For this essay, you will try to persuade your readers to take particular course of action regarding some controversy in natural science. The audience may be other scientists, interested non-experts, politicians, or some other group. You must, however, have a specific audience in mind.
The topic should be some current issue in natural science (biology, medicine, environmental science, astronomy, and the like). Some possible topics include global warming, space exploration, stem-cell research, or any other current scientific issue.
To begin, choose a topic about which you have an opinion. Then choose an audience whose opinions are likely to differ from yours. Consider why their opinions differ: do they enough information? The right information? Are they interpreting the information differently? You will need to demonstrate that you understand their positions before you can explain your own; this is called "establishing common ground," and it is important for effective persuasion.
Once you've identified the key points of disagreement, explain and defend your position. The goal, however, isn't just to change minds, but to instigate action.
What should the audience do?
- Increase funding?
- Decrease funding?
- Look for alternatives?
- Gather more information before making a decision?
- Halt a project?
- Begin new research?