criterion 2 if possible.

I strongly suggest following this pattern in your draft:
Introduction – Note, a “2-paragraph” intro may look like this:
• Intro Paragraph 1 – Discuss the problem. Use the “15 ways” handout.
• Intro Paragraph 2 – Transition from hook & Problem/Solution-style Thesis Statement with elements of Compare and Contrast Thesis Statement
o Thesis: While some argue that a combination of stricter regulations, tougher punishments, and tighter borders is the answer to illegal immigration, the punitive approach to this problem can never be as effective as liberally applied amnesty.
Criterion 1 – compare or contrast based on ______
• Solution 1 or 2
• Solution 1 or 2
Criterion 2 – compare or contrast based on ______
• Solution 1 or 2
• Solution 1 or 2
Criterion 3 – contrast based on ______
• Solution you do NOT like
• Solution you do like
Conclusion
Works Cited

Requirements for Final Draft (due 12/13)
• 3+ sources, that include 2+ academic journals from CCAC’s databases
• 1200+ words total
• Required sources: 3 – 2 journal / peer reviewed – 1 other
• Sources from – The link will be provided to the assigned writer.