Putting it all together

We've done a number of exercises to get you ready to write your essay.

1. We've put together a proposal argument in all three forms
2. We've gathered some sources and
   
3. We've patched together a mini essay.

Now we need to put it all together.

Here's an easy way to do it.

1. Start with the categorical proposal argument. For example:

"The 4.5 day school will be good for Lyman High School and the district because it will save wear and tear on the carpets and reduce the chances of accidents and of the school being sued."

2. Describe the problem the 4.5 day week will solve and back up your assertions with evidence. For example:

"Right now there is a problem in Lyman High School. The carpets are wearing away faster than we are able to replace them [list examples of places in the school where wear and tear is especially bad]. Here is what the carpet looks like in the Social Studies wing of the building.



This lack of maintenance is leading to ugly halls and tripping hazards. [list some occasions where an accident was narrowly averted, or actually happened]. If Lyman High School is to avoid getting sued for negligence, it will need to take action. [list some case examples of when schools were sued for neglecting their physical facilities]."

3. Present the solution to the problem using a causal proposal argument. For example:

"A 4.5 day week will lead to a significant reduction in the wear and tear on the carpets, which will lead to a reduction in the chance of hallway accidents and thus reduce the chance of the school getting sued for negligence."

4. Present evidence to back up your claim. For example:

According to an article in the Nosehair Gazette the Nosehair High School reduced their carpet wear and tear by 50 percent by going to a 4.5 day week (citation here). A study done by Dr. Horace Q. McSpankenplatter showed that, statistically, the shorter the school week, the less the chance of the school being sued (citation here).

5. Conclude with a resemblance argument to get your point across with a poetic twist. For example:

"Instituting the 4.5 day week in Lyman High School is like maintaining your car. Sure, it costs a little in the short run, but your car will last much longer and you'll probably never get stuck in the middle of nowhere with a blown tire or a smoking engine. Isn't the fiscal stability and the safety of the students worth it?"

If you've been keeping up on the assignments thus far, you should already have a good start on this paper. As always, I am happy to help you.