Arguments about Solutions on Coral Bleaching
Introduce and evaluate one or more significant efforts to address the problem you described in your CP
Develop an argument about which of the efforts to address the problem work best, explain why, and offer possible next steps
Unlike the CP, an expository essay that asks you to use your research to describe the problem, the AP requires you to stake out a clear position in a thesis statement that you must defend through deeply engaged research.
An advocate takes a position in a debate or conflict and works to solve problems. Social justice advocates, for example, aim to give voice to the marginalized and defend the vulnerable from harm by forging resolutions among stakeholders where intractable problems persists. To advance their aims, advocates must be strategic: they must consider whether or not various modes of redress will effectively mitigate or resolve the problem at hand. And to be strategic, they must also be informed. You, too, must be deeply informed about the advocacy landscape and ongoing conversations concerning your topic and the problems associated with it.
Your initial research for the AP should be explore the various efforts to shape public opinion though the media; to change policies; to institute new laws or amend existing ones; or to pursue litigation. As you examine these efforts, you should assess their short- and long-term outcomes; their costs (in a variety of senses: cultural, economic, moral, personal, institutional, to name a few) and benefits; their relative fitness in comparison to one another; their ability to produce equitable outcomes; and the obstacles that stand in their way.
Thinking about obstacles necessitates thinking about rhetorical context. The role of public opinion, for example, has always been instrumental (for better and worse) in shaping advocacy efforts. Advocates must consider the values expressed through social affiliations--political, institutional, religious, cultural, and regional. Sometimes these considerations involve compromise (advocates have terms for these compromises: "respectability politics" is one; "matters of expediency," another). Where there is compromise that bends to corporate interests or public opinion, there may exist other kinds of compromise, such as short term solutions that satisfy demands in the present but fail to address damaging consequences in the long term. You should account for similar dynamics in the representation of advocacy efforts you examine.
Indeed, you will learn that few advocacy efforts enjoy universal support, and accounting for the range of attitudes toward the characterization of your chosen efforts--some you may agree with, others you may strongly contest--will strengthen your advocacy analysis.
By the time you complete the AP, you should be able to:
Write a developed thesis statement that clearly and concisely articulates the central claims of your argument
Develop your argument by analyzing the positions of academics and other experts, including those who offer perspectives that are not in agreement with your own.
Sample Solution
Juvenile delinquency, the act of minors committing crimes, poses a significant challenge. This essay will argue that while both prevention and treatment programs are necessary components of a successful juvenile justice system, well-designed preventive measures offer a superior approach in the long run.
Current Efforts:
- Prevention Programs: Schools often implement social-emotional learning programs to foster positive behavior and conflict resolution skills. Additionally, community centers and mentorship programs provide youth with positive outlets and role models.
- Treatment Programs: These programs address the root causes of delinquency, such as mental health issues, learning disabilities, or family problems. Examples include cognitive-behavioral therapy and multisystemic therapy.
Why Prevention is More Effective:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Prevention programs are typically less expensive than treatment programs. Early intervention can prevent delinquency from occurring in the first place, reducing the need for costly interventions later.
- Reduced Incarceration: Effective prevention reduces the number of youth entering the juvenile justice system, minimizing the human cost of incarceration and the associated economic burden.
- Positive Life Trajectory: Prevention programs equip youth with skills and support systems, setting them on a path towards a positive and productive future. This can have a ripple effect, reducing crime rates overall.
Limitations of Treatment:
- Limited Scope: Treatment programs often focus on individual youth who have already committed crimes. They might not address broader societal factors that contribute to delinquency.
- Rehabilitation Challenges: Changing ingrained behavior patterns and addressing complex root causes can be difficult, leading to recidivism rates that remain a concern.
- Resource Constraints: Treatment programs require qualified professionals and ongoing funding, which can be limited.
Next Steps in Prevention:
- Early Childhood Intervention: Investing in programs that support healthy development from a young age can have a lasting positive impact.
- Community-Based Solutions: Empowering communities to develop and implement prevention programs tailored to their specific needs and challenges.
- Data-Driven Approaches: Continuously evaluating and refining prevention programs based on data and best practices to ensure effectiveness.
Addressing Counter-Arguments:
Some might argue that treatment programs offer a second chance for youth who have already made mistakes. While this is true, effective prevention can significantly reduce the need for such interventions in the first place. Additionally, treatment programs can be more effective when combined with preventative measures that address the underlying causes of delinquency.
Conclusion:
While both prevention and treatment play roles in the juvenile justice system, prioritizing well-designed preventative measures offers a more cost-effective and sustainable approach to reducing delinquency. By investing in early intervention, positive youth development, and community-based solutions, we can empower youth to make positive choices and build a safer future for all.