In this essay, you will create and present your arguable thesis about one problem concerning the issue of identity in the age of social media. You will support your discussion of the problem and your proposed solutions with the texts we have read for the class, as well as 6 independently researched sources.
Goal of a Problem/Solution Essay
A Problem/Solution essay requires you to
investigate a problem,
examine alternative solutions, and
propose the most effective solution using supporting evidence.
There are two major things you need to do in a Problem/Solution essay
1. First, describe the problem and persuade your reader that the problem needs to be addressed.
2. Explain a possible solution(s) and provide support to show why the solution is a good choice.
Introduction: The introduction should introduce your topic and share the problem that you see.
introduce the topic to the reader
include a brief discussion of why this is a problem
At the end of the introduction, you should state your thesis, which should include your proposed solution to the problem.
EX: “The future of medicine and biomedical research should not rely on animals for testing. Instead, we should use alternative testing methods and work toward making different lifestyle choices.”
Discussing the Problem: Three reasons why your topic is a problem
Give the reader some background information on the problem
Discuss the first reason that your topic is a problem and
provide synthesized evidence to support this.
Discuss a second reason that your topic is a problem and again
provide synthesized evidence to support this.
Discuss a third reason that your topic is a problem.
Use synthesized evidence to support this
Discussing the Solution: Two solutions to the problem
Discuss your first solution to the problem.
Use several pieces of evidence to support your argument that this solution is viable.
Discuss your second proposed solution.
Use several pieces of evidence to support your argument that this solution is viable.
Conclusion
In the conclusion, summarize the main points made in your paper.
End your essay by stating why this is an important conversation to be having (what’s the “so what” factor? Why should we care?).
Sources: At least 6 independently-researched sources (in addition to course readings that are helpful
Writing/Organization/Formatting Requirements
Your essay must demonstrate synthesis of textual evidence from at least 4 of the required readings from the course reading calendar on identity and social media, as well as 6 independently researched texts.
Writer should demonstrate their understanding of thesis-driven essay organization
Writer should demonstrate their proficiency in creating SQIE-format body paragraphs
Writer should demonstrate proficiency in synthesizing multiple sources
Writer should demonstrate proficiency in using in-text citations as well as creating a Works Cited page
Writer should demonstrate proficiency in editing and proofreading work for sentence-level errors.
identity in the age of social media
In your essay, you will utilize at least 6 independently-researched sources (in addition to course readings that are helpful) that will help you portray your argument. These sources must be incorporated correctly, used appropriately, and cited thoroughly using MLA standards.
The Essential Building Blocks of Research Writing
Do real research
Begin from a question to which you dont know the answer and that cant be answered just by going to the appropriate reference source. That is, begin from a research question, not a homework question.
Decide what kind of information or data will be needed in order to build the answer to the question.
Gather information and/or collect data.
Work with the information/data to derive or construct your answer.
This is the research process, and it happens before you begin to write your paper. No research = no research writing, so dont shortchange this part of the process.
Your introductory section including your thesis: your problem and proposed solutions
Your paragraphs discussing one of the three reasons why your chosen issue is a problem
Your paragraphs should demonstrate your synthesis of textual evidence–When asked to synthesize sources and research, many writers start to summarize individual sources. However, this is not the same as synthesis. In a summary, you share the key points from an individual source and then move on and summarize another source. In synthesis, you need to combine the information from those multiple sources and add your own analysis of the literature. This means that each of your paragraphs will include multiple sources and citations, as well as your own ideas and voice.
1st reason its a problem: How online presence effects identify
2nd reason t’s a problem: Causes identity development issues during childhood into adulthood
3rd reason it’s a problem: Lack of self-esteem and causes identity development issues.
First solution: Focused research on what type of social media affects identity and developing depression.
2nd solution: Parents becoming more involved in their children’s social media activity. Parents or the older generation educate themselves on how social media impacts their children so they can recognize the signs of depression or developmental health issues.
Resources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/tween-and-teen-health/in-depth/teens-and-social-media-use/art-20474437
https://library.4cd.edu/wamvalidate?url=https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/127/4/800
https://theconversation.com/how-parents-and-teens-can-reduce-the-impact-of-social-media-on-youth-well-being-87619
https://library.4cd.edu/wamvalidate?url=https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2737909
https://www.thisamericanlife.org/573/status-update/act-one-0
https://www.thisamericanlife.org/573/status-update/prologue
