For Allan_M

 This portion of essay 2, you will describe a problem and speculate about its probable causes. This portion will be 3 pages in length. 

First, you must convince your reader that what you have identified as a problem does, in fact, need to be solved. Remember that any problem can simply be left alone, so you need to show readers that this is a problem that matters. Next, identify whether you will be treating this problem as a phenomenon or a trend (both indicate patterns rather than single occurrences, but trends show increase or decrease over time). This changes the type of causes you will find. 

While you must describe the problem in enough detail to establish its existence, do not let a description dominate your paper. Then, you must speculate about the causes of this problem. Make sure you have plausible causes for your problem and that you provide enough clear support for your causes. Although you will consider multiple causes that contribute to this phenomenon, you may find that identifying a dominant cause strengthens your essay. Remember, plausible causes are plausible because you can cite evidence to prove they are so. Finally, be sure to respond to alternative causes and objections that readers may have to the causes that you are proposing.

Basic Features

o A Well-Presented Subject

o Plausible Causes and Support

o An Effective Counterargument (Responding to Reader Objections/Alternative Causes)

o A Readable Plan

Basic Requirements
     o APA or MLA format (12 pt. Times New Roman font, 1″ margins, double

            spaced)

     o 3-page essay, remember that this refers to full pages not partial pages, for

            APA format, the cover page is not counted toward meeting the page

            requirement

o At least three scholarly sources, cited in MLA or APA format.

o Include a full Works Cited (not part of the page count) with both the draft and the final paper.