How the current pandemic is affectic mental health

Purpose

This essay is a culmination of all we’ve learned in English 1 about critical reading, thinking, and writing. This is your opportunity to apply the feedback from all other assignments and demonstrate that you are ready to move on from English 1 and engage with your academic and “real” life in a critical, thoughtful way. This should be the best essay you’ve ever written: show me your best stuff.

Prompt

Imagine you are writing a persuasive article for a scholarly publication about emotional and physical wellbeing. Identify a problem facing you personally, college students, or our society, especially around the topics of emotional wellbeing, mental health, behavior, college students’ success, etc. You might also consider a topic about how to use rhetoric to solve a problem. Consider choosing a problem that means something to you. (See below for topic/question suggestions.) This is a problem/solution essay.

In 3000 words, using 8-10 sources, you should

persuade your readers that the issue is a problem (effects)
identify the cause(s) of the problem
propose a solution to the problem (based on the cause(s) you identify) – thesis
refute at least one argument against your proposed solution (such as another possible solution), and
encourage the reader to take action toward your proposed solution.
Writing Instructions

The thesis should be focused on your proposed solution. Underline your thesis statement
Use a combination of ethos, logos, and pathos to persuade the reader to agree with your characterization of the causes, effects, and best solution to the problem.
Persuade your reader that this is actually a problem: what effect is this situation having on who, and why should we care?
Explain the cause of the problem and connect your solution to the cause(s).
Focus on a solution for the problem – this your thesis and what you want your audience to take action on.
Refute at least one specific counter-argument (either a reason your reader might not think this is a problem or why another solution doesn’t work).
Provide evidence for ALL claims using credible, scholarly information. No encyclopedias, dictionaries, or low-end journalism. Be discerning.