Speculating about Causes Chapter 9

Purpose Demonstrate that a phenomenon or trend (not fad or event) exists Demonstrate that a phenomenon or trend (not fad or event) exists over an extended period of months or years over an extended period of months or years Argue for its possible causes Argue for its possible causes It is a researchable topic It is a researchable topic The causes are not already settled; therefore still require speculation The causes are not already settled; therefore still require speculation Topic is interesting to readers Topic is interesting to readers

Definitions Phenomenon a notable and fairly constant fact of life a notable and fairly constant fact of life Permanent pattern of activity; continues to happen Permanent pattern of activity; continues to happen Ways that they happen do not change Ways that they happen do not changeTrend an increase or decrease in some activity an increase or decrease in some activity A change over time A change over time Identifies an activity that is increasing/decreasing Identifies an activity that is increasing/decreasing Usually are begun & sustained by a combination of causes Usually are begun & sustained by a combination of causes

Requirements Need to do research Need to do research Document the trend/phenomena Document the trend/phenomena Learn alternative causes to accept or reject Learn alternative causes to accept or reject

Topics to avoid Some topics may become difficult to go beyond the obvious explanation Some topics may become difficult to go beyond the obvious explanation Increase use of DVDs Increase use of DVDs Decline cost of handheld calculators Decline cost of handheld calculators Increasing use of cell phones Increasing use of cell phones

HELPFUL HINTS Before writing, jot down everything you know about the subject and list possible causes for it. Before writing, jot down everything you know about the subject and list possible causes for it. Library research may be necessary to document the trend. Library research may be necessary to document the trend. First, argue that a trend exists and then argue for some possible causes of it. First, argue that a trend exists and then argue for some possible causes of it. Steer away from events with a single, obvious explanation Steer away from events with a single, obvious explanation

Good Topics Why we crave celebrity gossip Why we crave celebrity gossip Teenage suicide Teenage suicide Coffee/Cappuccino/ Coffee/Cappuccino/ Lattes, etc. Reality TV Reality TV Police shows Police shows Soap operas Soap operas Why students fluck out of college/high school Why students fluck out of college/high school Teenage pregnancy Teenage pregnancy Teenage drinking/drug abuse Teenage drinking/drug abuse Gas prices Gas prices Violence at schools Violence at schools Afternoon lull Afternoon lull p p