Plainfield North High School



Problem - Solution Paper“If This Goes On. . .”“There are three phrases that make possible writing about the world of not-yet . . . . ‘If this goes on…’ is the most predictive of the three, although it doesn’t try to predict an actual future with all its messy confusion. Instead, ‘If this goes on…’ fiction takes an element of life today, something clear and obvious and normally something troubling, and asks what would happen if that thing, that one thing, became bigger, became all-pervasive, changed the way we thought and behaved.” Though Neil Gaiman was discussing speculative fiction, this is an important phrase concerning modern society. Let’s face it; most people don’t know enough about what is going on around the world today. Granted, some will tell you that “ignorance is bliss,” but in reality, ignorance leads to apathy, and these things combined are what allow social problems to balloon into social tragedies. The Assignment:After discussing argument last semester, you have the tools to create a well-founded, thorough argument about a variety of subjects. Now it’s time to show what you know, so to speak. The focus of this assessment is for you to create a solid argument about a topic that YOU select. This topic should be bigger than just your own life; it can be inspired by a problem you face in your daily life, but it must be more far-reaching than your own experience. Consider a topic that is of local / state/ national / global concern.To clarify for the purpose of this assignment, the definition of a social problem or social issue is an undesirable condition that people believe should be corrected. You will be in charge of exploring one social problem, and you will offer what are current solutions that are aiding in fixing or even eradicating the problem. You will be searching and selecting your own research from valid, academic, and trustworthy sources. After combining your own thoughts with your research, construct an argument to convince a target audience that a particular problem / concern exists and how that problem / concern are being addressed. Basically, recognize the problem, research the basic causes of the problem, acknowledge the extent of the problem, and identify what you believe are the current best solutions. Remember! The solutions must be currently happening! What new laws are in place, what new technology is being created, what new organizations / task forces have been formed. NO “should” / “could” type solutions are allowed. “Children should have to take classes to learn that guns are dangerous.” BAD“Chicago law enforcement uses cameras and new sophisticated technology to reduce gun violence.” GOODFood for Thought Regarding Topics:Think about what you are interested in, what makes you angry, or what you see in society that needs to change. Your topic must be arguable through ethos, pathos, AND logos…heavy on the logos. This means that you must stay away from topics that are supported mainly through emotional and / or moral (religious) reasons. Examples of this are arguments about abortion, gay marriage, the religious protection laws, or other similar topics.This is an opportunity for you to express your individual editorial on almost any topic under the sun. That said, I encourage you to think past the obvious. The topic should be thought-provoking and enlightening. Therefore, some topics that are overused or have already been discussed to death will not be considered. Some examples of this are the legalization of medical (or recreational) marijuana, capital punishment, euthanasia, steroid use, animal testing, or other similar topics.The bottom line. . . Select a problem that has SOLUTIONS.left000 323850013970Human Trafficking (Must be area specific)Outsourcing JobsPollution (ground, air, water, or noise) – choose onePovertyPrison Reform and Prisoner RightsRecycling and ConservationSuperstores v. Main StreetTexting While DrivingVeterans' IssuesWilderness ProtectionGun Violence (must be area specific)ConcussionsAirport SecurityChemical Weapons00Human Trafficking (Must be area specific)Outsourcing JobsPollution (ground, air, water, or noise) – choose onePovertyPrison Reform and Prisoner RightsRecycling and ConservationSuperstores v. Main StreetTexting While DrivingVeterans' IssuesWilderness ProtectionGun Violence (must be area specific)ConcussionsAirport SecurityChemical WeaponsPossible Topics: Computer HackingCyber Bullying (Cyberbullying)Environmental PollutionEqual PayGenetically Modified Food (GMOs)Global WarmingHate CrimesVeteran homelessnessHonor KillingsRequirements and Overview: You must complete the following:Printed research: minimum of five academic, reliable sources – no non-credible sources (Wikipedia, etc.)Bibliography in proper MLA formatWorks cited page in proper MLA formatEditing and revision packet (plus rough draft with corrections)Formal research paper in proper MLA format (PRINTED AND SUBMITTED TO )Parenthetical citations: at least three of your sources must be used in the paper and cited properlyDue DatesJanuary 11Due Beginning of class - Topic in mind (Step #1). Due Beginning of class - Complete preliminary research and inquiry questions (Step #2)During class – Gather Research (Begin Step #3) Find reliable and interesting information. Five sources is the minimum. Print each source! DO NOT COPY AND PASTEJanuary 14During class – Gather Research (Continue Step #3)Due End of class - Find reliable and interesting information. Five sources is the minimum. Print each source! DO NOT COPY AND PASTE Due End of class – Bibliography Due (Step #4) January 15Due Beginning of class – Working Thesis Statement. (Step #5)January 17Due End of class - Re-read information obtained from sources. Selectively highlight information you may want to include. Make sure you annotate each source. (Step #6)January 18Due Beginning of class - Answers regarding what other people think about this problem as well as the causes and the solutions that have already been suggested and tried. (Step #7)Due End of class – Decide on what points you wish to make. (Step #8)January 23Due End of class - Take notes from each source – use note sheets provided. (Step #9)January 24Due End of class - “Solution(s) to the Problem” questions answered. (Step #10)January 29 Due End of class - outline of your research paper. Don’t forget citations! (Step #11)January 30Due End of class - Rough draft of your introduction paragraphFebruary 1Due Beginning of class - Rough draft of your body paragraphsFebruary 4Due End of class - Typed rough draft of essay due. Must be printed AND submitted to . Be sure to write the ID submission number on your rough draft. (Step #12)February 5-7Editing and revision of the rough draft in class. February 8Due Beginning of class - Completed editing and revision packet.First day in the computer lab to revise and edit final draft.February 11-12Last days in the lab to revise and edit final draft as well as submit it to February 14Due Beginning of class:Printed final typed research paperWorks cited page (Step #13)Bibliographyresearch with ID submission # for final typed research papercompleted research packetEditing and revision sheetsRough draft with editing and revision marksComputer / Printing issues do not give you extra time. Find a solution! Library, friend’s house, Media Center, Office Depot, etc.No printing from class allowed on day paper is due.Both the printed final draft and the ID submission # are needed for the paper to be considered on time. One letter grade will be deducted for every day late!Step 1: Choosing a Topic Imagine you are a social activist and observe a specific problem in your community or the world at large that affects you, your family members and/or your friends, or mankind. Identifying the problem will be your topic. MY TOPIC: _______________________________________________________________________________________Step 2: Preliminary QuestionsIn the box below, generate the following inquiry questions. These are a series of questions about your topic that you would like to address in your research paper. Its design will give you direction as you begin your research by helping you organize your reading and note taking. 31089639268As I think about this topic, I wonder…1.2.3.4.5. 00As I think about this topic, I wonder…1.2.3.4.5. Step 3: Gather InformationWhen we visit the computer lab, you will need to find a total of 5 sources. Why 5? As you read your sources, you may realize that one or two aren’t as useful as you first thought and will need to be discarded. If all are useful, then you end up having more than enough sources. When you use the Internet for research, choose websites carefully. Staple each source together. Reliability of Web SourcesPeople can put whatever they like on the web. Someone completely unqualified to publish an article on the Victorian era, for example, can do so on the Internet. Thus, the World Wide Web is a scary place if used improperly. Below are some guidelines to help you navigate the Internet successfully.Look for: An author—if nobody takes credit for writing the information, why should you take it seriously? If there is no author, look for a supporting organization (usually at the bottom by the copyright date / last date updated). If nobody wants to stand by this information, keep looking.A copyright date—professional sites will have someone who maintains the site. You may find it called “last date updated.” This also ensures that the information is current.A .org, .gov., .edu—websites that end in .com are a bit general. However, if the article has an author and a copyright date, then a .com site is acceptable. An ending with a co.uk means that it is a British site.Author’s credentials—who is this person? What is his or her educational level? What makes him qualified to speak on this subject? Beware of personal websites that belong to people who just want to “toot their own horns.”Warning: ONLY APPROVED, RELIABLE SOURCES WILL BE ACCEPTED. DO NOT RANDOMLY SEARCH THE INTERNET FOR INFORMATION ON YOUR TOPIC. YOU WILL BE WASTING YOUR TIME.Off limits: Any of the following will not count as a source.Wikipedia / General encyclopedias, like World Book or / Yahoo answers / Info PleasePersonal BlogsAcademic essays (written by students)Sites with no author and no established publisher / sponsorStep 4: Create a BibliographyWhere Do I Begin? Start with the bibliographic citation. Do not skip spaces or lines; follow the entry with summary and evaluation both in paragraph form. Use to create the citations! It is quick and easy. Hanging Indents are required for citations in the bibliography, as shown in the following examples. That is, the first line of the citation starts at the left margin. Subsequent lines are indented by one tab or five spaces. The bibliography is in Alpha order as well as double spaced, both within the citation and between them. Do not add an extra line between the citations. Use Times New Roman, size 12. BibliographyAlpern, David M. "Has Moscow Violated SALT?" Newsweek 22 Oct. 1984: 32. has-Moscow-violated-SALT -796571.180975406400Note – no author – Alphabetize by first main word in the title.00Note – no author – Alphabetize by first main word in the title.7747012319000"Cocker Spaniel." World Book Advanced. World Book, 26 Oct. 2009. , Barbara. "India Lodges First Charges in Arms Scandal." New York Times 23Jan. 1990, natl. ed.: A4. Davidson, Paul. "Globalization." Journal of Post Keynesian Economics 24.6 (2002): 475- 478. Student Gold Edition: Gale Group Databases. 15 Apr. 2002. Fallows, James. "The Age of Murdoch." Atlantic Online Sept. 10 Oct. 2003. 6692906175700 33337542560“Hanging Indent:” The first line goes all the way to the left. Each line is indented after the first line of the entry. 00“Hanging Indent:” The first line goes all the way to the left. Each line is indented after the first line of the entry. Step 5: Formulate a “Working” Thesis StatementIn the space below, write down a working thesis statement. This is NOT the thesis that will appear in your final draft. This is a very rough version of what you will continue to develop. You must narrow down your topic!Examples:Bad: The world’s anti-pollution efforts should focus on privately owned cars.Good: America's anti-pollution efforts should focus on privately owned cars.Bad: The homeless problem can be fixed with stronger medical support.Good: The veteran homeless problem can be fixed with stronger medical support.WORKING THESIS STATEMENT: _____________________________________________________________________Step 6: Annotate SourcesOnce you have gathered some sources, you have to read them to decide how you are going to use that information. You are lucky if you have found sources that give you the exact information you are looking for, but most of you will have to read, highlight, and interpret your research so you can prove your thesis statement. For example, say your paper focuses on how Thurgood Marshall was a key player in the Civil Rights Movement. You will have to research notable people during the 1950s and 1960s as well as analyze the public reaction to his role and how he influenced others. In other words, your sources may not “come out and say” what you want them to say. Thus, you have a lot of legwork to do.-806459144000Definition of “Annotate” to supply with critical and explanatory notes in the margins.-234957810500To annotate an article, you'll need to ask questions as you go through the text, circle terms you don't understand, and write your opinions on the text's claims.Annotating Directions: You need to find the following information. These are your “umbrella” topics.Causes of Problem Seriousness Consequences Past / Alternative Solutions New Solutions As you come across information that fits into one of these categories, highlight it.Write the category next to each line you have highlighted.Define words with which you are unfamiliar. Write your personal opinions / reactions to surprising or useful information.Step 7: Exploring the Problem and SolutionsFood for ThoughtFind out what other people think about this problem as well as the causes and the solutions that have already been suggested and tried. Answer the following questions to help you think through causes and solutions.What are the causes of the problem? Be sure to mention at least two. Which ones are the most serious? Why?Are any of the causes unchangeable? Which ones?What audience (people) are affected by the problem and how are they affected?What solution has been proposed or tried in the past? Why was it unsuccessful? What are the most important reasons for solving this problem?What is currently being done to solve the problem and by whom? Be sure to mention at least two.Step 8: PointsNow that you have read through all of your research, you must decide on what points you wish to make on each of these topics. Under each topic write at least two points that you wish to make. Each point should be written out in a complete sentence. THESE SENTENCES SHOULD BE IN YOUR OWN WORDS – NOT TAKEN FROM RESEARCH!!!!!Causes of Problem Cause #1: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Cause #2: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Severity How serious is the problem?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________How many people / animals / things are affected by it? (NOT a statistic!) __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Consequences How does it affect the larger society? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________What are the projected consequences if the problem is not solved or fixed? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Past / Alternative Solutions 1st thing tried in the past to solve / fix the problem but failed: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________2nd thing tried in the past to solve / fix the problem but failed: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ New Solutions (What IS currently being done to solve / fix the problem – NOT what could / should be doneRemember! “Stop doing it” is NOT a solution)Solution #1: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Solution #2: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________How are these new solutions better / more effective than prior solutions? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Step 9: Notes Pages – Quoting Once you have gathered your sources, you will need to write notes pages. Use the following:Direct Quotations must be identical to the original. They must match the source document word for word. You MUST have quotation marks around a direct quotation. Even if it is just a phrase, you MUST CITE IT!NO MATTER HOW SMALL, ANY PIECE OF INFORMATION FROM A SOURCE MUST BE CITED!Each entry must have be only one piece of information – a quotation, a fact, etc.This will help you to organize your ideas and to avoid plagiarism.Source #1 Title: ____________________________________________________________________________________________Author(s): ____________________________________________ Publisher / Sponsor: ___________________________Download Date: ________________________ Copyright Date: _________________________ If no author, how do you know it is a credible source? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________This information supports… (check one)Cause of Problem _____Seriousness _____Consequences _____Past Solutions _____New Solutions _____Information Don’t forget page numbers and quotation marks for direct quotations.Cause of Problem _____Seriousness _____Consequences _____Past Solutions _____New Solutions _____Cause of Problem _____Seriousness _____Consequences _____Past Solutions _____New Solutions _____Cause of Problem _____Seriousness _____Consequences _____Past Solutions _____New Solutions _____Cause of Problem _____Seriousness _____Consequences _____Past Solutions _____New Solutions _____Cause of Problem _____Seriousness _____Consequences _____Past Solutions _____New Solutions _____Cause of Problem _____Seriousness _____Consequences _____Past Solutions _____New Solutions _____Source #2 Title: ____________________________________________________________________________________________Author(s): ____________________________________________ Publisher / Sponsor: ___________________________Download Date: ________________________ Copyright Date: _________________________ If no author, how do you know it is a credible source? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________This information supports… (check one)Cause of Problem _____Seriousness _____Consequences _____Past Solutions _____New Solutions _____Information Don’t forget page numbers and quotation marks for direct quotations./Cause of Problem _____Seriousness _____Consequences _____Past Solutions _____New Solutions _____/Cause of Problem _____Seriousness _____Consequences _____Past Solutions _____New Solutions _____Cause of Problem _____Seriousness _____Consequences _____Past Solutions _____New Solutions _____Cause of Problem _____Seriousness _____Consequences _____Past Solutions _____New Solutions _____Cause of Problem _____Seriousness _____Consequences _____Past Solutions _____New Solutions _____Cause of Problem _____Seriousness _____Consequences _____Past Solutions _____New Solutions _____Source #3 Title: ____________________________________________________________________________________________Author(s): ____________________________________________ Publisher / Sponsor: ___________________________Download Date: ________________________ Copyright Date: _________________________ If no author, how do you know it is a credible source? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________This information supports… (check one)Cause of Problem _____Seriousness _____Consequences _____Past Solutions _____New Solutions _____Information Don’t forget page numbers and quotation marks for direct quotations.Cause of Problem _____Seriousness _____Consequences _____Past Solutions _____New Solutions _____Cause of Problem _____Seriousness _____Consequences _____Past Solutions _____New Solutions _____Cause of Problem _____Seriousness _____Consequences _____Past Solutions _____New Solutions _____Cause of Problem _____Seriousness _____Consequences _____Past Solutions _____New Solutions _____Cause of Problem _____Seriousness _____Consequences _____Past Solutions _____New Solutions _____Cause of Problem _____Seriousness _____Consequences _____Past Solutions _____New Solutions _____Source #4 Title: ____________________________________________________________________________________________Author(s): ____________________________________________ Publisher / Sponsor: ___________________________Download Date: ________________________ Copyright Date: _________________________ If no author, how do you know it is a credible source? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________This information supports… (check one)Cause of Problem _____Seriousness _____Consequences _____Past Solutions _____New Solutions _____Information Don’t forget page numbers and quotation marks for direct quotations.Cause of Problem _____Seriousness _____Consequences _____Past Solutions _____New Solutions _____Cause of Problem _____Seriousness _____Consequences _____Past Solutions _____New Solutions _____Cause of Problem _____Seriousness _____Consequences _____Past Solutions _____New Solutions _____Cause of Problem _____Seriousness _____Consequences _____Past Solutions _____New Solutions _____Cause of Problem _____Seriousness _____Consequences _____Past Solutions _____New Solutions _____Cause of Problem _____Seriousness _____Consequences _____Past Solutions _____New Solutions _____Source #5 Title: ____________________________________________________________________________________________Author(s): ____________________________________________ Publisher / Sponsor: ___________________________Download Date: ________________________ Copyright Date: _________________________ If no author, how do you know it is a credible source? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________This information supports… (check one)Cause of Problem _____Seriousness _____Consequences _____Past Solutions _____New Solutions _____Information Don’t forget page numbers and quotation marks for direct quotations.Cause of Problem _____Seriousness _____Consequences _____Past Solutions _____New Solutions _____Cause of Problem _____Seriousness _____Consequences _____Past Solutions _____New Solutions _____Cause of Problem _____Seriousness _____Consequences _____Past Solutions _____New Solutions _____Cause of Problem _____Seriousness _____Consequences _____Past Solutions _____New Solutions _____Cause of Problem _____Seriousness _____Consequences _____Past Solutions _____New Solutions _____Cause of Problem _____Seriousness _____Consequences _____Past Solutions _____New Solutions _____Step 10: Solution(s) to the ProblemMany problems have multiple causes. You may need to focus on solving the most important cause. Answer the following questions to help you. PAST SOLUTIONS THAT DID NOT WORK:What solution(s) has / have been tried in the past but failed?Why did this / these solution(s) fail?CURRENT SOLUTIONS THAT ARE STARTING TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM:What is state / federal law enforcement doing to solve the problem?What laws / ordinances have been created to combat the problem?What organization(s) has /have been formed to solve the problem?What is the organization(s) doing to combat the problem?What kind of technology has been created to fix / solve the problem?How does it work?How successful have these solutions been? Be specific in your response.58737502857500Step 11: OutlineAfter doing your research and before writing your essay, you must plan it out. You are not required to create a formal outline. Instead, use this one to work out a general organizational structure. Remember! This is just a rough outline. You will need to greatly expand throughout the paper.Use this graphic organizer to begin the process of creating a problem – solution research paper about the topic you have chosen. Your paper must cite a minimum of three different articles as support. INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPHAttention Getter: What do you want to use as an attention getter? Keep it general and do not mention the specific topic of your paper. For example, if your problem you will be discussing in this paper is texting while driving, you cannot mention “Texting” nor “driving” in your attention getter. Instead maybe you want to do the following: Talk about how technology has been beneficial to society. Provide specific examples of technology that has helped people’s lives, made them safer, etc.Then, discuss how not all technology is good for people.Then, provide specific examples of technology that started out beneficial to society but ultimately was bad or harmful.NOW… you can discuss how cell phones are another example of how technology can help or hurt people.FINALLY, and only NOW, should you introduce the idea of texting while driving.Connection to Society: Why is it important that society cares about social issues (in general)?Why is this a particularly important subject? Direct audience to need (Why should the reader care about this one social issue in particular?) Focus on “If this goes on. . . .”Thesis Statement: Remember—a problem – solution thesis only needs two parts: What, specifically is the problem? Define solution for reader. State as a claim. The thesis statement should be two sentences (One: the problem ; Two: the solution). Write this out as you want it to appear in your paper.FIRST BODY PARAGRAPHTopic Sentence: The start of this paragraph should address why this is considered a problem as a general statement.First Point Provides a deeper level of detail than your topic sentence. What is the first cause of this problem (or the history of it)? Why was it allowed to begin? / Why has it been allowed to continue on for so long?Introduce a piece of evidence / Support. You need to provide background to the evidence / support you’re going to use—validate your evidence and give some context for what’s being said. Give and cite your piece of evidence / support: Don’t forget lead in. Don’t forget the quotation marks!If this is the first time using the source in the paper, make sure to include the author’s full name and the title of the article as part of your lead in. If this is NOT the first time using the source, only use the author’s last name or put the first significant word of the title in the parentheses. ( ). Explain your evidence / support (EXPLAIN, EXAMINE, and EXPLORE how your evidence proves your point—Ex: “This shows…”): This will be a major portion of this paragraph. Make sure it is thorough when you write your essay. Aim for at least 3-5 sentences when typing your paper.-69033318588**MUST BE TYPED IN YOUR PAPER; DO NOT WRITE YOUR ANALYSIS ON THE GRAPHIC ORGANIZER**Second Point What is the second cause of this problem (or the history of it)? Why was it allowed to begin? / Why has it been allowed to continue on for so long?Introduce a piece of evidence / Support. You need to provide background to the evidence / support you’re going to use—validate your evidence and give some context for what’s being said. Give and cite your piece of evidence / support: Don’t forget lead in. Don’t forget the quotation marks!If this is the first time using the source in the paper, make sure to include the author’s full name and the title of the article as part of your lead in. If this is NOT the first time using the source, only use the author’s last name or put the first significant word of the title in the parentheses. ( ). Explain your evidence / support (EXPLAIN, EXAMINE, and EXPLORE how your evidence proves your point—Ex: “This shows…”): This will be a major portion of this paragraph. Make sure it is thorough when you write your essay. Aim for at least 3-5 sentences when typing your paper.**MUST BE TYPED IN YOUR PAPER; DO NOT WRITE YOUR ANALYSIS ON THE GRAPHIC ORGANIZER**SECOND BODY PARAGRAPHTopic Sentence: The start of this paragraph should address the size of the problem and why this problem cannot continue to be allowed to occur.-77470353831First Point Severity / Magnitude of problem and who is affected Why is it considered such a problem that needs to be fixed / eliminated? How many people and types of people does it affect?Introduce a piece of evidence / Support. You need to provide background to the evidence / support you’re going to use—validate your evidence and give some context for what’s being said. Give and cite your piece of evidence / support: Don’t forget lead in. Don’t forget the quotation marks!If this is the first time using the source in the paper, make sure to include the author’s full name and the title of the article as part of your lead in. If this is NOT the first time using the source, only use the author’s last name or put the first significant word of the title in the parentheses. ( ). Explain your evidence / support (EXPLAIN, EXAMINE, and EXPLORE how your evidence proves your point—Ex: “This shows…”): This will be a major portion of this paragraph. Make sure it is thorough when you write your essay. Aim for at least 3-5 sentences when typing your paper.**MUST BE TYPED IN YOUR PAPER; DO NOT WRITE YOUR ANALYSIS ON THE GRAPHIC ORGANIZER**Second Point What is the seriousness or negative effects of the problem for more than just the people or things closely associated to it? In other words, how does this affect the greater society / other people? Introduce a piece of evidence / Support. You need to provide background to the evidence / support you’re going to use—validate your evidence and give some context for what’s being said. Give and cite your piece of evidence / support: Don’t forget lead in. Don’t forget the quotation marks!If this is the first time using the source in the paper, make sure to include the author’s full name and the title of the article as part of your lead in. If this is NOT the first time using the source, only use the author’s last name or put the first significant word of the title in the parentheses. ( ). Explain your evidence / support (EXPLAIN, EXAMINE, and EXPLORE how your evidence proves your point—Ex: “This shows…”): This will be a major portion of this paragraph. Make sure it is thorough when you write your essay. Aim for at least 3-5 sentences when typing your paper.**MUST BE TYPED IN YOUR PAPER; DO NOT WRITE YOUR ANALYSIS ON THE GRAPHIC ORGANIZER**THIRD BODY PARAGRAPH57151679720Topic Sentence: State your claim regarding people have tried in the past to solve this problem, but they have not been successful.First Point What are the projected consequences if the problem is not solved / or fixed?Introduce a piece of evidence / Support. You need to provide background to the evidence / support you’re going to use—validate your evidence and give some context for what’s being said. Give and cite your piece of evidence / support: Don’t forget lead in. Don’t forget the quotation marks!If this is the first time using the source in the paper, make sure to include the author’s full name and the title of the article as part of your lead in. If this is NOT the first time using the source, only use the author’s last name or put the first significant word of the title in the parentheses.( ). Explain your evidence / support (EXPLAIN, EXAMINE, and EXPLORE how your evidence proves your point—Ex: “This shows…”): This will be a major portion of this paragraph. Make sure it is thorough when you write your essay. Aim for at least 3-5 sentences when typing your paper.**MUST BE TYPED IN YOUR PAPER; DO NOT WRITE YOUR ANALYSIS ON THE GRAPHIC ORGANIZER**Second Point What has been tried in the past to fix / solve this problem and why did it fail or why was it not successful?-77543342627Introduce a piece of evidence / Support. You need to provide background to the evidence / support you’re going to use—validate your evidence and give some context for what’s being said. Give and cite your piece of evidence / support: Don’t forget lead in. Don’t forget the quotation marks!If this is the first time using the source in the paper, make sure to include the author’s full name and the title of the article as part of your lead in. If this is NOT the first time using the source, only use the author’s last name or put the first significant word of the title in the parentheses.( ). -77470112033Explain your evidence / support (EXPLAIN, EXAMINE, and EXPLORE how your evidence proves your point—Ex: “This shows…”): This will be a major portion of this paragraph. Make sure it is thorough when you write your essay. Aim for at least 3-5 sentences when typing your paper.**MUST BE TYPED IN YOUR PAPER; DO NOT WRITE YOUR ANALYSIS ON THE GRAPHIC ORGANIZER**left-125283100FOURTH BODY PARAGRAPHTopic Sentence. The start of this paragraph should address that there is actually hope for this problem to be minimized or even eliminated.First point What is the FIRST solution that is currently in place or being used to stop this problem? Who / What has created it, implemented it, or is in charge of running it?Introduce a piece of evidence / Support. You need to provide background to the evidence / support you’re going to use—validate your evidence and give some context for what’s being said. Give and cite your piece of evidence / support: Don’t forget lead in. Don’t forget the quotation marks!If this is the first time using the source in the paper, make sure to include the author’s full name and the title of the article as part of your lead in. If this is NOT the first time using the source, only use the author’s last name or put the first significant word of the title in the parentheses.( ). Explain your evidence / Define the solution, in detail, in a step-by-step manner.Explain the solution, in detail, in a step-by-step manner.Explain to the reader the benefits of each point of the solution, relating to feasibility and the positive impact the solution will have on society.This will be a major portion of this paragraph. Make sure it is thorough when you write your essay. Aim for at least 3-5 sentences when typing your paper.**MUST BE TYPED IN YOUR PAPER; DO NOT WRITE YOUR ANALYSIS ON THE GRAPHIC ORGANIZER**Second point What is the SECOND solution that is currently in place or being used to stop this problem? Who / What has created it, implemented it, or is in charge of running it?Introduce a piece of evidence / Support. You need to provide background to the evidence / support you’re going to use—validate your evidence and give some context for what’s being said. Give and cite your piece of evidence / support: Don’t forget lead in. Don’t forget the quotation marks!If this is the first time using the source in the paper, make sure to include the author’s full name and the title of the article as part of your lead in. If this is NOT the first time using the source, only use the author’s last name or put the first significant word of the title in the parentheses. ( ). Explain your evidence / support Explain the solution, in detail, in a step-by-step manner.Explain to the reader the benefits of each point of the solution, relating to feasibility and the positive impact the solution will have on society.This will be a major portion of this paragraph. Make sure it is thorough when you write your essay. Aim for at least 3-5 sentences when typing your paper.**MUST BE TYPED IN YOUR PAPER; DO NOT WRITE YOUR ANALYSIS ON THE GRAPHIC ORGANIZER**Third point How are these solutions better than previous solutions to solve the problem? -OR – if these two solutions are not doing enough to solve the problem what is still in the “idea” / “planning” stages to be done, built, created, etc.?**Under no circumstances should your point be a “Society needs to ….” Type of point!Introduce a piece of evidence / Support. You need to provide background to the evidence / support you’re going to use—validate your evidence and give some context for what’s being said. Give and cite your piece of evidence / support: Don’t forget lead in. Don’t forget the quotation marks!If this is the first time using the source in the paper, make sure to include the author’s full name and the title of the article as part of your lead in. If this is NOT the first time using the source, only use the author’s last name or put the first significant word of the title in the parentheses. ( ). Explain your evidence / support This will be a major portion of this paragraph. Make sure it is thorough when you write your essay. Aim for at least 3-5 sentences when typing your paper.**MUST BE TYPED IN YOUR PAPER; DO NOT WRITE YOUR ANALYSIS ON THE GRAPHIC ORGANIZER**CONCLUSION PARAGRAPHRestatement of thesis: Restate severity of problem. Ethos Appeal to the reader’s sense of right and wrong and why society should want there to be a change.This should be several sentences!Summarize solutions. Discuss the benefits of each solution and how each solution satisfies or helps those affected by the problem. This should be several sentences!-65969208119Address the Opposition. Acknowledge that there are people who see this problem differently or may not believe there is even a problem. Explain why we, as a society should not listen to them. This should be several sentences!Overall positive effect: Leave reader with overall statement of the positive effect the solution will have today or in future. Clincher Call to action (what we, as a society, should do about this). Reference / tie back to attention getter and provide final thoughts.Step 12: DraftingWhen drafting, follow your outline, adding information where necessary. When presenting information from your sources, use a variety of “signal phrases” to introduce your research (According to Smith, Smith asserts that, Smith reports, Smith suggests, Smith claims, Smith points out . . .) Also, do not neglect to discuss and analyze your research. Just like you would for a literary analyze paper, your information has to be explained.ATTRIBUTING YOUR SOURCESWhat is Attribution?Attribution is the process of giving credit to others, usually experts, for their ideas, statements, or statistics. You will gain your “expert” information from your research, but don’t rely entirely on this “expert” information. You also want to include your own ideas and insights. When you write a research paper, remember the 50% rule. That is, 50% of the material should come from outside sources and 50% must be your own ideas.Why should I attribute?Ethical. Credit must be given to sources that were used in forming a paper. To be honest about the use of these sources, it is necessary to show that all of the ideas in a paper are not your own.Accuracy. A reader needs to be able to distinguish your ideas from the ideas found in other sources.Legalities. Using sources without attribution in the world outside of school is illegal. Copyright laws protect written material, and there are severe penalties for copyright infringement. In school, using sources without attribution won’t result in legal penalties, but you will be referred to the dean for academic dishonest and receive a zero on your final essay.Credibility. When you use information from experts to support or explain your ideas, your readers feel confident that your work is credible and that your ideas and insights are sound and have merit. When do I attribute?That’s easy. Simply attribute an idea, quotation, statistic, or fact taken from a source other than you. Remember that even ideas you put into your own words must be credited to the source that sparked that idea. Again, remember the 50% rule. You don’t want to rely too heavily on your source/research material.There will be times when you have difficulty deciding whether or not you should attribute an idea or fact. A good rule to remember is that any specialized knowledge found in a source must be attributed. What is specialized knowledge? It is knowledge NOT commonly known by the average citizen. Does an average citizen know or should know that Columbus discovered America in 1492, that the Civil War ended in 1865, and that the capitol of Illinois is Springfield? YES. This information does NOT have to be attributed. However, does the average citizen know how Einstein came to develop his theory of relativity or that Ernest Hemingway had difficulties with his marriages? NO. Therefore, this information MUST be attributed because it is not common knowledge. WHEN IN DOUBT – ATTRIBUTE!How do I attribute?Remember that quotations and paraphrased ideas must be attributed. When integrating direct quotations (and always paraphrased information), be sure to do the following:Set up or introduce the quotationInsert the quotationExplain or interpret the quotation.This citation tells the reader from which source in your Works Cited page that you found the information. Typically, it includes the author’s last name and the page number where you found the information.Different Ways to Cite Sources – PARENTHETICAL CITATIONSFor any information, directly quoted or paraphrased, you must cite from where that information came. This makes you sound credible and proves that you, in fact, completed a research paper. How to do it: Look at your works cited page for the source you are using.Type the author’s last name after the information (Smith).If you do not have an author, type the first significant word of the title after the information (“Victorian”). The trick is to include enough information that will allow me to look at the works cited and figure out which source you are citing.If you are citing a book source, use page numbers. If it’s a web source, do not use page numbers.If you have two anonymous sources that share the same first word in the title, cite the second word as well to distinguish one source from the other. For example, (“French Revolution”) and (“French History”). Variations / Signal Phrases:Introduce your research with phrases:3063875114097Smith writesAccording to the article …00Smith writesAccording to the article …173140296371Smith believesSmith suggests00Smith believesSmith suggestsAccording to SmithSmith contends thatSmith arguesAdding or Omitting Words in QuotationsIf you add a word or words in a quotation, you should put brackets around the words to indicate that they are not part of the original text. For example:Jan Harold Brunvand, in her essay entitled “Urban Legends”, states: "some individuals [who retell urban legends] make a point of learning every rumor or tale.” If you omit a word or words from a quotation, you should indicate the deleted word or words by using ellipsis marks surrounded by brackets. For example:In her essay entitled “Urban Legends”, Jan Harold Brunvand notes that "some individuals make a point of learning every recent rumor or tale [...] and in a short time a lively exchange of details occurs.”. Short QuotationsTo indicate short quotations (fewer than four typed lines of prose or three lines of verse) in your text, put quotation marks around it and incorporate it into your text. Provide a citation. Punctuation marks such as periods, commas, and semicolons should appear after the parenthetical citation. Question marks and exclamation points should appear within the quotation marks if they are a part of the quoted passage but after the parenthetical citation if they are a part of your text.Examples:According to some, dreams express “profound aspects of personality” (Foulkes 184), though others disagree.According to Foulkes’s study, dreams express “profound aspects of personality” (184).Cullen concludes, “Of all the things that happened there/ That’s all I remember” (11-12).Long QuotationsPlace quotations longer than four typed lines in a free-standing block of typewritten lines, and omit quotation marks. Start the quotation on a new line, indented one inch from the left margin, and maintain double-spacing. Your parenthetical citation should come after the closing punctuation mark. Same NamesTwo or more anonymous articles that begin with the same main word:“The French History of a Debacle.” Newsweek.“A French History of the Guillotine.” Time.To indicate the difference in the in-text citation, add the next word that is different:(“French Debacle”).(“French,” Time).Different Ways to Cite Sources – IN TEXT CITATIONSIn Text Citation: First time mentioned, provide author and title of article:Harvard professor Jan Harold Smith, in her article entitled “Urban Legends” states: "some individuals [who retell urban legends] make a point of learning every rumor or tale.”4398645316865Smith writesAccording to the article …00Smith writesAccording to the article …In Text Citation: After first time mentioned, provide just the author’s last name:27257975450Smith believesSmith suggests00Smith believesSmith suggestsAccording to SmithSmith contends thatSmith arguesright754450058413655080An effective Attention Getter should grab the reader’s attention and make the reader want to continue reading.Strong statementAnecdoteStartling statistic00An effective Attention Getter should grab the reader’s attention and make the reader want to continue reading.Strong statementAnecdoteStartling statisticSample Introduction Paragraph-14846301062990Explanation of Attention Getter00Explanation of Attention Getter58273951558888Introduce general topic. Why is it important for people to care about social issues in general?Why is it important to care about this particular social issue?020000Introduce general topic. Why is it important for people to care about social issues in general?Why is it important to care about this particular social issue?53701956003925Thesis Statement Specifically stated, what is the problem?How do you propose to solve this problem (or at least move us in the right direction)?end of 1st paragraphcan be written as two sentences00Thesis Statement Specifically stated, what is the problem?How do you propose to solve this problem (or at least move us in the right direction)?end of 1st paragraphcan be written as two sentences-14878054883785Set up the emotional appeal (PATHOS) —make the reader care about this issue. 00Set up the emotional appeal (PATHOS) —make the reader care about this issue. 53701953660140Introduce the specific problem you will be exploring in the paper. Direct audience to why we should care (“If this goes on. . .”)00Introduce the specific problem you will be exploring in the paper. Direct audience to why we should care (“If this goes on. . .”)On a near daily basis, people are bombarded with nostalgic images of “the good old days.” Mothers vacuuming the family home in pearls and high heels, fathers coming home from work with briefcases in hand, and happy clean-cut children waiting patiently to sit down together for a healthy home-cooked meal prepared by loving hands. In the past, people in the United States used to eat healthy freshly cooked meals with their families. This view of pleasant domesticity no longer exists. Instead, American society has become a quagmire of problems that bombards both its young and old citizens each day that makes it impossible to partake in this end-of-the-work-day ritual. Today, many people prefer to eat fast food such as greasy hamburgers, high-calorie fried chicken, or saturated fat pizza in fast food restaurants; therefore, these same people often suffer from obesity. Consumption of processed and convenience foods as well as one’s dependence on the car have led to an increase in obesity and a reduction in the fitness level in American citizens. This is especially true for children. A common sight is a child wolfing down French fries at the local McDonalds or stuffing himself with potato chips, ice cream, and cookies during binge television watching. As time progresses, innocent children are becoming less active and healthy, and more into television couch potatoes, mindlessly eating whatever junk food is accessible. Parents are creating a pseudo Clockwork Orange environment for these poor victims who are unable to fight back as these parents acting as criminals are slowly murdering their own children. Childhood obesity has become a growing problem in society although school lunch programs and organizations have tried to assist to prevent this. Unfortunately, even with these efforts the rate of children who are obese is still growing. Although genetics, advertising, and society do play a role in childhood obesity, the parents are the main culprits. Because childhood obesity is on the rise, it is time for parents to take responsibility for their child's health and well-being. Parents should be aware of what their child is eating and teach the child about portion control, exercise, and the importance of eating healthy in order to prevent obesity and to avoid a lifetime of physical problems for the child.6109970294603Topic Sentence00Topic SentenceSample Body Paragraph61963307379970Concluding Statement00Concluding Statement-11188706573520Explain / Analyze reason for quotation. What is its importance?00Explain / Analyze reason for quotation. What is its importance?61963305572760Quotation as support including lead in and cited properly.00Quotation as support including lead in and cited properly.61747405045710Third point you want to discuss.00Third point you want to discuss.-11620504271010Explain / Analyze reason for quotation. What is its importance?00Explain / Analyze reason for quotation. What is its importance?61531503055620Paraphrase as support including lead in and cited properly.Note** It is clear where paraphrase ends.00Paraphrase as support including lead in and cited properly.Note** It is clear where paraphrase ends.61531502538767Second point you want to discuss.00Second point you want to discuss.61531501764665Explain / Analyze reason for quotation. What is its importance?00Explain / Analyze reason for quotation. What is its importance?-1183640730922Quotation as support including lead in and cited properly.020000Quotation as support including lead in and cited properly.-1183640157443First point you want to discuss.00First point you want to discuss. The fact remains that components of fast food such as fats and sugars cause damage to one’s health, but one factor is vastly overlooked. This is the harm that the chemicals and preservatives have on the mind. According to William Steinberg in his article entitled “Glazed or Powdered?” he states, “Today almost six thousand chemicals and additives are used to process food and preserve shelf life. This processed food is made of devitalized real food along with preservatives and chemicals.” Even though going through a drive-thru and grabbing a bite to eat after a stressful day at work sounds like a good way to relax, it is not. All these chemicals in the body slow down metabolic rates leaving the body feeling sluggish and lethargic all the time. These chemicals also increase blood flow, causing excess pressure to build up in the head, leaving the victim with headaches. Additionally, fast food just does not contain the ingredients necessary for good mental health. This is supported by studies in the article “Junk Food Is Destroying the Minds of America” that reveal that people who indulge in fast food regularly are more likely to suffer from depression. This study shows that not only is America chubby, it is chubby and sad. A vicious cycle in the body and brain occurs with each Happy Meal. The same brain that said it would be a good idea to stop for some fast food is the same brain that causes a chemical imbalance that makes the person miserable. To add to the list of damage done to the mind, the chemicals in processed foods disrupt areas of the brain, making it nearly impossible to be satisfied with small quantities of fast food. Once the body becomes accustomed to consuming large amounts of processed foods, the brain loses its ability to respond to hormones that signal the brain that the stomach is full. As stated by Yale chemistry professor Susan Martindale, “the hypothalamus becomes insensitive to these hormones, humans lose the ability to feel ‘full’ and therefore continue to binge on large amounts of food.” At least this explains the urge to ‘supersize’ a McDonald’s value meal. Fast food not only disturbs a person’s health, its chemicals keep him or her coming back for more. Just as cocaine is addictive to addicts, people who consume fast food on a regular basis find it hard to break from the cycle. The potentials for destruction from fast food are endless.Sample Conclusion Paragraph-22053557456805Call to action (what we as a society should do about this), final thoughts, and tie back to attention getter.00Call to action (what we as a society should do about this), final thoughts, and tie back to attention getter.51059986557645Leave reader with overall statement of the positive effect the solution will have today or in future.00Leave reader with overall statement of the positive effect the solution will have today or in future.-22060275213350Appeal to the reader’s sense of right and wrong (ETHOS) and why society should want there to be a change. 00Appeal to the reader’s sense of right and wrong (ETHOS) and why society should want there to be a change. -22060274437380Address the Opposition. Why should the reader not listen to them?020000Address the Opposition. Why should the reader not listen to them?5105998909955Discuss the benefits of solution and how the solution satisfies those affected by the problem.00Discuss the benefits of solution and how the solution satisfies those affected by the problem.46487986350Restate severity of problem. 00Restate severity of problem. ?Sadly, there is an alarming rise in childhood obesity throughout the United States making it an epidemic in this country. Obesity has become a threat to the health of many children, but there is a way to alleviate the problem. Ultimately, the fight against this disease will have to begin within the homes of these children. A parent allowing a child to consume fast food or processed food products on a regular basis without adding exercise to one’s routine, will lead to poorer health and weight gain. Because there are so many negative influences in their environment regarding this issue, it is important that parents be the enforcers of positive ideas about healthy living for their children. Fast-food restaurants now make it just as easy to access the nutritional facts of their products as it is to consume their products. Thus, a parent should take this knowledge and make healthy, smart decisions for his or her child. Additionally, a parent must pay special attention to increasing physical activity and limiting the amount of time children spend in front of the television and the computer. Watching television, playing video games, and using computers cause children to be inactive, increasing the potential for children to gain weight. Finally, adults need to fulfill their jobs as being parents towards their children and that means being a good role model. They need to teach and show their children how to live a healthy lifestyle so they do not have to worry about having any health conditions now or in the future. Some adults argue that they should be able to feed their children what they want when they want, and it is nobody’s business. Children are the innocent victims in these homes, and society needs to step forward to protect them. This hubris should not be an excuse. Being obese means having many health risks with it. No parents should want to have to worry about their children having so many health risks. It truly is not that hard to live a healthy lifestyle, and it should be a number one priority in all families’ lives. Getting children healthy enough to lead long productive lives is crucial to the condition of society now and in the future. Though the glorious days of the past cannot be revisited in their entirety, it is possible for the American people to return back to the diets of these times. Changing the eating habits of all family members to include a lot less unhealthy ingredients and have more nutritious value can accomplish this. Step 13: Write a Works Cited PageIt’s important to review your Bibliography page before you write anything. When you have to cite sources in your outline and paper, you’ll look to see the first word you used for the entry for that source. This is what goes into parentheses.See the following pages for instructions on how to write different entries for different sources. Pay attention to small details like punctuation.A Works Cited page includes all of the resources used in your project. If you use a source for your paper, it must appear on the works cited page. Do not put sources on your Works Cited page if you did not use them for the paper. Follow the steps below for each entry:Begin your Works Cited on the LAST page of your paper. If your paper ends on page 3, Works Cited will be on page 4. It is part of the research paper; your paper will not be accepted without it. Line spacing should remain as double spaced throughout.Use the same font in your essay—TIMES NEW ROMAN -- 12 PT FONTOn the top line, type the words Works Cited in the center. Entries on the Works Cited page must be in “hanging indent” format. After you type Works Cited as your centered title, click the left alignment icon. Before you type any sources on the Works Cited page, follow these directions to set up hanging indent: “Paragraph” See Indentation (Special) Click and choose “Hanging” “OK” Begin typing your sources using proper MLA format (see attached). When typing your sources, remember the following:Do NOT number your sourcesDo NOT use “A,” “An,” or “The” to alphabetize! The entries on the page should be in alphabetical order, by the author’s last name or the first main word in the title. Abbreviate all months except May, June, and July. (Jan., Feb., Mar., Apr., Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov., Dec.).638175102235Notice how each entry is in alphabetical order. All lines are double spaced.00Notice how each entry is in alphabetical order. All lines are double spaced. Cook 762858654508500Works CitedAlpern, David M. "Has Moscow Violated SALT?" Newsweek 22 Oct. 1984: 32. ’t forget your header! It will be there if you type the Works Cited as the last blank page of your paper. One space between your last name and page number!00Don’t forget your header! It will be there if you type the Works Cited as the last blank page of your paper. One space between your last name and page number! has-Moscow-violated-SALT -796571.180975406400Note – no author – Alphabetize by first main word in the title.00Note – no author – Alphabetize by first main word in the title.7747012319000"Cocker Spaniel." World Book Advanced. World Book, 26 Oct. 2009. , Barbara. "India Lodges First Charges in Arms Scandal." New York Times 23Jan. 1990, natl. ed.: A4. Davidson, Paul. "Globalization." Journal of Post Keynesian Economics 24.6 (2002): 475- 478. Student Gold Edition: Gale Group Databases. 15 Apr. 2002. Fallows, James. "The Age of Murdoch." Atlantic Online Sept. 10 Oct. 2003. 6667509207500 33337511430“Hanging Indent:” The first line goes all the way to the left. Each line is indented after the first line of the entry. 00“Hanging Indent:” The first line goes all the way to the left. Each line is indented after the first line of the entry. Name:Period: Score: / ID Submission Number: ______________________________Category 740410133350040767057150001600201968500178665590500 Proficiency Criteria “E” = Excellent job! Keep up the great work! “P” = Meets Proficiency. Competent work.E. P. N. I. “NI” = Does not meet proficiency requirements. Areas needing particular improvement are underlined.Layout Your Name, Teacher’s Name, Course Period, Date in left-hand corner of first pageTitle is centered and in the proper formatNeatly finished-no errors Last name and page number in right-hand corner on each page including the Works Cited page.Focus, Organization, and Content of Introduction Introduction is engaging and well-developed. Strong attention getterAuthor slowly works from general to specific for the topicAuthor does not begin analyzing the problem before the body paragraphs Thesis clearly and concisely states the paper’s position and is thought provoking. Focus, Organization, and Analysis in BodyThoughtful supporting detail sentences that develop each main idea. Strong outside research supports the thesis. Balanced use of support from a variety of sources. Thorough analysis is apparent. Writer demonstrates logical and subtle sequencing of ideas through well- developed paragraphs. Clear demarcation between the problem and the solution.Transitions are used to enhance organization. Body ContentElements / Causes / History of the problem Severity / Magnitude of problem and who is affectedSolutions are what is currently being done to solve the problem.NO “Should” / “Could” type of solutions Explain to the reader the benefits of each point of the solution and the positive impact the solution is having on society. Focus & Organization of Conclusion Conclusion restates the thesis and is engaging. Essay comes to a satisfying conclusion with a call to action. Mechanics /Usage / StyleNo errors that distract the reader. All capitalization, punctuation, and spelling are accurate. No fragments, run-ons, or comma splices. All pronouns agree and all subjects and verbs agree. No informal word choice, contractions, or personal pronouns. CitationsAll cited works are done in the correct format with no errors. Reliable outside research is paraphrased or directly quoted. Includes at least three different sources. All textual evidence is smoothly introduced by lead-ins. The first time a new article is used, the author’s name and the title of the article appear in the lead in.Second and all subsequent references to a source are only indicated by the author’s last name.Works Cited PageDone in the correct MLA format with no errors. Includes at least three different sources. All works cited sources match cited sources in paper. Works Cited title is centered and properly formatted. ................
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