1. Thinking about format and specific examples ARGUMENT

2. PROMPT: Cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead said: “Never ever depend upon governments or institutions to solve any problem. All social change comes from the passion of individuals.” Write an essay in which you develop a position on her statement about change. Support your argument with appropriate evidence. THESIS: While the government certainly is responsible for crucial legislation, real social change does indeed come from the efforts of individuals.

3. CONFIRMATION 1: Individuals in the past MLK: called for civil rights Letter from Birmingham Jail I Have a Dream Susan B. Anthony Fought for women’s rights, even being arrested to protest exclusion after she illegally voted in an election

4. CONFIRMATION 2: PRESENT Malala Yousafsai (sp?) Shot for her beliefs  brought attention to both the plight of women denied education in Pakistan as well as ruthlessness of Taliban Edward Snowden Regardless of whether one agrees with his decision to leak NSA information, he has certainly called attention to policies regarding privacy; one can only wait to see what changes may result. In a recent Time article I read, I learned that the tech industry is working to develop better encryption methods now to safeguard privacy.

5. REFUTATION PARAGRAPH: The government and institutions undoubtedly propel social change but certainly not as much as individuals. OPTION 1: Take examples already addressed One might think that the government ultimately is responsible for allowing access to education to girls in Pakistan, and they even recently banned Malala’s book. That is technically true, however, awakening a global consciousness to the issue is the first step—which Malala bravely took—in enacting any progress. One might say that the government was ultimately responsible for advances in civil rights; in the 1950s, they had already passed desegregation laws. Also, they did pass the Civil Rights Act in the 60s. However, without such individuals as MLK, the fight for equality may have been stalled. (note qualifier—we don’t know for sure what would have happened, so do watch wording)

6. REFUTATION PARAGRAPH: The government and institutions undoubtedly propel social change, but certainly not as much as individuals. OPTION 2: New ideas Some might argue that the Supreme Court’s 2013 ruling in favor of gay marriage proves the power of the government in effecting social change. However, without such recent advocates like Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in CA and celebrities like Ellen Degeneres and Neil Patrick Harris, such legislation may have taken even longer to pass. (note qualifier) Even though the government was instrumental in passing NCLB to foster better education and more accountability, the efforts of singular individuals continue to make the real impact. Geoffrey Canada, for instance, has worked in Harlem to provide low- income students the opportunity to succeed, leading to higher graduation rates at his charter school.