Unit III Essay

Go Green or NO Home

What does it mean to “go green”? We aren’t talking about just the color, but what the color represents. Environmentalism and environmental concerns are usually represented by the color green. When you “go green”, not only does it benefit the earth, our home, but you also help yourself. There are many simple ways that you can help. By not doing your part, you’re only harming yourself in the long run. By recycling, reducing, and reusing, you’ll see how the little things you do can help to make a big change.

When you begin to start living a greener life, it’s as easy as changing a few day to day routines. To save energy you can install compact florescent light bulbs in your home, unplug appliances when you aren’t using them, and use cold water when doing laundry. To save water, you should take shorter showers and install low-flow shower heads. Skip the bottled water because not only is it expensive, but it also produces extra container waste. Keep electronics out of the trash to reduce e-waste. You should also buy smart by buying lightly used things that are “just like new”, like furniture. You can also make your own cleaning products that are non-toxic and environmentally friendly.

Some people may think that they don’t need to do anything because it won’t make a difference and they don’t see what the long-term effects of not recycling are. If you don’t recycle, we will eventually run out of our natural resources. We are also running out of places to hide our trash. Trash smells, can be dangerous for children, and can be toxic. When you don’t recycle, it also causes pollution. Electronics contain mercury and other toxins which are dangerous to the environment and if not recycled properly can be very harmful.

There are many benefits for living a greener lifestyle. For every ton of paper that is recycled, the following is saved: 7,000 gallons of water; 380 gallons of oil; and enough electricity to power an average house for six months. You can run a TV for six hours on the amount of electricity that is saved by recycling one aluminum can. By recycling just one glass bottle, you saved enough electricity to power a 100-watt bulb for four hours. One of the main reasons you should be environmentally friendly is that is can save your money. When you take the steps to save energy or water, you save money. Also, creating new environmentally friendly products creates jobs. Jobs in new technology have usually been high paying. Going green is good for workers and good for the economy.

Now that you know more about being green, the decision of living a more environmentally friendly life should be easy. Just changing small things in your life should be effortless and you probably won’t even notice the difference when you make it part of your daily routine. Just think of all the money you can save. In this economy, the benefit of having more green products being produced and having more job opportunities is definitely a plus. So save money and save the earth. Go green or no home.

Chapter 20: Proposing a Solution

CHAPTER 20: PROPOSING A SOLUTION

This chapter goes over writing an essay on proposing a solution. Your goal is to argue a positive change, convince readers to accept the change, describe a problem, analyze its cause and effects, argue for one solution among several options, defend that solution, and prove the solution both feasible and desirable.

Keys to success

· Show passion for change.

· Avoid cosmetic solutions. Base solution on concrete and personal understanding, explore all possible explanations, and choose best solution.

· Know your readers. This helps you speak convincingly to them, builds a spirit of teamwork, and persuasively challenge readers to change.

· Conduct quality research. Look at journals, books, internet resources, observations and interviews.

Topic to consider: people problems, college problems, social problems, and workplace problems.

Guidelines for writing an essay on proposing a solution

1. Select and narrow a topic. Look at “topics to consider” and test your topic.

2. Identify and analyze your audience. There are three audiences: decision makers, people affected by the problem and people that need to learn about the problem. Study the problem and ask yourself: what they know about the problem, why they might accept or resist change, does problem affect them directly or indirectly, what evidence would convince them to agree and what common ground do you share?

3. Probe the problem. Define the problem, determine the problem’s seriousness, analyze causes, explore content, and think creatively.

4. Brainstorm possible solutions. List all imaginable solutions, list criteria that any solution should meet, and compare and contrast alternatives.

5. Choose best solution and map out support. State the solution and a workable plan that attacks causes and treats effects.

6. Outline your proposal and complete a first draft.

a. The problem: consider if readers understand the problem, accept the seriousness, and inform and/or persuade them about the problem.

b. The solution: argue against alternative solutions, present your solution and state clearly what should happen

c. The support: show how the solution solves problem, and use facts and analysis to argue your solution.

7. Get feedback and revise the draft. Get peer reviewer to see if the solution fits the problem, evidence is credible, the voice fits, the opening is engaging, and the closing is thoughtful and clear.

8. Edit and proofread.

9. Prepare and share your final essay.

Chapter 19: Persuading Readers to Act

CHAPTER 19: PERSUADING READERS TO ACT

This chapter goes over writing an essay on persuading readers to act. Your goal is to urge readers to change their behavior or take action on an issue, change mind of those who disagree with you, and encourage those who do agree with you.

Keys to success

· Know your audience. Motivate resistant readers, know who they are, and consider their knowledge of the topic.

· Promote your cause—not a quarrel. Know your subject and study it from all sides.

· Be reasonable. Make logical claims, test them, and review your thinking.

Topics to consider: personal experience, personal ideas, community concerns, national and international affairs, and “no comment” topics.

Guidelines for writing an essay on persuading readers to act

1. Select a topic. Issues that you are passionate about and that you see a need for change.

2. Choose and analyze your audience. Think about who your readers are.

3. Narrow your purpose and determine your purpose. Consider what you can achieve, should you focus on all or one issue, and what you can change.

4. Generate ideas and support. Set up “opposing views” columns, construct a dialog between two people, talk to others about the issue, research issue, and consider what outcome or results you want.

5. Organize your thinking. Make sharp claims about the issue and generate an outline or graphic organizer.

6. Write first draft.

a. Opening: get readers attention, raise the issue, and state your claim.

b. Development: follow outline and decide where you want to put your most persuasive supporting argument.

c. Closing: restate your claim, summarize your support and encourage your readers to take action.

7. Share your essay. Have a peer reviewer try out your thinking and persuasive appeal, and to see if your argument is convincing.

8. Revise your writing. Does your argument flow effectively, is the evidence credible and persuasive, does examples help readers understand and identify with cause, and is voice fitting.

9. Edit and proofread.

10. Prepare and publish your final essay.